2012 BMW M5 to be automatic only?
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/rumormill/" rel="tag">Rumormill</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-m5-spy-shots/"><img alt="2012 BMW M5 spy shot" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/bmw-m5-2.jpg" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; margin: 4px 0px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; font-style: italic;">
2012 BMW M5 spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery</div>
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As enthusiasts, we can't help but get depressed over the near-extinction of the manual transmission. More and more of our favorite performance cars are being offered without three-pedal setups, and if you believe the latest reports, the next car to fall victim to this change of engineering is the <a href="http://autoblog.com/model/m5">2012 BMW M5</a>. Don't get your hopes up for any sort of dual-clutch setup, either - <em>Motor Trend</em> is reporting that the next-generation M5 will be offered exclusively with an eight-speed automatic.<br />
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When the 2012 BMW M5 goes on sale, it will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 with direct injection. <em>Motor Trend r</em>eports that BMW apparently tried to mate its M DCT transmission to this powerplant, a less-powerful version of which is used in both the <a href="http://autoblog.com/model/x5+m">X5 M</a> and <a href="http://autoblog.com/model/x6+m">X6 M</a>. The latest reports state that the 2012 M5 will produce over 550 horsepower, and while there's no word about what sort of torque numbers will be on tap, it's obviously too high to be handled by the M DCT unit. Presumably, the eight-speed autobox in question is the ZF unit that's spreading like kudzu throughout the automaker's lineup, and at least we know it to be a very agreeable and quick-shifting unit.<br />
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Look for the 2012 BMW M5 to debut in concept form at the <a href="http://autoblog.com/category/shanghai-motor-show">Shanghai Motor Show</a> this Spring, followed by the production car's debut at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/frankfurt-auto-show/">Frankfurt Motor Show</a> this Fall.<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-m5-spy-shots">2012 BMW M5 Spy Shots</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-m5-spy-shots/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/bmw-m5-2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-m5-spy-shots/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/bmw-m5-1_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-m5-spy-shots/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/bmw-m5-3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-m5-spy-shots/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/bmw-m5-4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2011-bmw-m5-spy-shots/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/bmw-m5-5_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://wot.motortrend.com/2012-bmw-m5-ms-first-automatic-only-car-32243.html?utm_source=Twi tter&utm_medium=Microblog &utm_campaign=Twitter%2BT raffic">Motor Trend</a> | Images: CarPix]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/15/2012-bmw-m5-to-be-automatic-only/">2012 BMW M5 to be automatic only?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://wot.motortrend.com/2012-bmw-m5-ms-first-automatic-only-car-32243.html?utm_source=Twi tter&utm_medium=Microblog &utm_campaign=Twitter%2BT raffic>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/15/2012-bmw-m5-to-be-automatic-only/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19844609/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/15/2012-bmw-m5-to-be-automatic-only/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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Rumormill: BMW Megacity to get optional range-extender
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrid</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tech/" rel="tag">Technology</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/electric/" rel="tag">Electric</a></p><p>
<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-megacity-vehicle/"><img alt="BMW Megacity EV" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/megacity-630.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 4px 0px;" /></a></p>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><strong><small>BMW Megacity EV - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em></div>
<p>
As more details about <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw/">BMW's</a> upcoming <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/megacity">Megacity</a> EV trickle out, we learn that the electric city car will be offered with a small internal combustion engine designed to replenish the depleted batteries while in motion. The news, delivered by BMW Financial Officer Frederick Eichinerto to German website Focus.de, is interesting as the Megacity was first reported to be solely a pure EV.</p>
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With a lightweight carbon fiber chassis, BMW's Megacity has enough space up front to accommodate the optional engine without worry, so customers will have the choice of leaving the space empty (to increase luggage capacity) or have the combustion engine fitted (to increase range). The Megacity will use lithium-ion batteries with a reported 35 kWh of capacity and is expected to have a pure-EV driving range of about 100 miles. The range-extender engine should add to that significantly - good news to customers still fraught with range anxiety.<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-megacity-vehicle">BMW Megacity Vehicle</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-megacity-vehicle/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/p90063249_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-megacity-vehicle/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/p90063248_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-megacity-vehicle/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/p90061198highres_thumbnai l.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-megacity-vehicle/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/p90061197highres_thumbnai l.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-megacity-vehicle/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/p90061196highres_thumbnai l.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://www.bmwblog.com/2011/02/07/bmw-megacity-to-receive-optional-range-extender/">BMWBLOG</a>]</p><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/16/rumormill-bmw-megacity-to-get-optional-range-extender/">Rumormill: BMW Megacity to get optional range-extender</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 08:27:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/16/rumormill-bmw-megacity-to-get-optional-range-extender/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19842124/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/16/rumormill-bmw-megacity-to-get-optional-range-extender/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1 Series
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/" rel="tag">Spy Photos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><img alt="BMW 1 Series Spy Shots" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-1-series-630.jpg" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; margin: 4px 0px;" /><br />
<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; font-style: italic;">
BMW 1 Series Spy Shots - Click above for high-res image gallery</div>
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Our elite squad of spy photographers has managed to nab a handful of photos of the upcoming <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/model/1 series">BMW 1 Series</a>. Given that a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/12/15/officially-official-2012-bmw-1-series-coupe-and-convertible-tak/">refreshed model has just debuted for 2012</a>, it's understandable that details on the next-gen model are still squirmy at the moment. In any case, this new batch of shots show off a bit more of what we can expect to see on the production version when it lands in showrooms. If this mule is any indication we can expect the 1 to come bearing the company's first turn signals integrated into the sideview mirrors, and it appears that the squared angel-eye headlights of manufacturer's recent concept cars have finally made their way off of the show circuit and onto the street.<br />
