Autoblog

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.

Continue reading Japanese makes dominate Consumer Reports Car Owner Satisfaction Survey

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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Vote for CNET's Tech Car of the Year

Chris Tutor — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Technology

In case you somehow hadn't noticed(?!), it's not only deer and turkey season, it's also automotive award season. And here's yet another trophy for those keeping track of all of them. CNET.com wants you to help decide their 2006 Tech Car of the Year Award winner. They've done the hard work and weeded out the really big turkeys to give you a list of some real dears.

In early voting, the Lexus LS460 L, with its 19-speaker sound system, live traffic GPS and self-parking system is leading the other nine contenders. So what's it gonna be for you? Acura's RDX with voice commands? Audi's adaptive-suspension-equipped Q7? BMW's 335i with its adaptive cruise control and iDrive? Or are you more a Cadillac guy, voting for the Escalade with OnStar?

See the other five contestants after the jump.

[Source: CNET]

Continue reading Vote for CNET's Tech Car of the Year

Vote for CNET's Tech Car of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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