Bangled Bimmer

Dinan Does It Again

2008-08-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

As you may already know, I had the Dinan S package on my beloved 328i. Let me tell you it was fantastic. None of that boy-racer nonsense with the loud pipes or showy bodywork. The addition of the cold air intake, the free flow exhaust, the strut tower bar, and the enhanced engine software didn't turn the 328i into an M3, mind you, but it opened up the mid range of the power band and tightened up the turn-in ever so slightly. Not that the stock 328i was anemic, but in comparison to the Dinan S it seemed to get bogged down in the middle of the rev range. The Dinan package made everything I loved about my 328i better living up to their credo of "performance without sacrifice".

Now, they've released their software upgrade for the N54 engine. There is an S1 and S2 variant of the Dinan software so you can choose the level of boost increase your comfortable with. The choices are sick or insane. To put this into perspective, a Porsche 911 comes off the production line with 345HP and will base out at just a hair over $75,000. With options you'll easily be able to ratchet that number way up, but same goes for BMW. Weighing in at a lanky 3,439 pounds that's roughly a power to weight ratio of 9.97#/HP.

Now, the 135i bases out at $34,900. I know, the likelihood of paying the base price for a BMW is about the same as, well, paying the base price on a Porsche. Tack on $2,000 for the Dinan S2 software and that brings you up to $36,900. A whopping $38,700 less than the Porsche. The S2 software brings the HP rating of the 135i to 384, which is 39 more than the current 911. Tipping the scales at 3,373 pounds the Dinan 135i achieves a power to weight ratio of 8.78#/HP. That's almost a pound less per horsepower than the 911 is lugging around. Think about that. Absolutely insane.

If Dinan is able to put this power to the ground in the same manner as their other products, without sacrifice, then this is pretty much a no brainer. Grab yourself a 135i, 335i, or 535i and drop in the Dinan software. Unless your local competition is driving a Bugatti Veyron you'll most likely smoke them. Plus, the money you save over getting the slower 911 will be enough to buy another Dinan S2 135i.

New Z4

2008-07-22T08:35:00.000-07:00

Over at Auto Express they have a rendering of the next generation Z4 that looks spot on. This looks to be an excellent design and hopefully the real thing will look just as good if not better.

With the release of the new 7, and these shots of the forthcoming Z4 we are getting a peek at what Bangle 2.0 will look like. I have to say, the future looks bright.

The first Bangle era designs were a shock to the system, none more dramatic than the Z4. It took me some time to get used to these changes, and still wasn't convinced by the duck-tailed Z4. I took a liking to the 7er (though the taillights weren't completely resolved, IMO), was quite impressed with the new 5er when seen in person, but still not quite a fan of the Z4.

The more I saw, however, the more I liked. It was much more of a three dimensional design, it was like sculpture. Every time I saw one I found a new twist, nuance, or connection of one line to the next. I started to see the whole picture and I finally caved and got one. Looking at it every day I'd see something new. It was low, lean, mean, and a lot of fun to drive. I had a couple quibbles; like the turn signals, taillights, and road noise. But all in all I liked the design.

The renderings of the new Z4 show BMW design to have moved from shock to awe. They have taken the original concept and have refined the lines, giving it more of an athletic look. Per all the second generation Bangle era designs, the sheet metal is pulled tight over a muscular frame.

I like it. Few manufacturers have been able to replicate these forms thus keeping BMW distinct from the wannabes.

h/t BMWBlog

3 Series Refresh

2008-07-12T09:05:00.001-07:00

BMW has released official photos of the 3 Series refresh. For the most part this is the typical fascia change, headlamp eye lift, and taillamp correction that is to be expected at mid-production. This is usually accompanied by some minor engine updates and some new wheel designs. This time around another small change has been made, and to me it makes all the difference.

When the first of this latest generation 3er hit the shores it was a car I really had to try to like. At first the changes looked to be merely cosmetic, with the greenhouse between the previous generation E46 and the new E90 looking almost identical. I was lucky enough to see the outgoing sedan and the new kid on the block side by side. There was no looking back from that point. The E90 looked much more athletic than its predecessor. It has taken quite a while to get used to the new headlamp covers and I still haven't warmed to the pinched taillights.

