BMW Performance Power Kit for 135i and 335i

Next to the 5-Series GT Concept at the Geneva Motor Show, BMW will also show its new Performance Power Kit, which ups the boost on its 3.0-liter twin-turbo engine. BMW is offering this for the 1-Series and the 3-Series (i.e 135i and 335i cars), sorry 535i.

As a complement to the some of the performance upgrades already available from BMW, the engine’s output is increased by 20 hp, bringing the total to 320 hp. The peak torque is increased to 317 lb-ft on manual gearbox models, and 332 lb-ft on models with automatic transmission.

A BMW 335i sedan with the BMW Performance Power Kit accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 5.4 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds faster than its regular production counterpart. And acceleration from 80-120 km/h (50-75 mph) is 0.5 seconds faster than in the regular model.

Press release

Going beyond the maximum limit, re-defining the conventional - precisely these are the challenges successfully mastered by the engineers responsible for developing the BMW Performance Power Kit. The result is an increase in output on the straight-six power unit featured in the BMW 135i Coupé, the BMW 135i Convertible, the BMW 335i Saloon, the BMW 335i Touring, the BMW 335i Coupé, and the BMW 335i Convertible.

On all of these models the BMW Performance Power Kit increases engine output by 15 kW/20 hp to 240 kW/326 hp, boosting maximum torque to 450 Newton-metres/332 lb-ft. On the road the most important result of this enhancement of engine power is significantly faster acceleration and flexibility the driver will clearly notice and enjoy on all models.

The power unit further upgraded by the BMW Performance Power Kit is already the most powerful six-cylinder within the wide range of BMW engines. Featured in the top versions of both the BMW 3 Series and the BMW 1 Series, this outstanding power unit comes with Twin Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection, offering maximum output in standard trim in the BMW 3 and BMW 1 Series of 225 kW/306 hp and maximum torque of 400 Newton-metres/295 lb-ft.

In the BMW Performance Power Kit this top-of-the-range engine now enters a new dimension of engine power, the BMW Performance Power Kit being made up of software and hardware components perfectly matched to one another in their functions and specially developed for the 3.0-litre straight-six.

Appropriate modifications in engine management have a positive effect on the development of power, an additional radiator outside of the engine itself as well as appropriate air flow ducts and a high-performance fan on the main radiator serving to adjust the engine to the change in thermal conditions.

Apart from the increase in maximum power to 240 kW/326 hp, the BMW Performance Power Kit boosts peak torque to 430 Newton-metres/ 317 lb-ft on manual-gearbox models and an even more significant 450 Newton-metres/332 lb-ft on models with automatic transmission.

On the BMW 335i Coupé and the BMW 335i Convertible, the BMW Performance Power Kit may also be combined with BMW’s seven-speed automatic sports transmission complete with double-clutch operation.

Whatever combination he chooses, the driver will always enjoy a significant increase in power and performance clearly confirmed by actual measurements. As an example, the BMW 335i Saloon with the BMW Performance Power Kit accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, thus completing this standard sprint 0.2 seconds faster than its regular production counterpart. And acceleration from 80-120 km/h (50-75 mph) even comes 0.5 seconds faster than in the regular model.

Popular New Cars 2008 BMW 3 Series Sedan

The 2008 3 Series Sedan is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sports sedan, available in 4 trims, ranging from the 328i to the 335xi.

Upon introduction, the 328i is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 230-horsepower engine that achieves 18-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. The 335xi is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 300-horsepower, turbo engine that achieves 16-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.

The 2008 3 Series Sedan is a carryover from 2007.

BMW 3 Series Coupe 328i-Specification and feature

Standard Engine:

3.0L I6, 24 valve, 230 hp @ 6500 rpm

• 6 speed manual (standard) or 6 speed automatic transmission
• 19 mpg city / 28 mpg hwy
  
• Green Rating: 62
  

Key Standard Features:

• AM/FM Radio With Seek, Scan and 10 Speakers Total; CD Player; MP3 Player
• 4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brakes
• Seat Mounted Front Side Airbags

Options:

• Rear Park Distance Control
• Intelligent Cruise Control
• GPS and DVD Navigation System With iDrive

BMW K1300S riding impression

The 2009 BMW K1300S is, according to InfoMotori, much better than its predecessor...

