New Power Kits for 135i and 335i Launched By BMW Would Ultimately Boost Output to 320HP

BMW 135i


BMW's North American division has set its eyes on the lucrative aftermarket business with the releases of two performance packages for the 135i Coupe and 335i models.

The stage 1 and 2 Power Kits for the aforementioned models are fully covered under BMW of North America’s limited warranty and can be retrofitted at BMW centers or via the Port Installation Program.

The version 1 Power Kit, which is also available for X6 crossovers produced up to April of 2010, includes an engine software optimization that increases output by 20HP to 320-horses, and peak torque from 300 lb-ft to 332 lb-ft when equipped with an automatic transmission, and 317 lb-ft when fitted with a manual or DCT transmission.

According to BMW, with this kit, the 335i completes the 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint 0.2 seconds faster than the standard model. It is also 0.5 seconds faster in the 50mph to 75mph acceleration and offers what the company describes as an "“Exhaust burble” sound during engine overrun conditions.

The version 2 Power Kit includes the ECU upgrade plus an auxiliary water cooler and an enhanced radiator fan to reduce the higher thermal stresses on the engine during extreme driving, according to the automaker. It is available only on the 135i and 335i.

BMW said it is offering a special introductory price on all Power Kits from now until the end of 2011, with the Version 1 Power Kit carrying an MSRP of $599, and the Version 2 Power Kit an MSRP of $1,199. Installation costs are not included in the above prices.

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New BMW 1-Series Origins Promo Series Screens Classic Films

BMW Films

BMW has decided to celebrate the Frankfurt Motor Show launch of its all-new 1-Series by producing the “Origins Film Season” in collaboration with Picturehouse Cinema. The “Origins” season, which starts on September 19, will run simultaneously with the advertising campaign that uses the same thing to underline the different variants of BMW’s base model. The film series comprises four pairs of films, with each pair displaying a unique theme. For example, “A Life of Crimes” includes the screening of “Goodfellas” and “Mesrine Killer Instinct”, two films about men seduced by crime. Other classics included in BMW’s 1-Series promotion screenings are “The Graduate”, “A Clockwork Orange”, “Memento”, “Quadrophenia” and “Adaptation”.

You can watch the “Origins Film Season” trailer, as well as two films about the new 1-Series, right after the jump.

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BMW to Show New 1-Series Performance Concept and New Power Kits in Frankfurt

While the new 2012 1-Series luxury hatchback and M5 sports saloon along with the i3 hatchback and i8 sports coupe concept will highlight BMW's presence in Frankfurt, the Munich-based carmaker has a lot more in store for the press and visitors alike.

BMW will display a range of new accessories and Performance packages, as well as Performance concept car based on the new 1-Series.

The study was developed in cooperation with BMW’s M-division and it features a Performance aerodynamics package comprising of new front and rear bumpers, side skirts, a rear diffuser, bespoke body trim and graphics, and a roof spoiler.

Interior enhancements include sport pedals, a three-spoke steering wheel with a flattened bottom trimmed in Alcantara and a carbon fibre gear lever.

In addition, the 1-Series Performance Concept sports a tuned suspension, an 18-inch brake system, which is characterized by reduced weight and high thermal resistance, and newly designed 19-inch light alloy wheels.

BMW did not say when or if these features will be offered on the series production model.

For current and future owners of the 1-Series, BMW offers a power kit specifically designed for the latest inline-six engines of the 135i Coupe and Convertible and all versions of the 335i (Sedan, Coupe, Touring and Convertible).

The power kit consists of a modified engine management system that increases the 3.0-liter turbocharged engine’s output by 20HP, to 326HP, and its torque to 430 Nm (317 lb-ft) for models equipped with a the manual gearbox and 450 Nm (332 lb-ft) for those with the six-speed auto or seven-speed double clutch transmission.

BMW Performance also offers a second, track-oriented version of the power kit, which includes an additional aluminum radiator with a very powerful fan.

For those who want more from their BMW M cars, the German company will present the M Performance line which includes new products for the powertrain, the suspension, aerodynamics and the interior.

The Performance M accessories for the X5 M and the X6 M consist of 21-inch double-spoke light alloy wheels, a carbon fiber front splitter, a black grille, new side skirts and a new rear spoiler and tail fins in black. In the cabin, the steering wheel is covered in Alcantara and has a flat bottom section.

BMW will also display two more additional accessory lines for the new 1-Series, the Sport Line and the Urban Line which offer options such as a specially designed bicycle rack, a new range of model-specific bags and (wait for it…) special, three-dimensionally profiled, all weather… floor mats

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