With the refresh the headlamp covers have been refined, smoothing out the lines, and the taillights have been changed over to LEDs and have lost some of their angry eye persona. While the new taillight configuration has a smoother flow, it lacks the same resolution of lines as the angry eyes. Neither solution has the elegance of the L-shaped arrangement on the E-46 that was also a hallmark of that generation of BMWs.

The small change has to do with the rear track, it has been widened slightly. To me this makes all the difference in the world. For some reason the rear wheels of the original E90 always looked to recede too much into the wheel wells. You know how a spare tire donut just looks wrong in the wheel well? That something, and you're not sure what at first, just looks off? That's the way it looked like to me. While the tucked in wheels might have shaved 0.02 off the drag coefficient, the aesthetics made the rear axle look like it was broken. The E90 M3, with it's wider rear rubber, looked better in a boy racer kind of way. The new E90, however, with its slightly wider rear track looks just right.

It also looks like BMW has upped the ante on the interior, as well. It's about time, they've been getting pwned by Mercedes and Audi for far too long. Considering these marques are inferior to BMW this is inexcusable. Mixing woods, light and dark surfaces, and textures has really paid off on the new interiors. Hopefully these new themes will cross the pond and make it to our shores.

Overall I must say I'm quite pleased with the latest refresh. After owning several BMWs (328i, Z4, M5) and having long term use of others in the stable (X3, 740iL) I must say the may favorite was the 3er. It's the right size for city driving and comfortable enough on long drives. Its sporting nature is easy to tap into when you want it, and cradle you in the lap of luxury when the pace slows. While the 5er is great for touring, and the 7er is unbeatable for long hauls, the 3er is the model the really straddles the gap between pure sports car and grand touring sedan. It is the quintessential BMW. I'm glad they didn't screw it up.

Launch of BMW Diesels in US Delayed?

2008-07-09T11:55:00.000-07:00

Over at BMWBlog they have photos of the upcoming 335d, and are looking to confirm or deny rumors of delay in its US launch date.

I’ve been eagerly anticipating the arrival of the 335d ever since it was announced. However, in the time that has since transpired the cost of diesel has skyrocketed past that of even premium gas. The modest increase in economy over the 335i means total cost per mile will be more for the 335d. Unless that equation changes dramatically before the diesel’s American debut it will be a flop. Those that make their own biodiesel, however, will be undeterred. This car is perfect for the DIY crowd.

No doubt the bean counters at BMW have figured this out and may be hedging their bets with a delayed launch allowing more time for a potential correction in the cost of diesel relative to gas in the USA. Hindsight being 20/20 it might have been better for BMW to bring over the more efficient 320d. If they were concerned about sullying their hard earned luxury image in North America they could have imported the Aplina D3 Biturbo!

1 For The Money?

2008-01-19T22:49:00.001-08:00

When I first heard the 1er was headed to the US I was ecstatic. It could be the spiritual successor to the legendary 2002tii. But, while slimmer, the 1er is not really that much lighter than the new 3. That may not be such a bad thing considering the Z4 rev A is a bit tinny, and a small car with some heft to it will undoubtedly have a better ride. But the calculus gets more difficult when comparing price. A trip to the bmwusa.com car configurator reveals that a similarly configured 135i is about $4k less than the 335i. Not really much of a difference for an entry level car.

Lest you think BMW has gone bonkers, this closeness in pricing is an anomaly peculiar to North America because we enjoy fairly aggressive pricing from BMW NA. Configuring these cars for, say, Australia, it would not be an issue. The person considering the 1er would be saving upwards of $40k over the $108k 335i. What that means is we here in North America have to make a decision about whether or not the 135i is such a significantly different, and better, driving experience that we are willing to pay nearly the same amount for less car. Acknowledging, of course, that the 1er is not a lesser car even though it tips the scales as less car than the 3er.

Only time will tell, but I'm suspecting the 335i will remain the choice for daddy's girls and upwardly mobile boy racers thereby leaving the 135i for purists. I wouldn't be shocked, either, if the 128i becomes the de-facto choice of these purists who may prefer their performance naturally aspirated. Also, the 128i is an excellent candidate for aftermarket modification. Yet whatever happens, one thing is certain, buyers will be buying the 1 because they want one and not because it's a cheaper alternative.

