Autoblog

BMW offers M Performance Power Kit for 2012 335i sedan

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Etc., BMW, Luxury

BMW has let loose a new M Performance Power Kit for its F30-generation 335i and 335i xDrive sedans. Starting at $1,100 for the kit - installation is extra - your car will be fitted with a new ECU and air intake on the functional side and an M Performance engine cover and rocker panel stickers on the decorative side. The Power Kit raises the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder's horsepower rating from 300 to 320, and on automatic models, torque gets a boost from 300 pound-feet to 332 lb-ft - manual transmission models get a smaller bump to 317 lb-ft.

According to the Bavarian automaker, you'll be able to hear the change in the overrun exhaust note, and 0-60 mile-per-hour times drop by 0.2 seconds. The package is available now at all BMW Centers in the US, and if you get it installed when you purchase the car new, it will get the same four-year, 50,000-mile warranty as the vehicle. Have it done after the fact and the kit will be warranted for two years and unlimited miles. There's a press release below with some more details.

Continue reading BMW offers M Performance Power Kit for 2012 335i sedan

BMW offers M Performance Power Kit for 2012 335i sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW confirms M Performance parts for 3 and 5 Series models

Zach Bowman — Tue, 18 Dec 2012 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury

BMW has pulled back the curtain on a stack of M Performance parts for the 3 and 5 Series. Those include a spate of exterior aerodynamic tweaks, including a front splitter, unique rockers, a rear spoiler and a lower rear diffuser on the 3 Series. Likewise, 5 Series buyers can look forward to optioning up their sedans with an M Performance rear diffuser and a carbon fiber front splitter. Outside, the 3 Series can also be gussied up with a couple of graphics packages, but the kit isn't just for show.

Owners can snap up a sharper suspension kit for the 3 Series comprised of new coil springs that lower the car by 20 millimeters compared to the factory bits. Special 20-inch double-spoke wheels can also be had wrapped in Pirelli P Zero runflat rubber, though we're more excited to hear about the optional Brembo brake system. With four-piston calipers in the front pressing on 14.6-inch discs and two-piston calipers in the rear mated with 13.6 inch rotors, the hardware should add some serious stopping performance. Owners with a set of 5 Series keys in their pockets can also enjoy a new free-breathing exhaust as well as M Performance 20-inch wheels.

That sweet M Performance electronic steering wheel we recently saw in action has officially made its way to the option sheet for the 2013 3 Series, and 5 Series buyers can snap up a non-electronic flat-bottom piece for themselves. A littering of aluminum and carbon fiber trim pieces may also be had. Check out the full press release below for more information.

Continue reading BMW confirms M Performance parts for 3 and 5 Series models

BMW confirms M Performance parts for 3 and 5 Series models originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M offers steering wheel with integrated computer and readout

Zach Bowman — Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Europe, Technology, BMW, Luxury

We see quite a few factory performance parts come through our inbox, but few warrant more than a cursory glance. That said, BMW grabbed our eye with its new M Performance steering wheel. Trimmed in carbon fiber and alcantara, the tiller is slick enough, but it also features two readouts to convey all sorts of vehicle information. Two color LED strips at 11 and 1 o'clock swing from green to red with engine rpm to serve as a shift light, and they can also be reconfigured to act as a drag-strip Christmas tree for timing your quarter-mile mile runs.

A small LCD display sits at 12 o'clock, and can be set up to convey everything from vehicle speed and g-load to oil and coolant temperature. We're a little less smitten with the notion of shoving yet another display in our faces, but the gadgetry is slick. Of course, the wheel isn't free. BMW offers the wheels on 1 Series, 3 Series and M cars built since 2006, and the upgrade will set you back $1,700. That's a lot of coin for something that won't make you any quicker around your favorite track. Check it out in action in the video below. You can also head over to the BMW site for more information.

Continue reading BMW M offers steering wheel with integrated computer and readout

BMW M offers steering wheel with integrated computer and readout originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW debuts M Performance add-ons for 3 Series

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Paris Motor Show, BMW, Luxury

The next-generation M3 is indeed coming, but if you simply can't wait for the hardcore M model, BMW will now sell you new M Performance add-ons for the 3 Series sedan, a whole host of which have been fitted to one of the show cars here in Paris. And don't worry - these optional extras aren't all show and no go.

