Please Post Questions for BMW NA M Brand manager, Larry Koch

skierman64 · 04-08-2008, 06:09 PM

Last night for questions. I'm going to compile them tomorrow evening and put them into a format I can take with me.

GewoW · 04-08-2008, 07:16 PM

can you paste the ones you will ask here?

AZ-BMW · 04-08-2008, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skierman64

Last night for questions. I'm going to compile them tomorrow evening and put them into a format I can take with me.

Now skierman64, you are going to post all the questions and Larry Koch's answers, correct?

skierman64 · 04-08-2008, 10:08 PM

I will post all the questions and answers. I don't know what the situation will be at the meeting, I don't know if I'll get a one-on-one with him or not. So I can't promise how many questions I will get answers for, but I'll do my best. I'm thinking of taking a small recorder so I can get all his answers in his own words and that way I don't skew any of the answers.

Some of the ones about colors and such, I'm going to ask as one group of questions. I'm personnaly more interested in technical issues, but I realize the other questions are important to others so I'll ask everything I can.

rmmcdaniel · 04-09-2008, 07:48 PM

Thanks for reaching out to all of us for questions, very cool of you!

skierman64 · 04-09-2008, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swamp2

4. Do US M3's have BER?

Swamp, what's BER?

skierman64 · 04-09-2008, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swamp2

7. Why are US M3s heavier than EU one

We've seen two instances of the US M3 weighing approx 3550. Car and Driver magazine, and a forum member who had his weighed. I don't think the US version is heavier.

I will ask a rephrased version of this.

AZ-BMW · 04-09-2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skierman64

I will post all the questions and answers. I don't know what the situation will be at the meeting, I don't know if I'll get a one-on-one with him or not. So I can't promise how many questions I will get answers for, but I'll do my best. I'm thinking of taking a small recorder so I can get all his answers in his own words and that way I don't skew any of the answers.

Just give him the whole list of questions and have him reply to each one by mail or better yet by E-Mail to you

skierman64 · 04-09-2008, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pulp

Just picked up my 2008 M3. Dealership forgot to order BlueTooth(BMW Assist) for the car and now they tell me it can't be installed. Take the car or order a new one ( 3 more months).I have the tech pkg in the car. Does anyone know if there is a retro kit for E92 or if there is anyway Bluetooth can be installed thru my navigation screen? Thanks

Have you looked at Bavarian Soundwerks?

http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/index.php

skierman64 · 04-09-2008, 08:28 PM

Here's the list I compiled. Any last additions?

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?

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

3. Will the Individual program will come to the US for the M3?

4. Can we please get Comfort Access as a separate option for non ZTP cars? MY2009?

5. Any chance MDM will be available as either a new standard feature, or a stand-alone option?

6. How will the future 3 series tii fit into a 3 series lineup with a 335 and M3?

7. Will 2009 E90 M3's receive the facelift treatments due for the rest of '09 E90 3-series

8. What is the actual shift time of M-DCT in S6 mode (in milliseconds)?

9. Is US and EU launch control exactly the same or is there a difference like in the M5?

10. Do US M3's have BER?

11. Does the M3 have any limitations (redline, hp, etc.) before 1st (1200 mile) service?

12. Why did the US M3s get different seat bottoms than in EU? Can the Euro seat bottoms be retrofitted on the US version seat.

13. Will dual canister style aftermarket exhaust systems interfere with the differential cooling or aerodynamic effect of the diffuser.

14. Do US and Euro versions of the M3 weigh the same assuming the same options?

15. Was a HUD ever considered for the M3 or was weight a concern?

16. Will there be an M version of the 1 series

17. What auto brand/model is the M's closest competitor?

18. Why is there no discounted Euro delivery or included M experience offered with new M3?

19. Why was a gasoline direct injection system (like on 335i) not employed on this new M3 and do they think they will add it in the future?