X6

2008-01-16T18:34:00.001-08:00

Why? Who is this for? It's basically a fastback X5 and considering there is precious little space in the back of the X5 as it is, how could reducing it further make it more appealing? Was BMW so jealous of the success of the Pontiac Aztec that they decided to make their own version? Or perhaps it was the timeless design of the AMC Eagle that inspired them. I suppose every manufacturer has their Edsel. This will be BMWs.

135i Coupe Headed to America

2007-07-07T23:40:00.000-07:00

Though not in time to be the replacement for my Z4, the 135i is headed to the States. Woo-hoo!

The M5 is tons of fun, literally. It's a heavy car and even though it can move like a cat you still know it's a big car.

The Z4 is from the 2003 model year and lacks some of the refinements, especially in sound deadening, in the current variant. It's a low car, as well, making it a bit of a pain to get in and out. The lower stance also makes the rearview mirror a magnet for the headlights behind you. Everybody appears to have their high-beams on.

Perhaps it's because I'm not the full-on sports car enthusiast I though I was. Maybe it's because I've grown soft as I've matured. Or maybe, just maybe, it's because I'm really looking for a small sports sedan. One that has just enough electrickery, but not too much. One that has some luxury touches, but isn't some fetted barge. One that has enough power to keep up with the big boys without having to pay the price in cramped quarters and woeful practicality. The only car that really fits that definition has been the Acura Integra for the longest time.

Since the introduction of the E-36 the 3-Series has been doing its impersonation of the 5-Series and the 5er has been getting ever bigger. I had been looking online for a used E-30 M3 to be the replacement for the Z4. That is the epitome of the driving experience I've been looking for. But, it's hard to find a good example of an E-30 that isn't going to cost too much or hasn't been used and abused. Perhaps I've been spoiled by the free scheduled maintenance, too.

The 135i fits the bill, perfectly. I just can't wait for this car. It's going to be tons of fun to tool around town in, will be much better for long trips than the Z4, more economical than the M5, and will be tons of fun on the track. I may just have to put my order in now to stave off the other Bimmerphiles that will undoubtedly be lining up for this one.

Review of the X3 3.0

2005-08-24T17:37:00.000-07:00

X3-INT
Originally uploaded by arc8ect.

Okay, I admit I’ve been remiss in posting my driving impressions of the BMW X3 3.0 that I had for close to a month. Part of the reason for my tardiness has to do with my blood boiling over the reason I had the X3 for close to a month. I took the M5 in for some tires and an oil service. They wound up keeping it for over four weeks and I wasn’t even granted the X3 until after they had the M5 for a week. But that is another story altogether.

I’m not an SUV guy. I have an M5 and Z4 for a reason. I like cars; small fast ones. The SUV world doesn’t resonate with me although there are certain circumstances where they are the most appropriate vehicle choice for some. Although I cannot personally think of any type of outdoor activity or location I would want to go that my M5 couldn’t handle I am a Florida boy and don’t have to deal with things such as snow. Suffice it to say that I am biased against SUVs and they could shade my analysis of the X3. Consider yourself warned.

First things first. This blog is named Bangled Bimmer and we therefore start with the aesthetics of the vehicle. Controversial as always, the X3 embraces all the design cues of the Bangle era. There is flame surfacing everywhere and asymmetry is employed wherever they think they can get away with it. In person the vehicle is striking but not beautiful. The flame surfacing give the carriage work an aura of muscular tautness (insert Goldmember quote) that the pre-Bangle bimmers didn’t have. Granted, it’s more of a Navratilova tautness as opposed to the Kournikova variety, but this is one characteristic of flame surfacing that I think is quite successful. Especially when directly compared to their immediate predecessor the new bimmers look much more physically fit. This is more pronounced in the new 3 series when viewed side by side with an E46. The new 3 is larger than the old but appears more lithe then my beloved E46. See, I’m not an SUV guy. I try to write about the X3 and immediately digress into discussions about the new 3 series. Anyway, the X3 is not a knockout, nor is it an ugo. Considering the only SUV I find truly attractive is the Land Rover aesthetics would not be my top priority in vehicle selection.

Moving into the driver’s seat you are immediately at home if you’re a bimmerphile. Everything, almost, is where you expect it to be. The materials, teutonic plastic and all, are exactly what you expect. Not ones to leave well enough alone there have been a few enhancements in the layout. Being based on the 3 series one would expect the window lifts to be located on or near the center console. Nope. BMW has moved them to the arm rest, probably once and for all. Also, the hazard light actuator and central locking button have migrated from just above the gear selector to smack dab between the air vents up top. This takes some getting used to if you’ve owned several BMWs over the years, but the new location makes much more sense than the previous one. It’s front and center where it is easily visible yet out of reach of the hands of little ones seated in the back.

