Autoblog

BMW South Africa shows off first F30-based 3 Series racer

Zach Bowman — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Etc., BMW, Racing

The BMW 3 Series and racing go together like slicks and dry asphalt, so it's no surprise that the world now has its first competition-prepped version of the new F30. According to BMWBlog, BMW South Africa has partnered up with ADF Motorsport to create the 335i racer you see above. The sedan is set to debut at the Wesbank Super Series at Killarney in Cape Town on March 31. All told, the vehicle took less than two months to build with a price tag of $260,000.

The N55 turbo straight six is bereft of power-adding tweaks due to series regulations thta include a restrictor plate on the turbo and limited boost. ADF and friends have worked over the turbo, exhaust, and ECU, however, so the powertrain is still good for over 400 horsepower and 440 pound-feet of torque - a tidy increase over the 300/300 ratings of the standard production cars.

In addition, the car's curb weight has been trimmed down to 2,998 pounds. Much of that savings was realized using carbon fiber components from the M Performance catalog. The team also borrowed a set of 14.5-inch front brake discs and 18 inch wheels from the minds at M. ADF Motorsport says this is the first example of a production-based direct-injected racecar.

BMW South Africa shows off first F30-based 3 Series racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next-gen BMW 335i works on its craft at the 'Ring

Zach Bowman — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Europe, BMW

2013 BMW 335i Spy Shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW is continuing to work away on the 2013 3 Series, and our spy photographers managed to click off a few photos of what appears to be the 335i sedan cranking out a few hot laps at the Nurburgring. The shots show a vehicle with slightly less aggressive camouflage than anything we've seen in the past, though details as to what we can expect from the next-generation 3 are still markedly absent. Given that the four-door in the photos is rocking an aggressive dual-exhaust treatment, we'd say there's likely a forced-induction inline six kicking power to the rear wheels.

If that's not obvious enough for you, we can even speculate that the tires are probably made of rubber. But don't quote us on that.

BMW has kept its secrets wrapped up but good concerning the next-generation 3 Series, though there are some whispers kicking around the web indicating that lower-rung trims may slip to a forced-induction four-cylinder engine. Stay tuned.

Next-gen BMW 335i works on its craft at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Class action suit alleges BMW N54 turbo engine unsafe, causes Unintended Deceleration

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, Safety, Technology, BMW

2010 BMW 335i - Click above for high-res image gallery

The award-winning BMW N54 inline-six has been a hit around the world since it made its debut in the 2006 E90 335i. The twin-turbocharged engine produces around 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque and many have actually suggested that the Bavarian automaker's power figures have been conservative. When it came out, BMW promised this engine would virtually eliminate turbo lag, increase performance and improve fuel economy at the same time. In fact, it was so confident in its new engine that it spread it around, adding it to its 1, 3 and 5 Series cars, along with its Z4 sports cars and X6 crossovers.

Unfortunately, the N54 has also seen its fair share of owner complaints. Most notably, unhappy BMW drivers allege having two very important issues with the wündermill; the high-pressure fuel pump has a very high failure rate and a defect in the design of the turbochargers requires they be tweaked so as not to run at full capacity. Many BMW owners have officially had it with the N54 engine and a class-action lawsuit has kicked into gear.

Read the rest after the jump...

Gallery: Review: 2010 BMW 335i Sedan

Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Sources: Kershaw, Cutter and Ratinoff, LLC, BimmerFest, Daily Finance]

Continue reading Class action suit alleges BMW N54 turbo engine unsafe, causes Unintended Deceleration

Class action suit alleges BMW N54 turbo engine unsafe, causes Unintended Deceleration originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dyno Tested: BMW's past and present turbo sixes

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury

2010 BMW 335i Sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has always had a gem of an inline-six on its hands, regardless of which particular powerplant you're referring to. But over the last couple of years, it's the German automaker's turbocharged 3.0-liter N54 engines that have been lighting enthusiasts hearts afire, and steering more than a few buyers away from the M3 and into the seat of a 335i. And when the N54 proliferated across the rest of the automaker's lineup, it was well-received in nearly every application.

For 2011, though, there's a new engine in town, and the big question is whether or not the single-turbo N55 is better than the previous twin-turbo N54 or, at the very least, not worse. Helping shed some light on the matter is the crew from Automobile Magazine, who managed to snag a trio of various N54-powered 3-Series' - one of which was the hotted-up 2011 335is, which uses a high-output version of the old N54 - along with one new model powered by an N55.