20. Will there be a ZCP option offered later? If so, will Brembo multi piston brakes be a part of the ZCP?

21. Why didn't BMW do anything to the calipers to make them look more dressed up

22. Why wasn't front PDC offered in the US.

23. Will the CF-roof ever be offered on the sedan?

24. Why did BMW not incorperate the front reflectors into the front headlamp assembly like the 335 instead of adding the BUTT ugly orange reflectors

25. Will High-beam assistant become a 2009 option since it currently offered on the M3 in Europe?

26. Do you know about the issue with the sale of a M3 on Ebay from the dealer in Lincoln, NE? Any comments?

27. Why was the press told that the DCT would be introduced on the vert when it is in fact being first introduced on the coupe for the first 3 months of production.

28. Does BMW NA monitor the BMW fan forums. If so, does it ever influence decision making at BMW AG or BMW NA?

Color Questions

1. For the M3 E93 intro, any new exterior colors being added to the list (like Atlantic Blue, as was done with the 335i E93 intro)?

2. Will Laguna Seca Blue ever be offered on the E9x M3? Is the company that produced the color "out of business"
(a) will be available as of next year
(b) can be ordered through Individual
(c) can be ordered as a special order color

GewoW · 04-09-2008, 09:28 PM

Thanks for the color question!

Quote:

Originally Posted by skierman64

12. Why did the US M3s get different seat bottoms than in EU?

There really is no need to ask this! We know the answer...you should ask if it can be retrofitted!

enigma · 04-09-2008, 09:28 PM

Why was EDC available but not ARS ?

skierman64 · 04-09-2008, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GewoW

Thanks for the color question!

There really is no need to ask this! We know the answer...you should ask if it can be retrofitted!

I thought the (crash testing) answer was speculation. I will add the part about retrofitting the Euro seat bottoms.

skierman64 · 04-09-2008, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by enigma

Why was EDC available but not ARS ?

ARS?

skierman64 · 04-09-2008, 10:06 PM

Does anyone know what BER is?

enigma · 04-09-2008, 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skierman64

ARS?

Active roll stabilization. The non-M cars comes with active swaybars that are very good at keeping the cars level in turns. For some reason this was not made available on the M cars.

Epacy · 04-09-2008, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skierman64

Does anyone know what BER is?

Search is your friend.

Brake Energy Regeneration.

GewoW · 04-09-2008, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skierman64

I thought the (crash testing) answer was speculation. I will add the part about retrofitting the Euro seat bottoms.

Oh that's not what I was thinking...I was thinking that they needed to...shall we say...follow the American individual's general "figure", if you know what I mean.

skierman64 · 04-09-2008, 11:09 PM

I didn't know what you meant until I saw the Homer pic. Thanks for the pictorial representation.

GewoW · 04-09-2008, 11:16 PM

Images speak words my friend...lol

sayemthree · 04-10-2008, 12:48 AM

ask: Is the lexus IS-f really a better car?

now really, I had the same opportunity in 1998 with the then M brand manager at that time and had an audeience of about 50 to 100 people- number of questions I got to ask = 0.

gud luk.

swamp2 · 04-10-2008, 02:08 AM

Tell him you are both a soon to be owner and "reporting" for an avid online M3 forum with a very large readership!

Some of the questions now seem very subjective, ametuerish or frankly unimportant. Don't mean to be harsh but just my frank opinion. Rather than trying to please everyone, I'd really think hard and pare the list down to increase your chances of getting some responses. Good luck, we all really appreciate your great effort here.

