Tuesday, February 2, 2010

335i with BMW Performance Accessories

JoeS, BMW Client Advisor and member of e90post, published some photos of a BMW 335i Sedan equipped with BMW Performance Accessories. Back in November 2008, BMW North America released some teaser videos of their future Performance Accessories on the facelifted 3 Series models. Earlier that year at the Geneva Motor Show, BMW introduced the Performance Parts catalog for the 1 Series Coupe.

The BMW Performance Parts catalog includes a variety of original BMW accessories which can take the customization of a car to a whole new level. Beside the aerodynamic components, the BMW Performance Accessories also offer an engine performance boost and handling.

BMW North America offers a factory warranty on all the parts sold under this program for 2 years or 24, 000 miles. If you decide to install the Performance Accessories at the local BMW dealership, the parts will be automatically covered under the new vehicle warranty.

Many of you might already know what the next question will be: will any of these performance parts be covered under the Free BMW Maintenance Program – 4 years or 50,000 miles? The answer is simple: YES. Purchasing a new set of performance brakes, will implicitly enter them as part of the Free Maintenance Program and will be replaced at no charge.

Judging by what we see in these photos and what Joe has posted as well, this black BMW 335i Sedan features several BMW Performance Accessories:

Short Shift Kit($576), Front and Rear Aero Kits($861 + $961), Aero Kit Side Skirts($472.95), BMW Performance Strips($159.95), Style 313 19 inch performance wheels($751.96 front and $790.46 rear), Black Kidney Grille($145) and Performance Exhaust($2,327.46). The numbers listed here might not reflect the final purchasing price since they were published by BMW as suggested retail prices and they do not include installation and taxes.

A partial list of other 3 Series Performance Parts includes:

  • Performance Air Intake
  • Cross-Drilled Rotors
  • Performance Control Arm
  • Performance Suspension
  • Performance Engine Package
  • Performance Differential
  • Shift boot
  • Performance Shift Knob
  • Performance Strut Brace

For more information and pricing, visit the BMWUSA Performance Accessories page.



Thursday, January 28, 2010

BMW M5 Video


Bmw M5 - More free videos are here


2010 BMW M3 GTS - Gallery

We've seen a lot of fast and fascinating cars from BMW's M division lately, including stuff like the X5 M and X6 M, possibly the baddest SUVs on the market right now. While we've had a lot of fun with those behemoths, we still can’t help but recall that the M division is supposed to be about lightweight performance powerhouses. But even the quintessential M car, the M3, has become somewhat portly in its current iteration, particularly the M3 convertible, which has a retractable hardtop that is as elaborate as it is heavy.

And so it’s heartwarming to see the division, now under the leadership of former Mini brand chief Kay Segler, return to its roots some with the M3 GTS, which we'd spotted a few weeks ago testing on the Nürburgring racetrack. BMW has now taken off the cover, and what we see is enticing, to put it mildly.

Output is moderately higher, as the regular M3’s screaming V-8 engine has been enlarged from 4.0 liters to 4.4. As a result, the GTS makes 444 hp compared to 414 hp in the base car. Somewhat surprisingly, the only available transmission is BMW's seven-speed dual-clutch M DCT unit. We prefer shifting manually, but the automated-manual is an impressive box. Hand-built to customer order, the GTS is said to weigh just 3285 pounds; for reference, BMW says an M DCT–equipped M3 coupe carries around an additional 419 pounds.

Cutting the Fat

So, how did BMW manage to save so much weight? Titanium mufflers, a lightened center console and door trim, and the omission of unnecessary stuff such as rear seats and air conditioning. The back and rear side windows are made from extremely lightweight Makrolon plastic. Sound insulation has been trimmed along with the deletion of the audio system, but who needs it? We’ll take the soundtrack of the high-revving V-8 any day.

Designed for the track as well as the street, the M3 GTS is equipped with an adjustable suspension and a fixed rear subframe. The front splitter and rear wing can also be adjusted. And there's a roll bar, a fire extinguisher, and wiring for a remote kill switch.