BMW's show car started as a 335i M Sport sedan, but was upfitted with 20-inch light alloy wheels, an M Performance braking system, upgraded suspension and an aero package. Other bits of visual flare include a rear spoiler, carbon fiber mirror caps and blacked-out grille kidneys. And while BMW's release only details power upgrades for four-cylinder diesel models, the 335i shown here uses the catalog's engine silencer system which, contrary to its name, is said to deliver a decidedly sportier sound to both the engine and exhaust notes.

Inside, there's an M Performance steering wheel with Race Display (a small screen that displays some of the vehicle's vital stats), stainless steel pedals and Alcantara trim found throughout the cabin. And of course, there's plenty of "M Performance" badging. You know, to really drive the point home.

But these upgrades aren't just for 3 Series owners. Oh, no. BMW will offer these specific parts on other models, including the 1 Series, 5 Series and 6 Series. See the hotted-up 3er for yourself in the gallery above, and click below for a whole smattering of details in BMW's press release.

Continue reading BMW debuts M Performance add-ons for 3 Series

BMW debuts M Performance add-ons for 3 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW replacing 'is' with M Performance models

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 16:01:00 EST

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

Since the end of the Detroit Auto Show this year we've been getting more details on the coming line of M Performance vehicles from BMW. Taking their spots between the standard line and the true M vehicles, examples like the 2012 BMW X6 M50d and M550d xDrive (neither of which will come here) get tweaks developed by the M division under the hood, in the cabin and around the exterior, mated to traditional items like torque converter automatic transmissions instead of dual-clutch gearboxes.

Their arrival here is planned for the 2014 Detroit Auto Show starting with the M235i coupe (the coupe and convertible versions of what we know now as the 135is, pictured), and when that happens a report in Car and Driver says M Performance models will replace the "is" trim as the next-generation BMWs are being introduced. That would mean cars like the 335is become the M335i sedan and M435i coupe and convertible. Initial M flavors right now are expected to include the Z4, 1, 2, 3 and 4 Series.

The original announcement from BMW claimed that the M Performance vehicles would receive "exclusive engines," but the C/D report suggests that might not be the case. The mag also says that we'll see the M335i or M435i as soon as next year.

BMW replacing 'is' with M Performance models originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Aug 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M Performance models bound for U.S.

Michael Harley — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW

BMW's new M Performance models, enthusiast-tuned vehicles slotted below the hardcore M models but above the standard lineup, will start rolling into the States in early 2014. First in line will reportedly be the M235i coupe, set to debut at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show, according to Autoweek.

As BMW is renaming the coupe and convertible models the 2 Series (the hatchback will retain its 1 Series nomenclature), the M235i coupe will be the official successor to the 1 Series M Coupe (shown above) which quickly sold out in our market last year after just 600 examples were offered for sale (worldwide, the production run was 6,000 units).

Autoweek is reporting that the M235i coupe will be fitted with BMW's N55 engine, a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six rated at 316 horsepower, mated to a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Rear-wheel drive will be standard, but all-wheel drive may be offered in some markets. Eventually, the automaker is expected to add an M235i convertible with a cloth roof and the same powertrain and driveline as the coupe.

BMW M Performance models bound for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW teases new M3 and M5 M Performance Editions

Jeff Sabatini — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Videos, BMW, UK

BMW has posted two teasers to YouTube, previewing M Performance versions of both the M3 and M5. These look to be specially produced for the UK market, and limited to just 30 units of each model in either red, white or blue.

Little information accompanies the low-res videos, saving that each of the cars is being fitted with "an impressively high specification of standard equipment" and that the 30 cars will be split up into 10 of each color. All three hues will feature BMW's "frozen" paint, the matte finish we're familiar with from the 2011 M3 Frozen Gray Coupe.

Scroll down to watch both videos and their accompanying dubstep soundtracks.

Continue reading BMW teases new M3 and M5 M Performance Editions

BMW teases new M3 and M5 M Performance Editions originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW considering possibly, maybe making an M7, sort of

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Rumormill

Okay, so maybe this isn't much in the way of confirmation, but BMW M division president Friedrich Nitschke told Car and Driver that the company was "considering" building an M Performance version of the 7-Series. While that's not quite an M7, it's close.

Remember, M Performance is the new quasi-M car line that BMW has created to offer a higher performance version of its vehicles to slot between the standard models and the full-blown M cars. M Performance will also allow BMW to create performance diesel and all-wheel-drive models without sullying the M badge.