And the results? Well, it's pretty much more of the same: good peak horsepower (266 horses) and a nicely flat mid-heavy torque curve, cresting at a stout 302 pound-feet. But we'd be remiss if we didn't point out that the new N55, while seemingly offering less turbo lag than its predecessor, appears to be a wee bit less powerful overall than the N54. Progress?

Gallery: Review: 2010 BMW 335i Sedan

Photos by Zach Bowman / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

Dyno Tested: BMW's past and present turbo sixes originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 BMW 335i Sedan is what we've been missing

Zach Bowman — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, BMW, New Car Reviews, Luxury

2010 BMW 335i Sedan - Click above for high-res image gallery

We like to think of ourselves as a voice of the people - a place for the proletariat of the interwebs who clamor for an honest take on the latest automotive hardware. To that end, we've always viewed the constant stream of fawning over BMW with something of a jaundice eye. We get it. The company builds good products, but does it really deserve wave after wave of gushing prose in every car magazine? Even more troubling, does the 3 Series deserve its honored position as the benchmark against which all other mid-sized sports sedans must be measured?

In a word, yes. We say that almost against our plebeian nature, but if you've come searching for a scathing tear-down of the bread-and-butter 3, best point your clickers elsewhere. After a full week with the 2010 BMW 335i sedan, we've come to understand why the bastions of auto-journodom have spent the last 10 years drinking the BMW Kool-Aid. It's just that good. Read on to find out why the latest 3 Series continues the tradition.

Gallery: Review: 2010 BMW 335i Sedan

Continue reading Review: 2010 BMW 335i Sedan is what we've been missing

Review: 2010 BMW 335i Sedan is what we've been missing originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GSR Autosport BMW 350R: Part III - Testing, tuning and qualifying

Michael Harley — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, BMW, Specialty, Racing

GSR Autosport BMW 350R - Click above to watch the progress of the build

The BMW V10 ripped from an M5 and transplanted into a 3 Series does turn over on the first try - but then it starts to backfire. The GSR Autosport team shuts it down promptly and dials Apex Speed Technology. The engine and its related electronics are the most sophisticated part of the 350R. Its digital ECU is tasked with controlling fuel, spark, four-cam VANOS, dual drive-by-wire, electronic oil pumps and a variable-speed electric cooling fan. Without delay, the experts diagnose the problem (exhaust cams) and download a few fixes to the S85B50's ECU. Set straight, the BMW Motorsport engine growls without a hiccup.

Once the engine is warmed, Michael Essa does exactly what most of us would do - he takes the brand-new 350R for a celebratory spin around the block at the industrial complex and does screaming donuts in the middle of the empty street.

Gallery: GSR Autosport BMW 350R

Continue reading GSR Autosport BMW 350R: Part III - Testing, tuning and qualifying

GSR Autosport BMW 350R: Part III - Testing, tuning and qualifying originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GSR Autosport BMW 350R: Part II - We decimate a 335i and a Formula Drift racecar materializes

Michael Harley — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, BMW, Specialty

GSR Autosport BMW 350R - Click above to watch the progress of the build

Formula DRIFT is recognized as the North American professional drifting championship series. Autoblog has been invited behind-the-scenes with GSR Autosport, and their driver Michael Essa, as the team builds, tests and campaigns a V10-powered BMW 350R during the 2010 racing season. This is the second installment in our series (see Part 1) as we follow the team throughout the creation, testing and race season.

Armed with a 2008 BMW 335i coupe, a shattered BMW M5 and boxes of components stacked around the shop, the team gets busy tearing the near-perfect 3 Series apart. The bumpers, doors, hood and trunk go first, followed by the glass sunroof and remaining sheet metal on the roof (hundreds of spot welds must be painstakingly drilled out). The stock twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter N54 is carefully removed and put aside. The interior is completely gutted and the heavy glass front, side and back windows are cut out. The chassis sits bare on the cold concrete shop floor.

Gallery: GSR Autosport BMW 350R

Continue reading GSR Autosport BMW 350R: Part II - We decimate a 335i and a Formula Drift racecar materializes

GSR Autosport BMW 350R: Part II - We decimate a 335i and a Formula Drift racecar materializes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW to launch 335iS coupe to slot in above new 335i, below M3

Noah Joseph — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW 335i - Click above for high-res image gallery

Now that BMW has replaced the twin-turbo 335i with the new twin-scroll, direct injection model, the question everyone's been asking - and by everyone, we mean Bimmer fanatics - is what will happen to the outgoing N44 engine? The new N55 produces the same power and the same torque, but with a flatter curve that makes the grunt more accessible. Yet as every BMW tuner knows, the outgoing N44 has more potential. So the answer, according to reports, is BMW's plan to offer a new model dubbed the 335is.