Where you’d expect the buttons for the heated seats to be located you’ll find the DTS button, tire pressure indicator, and descent control button. The descent control is a cute little feature which worked as advertised but I doubt most X3 owners will need it. To the left of the steering wheel is the light switch. It activates the new xenon lights that turn in the direction the vehicle does. A bit disconcerting at first, especially if you didn’t know the vehicle was so equipped, the steering lights are a wonderful and useful addition. There is a new setting all the way to the left which sets the lights to come on automatically. This is a luxury feature many other marques have included for years. It’s nice to have but not an absolute deal braking must have feature. BMW has managed to include it in a way that is simple and not intrusive. Better, yet, it is something you can turn off without having to wonder how. I think the way they added this feature is within the BMW tradition of having only the technology needed to keep the driver focused on the road and not merely adding features for the sake of having features. I appreciated that level of thought.

Another design feature that I appreciated the in-door map pockets. They were made of an elastic mesh with a superband waistband at the top. It was able to accommodate Gatorade bottles and other miscellaneous items that would have been too big if it was just solid plastic. Also, the elastic was able to hold these items in place making them truly useful. I have no idea if the elastic will wear out before your lease term does, but I’m sure it’s covered by the warranty.

Once being known as the manufacturer that didn’t offer cup holders BMW has now entered the fray full force. The passenger side has a Z4 style cup holder located just under the air vent. This location ensures that your beverage will remain properly cooled (or heated, as the case may be) since placing anything in it will block the air vent entirely. While the location is convenient and the mechanism is able to secure drinks of varying sizes, I can’t help think that this is just another swipe at those that would deign to drink while in their BMW. The armrest between front seats concealed the cup holder for the driver. It worked well, although the beige plastic was a bit on the cheapy looking side. The story of the armrest was more about the gentle arc at the top. The arc must have been derived from the radius starting at where your elbow is to your wrist as it rotates toward your body. Pretty clever, although I can hardly see any advantage to this arc save to add an out of the ordinary anthropocentric detail for its own sake.

Rounding out the interior appointments takes us to the rear seats. They are comfortable, seem to have plenty of room, and fold down not quite completely flat. While the storage area is plenty big, having the seats fold down flat would have allowed the cargo are to be more flexible in what it can accommodate. The storage area in the rear has a cargo cover that is easily removed and replaced. It fit anything I was looking to put back there so no complaints.

Now for the good part, driving the thing. The X3 has a reputation for having a stiff ride. This variant was not equipped with the sport suspension but certainly delivered a stiff ride, relatively speaking. It wasn’t the bone jarring, kidney pounding ride of the sport suspension equipped Z4, nor was it the silky glide of the elegant M5. I found it to be just right, as good a compromise as can be had with today’s technology. Any softer and any confidence you had in the vehicle’s cornering ability would be shattered. You’d be stuck driving it like a land yacht. If that’s what you’re looking for then get a Lexus. If that’s what you’re looking to avoid, then drive the X3. It won’t disappoint.

Going off road the suspension goes through a transparent metamorphosis. It soaks up the bumps and dips with, wait for it, aplomb. You don’t have to turn any knobs, switch any levers, or anything. Just hit the dirt and keep on going. It was shocking considering the X3s road performance. I must admit I was impressed. I would search out dirt roads just to see if I had been fooled by a particularly compliant dirt road. Nope, they got it down. My job takes me onto various job sites and being able to have the handling performance of a BMW with the ability to go off road comfortably got me thinking about adding an X3 to my collection.

The engine is the magnificent 3.0 inline six mated to a five-speed steptronic transmission. They had no manual variant available, go figure. The engine was buttery smooth, quick on the take up, and an overall delight. Again, if you’re a propeller head this will feel like home. It could benefit from a CAI and free-flow exhaust, however. But, then again, what BMW can’t? The tranny is the same type as the one I mistakenly got in the Z4. While it’s nice on occasion to have an automatic in traffic, that’s the only time. The upshifts and downshifts do not happen with the immediacy you’d like and you find yourself keeping it in D instead of futzing with it. BMW does include a sport shift mode which is accessed by sliding the gear selector to the steptronic side. The SD comes up on the dash and you’ll notice much better throttle response and gear holding. This was a saving grace for an automatic transmission that would otherwise make you long for a stick. I just kept it in SD and didn’t bother going up and down the gears with the stick.