Of course, enthusiasts looking for a full-size BMW performance sedan can already have an Alpina B7 like the one pictured above, but there's something alluring about a real M-badged 7-Series. Given that BMW has already M-ed the X6, it only seems fair that the 7-Series gets some love too, even if it's just in M Performance form.

Nitschke's interview revealed a few more interesting details about BMW's product plans, namely that turbocharged engines are here to stay. He said BMW has no plans to use superchargers for its M products, and it sounds like naturally aspirated M engines are a thing of the past as well. Manual transmissions will continue to be offered, as according to Nitschke, new models will be equipped with transmissions that use software and electronics to "protect" the tranny from mismatched shifts. We won't be seeing a hatchback M135i here in the U.S., however, nor are any of the diesel M Performance models headed towards our shores.

BMW considering possibly, maybe making an M7, sort of originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 BMW X6 M50d marries diesel performance with efficiency

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

Diesel engines are synonymous with torque, and torque equals acceleration. Considering these facts, it's great to see some tuned-for-performance diesel vehicles hitting the ground in Europe from the likes of BMW, including this 2012 X6 M50d, which is part of the automaker's new M Performance line. Now if we could just get them sent to the States...

So, what are BMW fans in the U.S. missing out on? A 3.0-liter inline-six common-rail diesel engine augmented by a trio of turbochargers. That mill is good for 376 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 545 pound-feet of torque from 2,000 to 3,000 rpm, which is enough grunt for a 5.3-second sprint to 60 and a limited top speed of 155 miles per hour.

Of course, diesel engines are also synonymous with efficiency, and the 2012 X6 M50d scores on that front with EU-cycle ratings of 36.7 mpg Imperial (30.6 mpg U.S.), though such ratings aren't equivalent to U.S. EPA figures. In any case, check out the high-res gallery of live photos from the Geneva Motor Show and then hit the jump for the official press release.

Continue reading 2012 BMW X6 M50d marries diesel performance with efficiency

2012 BMW X6 M50d marries diesel performance with efficiency originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M135i Concept blends turbo heart with three-door hatch shell

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 02:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, BMW, Design/Style

And here we thought we already knew about everything BMW planned to bring to the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. We were wrong. The German automaker has announced that it will debut a new M135i Concept, marking the first time it has paired a gasoline-burning engine with its new M Performance moniker.

We'll get to the powertrain in a moment, but first, take note of the three-door hatchback body. Up until now, we've only seen the 2012 1 Series in five-door form, and while the M135i is officially a concept, we'd expect the production version to rock this basic shape, sans the enlarged air intakes up front and the rest of the body kit.

BMW says the three-door 1 Series has "a more dynamic and elongated appearance" than its five-door sibling, pointing to details like its rising character line, frameless windows and "powerfully flared wheel arches" as unique elements. We won't argue any of that, but we're still not entirely sold on the new 1er's nostrils.

Underhood lies BMW's well-known Twin Power Turbo 3.0-liter inline six that sends "more than 300" horsepower to the rear wheels. The suspension has been modified for M Performance duty, and the wheels have been upgraded to 18-inch M-branded alloys. We expect something along these lines to show up in production guise in relatively short order... at the very least for European buyers.

Check out the high-res image gallery above, then click past the break to read the official press release.

Continue reading BMW M135i Concept blends turbo heart with three-door hatch shell

BMW M135i Concept blends turbo heart with three-door hatch shell originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW to unveil 6 Series Gran Coupe, M Performance Parts at Geneva

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Coupe, Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, BMW, Design/Style, Electric, Diesel, Luxury

BMW has announced a whole slew of products it intends to showcase at the rapidly approaching Geneva Motor Show, with the biggest reveal being the first public showing of the five-passenger 6 Series Gran Coupe.

But that's just the tip of the Bavarian iceberg. Another highly anticipated machine, the BMW M6 Coupe, will make its world debut in Geneva before going on sale in the U.S. in the late summer as a 2013 model. The M6 Convertible, which is a big seller for BMW in the States, will debut in April at the 2012 New York Auto Show and will go on sale shortly thereafter.

Also on hand will be the BMW M550d xDrive, M550d xDrive Touring, X5 M50d and X6 M50d. Together, these four diesel-powered machines launch BMW's line of M Performance automobiles (not to be confused with M-badged models like the M3 and M5). Sadly, these oil-burners are not headed Stateside.