04-08-2008, 06:09 PM	#45
skierman64 Brigadier General 125 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: E92M3-E46M3-E46Wagon-E89Z4-E36 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Greater St Louis Metro area iTrader: (1) Garage List 1994 325is Race Car [0.00] 2011 BMW Z4 [0.00] 1998 M3 Coupe [0.00] 2008 M3 Coupe [0.00]	Last night for questions. I'm going to compile them tomorrow evening and put them into a format I can take with me. __________________ Invest Wisely...The best mod for your money?? BMWCCA high performance driver's school. The mod that lasts a lifetime and improves the performance of any car you drive[/LEFT]
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04-08-2008, 07:16 PM	#46
GewoW #thatsanicemovebro 202 Rep 3,920 Posts Drives: E92 M3 LSB/Black 6MT Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Montreal, Canada iTrader: (4) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [9.34]	can you paste the ones you will ask here?
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04-08-2008, 10:08 PM	#48
skierman64 Brigadier General 125 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: E92M3-E46M3-E46Wagon-E89Z4-E36 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Greater St Louis Metro area iTrader: (1) Garage List 1994 325is Race Car [0.00] 2011 BMW Z4 [0.00] 1998 M3 Coupe [0.00] 2008 M3 Coupe [0.00]	I will post all the questions and answers. I don't know what the situation will be at the meeting, I don't know if I'll get a one-on-one with him or not. So I can't promise how many questions I will get answers for, but I'll do my best. I'm thinking of taking a small recorder so I can get all his answers in his own words and that way I don't skew any of the answers. Some of the ones about colors and such, I'm going to ask as one group of questions. I'm personnaly more interested in technical issues, but I realize the other questions are important to others so I'll ask everything I can. __________________ Invest Wisely...The best mod for your money?? BMWCCA high performance driver's school. The mod that lasts a lifetime and improves the performance of any car you drive[/LEFT]
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-09-2008, 07:48 PM	#49
rmmcdaniel Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 247 Posts Drives: '09 E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Chicago & SF iTrader: (0)	Thanks for reaching out to all of us for questions, very cool of you! __________________ 2009 E90 M3 - Silverstone/Fox Red - M-DCT, CW, PP, TP, 19", Moonroof, Sunshades, PDC, Enhanced Prem Sound, HD Radio, Sat, iPod, Smartphone Integration
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04-09-2008, 08:28 PM	#54
skierman64 Brigadier General 125 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: E92M3-E46M3-E46Wagon-E89Z4-E36 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Greater St Louis Metro area iTrader: (1) Garage List 1994 325is Race Car [0.00] 2011 BMW Z4 [0.00] 1998 M3 Coupe [0.00] 2008 M3 Coupe [0.00]	Here's the list I compiled. Any last additions? 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? 2. Will the Vert M3 be introduced as a MY 2008 or 2009? 3. Will the Individual program will come to the US for the M3? 4. Can we please get Comfort Access as a separate option for non ZTP cars? MY2009? 5. Any chance MDM will be available as either a new standard feature, or a stand-alone option? 6. How will the future 3 series tii fit into a 3 series lineup with a 335 and M3? 7. Will 2009 E90 M3's receive the facelift treatments due for the rest of '09 E90 3-series 8. What is the actual shift time of M-DCT in S6 mode (in milliseconds)? 9. Is US and EU launch control exactly the same or is there a difference like in the M5? 10. Do US M3's have BER? 11. Does the M3 have any limitations (redline, hp, etc.) before 1st (1200 mile) service? 12. Why did the US M3s get different seat bottoms than in EU? Can the Euro seat bottoms be retrofitted on the US version seat. 13. Will dual canister style aftermarket exhaust systems interfere with the differential cooling or aerodynamic effect of the diffuser. 14. Do US and Euro versions of the M3 weigh the same assuming the same options? 15. Was a HUD ever considered for the M3 or was weight a concern? 16. Will there be an M version of the 1 series 17. What auto brand/model is the M's closest competitor? 18. Why is there no discounted Euro delivery or included M experience offered with new M3? 19. Why was a gasoline direct injection system (like on 335i) not employed on this new M3 and do they think they will add it in the future? 