Around town or on extended road trips the X3 proudly lives up to its heritage. If the suspension is too stiff for you then you shouldn’t be looking at a BMW in the first place. The full time 4WD was nice to have when it rained, it was truly confidence inspiring. Especially if you’re someone who drives a very capable car on a regular basis and are wary of having to change your driving style when jumping into an SUV. Overall, if I was forced into a situation where I needed an SUV I would take a serious look at the X3. You do not have to give up performance and excellent handling characteristics for the sake of extra room and ground clearance. Add to this the benefit of a familiar driving environment and you don’t need to compromise when purchasing a vehicle that is basically a compromise. The good news is that BMW made an SUV for BMW enthusiasts probably at the expense of expanding their market. If you’re in the market you’d be making a mistake if you don’t check this one out.

Loaner

2005-07-01T10:49:00.000-07:00

X3Bridge
Originally uploaded by arc8ect.

What do you do when your M5 is in the shop? Get a loaner. The M5 had some catalytic converter and oxygen sensor issues that came to light when they were performing an oil service. Of course, I had them perform the oil service because she was flat-bedded to the dealership thanks to a flat tire and was about due, anyway. More on that in another post.

I am glad the X3 was given as a loaner. I was intrigued by this vehicle and wanted to test one out. This provides a perfect opportunity and keeps me out of a Neon, which was the preferred loaner of choice down in the Fort Lauderdale area. Nothing quite like arriving in an M5 or Z4 and then retreating in a Neon. What are those folks thinking?

More pics to follow as well as driving impressions.

Saubimmer

2005-06-24T14:57:00.000-07:00

Okay, so BMW buys Sauber. They get a wind tunnel, a team that's been making strides, an outpost in Switzerland, and what else? Oh, yeah. A past champion past his prime. I must admit to being a former JV fan, however he is consistlently outpaced by his teammates. Okay, okay, I'll stop griping about poor Jacques.

BMW wants more control over their F1 fortunes. Mario Ts comments about the engine being only part of the equation are right on. Most of the top teams have secured relationships with their engine supplier. I don't see Ferrari switching to Cosworth powerplants any time soon, Cosworth's trumpeted reliability not withstanding. McLaren seems to be married to Mercedes and doing quite well, thank you very much. Renault? Come on, they're in the championship lead even though they haven't scored points in the last two grands prix. If BMW wants to compete with these teams, plus the surging Toyota, they need to do something. Considering the top teams and the surging teams, save McLaren, all have strong factory ties perhaps BMW is following a proven path to success. I certainly hope that is the case.

Now if they can only convince Damon Hill to set up the car for JV...

Ferrari Wins, America Loses

2005-06-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

What in the wide world of sports was that all about? Sure, there are rules in F1. Sure, the teams running on Michelin tires could've driven slower around the banked turn. But the one set of tyres rule is dumb, in my opinion. It's dangerous, leads to boring racing (which the FIA was trying to prevent with the latest round of rules changes, BTW), and doesn't lead to any advancement in technology that could trickle down to passenger vehicles. I haven't had the need to drive around a banked curve at 300+ clicks for hours on end in quite some time.

My take is that this is more posturing from the manufacturers in their bid for a breakaway series. If the teams that boycotted the race are severely punished on the 29th expect them to decry the FIA. This may very well lead to all manner of musk spraying by the affected parties and perhaps even some withdrawals.

I used to be a big fan of the Indianapolis 500. While my father is a NASCAR man through and through I have always been entrhalled by the open wheel race cars. Every year I'd be glued to the set for the running of the TRUE 500 mile race. Every year until they destroyed the event by splitting the field into two. The infamous schism that led to the IRL. It has never been the same, hotties behind the wheel not withstanding. Now, not to be outdone by their American counterparts, the F1 is set upon doing the exact same thing. Considering it was so successful for Champ and Indy car I can see why the FIA and manufacturers are eager to emulate them. NOT.

This stinks.

Qualy

2005-06-18T18:08:00.000-07:00

Qualy
Originally uploaded by arc8ect.

