Auto Start-Stop Fix:

BMW has released software to fix any of the early 335i F30 that had a problem where the engine sometimes stalled after the Auto Stop/Start system tried to restart. Problem was a calibration error. BMW cites an unfavorable DME software application as the source of the issue. It affects cars produced from 11/2/2011 to 2/29/2012.

USA members, refer your dealer to “SIB 12 06 12″ (Service bulletin 10 12 00 09 00)

Headrest Fix:

For those with F30 where you cannot get the headrest back to its lowest position after raising them , BMW USA have released a fix. Your dealer will install a fix kit to rectify the problem

Refer your USA dealer to “SIB 52 03 12″

Cars built from March 2012 on should not have … CONTINUED

Here’s a new feature video highlighting the BMW M Performance Parts equipped Afrox-ADF Motorsport F30 335i series race car.

The 3 Series Li Long Wheelbase model has just premiered in China (for the Chinese market only), so the next 3 series variant to be introduced will be the F31 touring wagon. We expect it to make its debut at the AMI auto show in Leipzig, Germany in early June.

Seen here are FEP (final evaluation phase) F31 Sport Line and a F31 Luxury Line models being put through the paces on the Nurburgring.

To repeat, the F31 touring is confirmed to be making a return to the North American market. When will it hit the States? In our interview from the 2012 NYIAS, we learned that the F31 will be available in the European market before it launches into North America. Only BMW knows how long the … CONTINUED

The BMW 3 Series Long Wheelbase Sedan has just premiered at the 2012 Auto China show in Beijing. The 3 Series Li has been announced in three models - 320Li, 328Li, and the 335Li.

The Li model adds 11 centimeters (4.3 inches) to its wheelbase over the standard F30 3 series sedan, resulting in a more spacious passenger cabin (particularly the rear). Both the BMW 3 Series Sedan in the long wheelbase version and the new BMW 3 Series Sedan will be available in China before the end of the year.

These models will be for the Chinese market only and will be produced at BMW’s new Shenyang production plant.

The following is the transcript from the 3 Series Li introduction at the BMW Press Conference during the 2012 … CONTINUED

Road and Track undertakes a head to head comparison of the 2012 328i (F30) versus the Mercedes C250 Sport. What do they find?

The F30 is on the varsity team when it comes to performance. The 2.0L N20 engine pulls strongly without breaking a sweat, the shifts from the 8 speed automatic transmission are nearly telekinetic, and the chassis is great. The steering is lauded for having the right amount of resistence, offering great feel for what’s happening with the tires.

Overall, the BMW’s dynamic prowess and effortless performance won Road and Track over. View the video review inside.

The BMW Performance Center has some new workhorses in its fleet. They’ve now replaced all their E90 3 series sedans with the F30 3 series sedans - 335i Sport Line models.

Check out some of them in some of their first action on the wet skidpad at the Performance Center [photos and video]. Courtesy of Palbay.

Sure we all love our BMWs and we know why we love them so, but it’s always nice to hear some affirmation from someone who know a thing or two about cars and has had a chance to experience the best the world has to offer, from econoboxes to exotics.

In this interview with Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond, the Hamster is asked whether BMWs are the best cars made, to which he responds: “To a degree you really could make a case for them being exactly that,” Hammond says in the attached video, pointing to BMW’s engineering pedigree and a reputation for quality that assures you their cars will “be here in ten years.”

Hammond’s revelation first came to light in a column he wrote … CONTINUED

How’s this for kicking off the racing history for the F30 3 series sedan. South African based ADF Motorsport team successfully took a brand new F30 3 Series racing car [more info/photos] to its first-ever race victory, in its very first race! The victory came at the Killarney race circuit in Cape Town, South Africa, in a WesBank Super Series race which features Bridgestone Production Cars Class A race cars. Congrats to the ADF team!

Ian McLaren of carmagblog provided us this account of the race, along with his experience from being a part of the pit crew.

Wagon fans should be smitten over this one. We’ve spied for the first time the F31 3 series touring in M Sport form, in the stunning Estoril Blue II color.

The camouflage remains a formality at this point since the F30 3 series sedan M Sport has already been revealed and the F31 touring will share the same front and rear bumpers/diffusers and sideskirts.

What’s missing from this test car are the M Sport wheels and brakes.

The next 3 series touring / wagon is expected to make its debut at the AMI auto show in Leipzig in early June.

The F31 has been confirmed to be making a return to the North American market. In an interview we had at the 2012 NAIAS with Paul Ferraiolo, Manager, Product Planning … CONTINUED