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Inside, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw">BMW</a> has finally seen fit to add a little color to the cabin with a few splashes of red stitching as well as a dash accent. It looks like the 1 will also come bearing a pop-up navigation screen when it arrives in dealerships.<br />
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As of right now, there's little word as to what will show up under the hood of this wee beastie when it comes Stateside, but we hear that this particular machine was powered by a 2.0-liter diesel engine and an eight-speed automatic. The car was also spotted testing alongside two xDrive products vehicles and an Audi A4, so there's a good chance that we'll see all-wheel drive crop up on the next 1, too.<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-1-series-spy-shots/">BMW 1 Series Spy Shots</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-1-series-spy-shots/#3896325"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/01-1-series_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-1-series-spy-shots/#3896326"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/02-1-series_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-1-series-spy-shots/#3896328"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/03-1-series_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-1-series-spy-shots/#3896329"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/04-1-series_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-1-series-spy-shots/#3896330"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/05-1-series_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: CarPix]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/17/spy-shots-2012-bmw-1-series/">Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1 Series</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/17/spy-shots-2012-bmw-1-series/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19848550/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/17/spy-shots-2012-bmw-1-series/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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Report: All BMW four-cylinders will be turbocharged
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-x1-2-0-turbocharged-four-cylinder/#3801262"><img alt="BMW X1 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/bmw-four.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 4px 0px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; font-style: italic;">
BMW X1 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder - Click above for high-res image gallery</div>
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We sure hope you <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw">BMW</a> fans out there like your <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/19/x1-gets-bmws-first-245-hp-turbocharged-four-cylinder/">four-cylinders</a> with forced induction. According Autocar the German automaker has committed to strapping a turbocharger to all of its four-cylinder engines in the near future. The report cites "company sources" as saying that the company plans on using turbo four-pots for applications requiring up to 241 horsepower. Above that magic number, the tried and true inline-six will step in to take over.<br />
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Furthermore, each of the company's four-cylinders will all be based on the 2.0-liter aluminum block with different turbochargers and engine management to help crank out different levels of punch. Autocar says the block will use a sprayed-iron liner that's just .3 mm thick instead of the conventional 1.5 mm cast-iron cylinder sleeves for added durability and reduced weight.<br />
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Chances are we'll see the first iteration of that lump crop up in the upcoming <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/x1">X1</a>, which Autocar says is set to debut sometime later this week. It will pack the most potent variation of the four-cylinder, though BMW has rated the mill at around 245 horsepower thanks to a twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing and a high-pressure fuel injection system. What's a few ponies among friends?<br />
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<div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-x1-2-0-turbocharged-four-cylinder">BMW X1 2.0 Turbocharged Four Cylinder</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-x1-2-0-turbocharged-four-cylinder/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/01-bmw-4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-x1-2-0-turbocharged-four-cylinder/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/02-bmw-4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-x1-2-0-turbocharged-four-cylinder/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/03-bmw-4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-x1-2-0-turbocharged-four-cylinder/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/01/04-bmw-4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br />
[Source: <a href="http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticle.aspx?AR=25550 2">AutoCar</a>]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/18/report-all-bmw-four-cylinders-will-be-turbocharged/">Report: All BMW four-cylinders will be turbocharged</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/18/report-all-bmw-four-cylinders-will-be-turbocharged/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19848629/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/18/report-all-bmw-four-cylinders-will-be-turbocharged/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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BMW offering M Performance exhaust for M3 range [w/video]
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/aftermarket/" rel="tag">Aftermarket</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/convertibles/" rel="tag">Convertible</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-m-performance-exhaust/"><img alt="BMW M Performance Exhaust" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/02/mperformanceexhaust630opt .jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 4px 0px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; font-style: italic;">
BMW M Performance exhaust - Click above for high-res image</div>
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<a href="http://autoblog.com/make/bmw">BMW</a> has released a new exhaust system for the current <a href="http://autoblog.com/model/m3">M3</a> coupe, sedan and convertible. This new M Performance system is crafted from lightweight, heat-resistant Inconel, and when combined with the current M3's high-revving 4.0-liter V8, the end result is a much more throaty, powerful sound.<br />
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The M Performance exhaust is approximately 20 pounds lighter than the standard setup, made up of perforated inner pipes and polished titanium tips with the BMW M logo. What's more, this flow-optimized exhaust reduces overall back pressure, allowing for more aurally stimulating sound.<br />
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But the truth is, words don't do this new exhaust system justice. Thankfully, BMW fitted the M Performance exhaust system to an M3 coupe and created a video, which you can watch <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/21/bmw-offering-m-performance-exhaust-for-m3-range-w-video/#continued">after the jump</a>. If you like what you hear, BMW even offers the M Performance exhaust note as a ringtone (seriously), available at <a href="http://bmwusa.com/news">bmwusa.com/news</a>. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/21/bmw-offering-m-performance-exhaust-for-m3-range-w-video/">Hit the jump</a> for the details, including the price: a steep $4,374, not including installation.<br />
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[Source: BMW]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/21/bmw-offering-m-performance-exhaust-for-m3-range-w-video/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>BMW offering M Performance exhaust for M3 range [w/video]</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/21/bmw-offering-m-performance-exhaust-for-m3-range-w-video/">BMW offering M Performance exhaust for M3 range [w/video]</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/21/bmw-offering-m-performance-exhaust-for-m3-range-w-video/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19852208/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/21/bmw-offering-m-performance-exhaust-for-m3-range-w-video/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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