Interesting qualifcation day at the USGP. Jarno takes the maiden pole position for team Toyota. Of course pit strategies play a lot into whether or not a team goes for the pole. Excepting some attrition, however, back markers will stay in the back and front runners out front. It should be an exciting race. This is turning out to be a fun and eventful F1 season, even if it winds up being its last.

Go BMW!

Formula 1

2005-06-11T17:28:00.000-07:00

MIndy
Originally uploaded by arc8ect.

This is a shot of my E39 M5, another E39 M5 and an E36 M3 at the BMW Corral at the 2004 Indianapolis Grand Prix. Doesn't look like I'm going to make it back up this year, but it was an absolute blast. Great fun is to be had at the corral. If you're heading to Indy next week do yourself a favor and stop on by.

E46 328i Dinan S

2005-06-09T10:16:00.000-07:00

My first BMW was an E46 328i. I acquired her in December of '98 as a '99 model. I was one of the first out there riding around in the newly styled 3er. The first thing I noticed after a shakedown cruise from south to central Florida was a lack of driver fatigue. My GS-R, although comfy, wore me out after a ride of that length due to road noise - which leads to louder radio settings - and hard seats. Great for a short sprint, but not for touring. I also noticed the BMW was a tad twitchy. The twitchiness was due to the brand new rubber on the car, after a couple thousand miles it disappeared entirely.

After the first three years I decided she, I named her Steffi long before Andre was in the picture, needed a little more pep. Not wishin to void the warranty I called the fine folks at Dinan to give her the 'S' treatment. She was fitted with a front stress bar, cold air intake, modified engine software, and free flow exhaust. The difference in the mid-range was astounding, it was almost as if she was supercharged. Then tragedy struck. Some nimrod clipped my rear quarter. Then another fool decides to kick in my dirver side rear door panel. Finally, the warranty had run its course right after the windows started to fall from their seals. All told, I'd have to pump a heckuva lot of cash into Steffi to bring her back to mint condition. What to do. I traded her in for a Z4. Although the Z4 is an absolute blast and I love having a convertible, if I had it to do over again I would have kept Steffi. I still miss her. I never thought I'd ever say that about a car. She left quite an impression

The New Look

2004-12-03T14:31:00.000-08:00

As we all know the new 7 series was a bit of a shock when first introduced to the market. The introduction of the Z4, new 5, and new 6 were no less shocking. There is much heated debate about the virtues of the new designs, if any. There seemed to be two camps of bimmerati. Those in love with Bangles flame surfaced creations, and those wishing to give him the Zook treatment. Alas, it is not as clear cut as all that based upon my observations. There are some who favor the 5, but not the 6 or 7. Then there are those that appreciate the Z4 and 5, but find the 6 and 7 contemptible. The new 3 seems a bit derivative until seen directly next to an E46. It all comes down to smooth or chiseled bodies. I prefer the 6 over the 5 but really like the look of the Z4, enough so that I have one. The 5 is growing on me, but will not supplant the 6 in my heart of hearts. All that said, BMW sales aren't suffering so perhaps those that jumped ship to the MB or A camp never really belonged in a bimmer in the first place. Further, there are shades of flame surfacing in several new off-brand cars on the market. Have you seen the crease in the new Altima? Bangle wins this round. If only he can clear up that whole iDirve thing.

Bangles Bungled Bustle

2004-12-03T10:24:00.000-08:00

The start of a new blog is always a time of celebration and reflection. Not really, but that sounds better than the truth. That truth being that I need to get some things off my chest and will foist my opinions upon the hapless souls that might have errantly surfed in my direction. I may have comments about politics, dining, architecture, women, and cars; these being my main areas of interest. However, the main thrust here at bangledbimmer is to discuss the ultimate driving machine. That's right, you've finally found a blog with bimmer and bangle in the title that will actually be concerned with Bangle and Bimmers. Who'd of thunk it? I know. Yet there are so many bloggers out there that have usurped these names and then refuse to discuss BMWs.

In the near future I will be posting driving impressions of my '00 M5, '03 Z4, and my dearly missed '99 E46 328i. I will also be talking about BMW racing in all its various forms. I will not be ignoring the BMW Oracle sailing team in their efforts to bring the Cup back to the USA. Perhaps Jimmy Buffett needs to write another song for that effort. And, of course, I will be talking about BMW's new design direction and the controversy surrounding it.

Best,

Bangled