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Originally Posted by Dackelone
///M Studio in Munich
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Pretty cool, isnt' it?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dackelone
All the cars on display were production cars. We got a small taste of what BMW Individual can do. It's more than just special color paints. They can make you anything your enthusiast heart desires.
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This was one of the biggest surprises of our visit. M is able to do and will do virtually anything wanted in the cosmetic finishing of a (special) customer's car. It's expensive, but it's there. I am sure you saw the hundreds of paint, leather, stitching, wood, and other finish books that they have. The library is spread out for consultation/presentation/brainstorming along with the customer - it's like going into the very highest-end fashion salon for an exclusive clothing item.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dackelone
BMW 1M
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A few other interesting details.
One - the final concept, "formal" design and engineering of the 1M took place in only two weeks. It was spoken about loosely, informally and very quietly among the staff for a while. At the end of that time the head of "M" was away on a two-week trip and the staff put everything together, like kids doing something while the parents are out; they knew that they could not get approval for spending the time and effort. Upon his return he was showed a completed project. Since the development portion was essentially complete with no cost incurred, the car could be easily built by shoehorning it into the 128/135 production line during off hours, and the staff was so enthusiastic, the 1M was greenlighted. The staff basically pulled off a parlor trick and won.
Second - there was only one prototype built. Due to the advance and virtually complete initial work (with existent and proven M3 parts) and the tight schedule, there was time and money to use only one car for assembly and testing. That's pretty amazing.
Third - the test car was ... blue. But early on the staff realized the color didn't work. Hence the black, white and VO, as noted.
Four - the staff was really under the gun on the entire project, for both money and time reasons.
Five - they really like how their tuner project turned out.
Thanks, and especially for the pictures. They are better than mine ...
