I just got back from the Chicago Auto show. They only had a Imola M3 cab, M roadster, M coupe and Le Mans Blue M5 there. I got there first thing in the morning and I was still unable to sit in the M3. Although the M5 was open. I wish the M3 in LeMans blue was offered, this color is absolutely awesome. I ended up talking to a person there with a heavy accent, so I asked if he was from Germany. He said yes and that he was a BMW rep from headquarters. I proceeded to ask him about the trim availability. First he said that the trim was real brushed aluminium (not painted plastic as some on this board have claimed) including the trim in the regular 3 series (although not brushed). Second, he said that there was no problem with the trim. The only reason it will not be offered (at least not initially, no timetable given) is that the small Italian company that is manufacturing the trim cannot meet demand. Until they are able to get a sufficient supply and inventory of trim, we in the US market will just have to wait. He proceeded to say that he has heard of all the negative comments that have been made concerning production, trims, colors, options, SMG, etc. He was pissed off at all these comments being made and sounded like we are fortunate to get the car for the set price. Next he just happened to get on the subject about the SMG trans. He said that it would probably be available next year but that it would be a $6000 option. He was wondering if all these people who have criticized them for not have it available yet, if they realized it would cost this much. I guess he favors the manual trans. That's about all I talked to him. I forgot to ask him about 2 tone leather seats and additional body colors. So if any of you go to this show, look for him to ask these questions and others you may have.
© 1997 -
2009
Jump Internet Inc. All rights reserved.