Among current BMWs, our no.1 favourite is the naked, funky-looking K1300R. But we do suppose the fully faired K1300S would be a more sensible choice for long-distance touring. InfoMotori recently had the chance to ride the new-for-2009 K1300S, and here are some excerpts from what they have to say about the bike:

With its bigger engine (about 150cc up on the old K1200S unit), the K1300S has an 8bhp and 10Nm advantage over its predecessor. Other changes on the new bike include a modified shaft drive, lightened Duolever suspension, mildly reworked bodywork, improved gearshift mechanism and revised instrumentation for better visibility.

BMW have also fitted with K1300S with the all-new ESA2 electronic suspension, which is easy to fiddle with, but which doesn’t ‘remember’ your chosen settings when you switch the bike off. What’s really surprising on the new bike is how quiet the engine is – much, much quieter than the old 1200. All the mechanical noise seems to have been removed from that big, four-cylinder engine.

With 175bhp and 140Nm of torque, the K1300S should be quite all right on the street...

Unlike the K1200S, the K1300S offers smooth, seamless power delivery, with the engine and transmission working in perfect harmony at all times. The brakes are more powerful and effective than ever before, with two fingers on the front brake lever being quite sufficient to haul up the bike very quickly. The ABS system, which comes as standard equipment on this bike, also works admirably well, though we’re not as sure about the ASC traction control system, which is supposed to prevent wheelspin. We wish BMW had provided the option to switch the bike’s ASC system off…

As you might expect, the K1300S feels nimbler and handles better than its predecessor, though without losing its trademark high-speed stability. The bike’s quickshifter lets you change gears faster, without using the clutch or having to roll back the throttle, though it does work better at higher revs and is more useful on the highway rather than in urban use, in slow traffic.

Overall, the big BMW is much improved compared to the K1200S, though it still isn’t perfect. Then again, which bike is?

Moto Morini Granpasso vs BMW R1200GS

Moto Morini Granpasso vs BMW R1200GS, Italian panache vs German engineering...

In terms of genuine all-around capability as well as that carefully cultivated ‘adventure’ image, the BMW R1200GS is pretty much at the top of its game. Not that it prevents other manufacturers from trying to wrest the big Beemer’s crown though. One of the latest challengers in the arena is the Moto Morini Granpasso. Moto Revue recently had the opportunity pit the two bikes against each, and here are some excerpts from what they had to say:

Starting off on the two bikes, the first thing that strikes you is the height of their saddles – 875mm for the Moto Morini, 850-870mm (adjustable) for the BMW. Both bikes need fairly tall riders, otherwise you have to stand on the tips of your toes to keep your balance when these bikes are at rest. It’s just as well, then, that Moto Morini plan to launch a new version of the Granpasso soon, which will come with an 830mm seat height…

The R1200GS is bigger and heavier than the Granpasso. The BMW is 935mm wide and weighs 244 kilos, while the Moto Morini is only 850mm wide and at 234kg, it is 10 kilos lighter. The Granpasso looks more elegant, like the KTM 990 Adventure, while the R1200GS is bigger and bulkier, like the Moto Guzzi Stelvio.

At 13,450 euros, the BMW is more expensive than the Moto Morini, which comes in at 12,990 euros. Both bikes are fairly high-tech and well equipped. The BMW is fitted with the Bavarian company’s Telelever (front) and Paralever (rear) suspension, with shaft drive. The Moto Morini comes with an adjustable Öhlins shock, hydroformed aluminium swingarm, tubular-steel chassis from Verlicchi, Excel wheels and Brembo brakes.

