Jeremy, a reader of BMWBLOG, spotted the new 2012 BMW 3 Series in La Quinta, California. The 328i model sports the Alpine White paint and the U.S. license plate mounting base that had many fans worried. It remains unknown if the removable mountain base will come standard or will be installed by request.

The new F30 3 Series will make its U.S. debut next month with two models: the 328i and the more powerful 335i.

As we announced before, the base price of the 2012 328i Sedan is $34,900 and the 335i Sedan is $42,400. This represents a $300 and $350 base price increases versus the outgoing model. The 3 Series now includes standards features such as 6.5” display with iDrive controller, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/iPod interface, 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, Automatic Start/Stop, Dynamic Driving Control with ECO PRO Mode, Brake Energy Regeneration, and a 1” standard wheel size increase.

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The BMW 1M takes another win. The “baby-M” collects awards after awards and to add to its credibility, the latest accolades come from Top Gear’s Richard Hammond.

Here is an excerpt from his review:

“Annoyingly, Ollie Marriage summed this car up perfectly in one word when he drove it for this magazine. He described it as ‘boisterous’. And that is as exact and precise a description as I could give of it using an unlimited number of words and a three-hour PowerPoint lecture. The BMW 1M Coupe is, yes, a small car, but that’s not the full story. A labrador puppy and a fully grown duck are both small and roughly the same size as each other, but only one of them will hump your leg, eat your trainers and chew your finger when you try to pet it.

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First photos of the F21 BMW 1 Series with 3-doors have just surfaced on the interwebs. Autoblog.nl via Jokeforblog reveal patent drawings of the upcoming 1 Series. Judging by the leaked photos, the 1 Series with fewer doors follow the same design lines as the F20 1er revealed earlier this year. There are no visible changes at the front and rear-end, with the car keeping the same bold appearance and slightly oversized headlights.

Just as its sibling, the rear-wheel drive F21 1 Series will be positioned in the entry-level luxury premium market where it will compete with the offerings from Audi, the A3, and Mercedes-Benz with its A-Class.

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In the December issue of the magazine, EVO delivers an interesting comparison between the BMW 1M and a sleigh of competitors: Porsche Cayman R, Audi TT RS and Nissan 370Z. “THAT this has been one of the most enjoyable group tests I can remember speaks volumes for the quality of the cars in the test. All are so different in concept and character, yet they’ve all proved close in terms of point-to-point pace, with each delivering memorable moments in the process,” says Richard Meaden of EVO.

Let’s have a look at an excerpt from the extensive review, but here is a hint: the 1M won’t EVER leave BMWBLOG’s garage.

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Ever have one of those days, when you’ve been out in the yard, working hard, sweat wetting the back of your shirt, grime accumulating under your fingernails? Or how about one of those grueling marathons at the office, when you feel like you’ve been run through a meat grinder? An ice cold pale ale in a frosty mug is the perfect antidote to sweat and stress, isn’t it? Ah yes, just what you need. More »

The first time I saw the BMW Z3 I fell in love. Its glorious shape promised more fun than a dream date with Cameron Diaz. The fact that the Z3 is infused with the magic transmission, steering, and suspension dust found in all BMWs did nothing to quell my desire for this little roadster from Munich. (OK, we know that it’s from South Carolina, but it’s a BMW in the grandest of traditions.) Our managing editor, Chris Wardlaw, was quick to point out that although the new BMW was a pleasure to behold, it had serious competition from the venerable Mazda Miata, the car that reintroduced America to the pleasure of two seats and no top. Knowing that the big guy had a special place in his heart for the Miata, I smiled and nodded my head, secretly assured that there was no comparison between these vehicles.
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In today’s high priced gasoline market everyone is desperately looking for a gap from the five dollar plus gas prices. Whether these reprieves be via smaller engines or the recently popular hybrid autos the need is not only real but the need is necessary now! One particular vehicle stands out in the crowd as a prospective money saver. It is the BMWx6 Hybrid.

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