Like the almost-an-M Z4 sDrive35is that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show last week, the new 335is is tipped to get a revised version of the twin-turbo inline-six, producing 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque (with overboost unleashing 369 lb-ft). Coupled with an M-Sport appearance package with a blacked-out grille and matching mirrors, and a choice of either six-speed manual or (for the first time outside of the M range) seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and you're looking at the hottest dreiwagen this side of an M3. The run from 0 to 60 is expected to be dispatched in five seconds flat, with a top speed limited to 149 mph instead of 130.

The best part, however, is that - according to reports and some leaked documents - the 335is is slated to launch in the North American market before being considered for anywhere else. Finally some payback for all those hot European models we've been longing for from the opposite shore.

Gallery: 2011 BMW 335i coupe and convertible

[Source: Autocar, E90Post]

Report: BMW to launch 335iS coupe to slot in above new 335i, below M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pics Aplenty: 2011 BMW 335i coupe & convertible go snap-happy

Noah Joseph — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW 335i coupe and convertible - Click above for high-res image gallery

The BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible rank among the hottest sellers not only for BMW, but also in their respective segments. They're the benchmark against which rivals compare themselves and the target for both driving dynamics and sales figures. So when Munich unveils an update for both, you can expect to see them in short order in every parking lot and on every street corner and stretch of highway. But since the veil was lifted on the updated two-door Threes just yesterday, we're glad to oblige with one big gallery of images to hold you over in the meantime.

For a quick refresher, BMW has given the 3 Series coupe and convertible a minor facelift for the new model year, comprised principally of a revised front end with new headlights and wider twin-kidney grilles, new taillights, refreshed side mirror housings and restyled bumpers front and rear. Inside the convertible gets a solar reflective leather treatment aimed at keeping surfaces cooler in direct sunlight, and for the first time ever, BMW will be offering its xDrive all-wheel-drive system on the coupe, dropping a coupe of milliseconds off the acceleration times.

The big news, though, is the new N55 engine, a direct-injection, twin-scroll single-turbocharged inline-six that replaces the twin-turbo engine in the 335i with identical (but, crucially, more accessible) output figures. Check out the coupe, convertible and new engine in our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 BMW 335i coupe and convertible

[Source: BMW]

Pics Aplenty: 2011 BMW 335i coupe & convertible go snap-happy originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible get refreshed, 335i gets single turbo

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW 3 Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

The next-generation BMW 3 Series isn't that far off, with the sedan expected to debut sometime in 2011 as a 2012 model. Yet the Munich brand isn't sitting on its hands in the meantime - the current 3 Series coupe and convertible are getting a mild refresh and updated powerplants this spring for the 2011 model year. The most immediately noticeable change are headlamp clusters that get a subtle reshaping to go along with a wider grille and reworked lower front fascia. At the rear, the taillamps retain the same shape, but the reflectors are redesigned with some of the light-pipe styling found in other recent Bimmers.

The 3 Series coupe will now be offered with xDrive all-wheel drive, while the 3 Series convertible gets a new solar reflective leather upholstery that BMW claims helps keep seat temperatures down when the lid is open.

The most significant updates come underhood, where the much lauded twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is being replaced by a new single turbo version. The revised engine, dubbed N55, has recently been launched in the 740i and the 535i Gran Turismo. The twin scroll turbo has dual exhaust inlets that allow the engineers to better balance the pulses coming in to spin up the turbine faster. This is expected to reduce the turbo lag that some drivers complained about with the outgoing twin turbo setup.

BMW also claims it has reduced cold-start emissions by routing all the exhaust gases through a single, larger catalytic converter that heats up faster. On the intake side, the throttle is eliminated thanks to the addition of BMW's Valvetronic variable valve control system. The N55 also gets direct fuel injection. The end result is the same 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque as before, but with a fatter torque curve that maintains its peak from 1,200-5,000 rpm.

