This summer a fleet of golden BMWs is taking to the streets all over the UK in celebration of the 2012 London Olympics. Spot one and you could win tickets to the Olympics. One lucky winner will also receive the Golden Prize – the chance to drive a BMW for a year. The prize includes use of four of the latest models from BMW’s London 2012 fleet.

A pair of tickets to the Olympics will be given out each day leading up to the games (until July … CONTINUED

Looking for some great Friday afternoon or weekend reading? Follow along with F30POST member DrivenByE30 as he recounts his 17 day European Delivery ‘honyemoon’ with his F30 335i 3 series, in our most epic euro delivery journal yet. Hope your internet connection can handle this!

DrivenByE30′s F30 that he picked up was a 2012 335i Imperial Blue Luxury Line model, with 6 speed manual.

Listen to the first video / sound clip of the BMW M Performance exhaust for the 2012 F30 335i 3 Series. Official BMW Description:

Developed using state-of-the-art CAD and FEM technology, this stainless steel exhaust system enhances the sound quality and volume of the hallmark BMW inline six-cylinder engine. A unique, high-tech look is provided by two chrome-plated 80 mm exhaust tips which are laser-engraved with the M logo. Exhaust backpressure is reduced and a sporty powerful tone is heard (without the droning noise typically associated … CONTINUED

Here are comprehensive DIY instructions for F30 3 series (and other model) owners for the coding of many electronically controlled functions, such as Auto Start Stop, DVD player in motion, folding mirrors, and a myriad of other features.

Inside is an installation photo guide for the F30 3 Series M Performance Interior Kit (the first installed on F30POST) which features a alcantara / carbon fiber dash trim, carbon fiber center console trim and carbon door handle trims.

A great set of real life comparison photos between the F30 and F10, by Paul Tan.

Although the general styling of the newest 3 series and 5 series is now more consistent and shares more styling cues than the previous generation E90 and E60, there are still significant differences (in particular the front end) between the two designs as these photos highlight.

Here’s the tale of the tape for the F30 and F10:

F30
Height – 56.3 in
Length – 182.5 in
Width – 71.3 in
Wheelbase – 110.6 … CONTINUED

BMW base paint steps for the 1 Series. Display seen at the AMI Leipzig show. This color was Mineral White which is an option for X1s made at Leipzig.

BMW’s six paint stages are:

1) Steel Panel
2) Cathodic Dipping Paint. Rust Protection.
3) Primer coat. Protection against stone-chipping. Color base for base coat.
4) Water based coat of final color. First layer.
5) Water based coat of final color. Second layer.
6) Clear coat. Brilliance and resistance against environmental influence.

BMW recently revealed the 2013 7 Series LCI / facelift refresh model [official thread]. Along with the newly updated looks and technology (the most important of which is the Navigation Pro iDrive system), the US is also set to receive a diesel 7 Series model (according to C&D) sometime next year.

It will be powered by the same 3.0 liter diesel inline 6-cylinder engine from the X5 xDrive35d. Actual output for the 7 Series application isn’t yet known, but the standard configuration of this engine currently produces … CONTINUED

BMW has been busy trademarking. Below is a list of some recent BMW trademark filings for future potential models. Remember, just because a manufacturer registers a trademark does not mean that the model will necessarily come to fruition. But, it makes for some fun speculation and certainly paints a rough map of what potential future models we may see out of Munich.

Recent Trademark List:

X2, X4
M1, M2, M7, M10
2 Series Active Tourer
… CONTINUED

The 2013 BMW 3 Series Touring (F31) had its online reveal 3 weeks ago and has just had its world premiere today at the 2012 AMI show.

Vital stats:

Compared to E91 3 Series Touring:
1.46 in (37mm) wider front track
1.85 in (48mm) wider rear track
3.66 in (97mm) longer
1.96 in (50mm) longer wheelbase
10% more cargo volume (with rear seats up … CONTINUED