2012 Paris Motor Show: Bmw introduces the M Performance packages

Article by Christian A., on September 28, 2012

At the Paris Motor Show, BMW introduced a series of new developments from its M-Performance range, which includes an optional power upgrade for its 2.0-litre four-cylinder common rail diesel engine. The engine upgrade will be offered on the 120d, 320d and 520d. BMW will add a bigger intercooler and remapped software as well as modifications, increasing the output of the popular diesel engine from a standard 181bhp and 280lb ft of torque to 197bhp and 310lb ft.

BMW hasn’t disclosed many details yet on what performance improvements the so-called BMW M Performance Power Kit offers. So far, the information indicates that 0-62mph acceleration in certain models could be faster by 1.0sec, without a boost in combined cycle fuel consumption or CO2 emissions. The existing warranty terms and conditions also stay valid as a factory-offered option.

On the other hand, BMW has displayed a range of optional M Performance aerodynamic parts at the Paris motor show. The new components, which are fitted to a 335i, were created to complement the present M-Sport styling package.

The package also has the following: a blacked treatment for the grille, body stripes, additions to ducts accommodated within the front bumper, foliations for the sills, carbonfibre-look exterior mirror housing, inserts for the rear bumper and a new set of 20-inch wheels. Selected 1-series, 3-series and 5-series models can be fitted with the new aerodynamic components.

BMW launches the M Performance products to improve suspension in the aspect of precision and agility. Available in the new models under the BMW 1 and BMW 3 Series, the M Performance suspension provides a weight-optimized brake system and other sporty settings. The brake system features fixed calipers made from aluminum in its front and rear sides, ensuring an increased deceleration level even when subjected to high thermal stress.

The sports brake discs which are inner-vented and perforated measure 345x24mm at the rear and 370x30mm at the front. Brake calipers are also tailored with two and four pistons each at the rear and front respectively and can be identified by the four-color M trademark.

The M Performance package also features wheels made of light alloy and are exclusively designed for every model. For the new BMW 5 Series, the 20-inch wheels in V-spoke style are offered in Liquid Black or with the two-color finish. This can also be applied to mixed tires. For the BMW 3 Series and BMW 1 Series, the M wheels are designed with a bi-color look. The weight-enhanced forged wheels also significantly contribute to the decrease of unsprung masses, thus improving the steering response and agility of the car. These features are offered for the BMW 1 Series in the size of 19 inches and 20 inches for the BMW 3 Series, both having mixed tires.

Buyers of the BMW 1, 3 and 5 Series can also personalize the inside of their car with the M Performance accessories, thus providing an enjoyable driving experience that the brand usually offers. For instance, the sports steering wheel of the BMW M Performance can be used for all the present models under these series.

Press Release

Driving pleasure made to measure, inspired by motor racing: the new BMW M Performance accessory program

The newly structured program in the BMW M Performance product area enables selective customisation with a clear focus on a particularly intensive driving experience. Since spring 2012, BMW M Performance products specially developed for the BMW 5 Series, the new BMW 3 Series and the new BMW 1 Series have been available as part of the Original BMW Accessories range. The retrofit components designed in close collaboration with BMW M GmbH in the areas of powertrain, suspension, aerodynamics and cockpit provide a tangible increase in driving dynamics by enhancing engine power, reducing weight and optimising aerodynamic properties. What is more, they add a striking touch of sporty style to the appearance and interior styling of each vehicle.

At the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the diversity and harmoniously coordinated qualities of the BMW M Performance accessories program will be demonstrated in the new BMW 335i Sedan. The equipment features of the most powerful petrol engine variant of the Sedan include 20-inch BMW M Performance light alloy wheels, a BMW M Performance brake system, the new BMW M Performance suspension - available from September 2012 - and the BMW M Performance aerodynamic package based on the new currently available M Sports package. Additional accentuations are provided by a rear spoiler, exterior mirror caps in carbon and a radiator grille in high-gloss black, also from the BMW M Performance accessories program. In the interior, the BMW M Performance steering wheel with Race Display, interior strips in Alcantara with open-pore carbon, BMW M Performance stainless steel pedals and a gearshift lever knob and handbrake handle with Alcantara gaiter make for a distinctly sporty atmosphere.

