New BMW X5 Now Available With M Performance Parts

If you were wondering when BMW would be sprucing up the new X5 with their customary M-trinkets, you don't need to do so any more, because they are here and completely unsurprising in any way.

It’s the usual assortment of parts that it has gotten its buyers used to, the most useful of which is probably the M Performance Power Kit that is offered on the xDrive35i – it boosts power by 19 hp, for a new grand total of 321 hp; torque is also lifted by 50 Nm (37 lb-ft) to a final figure of 450 Nm (332 lb-ft).

The rest of the available mods do not affect performance in any way, and are merely cosmetic, though we see no reason why all new X5s shouldn’t be equipped with the optional performance braking system with blue-painted calipers – it’s only drawback is that it mandatorily comes with lightweight 21-inch wheels, but it should improve safety…

Personalizing the look of your X5 is in fact what this M program is all about. You can have a blacked out grille, carbon exterior mirror caps, ducting elements and a diffuser insert at the back, as well as visible M-branded bits scattered around – the special rear apron and side sills sport the sought-after single-letter logo on the outside, while inside you’ll see it on the special red-themed steering wheel, gear lever, throttle pedal and driver footrest.

Oh, and you simply must have the M-broidered floor mats too.

By Andrei Nedelea

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BMW’s M Performance Parts for 2-Series Coupé Bring More Style and Power

When sales of the all-new BMW 2-Series Coupé begin in March 2014, the carmaker will also offer a series of retrofit styling and performance upgrades under the BMW M Performance name.

Developed for all variants of the 2-Series Coupé range, the BMW M Performance parts are designed in close collaboration with BMW M GmbH and involve exterior and interior styling, as well as drivetrain, suspension and aerodynamics upgrades.

For the BMW 220d Coupé the carmaker offers a power kit that increases the output of the 4-cylinder diesel engine by 16 hp (16PS) to 197 hp (200PS) and maximum torque by 40 Nm (29.5 lb-ft) to 420 Nm (310 lb-ft). The upgrades don’t affect fuel consumption and exhaust emission figures, according to the Bavarians.

For the BMW M235i Coupé, BMW M Performance offers a limited-slip differential on the rear axle that improves traction in corners, as well as a silencer system that reduces exhaust gas pressure to produce a sportier sound. Additionally, BMW M Performance tailpipe trim elements are offered in chrome or carbon, bearing the M logo.

Other performance parts for all model variants include a 20mm (0.78in) lower sports suspension, a BMW M Performance braking system with brake calipers painted in a choice of red, yellow or orange, as well as 19-inch forged light alloy wheels available in two design versions.

Styling upgrades include the BMW M Performance Aerodynamic Kit available for the front apron, black decorative grid for the BMW kidney grille, exterior caps in carbon, side sill foils with M Performance inscription and BMW M Performance accent stripes in two color versions.

For the interior, BMW M Performance has a sports steering wheel in Alcantara/carbon finish, a gear lever and handbrake handle in carbon and an Alcantara gaiter. The carbon finish is also available for the gear selector switch of the automatic transmission. Other features you can get are interior strips in carbon and Alcantara, high-grade steel pedals and driver footrest.

By Dan Mihalascu

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AC Schnitzer Adds More Goods to BMW 4-Series Tuning Program

On the occasion of the Essen Motor Show that takes in place in Germany from November 30 to December 8, AC Schnitzer has enhanced its tuning program for the new BMW 4-Series Coupe, with the most important additions being performance upgrades for the 420i, 430d and 435d models.

For the 420i, the Aachen-based tuning company's kit lifts the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine's output from 181hp (184PS) to 242hp (245PS) or to the same level as the stock 428i, while for the 430d, its 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel now delivers 305hp (309PS). Finally, AC Schnitzer gives the straight-six diesel 435d a push to 355hp (360PS), up from 309hp (313PS).

As a reminder, the firm's existing upgrades boost the 428i's turbo'd inline-four from 241hp (245PS) to 290hp (294PS), the 435i's 3.0-liter turbocharged inline six from 302hp (306PS) to 355hp (360PS) and the 420d's diesel-four from 181hp (184PS) to 215hp (218PS).

Other available performance parts for the 4-Series Coupe include a 25mm-lowered suspension or a fully adjustable racing suspension and a wide choice of forged alloy wheels.

On the cosmetic front, there's a body kit with a rear roof spoiler, and front and rear aprons for both regular and M Sport models, plus a chrome grille piece, while for the interior, there's a gear knob with an illuminated digital gear display, floor mats and trim accents.

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