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FYI - Want to see a new M3 and a new 135i? At the DC auto show, there is a white M3 Coupe and a black 135i Coupe on display, both on platforms and fenced off -- no access to sit in them and probe them.
There is a 335d on display - US gets that car by the end of the year. 0-60 in 6 seconds, not bad for a quiet, clean, fuel efficient diesel.
There are some local BMW race cars (RRT) - near the Jeep camp.
Beyond the BMW corporate display you'll see some more BMW race cars and a Hartge V10 E92.
I'll be there first thing tomorrow AM. Gotta VIP tour for the GT-R, should be hot.
do the m3 and 135 look like they had recent bodywork done? :wink:Quote:
Originally Posted by jhm5
No apparent body work... probably not on the ship that hit rough seas. the finish has the orange peel on side panels typical of bmws in recent years, suggesting they were painted on the regular assembly line.
VPC paintwork is very hard to distinguish from factory. You pretty much need a paint gauge to do it.
A VIP tour of the GT-R? That sounds very cool, send me a PM if you know how i might be able to arrange that.
I'm planning on heading to the show with my lady-friend this weekend. She's also a bit of a gearhead (drives an STI).
The M3 had definitely been rubbing the ground a little with the front right flap. But looks great! :) The 135i also was great to finally see live.
BMW had the only decent line-up of pre-US cars...all the other companies brought their current model year line-up which was truly sad since I can walk into the dealership and see/sit in them for free...
DC Auto Show sucks
I agree, not much new stuff around. Still worth a visit though.Quote:
Originally Posted by lax01
Some of the RRT guys witnessed the set up people trying to get the M3 onto its platform. They said it was a fiasco. The driver could not figure out how it get it into reverse without their help. It appeared to be his first time driving a manual transmission.Quote:
Originally Posted by Scany
It's too bad the M3 and 135i were on platforms with the windows closed. You couldn't see the carbon-fiber roof unless you were Shac.
yeah, i wanted to look inside, but couldn't. i wish they didnt have a black 135i; i wanted to see what that reddish color looks like.Quote:
Originally Posted by woodym3
too bad DC isnt a big enough city to get the concept cars. i would have loved to see the CS and tii concepts
I agree, the M3 should have been lower to appreciate the CF roof, but it's a gorgeous car, nontheless. The Hartge V10 E92 was incredible...On the other hand, there are a bunch of really, really ugly cars being sold today!!
I think the Hartge V10 was "pimped up" a little with the chrome grille and decals on the airbox. Last I saw it at Bimmerfest 2007 (Turner's stand) I believe it was without that. i think it made it look a little cheap. Do you need (or want) a large Hartge logo on a V10 engine in an E90.. but great nonetheless. Funny that the Carlsson Merc next to it received no attention for as long as I stood there. A very rare car I would believe.Quote:
Originally Posted by japac1