20. Will there be a ZCP option offered later? If so, will Brembo multi piston brakes be a part of the ZCP? 21. Why didn't BMW do anything to the calipers to make them look more dressed up 22. Why wasn't front PDC offered in the US. 23. Will the CF-roof ever be offered on the sedan? 24. Why did BMW not incorperate the front reflectors into the front headlamp assembly like the 335 instead of adding the BUTT ugly orange reflectors 25. Will High-beam assistant become a 2009 option since it currently offered on the M3 in Europe? 26. Do you know about the issue with the sale of a M3 on Ebay from the dealer in Lincoln, NE? Any comments? 27. Why was the press told that the DCT would be introduced on the vert when it is in fact being first introduced on the coupe for the first 3 months of production. 28. Does BMW NA monitor the BMW fan forums. If so, does it ever influence decision making at BMW AG or BMW NA? Color Questions 1. For the M3 E93 intro, any new exterior colors being added to the list (like Atlantic Blue, as was done with the 335i E93 intro)? 2. Will Laguna Seca Blue ever be offered on the E9x M3? Is the company that produced the color "out of business" (a) will be available as of next year (b) can be ordered through Individual (c) can be ordered as a special order color __________________ Invest Wisely...The best mod for your money?? BMWCCA high performance driver's school. The mod that lasts a lifetime and improves the performance of any car you drive[/LEFT] Last edited by skierman64; 04-09-2008 at 10:11 PM..
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04-09-2008, 09:28 PM	#56
enigma Captain 13 Rep 689 Posts Drives: E92 M3 and Elise Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Land of the Microchip iTrader: (0)	Why was EDC available but not ARS ? __________________ Manual gearboxes, the rotary dial of cars.
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04-09-2008, 10:06 PM	#59
skierman64 Brigadier General 125 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: E92M3-E46M3-E46Wagon-E89Z4-E36 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Greater St Louis Metro area iTrader: (1) Garage List 1994 325is Race Car [0.00] 2011 BMW Z4 [0.00] 1998 M3 Coupe [0.00] 2008 M3 Coupe [0.00]	Does anyone know what BER is? __________________ Invest Wisely...The best mod for your money?? BMWCCA high performance driver's school. The mod that lasts a lifetime and improves the performance of any car you drive[/LEFT]
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04-09-2008, 11:09 PM	#63
skierman64 Brigadier General 125 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: E92M3-E46M3-E46Wagon-E89Z4-E36 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Greater St Louis Metro area iTrader: (1) Garage List 1994 325is Race Car [0.00] 2011 BMW Z4 [0.00] 1998 M3 Coupe [0.00] 2008 M3 Coupe [0.00]	I didn't know what you meant until I saw the Homer pic. Thanks for the pictorial representation. __________________ Invest Wisely...The best mod for your money?? BMWCCA high performance driver's school. The mod that lasts a lifetime and improves the performance of any car you drive[/LEFT]
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04-09-2008, 11:16 PM	#64
GewoW #thatsanicemovebro 202 Rep 3,920 Posts Drives: E92 M3 LSB/Black 6MT Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Montreal, Canada iTrader: (4) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [9.34]	Images speak words my friend...lol
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04-10-2008, 12:48 AM	#65
sayemthree Major General 597 Rep 5,448 Posts Drives: ‘20 X3mC ‘20 Raptor ‘04 X3 6mt Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: usa so cal , AZ iTrader: (0)	ask: Is the lexus IS-f really a better car? now really, I had the same opportunity in 1998 with the then M brand manager at that time and had an audeience of about 50 to 100 people- number of questions I got to ask = 0. gud luk. __________________ Fore Sale Rare 6 speed manual X3 3.oi silver over grey. PM me
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04-10-2008, 02:08 AM	#66
swamp2 Lieutenant General 609 Rep 10,407 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Diego, CA USA iTrader: (3)	Tell him you are both a soon to be owner and "reporting" for an avid online M3 forum with a very large readership! Some of the questions now seem very subjective, ametuerish or frankly unimportant. Don't mean to be harsh but just my frank opinion. Rather than trying to please everyone, I'd really think hard and pare the list down to increase your chances of getting some responses. Good luck, we all really appreciate your great effort here.
	Appreciate 0 Quote