BMW has not yet made up its mind on the top speed of the M3 GTS, according to a company spokesman. We think this racer could possibly reach an ungoverned 190 mph, but it's likely that it will be limited to 155 mph with the option to raise the limit to 174 mph, just like the regular M3. But really, this car is made for the track, and the last thing you want to run into on the straightaway is the governor. That is, besides other cars and maybe the wall.

M3 GTS deliveries will commence in Germany this spring, where it will cost €115,000. Other markets will follow soon after, but they won't include the U.S., where it seems BMW couldn't make a solid business case for a $100,000-plus M3. Bummer.




BMW offers 'Edition' models for CNY 2010

BMW is offering a total of 7 limited edition models for the upcoming Chinese New Year Celebrations. Four are from the 3-Series range and three are from the 5-Series range. You can check them out this weekend at the CNY@BMW dealership event at all BMW dealerships. I’ll be going to the one closest to my home – Auto Bavaria Sg Besi, to snap some live photos.

The E90 range consists of the BMW 320i Lifestyle Edition, the BMW 320i Performance Edition, the BMW 320d Performance Edition and the BMW 325i Performance Edition. Each Performance Edition variant of limited to 48 units each. I don’t really have much info on the Lifestyle Edition at this point.

You basically get BMW Performance accent strips and a black front grille for a sportier look. On the inside, you get BMW Performance gear levers which are wrapped with Alcantara and Walkanappa leather with a chrome strip on top, and a BMW Performance handbrake grip in Alcantara leather. Finally, there’s a set of aluminium pedals and footrest.

Through the renewed BMW Performance Parts

BMW has introduced many new technologies, in collaboration with other prestigious brands, and models in the automotive sector. That improve the quality of their cars and car parts with high standards for every single piece of car that is produced today. Although BMW parts are designed to withstand the test of time, some internal parts are likely to wear down with constant use. Because of this reason, the BMW interior parts are widely available on the market today.

Theinternal parts are made to match the features of its subsidiary in BMW cars. These parts are manufactured specifically to meet the needs of a specific vehicle BMW. Therefore, we can expect some parts to function as BMW with the talent and skills as one of the oldest parts of the BMW. All parts of interior consists of air filter, alternator, antenna, ball joint, belts, brakes, brake pads, catalytic converter, clutch etc are available in stores today.

Not only the inner rooms, but also parts of performancecan be modified to renew the performance of the BMW. For example, the brake system and suspension of the BMW are mechanical parts, which means that it is consumed over time. These performance shares are to be replaced with new ones to renew the performance of cars. With BMW shares available everywhere, replacing the old parts of high performance with a new business is never difficult.

In addition to spare parts, there are many other addon BMW shares that are available to issue the BMWperformance. Many parts BMW and performance improvements can be used to increase power and torque. For example, the adjustment of the exhaust system of your car by choosing the correct diameter exhaust rec-pressure filters, and header / multiple choice can make a significant difference on the counter, the right foot, and ear.

Although the performance of a BMW with original parts is good, this does not mean it's the best performance you can get. Thebenefits offered by the BMW original parts are only a fraction of what can really be. The addition of parts of the performance of the braking system, suspension system and engine of the BMW can increase the handling capacity, energy, energy efficiency and comfort of your BMW Ness. Do not add performance parts for your BMW is something like "losers when you can have more."

BMW shares Shopping has never been easier before. If a replacement part or addon performance, it is possiblepurchase online while you relax in your home. Also, if you're not sure which part to select for your car, you may consult experts as well. Keeping fit BMW is just a click away.


Friday, January 15, 2010

2011 BMW 5 Series tuned by Racing Dynamics

You can't buy the 2011 BMW 5 Series yet, but German tuner Racing Dynamics knows what it's going to do to the car when you can. Opt for the 535i and you'll take delivery of a sedan turned into an R35, pulled by a turbocharged six that's got a 104-horsepower bump to 410 along with 385 pound-feet of torque. It will get to 60 miles per hour nearly a second faster than the standard 535i.

