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.

We’re happy to share the first spyshots of the F33 4 Series Convertible with its top down and in operation. Earlier spyshots suggested that the 4 Series Convertible will retain its folding hard top mechanism, first introduced on the predecessor E93 3 Series Convertible. These spy photos officially confirm this. As far as we can tell, the hard top operation and design is largely similar to the E93’s so we wouldn’t be surprised if this was a takeover from the current car.

That’s where the similarities end in these photos, as the F33 sports unique seat which remind us of the F12/3 6-series seats, and which could signal an upmarket position from the F30 3 series sedan. The exterior is still heavily camouflaged (no, the round rear … CONTINUED

Here’s a good look at the current F30 3 series against the preceding two generation 3 series - the E90 and E46 sedans. Here’s the tale of the tape:

F30 vs E90 sedan physical specs, F30 is:

3.66 in (93 mm) longer body
1.45 in (37mm) wider track [front]
1.85 in (47 mm) wider track [rear]
0.31 in (8 mm) taller
1.96 in (50 mm) longer wheelbase
0.59 in (15 mm) more legroom for rear passengers
0.31 inches (8mm) more headroom

F30 vs E46 sedan physical specs, F30 is:

6.5 in longer body
2.8 in wider
0.6 in taller

BMW NA’s Juergen Urban, Product Manager for the 1 Series and X1, and Oliver Ganser, Product Manager for the 3 Series were gracious enough to sit down with us at the 2012 NYIAS to field some questions on their respective products specialties. Here’s what we can report back with.

2013 BMW X1 (US)

What are the MPG figures for the three X1 models?
Because it’s model year 2013 we don’t have the official MPG values yet, but you can expect them to be top of the line, especially with the 28i.

What are the curb weight of the three models?
The sDrive28i is 3,500 pounds, xDrive28i is 3,700 pounds and xDrive35i is 3,900 pounds.

Are there any suspension differences between the 28i and 35i model?
No differences. The only suspension … CONTINUED

On display at the BMW section of the 2012 NYIAS is the 2013 328i xDrive (AWD) in its first public showing.

The F30 3 series xDrive models will begin production with the 2013 model year which begins in July, for September delivery.

World premiere – the new BMW 3 Series sedan in the long wheelbase version.

Developed at BMW head office in Germany, it will be rolling off the production line in the new Shenyang production plant and celebrating its world premiere at Auto China 2012 in Beijing – the new BMW 3 Series sedan in the long wheelbase version.

With its wheelbase extended by 11 cm, a conspicuously elegant design, and the best rear seat travel comfort among the competition, this new model fulfils precisely the expectations of Chinese automobile customers. They can choose from the BMW 335Li, the BMW 328Li, or the BMW 320Li, each fitted with a powerful and efficient engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology. Also presented at Auto China will be the new BMW 3 … CONTINUED

We’re sad to report what is likely the first F30 3 series totaled (at least on BIMMERPOST). Only this one isn’t due to driving error or accident as is usually the case. This loss is a casualty of the natural elements - a freak hail storm.

The body damage may look bad, but what’s worse is that the engine somehow managed to suffer water damage as well.

Here’s hoping that this member picks up a replacement F30 quickly.

Rosenthal Automotive has shot and produced some very enjoyable BMW reviews and it continues with this 2012 335i (F30) review.

Be sure to watch in extra high quality “4K”