Nice pics from Gabe at Motoringfile from US press event (also M3 pics)

[enzo65]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bridger/

[TazioNYC]

Interesting that the shifter is leather wrapped...I thought that all cars would get the silver trim shifter in the brochure.

[DimaGt]

Originally Posted by TazioNYC

Interesting that the shifter is leather wrapped...I thought that all cars would get the silver trim shifter in the brochure.

Sport Package. Look it up on BMWUSA.com

[TazioNYC]

It just talks about the paddles for the auto, not the stick. And the brochure says the car shows the Sport Package and it has the metal-trimmed shifter. Am I looking in the wrong place?

[joelk]

there hasn't been official documentation of the M-shifter but every time we've seen the sport pack on a 1er it has been there. it's pretty safe to assume it's coming even though not documented.

[TazioNYC]

Disappointing...I'm probably in a minority, but I liked the look of the standard shifter. Distinctive. The M shifter looks like every other one I've ever had in my cars.

[ScullyD]

Agreed about the shifter, easily replaced for 150 bucks if you want. One of the reasons I didn't go for the Sport Package. Also, i'm gonna step out and say, if you aren't a lemming following all the people off the Alpine White bridge, Crimson Red is the 2nd best color for this car. I even kinda wish I opted for it instead.

[joelk]

i bet there would be plenty of people on this board that would do a swap

[Disasterpiece]

Great quality pics! Thanks.

[SpeedFrq]

great pics - especially the red ones

[redwood]

I prefer the leather shifter. I don't need metal touching my bare hand in the Texas heat.