On the move, both bikes feel quite manageable. The BMW’s riding position is very good and all the controls are quite intuitive. The Moto Morini’s clutch is a bit stiffer and the gearbox isn’t quite as slick and accurate as the BMW’s. The BMW also inches ahead in terms of overall comfort and weather protection, with its big, padded saddle and adjustable windscreen scoring higher than the Moto Morini’s.

The Granpasso is sportier, the R1200GS is more versatile and comfortable...

The Moto Morini seems better suited to smooth tarmac, while the BMW is better at handling the rough stuff. The German bike is slower to respond to rider inputs – it doesn’t change direction very quickly, and can be a bit tricky to manage under hard braking, though things seem to improve a bit with the optional electronically adjustable suspension (ESA). But while the BMW is better off-road, the Moto Morini is better on the tarmac – it feels more responsive and is quicker and faster than the Beemer.

The Granpasso is more focused towards being sporty, while the BMW is more versatile and comfortable. The Moto Morini’s seat, which feels quite comfortable initially, starts feeling a bit too stiff after a while. Also, its adjustable windscreen isn’t as effective as the BMW’s – wind turbulence seems to be a constant problem at almost all speeds – and its brakes aren’t as powerful as those on the German bike. Finally, the Granpasso’s 6.2m turning radius, compared to the BMW’s 4.9m, is a big disadvantage for the Italian machine, especially in the city, on narrow roads and while making U-turns.

The wide open road is where the Moto Morini really belongs – that’s where its 1,187cc v-twin can really breathe. Designed by Franco Lambertini, the Italian engine sounds almost like an American V8 at times and quite encourages you to be generous with the throttle, rewarding you with satisfying bursts of power. Measured on our test bench, the Moto Morini engine produced 120.5bhp, a bit more than the BMW 1,170cc boxer-twin’s 112.5bhp.

In the real world, the Granpasso’s 8bhp advantage isn’t enough to give it a significant performance edge over the R1200GS. If anything, the German engine feels smoother at low revs, while the Italian engine feels more free-revving and delivers its punch in the higher reaches of its rev range. In the end, both engines deliver the goods though the way they do it feels quite different. Both bikes are quite competent – it’s just that they do things in their own unique way

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Spy shots-New images of the facelifted BMW X5

In the past months we’ve seen BMW testing prototypes for a new high-performance version of the X5 SUV that will be released later this year as the carmaker’s latest M-Division model, but that isn’t the new only X5 model in the works. Later this year BMW is expected to reveal a new hybrid version of the X5 and after that we should see the introduction of a facelifted model.

Seen here for the first time, the facelifted X5 should arrive late this year or in early 2010 for the 2011 model year. The second-generation E70 X5 model was introduced in late 2006 so a facelift around the end of the decade is right on cue for the SUV’s mid-life cycle.

Changes to the X5’s styling will be subtle, with new bumpers both front and rear as revealed by these latest spy shots. Larger air intakes in the front fascia are the primary change. Slight styling revisions inside and new alloy wheel designs should also make the cut. Expect to see changes to the lights next.

The current lineup of engines will carry over largely unchanged but there will be the new hybrid model and U.S. customers will be able to opt for BMW’s brilliant 3.0L turbodiesel engine that is expected to be launched in the current model later this year.

Gallery: 2011 BMW X5 facelift spy shots

Gallery: BMW X5 ActiveHybrid prototype

Gallery: 2010 BMW X5 M spy shots

2009 BMW M3 by G-Power

The BMW M3 is a superb automobile; it goes from 0-60 MPH (0-100 km/h) in 4.4 seconds and will cover the quarter mile in 12.7 seconds. From the factory the M3 is powered by a 414 HP 4.0 liter V8; however that did not stop the German tuners G-Power from making ridiculous amounts of power from the vehicle. With the addition of a supercharger they were able to make 635 HP.

The rationale behind the supercharger was to significantly increase the low end torque of the M3 as well as increase power throughout the entire RPM range. For those who are hesitant to boost a factory BMW engine, but still want more from a M3, G-Power has developed an engine swap package where they will transplant the 550 HP V10 from the M5 into the smaller and lighter M3. Now that’s a German muscle car.