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      05-27-2013, 11:40 AM   #25
SickFinga
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Artemis View Post
I guess the 1M in the pictures is a 1M, but BMW simply allocated an 'old' VIN. Very likely the VIN allocator did not feature yet a 1M category at that time, so they 'pigeon-holed' this prototype in an existing category: 135i.
Highly unlikely. Look at the camouflaged pre-production cars. They are clearly 135i with fender flares and covered moon roof panels. Building on top of the regular production car before going into series is pretty common. The E39 M5 touring was also built on top of the 540i and it has a 540i VIN. The E31 test mule was built on top of the E24.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Artemis View Post
And yes, BMW knows that enthusiasts and spyshot spotters check VIN codes.
Now they know, but not a couple of months ago. After someone here leaked the M3/M4 VIN numbers they shut down the source pretty quick. Also once the car is released to the public, they could care less if someone looks at the VIN on the press photos.
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