Gallery: 2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading 2011 BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible get refreshed, 335i gets single turbo

2011 BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible get refreshed, 335i gets single turbo originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 16 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ATT Autotechnik drops BMW 335i Doppelturbo-Cabriolet

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Convertible, Performance, Europe, BMW

ATT Autotechnik Doppelturbo-Cabriolet - click above for high-res image gallery

This is the problem: According to ATT Autotechnik -- the M3 Convertible is so good, why bother with any other 3 Series convertibles? And they have a point... until now! Meet ATT's new Doppleturbo-Cabriolet. What they've done is to take a regular BMW 335i convertible and make it quicker. How much quicker?

The regular 335i is rated at 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque (though, of course, those numbers are underrated a bit). The Doppleturbo on the other hand makes 356 hp and 388 lb-ft of torque. A little less power than the M3 (414 hp) but nearly 25% more torque (the M3 makes just 300 lb-ft). You also get a stainless steel exhaust and big, good looking 20-inch, 20-spoke wheels (though some more brakes would be nice, at least visually speaking). But is it any good?

Well, in the past we've seen BMW tuners do the whole less-horses-more-torques thing with good results. Anybody remember Alpina's take on the Z8? Essentially, rather than use the E39's high-strung 5.0-liter V8, Alpina bored out a 4.4-liter BMW V8 to 4.8-liters. The results were 375 hp (vs. 394 hp) and 383 lb-ft of twist (vs. 368 lb-ft) and according to all lucky enough to drive the car, a much preferable grand tourer to the "stock" car. Could ATT Autotechnik have worked the same magic with the Doppelturbo? Maybe. Awkwardly translated press release after the jump.

Gallery: ATT Autotechnik Doppelturbo-Cabriolet

[Source: att-tec.com]

Continue reading ATT Autotechnik drops BMW 335i Doppelturbo-Cabriolet

ATT Autotechnik drops BMW 335i Doppelturbo-Cabriolet originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Evidence mounting that 2010 Audi S4 is underrated

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, Audi, Luxury

To many people, Audi is replacing BMW as the go-to yuppie-mobile of choice. For one thing, Walter de'Silva's designs are almost universally lauded (Q7 notwithstanding) whereas the new crop of Bangled Bimmers are... controversial to put it as nicely as humanly possible. But it's not just down to looks and interior -- it can't be.

For the past decade or so Audi, BMW and of course Mercedes-Benz have all been engaged in mercilessly meeting each other tit-for-tat. 3/5/7 Series vs. 4/6/8 vs. C/E/S-Class, M/AMG/S, X5/ML/Q7, etc. It goes on forever. But the point is, Audi and BMW appear to be on equal footing and it looks like Audi has taken the copycat game to new heights.

Everyone knows that the BMW 335i is the most underrated car currently on the market in terms of raw thrust and grunt. BMW claims 300 hp and 300 torques, but even dogs know that BMW's trick 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine puts out much closer to 350 hp and 350 tire-spinning pound feet of torque. Why? Well, lower insurance rates for their customers probably isn't one of the reasons. However, remember that when the E90/E92 3 Series came out, BMW was still selling the 333 horsepower E46 M3. Meaning that it would be pretty hard to sell an older, $55,000 car with less power than a newer and just as quick $40,000 car. Or so the theory goes, though we should point out that BMW engineers angrily call us liars when we bring this scenario up.

And guess what? Looks like Audi is pulling the same trick with their new supercharged S4. Volkswagen and Audi tuner APR stuck a 2010 Audi S4 on an AWD-dyno and discovered the following. Instead of the 333 hp and 325 torques Audi is claiming, they pulled 331 hp and 336 pound-feet of torque... at the wheels! Figuring that AWD cars have about a 20% parasitic drivetrain power loss, the actual crank output of the S4 is huge. How huge? By our calculations just about 400 horsepower/torques. Gulp. Tip of the Audi driving cap to Brenton!

Gallery: Review: 2010 Audi S4

[Source: Quattro World]

REPORT: Evidence mounting that 2010 Audi S4 is underrated originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW to release 3 Series hatch similar to 5 Series GT

Dan Roth — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:57:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, BMW, Rumormill

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

Wagons are apparently so outre that we're now seeing mish-mash vehicles like crossovers hiding the truth that, at their core, they're just wagons. BMW is no stranger to this - witness the recent 5 Series GT. Looking to build on the Grand Turismo variants of its wares, BMW is reportedly developing a 3 Series GT, expected to launch for 2011. The details haven't changed since the last time we posted about this vehicle, but BMW is nodding its corporate head that ja, there will be such a car.