Like the BMW M Performance products already available for the high-performance sports cars BMW M3, BMW 1 Series M Coupe, BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M, the program developed for the models of the BMW 5 Series, BMW 3 Series and BMW 1 Series ensure an authentic transfer of M specific motor racing technology to everyday driving. The BMW M Performance accessory products reflect the excellent standards of the BMW Group in terms of design, quality and safety. They are subject to the comprehensive BMW warranty terms. What is more, retrofitting these items has no impact whatsoever on the warranty terms as applicable to the vehicle in question. Sales and installation are taken care of by the BMW and BMW M dealer network, BMW subsidiaries and authorised BMW Service workshops.

Optimised aerodynamic properties, powerfully expressive design.

BMW M Performance accessory products in the area of aerodynamics effectively optimise not only air conduction but also the dynamic charisma of the respective vehicle. These products can be installed in vehicles fitted with the M Sports package optionally available ex works or a retrofitted
M aerodynamic package. This lends even greater individual emphasis to the dynamic character of a vehicle, further enhancing its existing sporty design. Since spring 2012, BMW M Performance accessory products have been available for the BMW 5 Series Sedan and the BMW 5 Series Touring as well as for the 5-door BMW 1 Series and the BMW 3 Series Sedan. From autumn 2012, large sections of this range will also be available for the recently launched model variants 3-door BMW 1 Series and BMW 3 Series Touring.

The product portfolio includes aerodynamic components for the front section, diffuser inserts for the rear apron and side sill foliations with M Performance inscription. In addition, the dynamics of the side air ducting is given further emphasis by the use of the BMW M Performance side sill attachments on the new BMW 1 Series and the new BMW 3 Series Sedan. BMW M Performance rear and roof edge spoilers, rear fins, black radiator grille and Top Stripes are also offered in model-specific design. Other products derived from motor racing include BMW M Performance exterior mirror caps in carbon finish and a carbon rear spoiler for the new BMW 3 Series and the BMW 5 Series Sedan.

A tangible increase in dynamic performance: BMW M Performance accessory products in the area of suspension.

A definite bonus in terms of agility and precision in drivability is provided by the BMW M Performance accessory products in the area of suspension. A BMW M Performance suspension with distinctively sporty settings and a particularly large-scale yet weight-optimised BMW M Performance brake system are available for the new BMW 1 Series and the new BMW 3 Series. The brake system, featuring aluminium fixed calipers at both front and rear, guarantees a constantly high level of deceleration even under high thermal stress. Its perforated, inner-vented sports brake discs measure 370 x 30 millimetres at the front (diameter x thickness) and 345 x 24 millimetres at the rear. The brake calipers are fitted with four and two pistons each at the front and rear respectively and can be recognised by the four-colour M logo.

The BMW M Performance accessory range also includes exclusive light alloy wheels specifically designed for each model. 20-inch M light alloy wheels in V-spoke design are available for the BMW 5 Series: these are offered either in the colour Liquid Black or in the bi-colour finish characteristic of BMW M Performance and can be used with mixed tyres. The M light alloy wheels in double spoke design developed for the new BMW 3 Series and for the new BMW 1 Series likewise have a striking bi-colour appearance. The weight-optimised forged wheels effectively contribute to the reduction of unsprung masses, thereby enhancing the agility and steering response of the vehicle. They are available in the 19-inch size for the BMW 1 Series and as 20-inch wheels for the BMW 3 Series, both with mixed tyres.

Pulling power enhanced, efficiency preserved: BMW M Performance Power Kit.

Based on first-hand expertise, the BMW M Performance Power Kit for the 4-cylinder diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology paves the way to an extra portion of driving pleasure drawing on top-class technology and a contemporary philosophy. In selected 4-cylinder diesel models of the BMW 5 Series Sedan and the BMW 5 Series Touring, the new BMW 3 Series and the new BMW 1 Series, this offer perceptibly increases engine power and torque without affecting these vehicles' low levels of fuel consumption and exhaust emissions based on the EU test cycle. The BMW M Performance Power Kit is available for the BMW 520d, the new BMW 320d and the new BMW 120d. It comprises software and hardware components which are perfectly dovetailed and specially developed for the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder diesel with all-aluminium crankcase, common rail direct injection and turbocharger. Selective modifications in the area of engine control impact positively on power delivery. A larger charge air cooler enables adaptation to changed thermal conditions.

