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Interview with BMWNA M Brand manager

BMW NA M Brand manager, Larry Koch, has offered an M3 presentation at Main Line BMW in Bala Cynwyd, PA. Skierman64, a member of e90post.com, has been given the opportunity to conduct an interview with Mr. Koch. 

Some of the answers that caught my attention were the ones specific to a future BMW M1 and the surprising answer that BMW is actually considering this. I am not sure if the M1 will become reality since we have heard many reports in the past where BMW has clearly stated that no M1 will be produced again. But as we know, BMW tends to change their mind quite often.

Also, for those of you that were wondering if BMW AG or  BMW NA actually read bimmer related forums or blogs, well, it has been confirmed once again that they quite often monitor them and some decisions are being influenced by those.

Full discussion on e90post.com 

1. Why do M-DCT equipped M3s still have a GG $1,300 tax when the car was advertised to be more approx 10-15% more efficient than a 6MT? Was the car retested to EPA specs or did BMW simply use the 6MT EPA mileage numbers?
Larry, The fuel mileage did not differ enough to change the GGT.

His answer to the first question essentially answered the second question

2. Will the Vert M3 be introduced as a MY 2008 or 2009?
2008

3. Will the Individual program will come to the US for the M3?
He can't tell me, he's not working that program

4. Can we please get Comfort Access as a separate option for non ZTP cars? MY2009?
Probably not

5. Any chance MDM will be available as either a new standard feature, or a stand-alone option?
He can't put in the car without I-drive. If he makes I-drive standard then there's a big jump in price and then he's got a whole stack of people who complain they don't want I-drive in the car and they won't buy it. He has 25 or 30% of the people won't buy the car with I-drive so he won't make it standard.

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