We have finally been able to obtain a final US 1M production figure for all those curious. The final count for US 1Ms was 740 units, per BMWNA M Manager, Matt Russell

The very first one imported was the Valencia Orange 1M Pace Car which debuted at the Rolex 24 hour race at Daytona.

We received some insight at the Detroit NAIAS as to the reason the 1M production run wasn’t extended into the 2012 model year. It was not due to any issues related to engine/emissions certification, but simply because BMW could not get enough MY2012 production to justify homologation. This had the added benefit of preserving the exclusivity and value of the 2011 1M models.

Here’s another highlight of the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), the Active Hybrid 3.

Seen here in Modern Line configuration, the Active Hybrid 3 combines BMW’s smooth 3.0l N55 inline 6 and an electric motor for a maximun output of 335hp and 450Nm. It does 0-62kph in less than 5.9 seconds and returns 37 miles to the gallon. To further improve mpg there’s also an intelligent navigation system to optimize your routes for a hybrid. Unlike other hybrids the Actibe Hybrid 3 doesn’t compromise boot capacity too much (390 liters).

There’s no word on pricing yet, but if the just-announced pricing for the Active Hybrid 5 is any hint we’d expect it to be in the ballpark of $ 50,000. The Active Hybrid 3 will … CONTINUED

Here’s our coverage on the 2013 F10 M5 on display at the 2012 Detroit NAIAS.

BMW confirmed to us today that the 2013 F10 M5 (no 2012 model will be available in the US) will begin production for the US market in July 2012, with deliveries taking place a couple of months after that. No word on pricing yet which will be announced closer to the US market launch.

It will be available with either a seven-speed DCT or a six-speed manual transmission (now officially official, per the release below), which is welcome news for manual transmission fans. Both transmission will be available immediately upon US launch.

The model shown at NAIAS is equipped with DCT, but BMW promised a “short throw shift linkage topped with a black leather … CONTINUED

Our live coverage from the 2012 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) continues. From the NAIAS show floor, here are the first photos of the US M Sport 335i (F30) in Estoril Blue II debuting in North America.

Compared to our earlier coverage on the European spec M Sport package, you can see several differences for the US: For one there are the obvious orange reflectors which are integrated subtly. The US version also has no fog lights which makes for a sportier appearance (the reason for the fog light delete is to enhance cooling). European models will retain the fog lights.

On to the interior, there’s the lovely M Sport steering wheel and the exclusive trim with blue accent strips (no worries, trims without blue accents are … CONTINUED

We’re here live at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) where the star of the BMW display this year, the 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan (F30), has just made its North American debut.

On display so far is a base model (no lines) F30 328i in arctic silver, a 335i luxury line, and a 328i sport line. We’re told that the M Sport will be hitting the floor a bit later so we’ll try to snag some photos when it makes its appearance.

The F30’s official launch to market comes in just over a month - on February 11th. While the full F30 online configurator with pricing hasn’t yet launched, we’re told that it should be up by next week.

For now, we have plenty of resources for you … CONTINUED

Ben Barry at CAR magazine was apparently on Santa’s good-boys list as he’s currently driving a F10 M5 long term tester. And although he’s only had a few hundred miles behind the seat of this new M5, that’s more than nearly anyone else who’s not a BMW employee. So what’s Ben got to say about the M5 so far? Let’s have a look.

The Ultimate Driving Machine is a traditional BMW slogan and identity which BMW enthusiasts rally around, dating all the way back to 1975. In recent years however, this popular tag line took a back seat as BMW moved in different directions to the likes of the “JOY” campaign.

Fret not however, as BMWNA, which took on a new lead ad agency in the US (Kirshenbaum Bond Senecal & Partners) in April, is set to revive the Ultimate Driving Machine marketing identity this Saturday (Jan. 7), as the company will air a new 30-second television spot on national TV in the US. The commercial will premiere on NBC during the NFL wild-card games.

The commercial [see here at NY Times] starts off with an E92 M3 GTS sliding around … CONTINUED

Here’s the first glance of the BMW display at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show (NAIAS) which begins this upcoming Monday! As you can see here, the 2012 F30 3 series will be by far the main attraction at this year’s exhibit. Stay tuned as we bring complete coverage from the show next week! Photo courtesy of Autospies.

Have a look at the first Northern America WALD Black Bison F10 5 series, fully wrapped in satin white/gloss black accents, with Forgiato 21″ wheels all around, and lowered on H&R springs. Also has aftermarket exhaust and ECU tune.