In this way, the peak output of the 4-cylinder diesel engine is raised from 135 kW/184 bhp to 147 kW/200 bhp. Maximum torque, available from just 1,750 rpm, is increased to 420 Nm. The most important outcome of this increase in power is an optimisation of acceleration figures in all models. This is something the driver can clearly feel, including an increase in acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h of up to 1.0 seconds. However, this enhanced driving pleasure has no effect whatsoever on the exemplary fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures of the respective models in the EU test cycle. What is more, the high quality standard of the BMW M Performance Power Kit guarantees unlimited reliability of the engine, so the warranty terms for vehicles in which it is installed remain valid as before.

At a later stage the range will be extended to include a BMW M Performance Power Kit for petrol engines. The first petrol engine models have already offered the option of being fitted with an BMW M Performance silencer system since spring 2012. Without impairing the long-distance comfort of the vehicle in question, this system gives the engine acoustics a discreet but audibly sporty touch. The reduction of exhaust counterpressure also results in improved response characteristics.

The BMW M Performance silencer system is available in model-specific form for the 6-cylinder models BMW 640i, BMW 535i and BMW 335i, as well as for the BMW 125i, which is new to the model portfolio. Both an acoustic and a visual accentuation is added to the this petrol engine variant of the new
BMW 1 Series. The BMW M Performance silencer system comprises a twin tailpipe as is typical of 6-cylinder models. Silencer systems for other engine variants are already in preparation and are due to go on the market during the course of 2012.

Retrofit of the BMW M Performance Power Kit is now visible from the outside due to an M Performance inscription sticker on the rear section of the side sill. This additional labelling does not apply in conjunction with a
BMW M Performance aerodynamic package.

High-quality materials, innovative technology, characteristic design: cockpit in sports car style.

Owners of a BMW 5 Series, a new BMW 3 Series or a new BMW 1 Series can also selectively customise the interior of their vehicle with BMW M Performance accessory products, allowing especially intensive enjoyment of the driving experience typical of the brand. For example, the BMW M Performance sports steering wheel is available for the current models of these series. It has a rim which is flattened at the bottom, a carbon trim element and a central marking in red leather at the 12 o'clock position, while its Alcantara covering provides an excellent grip and pleasant haptics in all temperatures. The version of the steering wheel designed for the BMW 5 Series also features an "M Performance" model inscription on the trim element.

A BMW M Performance sports steering wheel including Race Display will also be available for the new BMW 3 Series and the new BMW 1 Series from November 2012. An OLED display is integrated in the upper section of the steering wheel rim showing a range of technical data such as oil and cooling water temperature as well as the shift point indicator. A number of different display modes can also be activated using the steering wheel''s multifunction buttons. In the EfficientDynamics mode, information is provided on optimised fuel efficiency. The Sports mode enables the use of a stopwatch function as well as display of transverse acceleration rates. In the Race mode, time can be measured to the nearest hundredth of a second and there is also a memory function.

For further enhancement of the driver workspace in the style of a sports car, there are BMW M Performance stainless steel pedals, a BMW M Performance driver footrest and interior strips in Alcantara and carbon, as well as a carbon handbrake handle with Alcantara gaiter. The gearshift lever or gear selector switch - depending on the configuration of the vehicle - is also available in carbon. In the products developed for the new BMW 3 Series and the new BMW 1 Series, an open-pore carbon is used for the first time which creates a harmonious, discreet overall impression due to its matt structure combined with the Alcantara surfaces. Selected products are also labelled with the

"M Performance" inscription or the M logo so as to emphasise their sporty styling.

Both in terms of style and function, all BMW M Performance products are specifically geared towards further enhanced driving dynamics as well as adding a touch of sporty flair to the outward appearance and interior character of the respective vehicle. All components of the BMW M Performance accessory program are available individually. This allows drivers to add clear sporty accentuations in the areas which are particularly important to them personally. Thanks to their precisely harmonised qualities, BMW M Performance accessory products can also be combined to create an integrated package for increased dynamic performance and driving pleasure.