The 335 Grand Turismo will bridge the gap between the 3 and 5 Series cars, a narrow one at that. The tailgate should be a two-position affair, like the 5er, and it's possible that four- and five-place configurations may be offered. If it happens, diesel and gasoline engines are expected, though any M3 version is probably not going to happen. Why this might be any more successful against such competition as the Audi A4 Avant than would a traditional 3 Series wagon is a mystery, but maybe BMW has struck on the magic formula that makes ungainly cars a hot commodity.

Gallery: First Drive: BMW 535i Gran Turismo

[Source: Channel 4]

REPORT: BMW to release 3 Series hatch similar to 5 Series GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW Performance to offer power kit for twin-turbo'd 3.0-liter

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, BMW

When the BMW 335i arrived in 2007, tuners jumped at the chance to boost the boosted 3.0-liter inline-six. After a few ECU tweaks, the new 3 series was putting out an additional 70-80 hp and a commensurate increase in torque, and once the 135i and 535i arrived, the market grew accordingly.

Recognizing that owners are willing to let their new rides go under the electronic knife, BMW has decided that the aftermarket shouldn't be the only avenue available for drivers looking for more punch from the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter. The automaker will begin offering an upgrade for the 135i, 335i and 535i in Europe, and it's rumored to be available in the U.S. sometime in April.

However, owners opting for the BMW Performance Power Kit shouldn't expect the same output available from the aftermarket. The kit, which consists of a software upgrade and a new cooling apparatus, will only net an additional 20 hp and 37 lb-ft of torque. That pales in comparison to the 400+ hp that Vishnu customers enjoy, but for those wary of venturing into the aftermarket, it's a solid offering that doesn't risk a warranty-voiding trip to the dealer.

[Source: Bimmerfile]

BMW Performance to offer power kit for twin-turbo'd 3.0-liter originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Feb 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW owners claim software update degrades performance

Merritt Johnson — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, BMW

BMW's N54 engine has won the International Engine of the Year award for the past two straight years. It has also been listed as one of Ward's 10 Best Engines during the same period. The engine produces 306 hp and 295 ft-lbs of torque in a 3.0L inline six package thanks to the use of twin Mitsubishi turbochargers and direct injection. The N54's quick response and smooth torque curve has been an attraction for many enthusiasts, including myself - I call my Montego Blue coupe the turbo Cookie Monster. That is why a few BMW 335i owners are miffed by a feeling of reduced performance after a recent service update. Posters on the BMW forum e90post.com claim that a software update to adjust rattling wastegate valves has induced lag into the turbochargers that wasn't there before.

As illustrated in the gallery below, the N54 turbochargers differ from most setups in that the wastegates default to the open position. This allows for better emissions due to the ability of the exhaust gas to bypass the turbochargers on start up so the catalytic converters can heat up faster. It certainly follows suit that BMW has the ability to adjust the ECU settings in order to hold those wastegates open, thus altering the turbochargers' peak boost point and adding to the perception of lag. Currently all performance degradation discussion has been based on seat of the pants feel, along with increased exhaust noise and fuel consumption. Despite the claims, BMW North America and service centers have, thus far, found no critical issue with the new settings. If owners want to present true evidence, they should use a simple OBD scanner device to data log the manifold pressure or simply run a dyno comparison test. Thanks for the tip everyone!

Gallery: BMW N54 Engine and Turbos

[Source: e90Post.com]

BMW owners claim software update degrades performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW 3-Series facelift

Dan Roth — Sat, 31 May 2008 10:07:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, BMW

For those fond of delving deep into E90 minutiae, these are the best shots yet showing off the subtle changes coming to the BMW 3-series. For the rest of us, the tweaks are largely inconsequential. World Car Fans has unearthed some of the clearest shots yet, and the change that most people will notice are the taillamps, which look to get a slightly different shape. It even appears that the cutlines between the taillamp pieces on the trunklid won't line up with the rest of the cluster mounted in the quarter panel - asymmetry. The mirrors look to gain large repeaters for the blinkers, possibly just a camouflage ruse, and minor updates likely go on inside and underhood, too. Also likely to be quite noticeable once the wraps come off is a reshaped front fascia, which appears to place foglamps next to the license plate. Overall, a mild refreshing until a new 3-series can be whipped up. In the meantime, the new 7 will set the template for BMWs to come.

