The next 3 series variant to make its debut will be the 3 series touring / wagon (F31). We’ve now spotted it with virtually no camouflage remaining. Combined with the recently revealed F31 rear design patent CGIs (images inside), we now basically know how the F31 will look when it makes its debut at the AMI auto show in Leipzig in early June (for a likely market debut in the Fall).

Unlike the F11 5 series touring, the new 3 series touring model will make a return to the North American market. In an interview we had at the 2012 NAIAS with Paul Ferraiolo, Manager, Product Planning & Strategy of BMWNA, he confirmed that the next generation F31 3 series touring will make it stateside again:

“It’s coming, … CONTINUED

The first test drives of the all new BMW M550d xDrive model [official info/specs] are underway and here is the first video footage courtesy of Sport Auto. The M550d represents one of BMW’s new lineup of M Performance Vehicles (together with the X5 and X6 M50d and upcoming M135i), which bridge the gap between standard series cars and M cars.

The M550d xDrive features an inline 6 cylinder diesel engine good for 381hp and 546lb-ft torque.

Its official factory quoted performance stats puts it at 4.7 sec 0-62mph and a top speed of 155mph, and fuel economy of 44.8mpg (imp) / 35.84 MPG (US gallon). Unfortunately, the M550d will not be making it stateside.

At a glance:

New BMW M GmbH product range based … CONTINUED

Vishnu Performance Systems has pushed the tuning of the N54 platform to unprecedented levels with its N54 335i single turbo build, the first one successfully dyno’d.

The latest dyno has already achieved 627whp / 477 lb-ft. torque @ 22.5 PSI. The final power goal is an incredible 700whp!

See the dyno and highway run inside, along with full system technical details and ongoing progress of the build.

Matt Farah (of Tuned) drives and reviews VF Engineering’s 700hp Supercharged BMW M3 (VF620). This M3 features a VF Engineering VF620 supercharger with KW 2 way Adjustable Club Sport Coilover kit w/ Front Camber Plates. Brakes are AP Racing - AP7100 368mm 6-piston Front Big Brake Kit and AP Racing - AP7150 356mm 4-piston Rear Big Brake Kit. Exhaust is Akrapovic Titanium Evolution Slip-On Exhaust System and Challenge X-Pipe Race+ (Catless), Stainless Steel.

Rumors about an M135i version have been circulating for months. Now there’s official confirmation from BMW - not in the form of a press release but via a newly launched F20 accessories price list.

As you can see in the screenshots below, there’s mention of the 135i, the 135i xDrive, and the M135i. The context is interesting too: The M Sport bumpers aren’t available as aftermarket parts for the 135i and the 135i xDrive, likely because both models come standard with them. The M135i is mentioned with the drilled and slotted M Performance rotors we’ve reported about before (and which BMW just announced HERE). This likely means that the M Sport brakes are standard on the M135i.

The M135i is expected to be powered by the N55 inline … CONTINUED

For a long time, motorists regarded air conditioning merely as a guarantee of a cool workplace when behind the wheel. During the early 1980s, the optional extra was predominantly ordered as protection against the midsummer heat inside the car, true to the motto: the heat has to stay out, irrespective of how hot the sun is. The greater the “refrigerator feeling” experienced by occupants was, the more effective an air conditioning system was considered to be.

However, over the years, consumers have changed their attitude and the demands on interior climate comfort have increased significantly. Whether in extreme heat, heavy rainfall or severe cold, a cosy interior climate has become a must.

In the case of the new BMW 3 Series, air conditioning experts go even a step … CONTINUED

The 555hp X5 M is fast, but not faster than the M3 around a track. That is unless it puts it capabilities to creative uses. Watch one way the X5 M with its AWD w/ torque vectoring rear differential can beat the M3 around turns on a track

BIMMERPOST moderator Dackelone recently visited the Klassikstadt in Frankfurt, Germany, a mega warehouse housing an awesome collection of modern and old classic cars, including a large collection of some of the most unique BMWs of the last several decades. As always, he’s brought back a mega gallery of photos, so set aside some time for some browsing.

SoCal BMW dealers were recently invited to the F30 Ride and Drive Event - a primer and first hands on driving experience for the all new 2012 3 series sedan. They were given the opportunity to drive the 2012 F30 328i and 335i and evaluate it against the outgoing E90 3 series as well as the competition - Mercedes C class and Audi A4.

BMW brought out a fleet of over 80+ F30s for the event and gave an opportunity for those in attendance to test the F30 both on the road and track (auto-cross format).

Just out the extensive event photos from our site member inside.