Naturally, the brand new 2012 BMW 3 Series will be on display, with Europeans getting their first look at some of the new diesel engine offerings. Those of us in the U.S. will be more interested in the 3 Series with the M Sport Package that will go on sale in August and the 3 Series ActiveHybrid that will hit the market in September.

Geneva showgoers will get to see the refreshed 2013 BMW X6 ahead of its entrance into the U.S. market in the spring, plus the electrified i3 and plug-in hybrid i8. And finally, BMW will unveil a new line of M Performance Parts and official accessories for the new 3 Series. On the M Performance front, those new additions will include blacked-out kidney grilles, exhaust systems, carbon fiber front splitters and M-branded steering wheels.

We know that's a lot to digest, so we won't mind at all if you want to click past the break for the complete press release. But first, be sure to check out the high-res image gallery of M Performance Parts above.

Continue reading BMW to unveil 6 Series Gran Coupe, M Performance Parts at Geneva

BMW to unveil 6 Series Gran Coupe, M Performance Parts at Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW goes blurry (again) in 1 Series M Performance parts teaser

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, BMW

BMW apparently set a precedent when it teased its trio of M-fettled diesels. That video showed a speeding X6 with all the tell-tale bits of kit blurred out. Now, BMW is ready to give us a taste of its new 1 Series fitted with an assortment of M Performance baubles and it's taking a similar tact to tease us.

In the video after the jump you'll see the 2012 BMW 1 Series hatch running around the paddock and the track with all the "important" M stuff - fascias, mirrors, etc. - strategically blurred out.

Like the M diesels, we're hoping this is more than just an assortment of tacked-on body mods and more of a comprehensive, factory-approved upgrade path. We'll find out soon enough, as there's a solid change we'll see the M Performance 1 Series in Geneva next month.

Continue reading BMW goes blurry (again) in 1 Series M Performance parts teaser

BMW goes blurry (again) in 1 Series M Performance parts teaser originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Feb 2012 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW to launch toned-down line of M Performance Automobiles

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Design/Style

We just wrapped up the Detroit Auto Show, but BMW has already moved on to Geneva. The German automaker announced today that it's going to be showing a new line of what it's calling "M Performance Automobiles" at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

These vehicles will sit between standard Bimmers and M vehicles in the lineup, and apparently offer more than just cosmetics. While BMW has offered M Sport appearance packages over the past two decades, today's announcement specifically mentions "exclusive engine variants" and suspension tweaks among the upgrades M Performance models would offer. Given the mention of both all-wheel drive and diesel models in the announcement, it seems like the new line is specifically geared towards both of those features that BMW likely believes would tarnish the original M line or just wouldn't be appropriate for an M3 or M5.

We're awaiting a reply from BMW on what this announcement means for the U.S. market, but we imagine the M Performance cars sold here might resemble something like the 2003-2006 ZHP performance package sold on the E46 3 Series. These cars carried M badging, a unique interior, sport fascias, upgraded wheels and tires, a six-speed manual, 10 extra horses, a higher redline, revised gearing, and a stiffer suspension. There's also the possibility that the first recipient of the new designation could be the diesel variant of the X6 M that's already been teased by the Bavarian automaker.

To read the full release, click past the jump.

Continue reading BMW to launch toned-down line of M Performance Automobiles

BMW to launch toned-down line of M Performance Automobiles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW offering M Performance exhaust for M3 range [w/video]

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 10:02:00 EST

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

BMW M Performance exhaust - Click above for high-res image

BMW has released a new exhaust system for the current M3 coupe, sedan and convertible. This new M Performance system is crafted from lightweight, heat-resistant Inconel, and when combined with the current M3's high-revving 4.0-liter V8, the end result is a much more throaty, powerful sound.

The M Performance exhaust is approximately 20 pounds lighter than the standard setup, made up of perforated inner pipes and polished titanium tips with the BMW M logo. What's more, this flow-optimized exhaust reduces overall back pressure, allowing for more aurally stimulating sound.

But the truth is, words don't do this new exhaust system justice. Thankfully, BMW fitted the M Performance exhaust system to an M3 coupe and created a video, which you can watch after the jump. If you like what you hear, BMW even offers the M Performance exhaust note as a ringtone (seriously), available at bmwusa.com/news. Hit the jump for the details, including the price: a steep $4,374, not including installation.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW offering M Performance exhaust for M3 range [w/video]

BMW offering M Performance exhaust for M3 range [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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