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shots: BMW 3-Series facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 May 2008 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: WebridesTV pits the BMW M3 against the Dinan 335i

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 30 May 2008 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW

Click above to view the shoot-out between the BMW M3 and the Dinan 335i.

This is a head-to-head battle we've been waiting to see: BMW's new M3 versus a Dinan-tuned 335i coupe. But we're only going to talk numbers and let the video tell the tale.

The BMW 335i has proven itself as a credible player in the sports coupe segment, particularly with a tweaked ECU to extract maximum output from its twin-turbo'd 3.0-liter inline-six. Dinan announced its Stage 3 package a few months back, which includes a fully-adjustable suspension and a handful of engine mods that bring output up to 406 hp and a kidney-punishing 460 lb.-ft. of torque (at 4,300 RPM). But it doesn't come cheap. All the necessary Dinan kit to get it up to Stage 3 spec (and get that nifty badge on the boot) costs around $14,000. But compared to the ~~$71,000~~ $56,500 (no mark-up, no oxygen) base price of the new M3, it's still a steal. While the M3 has the peak horsepower advantage, you can't ignore the allure of the Dinan 335i's torque and lower curb weight. Will it be enough to match the M3? Hit the jump to find out.

Continue reading VIDEO: WebridesTV pits the BMW M3 against the Dinan 335i

VIDEO: WebridesTV pits the BMW M3 against the Dinan 335i originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 May 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi A5 convertible coming in 2009

Michael Harley — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 13:43:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Audi

We reported exactly one year ago today that an Audi A5 convertible was in the works. Word's out now that the upcoming drop-top will be manufactured in Neckarsulm, a city in northern Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany. The Audi RS 4 will be the new A5 vert's assembly line buddy at this plant.

The new topless Audi will most likely be fitted with the 3.2-liter FSI V6, which will square up the car nicely with the BMW 328i convertible. However, when the rumored 354-hp V8 S5 convertible shows up, it will go head-to-head with the twin-turbo six-cylinder 300-hp BMW 335i convertible. Unlike the Bimmers with their folding hardtops, the Audi convertibles will have electric soft-tops to save weight (and cost, no doubt). The A5 convertible isn't expected to debut until January 2009 at the Detroit Auto Show, and we've already got our hotel rooms booked (just kidding, we're so not that organized).

[Source: Automobilwoche via eGMCarTech]

Audi A5 convertible coming in 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dinan gets around to offering ECU upgrade for BMW's 335i

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Sedan, BMW

Dinan, renowned tuners of all things from the propeller people, have finally decided to offer an ECU upgrade for owners of BMW's delectable 335i. The reflashed upgrade necessitates the installation of either BMW's or Dinan's oil cooler, but once the Bimmer's brain is reprogrammed, throttle response is sharpened, the top-speed governor is removed and power levels jump to 384 hp at 5,700 rpm and a kidney pummeling 421 lb.-ft. of torque at 4,300 rpm.

While other companies have been at it for a while (ahem, Vishnu), the Dinan crew is able to offer something that other tuners haven't: a warranty that coincides with BMW's own. The cost, however, is steep, coming in at $1,999 for the reflash alone. Piece of mind - and tuning products for BMWs overall - doesn't come cheap, but for those who want to extract the twin-turbo'd inline-six's full potential, this may be one of the best mods to date.

[Source: e90post.com]

Thanks for the tip, Dmat!

Dinan gets around to offering ECU upgrade for BMW's 335i originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Dec 2007 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese makes dominate Consumer Reports Car Owner Satisfaction Survey

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

Consumer Reports released its Car Owner Satisfaction Survey results and brands hailing from the Land of the Rising Sun accounted for nearly half of the winners. Toyota took 10 of the top 39 spots, including the Prius, where nine-out-of-ten owners said they'd buy it again given the chance. U.S. automakers didn't fare as well, only taking seven spots, but the addition of the V6-powered Ford Fusion and Saturn Aura proved that Detroit is making inroads in the family car segment. Despite many domestic models getting tagged "least satisfying" there's been a significant up tick in the U.S. automaker's standings.

Also of note, European models made up 12-percent of the list, particularly the BMW 335i and Porsche Boxster, which rivaled the Prius for owner gratification. The Hyundai Azera and Santa Fe also made the "most satisfying" cut, which is determined if 80-percent of owners said they would buy or lease the model again.

Consumer Reports' full press release is available after the jump.

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Japanese makes dominate Consumer Reports Car Owner Satisfaction Survey originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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