But if you can, why not take the R50S? That's a 550i taken from 407 ponies and boosted up to 620 horsepower. Controlling that oomph will be a Racing Dynamics sport suspension, locking rear differential, and a brake system with slotted discs that can handle 800 degrees Celsius. Making it sound good will be a new exhaust, and making it look good will be a minimal bodykit featuring a pair of dual pipes and 21-inch forged wheels.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

BMW X6 M: Twin-turbo V8 Power at New York Autoshow

Both the BMW X5 M and the latest BMW X6 M come with a new V8 high-performance power unit boasting performance features precisely tailored to the character of each model. Displacing 4,395 cubic centimetres, the engine delivers maximum output of 408 kW/555 hp from 5,750–6,000 rpm. The new M TwinPower Turbo engine is indeed the world's first power unit with a common exhaust emission manifold joining both rows of cylinders as well as Twin Scroll Twin Turbo Technology. The turbocharger and the catalytic converters are positioned in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders ensuring the spontaneous and direct response so typical of BMW M as well as a linear surge of power for a consistent flow of torque at all times. As a result, peak torque of 680 Newton-metres or 501 lb-ft is maintained consistently all the way from 1,500–5,650 rpm.


And here's the performance figures:

Performance and fuel consumption of the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M:
Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 4.7 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) (275 km/h (171 mph) with optional
M Driver's Package)
Average fuel consumption in the EU cycle: 13.9 litres/100 kilometres
(equal to 20.3 mpg imp), CO2 emissions in the EU cycle: 325 g/km.


Tuesday, January 5, 2010

2010 BMW S1000RR Price Speculation


How’d you like to have the latest, most advanced motorcycle in BMW’s current line-up for $1,000 or less?

Now that I have your attention I’ll clarify the above by saying that you can have, at some point, the new S1000RR literbike for a stated maximum of no more than $1,000 over the retail of what most of the Big Four will price their liter machines. This was undoubtedly the biggest news from BMW during the U.S. round of WSBK held at Miller Motorsports Park in Tooele, UT, May 29-31, 2009, where the new in-line Four made its U.S. debut in both race trim and civilian form.

However, we’ll have to deal with the vague pricing news for some time to come, as BMW won’t be announcing the actual price until after the Big Four unveil 2010 pricing for their liter steeds. Per BMW, it’s expected that Japan will be forced to raise prices again (The ’09 GSX-R1000 has already jumped $1,400 from 2008!) next year in light of the still-unstable world economy.

For now, let’s use 2009 prices to speculate. With the non-ABS CBR1000RR dialing up as the most expensive from the Big Four at $12,999, simple math tells us the BMW S1000RR should fall in around $14K.

Of course, we all know that BMW pricing almost always starts with the elusive “base model.” Nevertheless, a non-Race ABS, non-DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) S1000RR will be in a tête-à-tête with, say, the Honda, and most certainly less expensive than the $16,495 Italian stallion Ducati 1198 (another superbike without ABS or traction control as standard).

At this level of the market, and considering the typical BMW customer, most will order or purchase the German liter motorcycle with at least the ABS and traction control. These options would seemingly then push the bike’s retail past the $1,000 mark. Go with the optional shift assistant (electronic speed shifter as first found on the HP2 Sport and now available for the K1300S), and the price will climb by another $500, give or take a couple bucks. Even a wild guess at a fully optioned S1000RR ($16,500-$17,000?) should put it well below the $21,795 of the tricked-out Ducati 1198S.

But BMW’s communications manager, Roy Oliemuller, expects that in order to keep the S bike competitively priced, cost of available options won’t ratchet the base model’s pricing to the moon, as is often the case with most other BMW models. One of the first things mandated about the S1000RR before a single Computer-Aided Design image was rendered was price point. In consideration of this, BMW will likely have to take a hit on the margins it usually enjoys on optional equipment if that’s what it takes to keep the retail figure as low as possible.