AC Schnitzer, the known German tuner, is the first tuner unveiling a new body kit for the refreshed 2009 BMW 3-Series. Its new kit includes a front lip spoiler, new side sills, a roof spoiler, rear trunk spoiler (for the sedan version) and a new set of wheels.
Various engine modifications are available that can boost power 254 to 284 hp in total. The interior has new carbon fiber and leather accessories available. We expect more details when the manufacturer will officially unveil the vehicle later this month at the 2008 Essen Motor Show.
BMW revealed today the first video of the 3-Series Performance that will soon be available for order. The Performance Parts range will include updates for the suspension, drivetrain, aerodynamics, and cockpit of the car. The BMW Performance Aerodynamics Kit optimises the dynamic driving qualities of the car and at the same time guarantees a powerful look in everyday traffic.
BMW plans to build new build new models to help it offset falling sales in its traditional segments. The car will be launched after the 2009 Progressive Activity Sedan and will be a derivation of the next 3 series.
"We are investigating whether we can successfully occupy more niches across all existing model lines," a company spokesman said.
A 3-series offshoot could allow BMW’s Munich factory to operate more profitably. Due to falling demand in conventional segments, it will be hard for the company to utilize all of the plant’s daily capacity of 1,000 vehicles with just the sedan and touring models now built there.
Plant manager Manfred Erlacher says he is prepared for another model. "If this were to involve a derivation of the four- or five-door three series, we can change production over to another model within three months," he said.
A similar strategy also is being planned for the new 5 series.
Big engines are not the future, and the fuel prices are proving this. After announcing that the 335d will make its way to the US market, BMW also announced there will also be a four-cylinder gasoline engine for the latest 3 Series. In Europe, the 167 hp 320i is a best seller, and the company hopes it will have the same "desirable effect" in the U.S.
BMW has a long history of four-cylinder engines. In fact, its headquarters in Munich, Germany was built in the shape of four cylinders. Which makes it almost ironic that BMW has not sold a car with a four-cylinder engine in the U.S. (one of its largest markets) in many years.
Wald International, the Japanese tuner specializing in high-end cars unveiled another masterpiece: the BMW E90 3-Series Sports Line. The new package includes a new front bumper with integrated fog lights featuring Angel Eye technology from BMW, new side sills with integrated air vents at the end, a rear trunk spoiler and a redesigned rear bumper featuring an air diffuser with integrated 4-pipe exhaust system. Price of the kit, $9,880 plus tax.
Unfortunately the engine remained the same, but if you want to add power to your BMW, you can choose Hamann or AC Schnitzer.
Our friend DerTuner just caught this facelifted BMW 3 Series wagon in Germany. If you look closer to the front you will see a night vision system integrated in an M3 front bumper. Strangely this doesn’t seem to be an M3 model considering the hood and side fender are standard. To add to the confusion, the back bumper is also M3 styled but the right side exhaust are not there. Would any non M3 version be fitted with the M bumpers.. the future will say.
Inside Performance unveiled its latest customization package for the Bmw 3-Series sedan. The new kit consists in a carbon fiber front lips, carbon fiber front grilles and mirrors, new side sills, a roof spoiler, a new carbon fiber trunk spoiler and a carbon fiber rear air diffuser with integrated exhaust system.
In order to improve the stability, new M6 replica alloy wheels were added. Price of the kit is 2,000 euro (about $3,000).
Although the new Bmw 3-Series Coupe offers already great performances and good handling KW, the well known springs manufacturer, unveiled its latest products for the German car. With the new springs installed, the car is lowered between 20 and 40 mm at the front and between 15 and 35 mm at the back, without loosing any comfort. The main target of the manufacturer is to offer more customization options for those who want a subtle touch for their vehicle.
Today BMW confirmed a diesel version of the 3-Series car will be revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, with sales to begin shortly thereafter. This represents BMW’s test of the U.S. market for the future of diesel power on these shores. The 335d will have an output of 265 hp and a peak torque of 425 lb-ft, down compared to the European version that has 282 hp and 428 lb-ft.
Along with the 335d, BMW will also present the X5 35d at the show in November.
Alpina revealed its D3 Bi-Turbo Coupe on the UK market. Inspired by BMW 3-Series Coupe, the new model features a tuned version of the 123d’s 2.0L twin-turbo diesel capable of 214 hp. The coupe can reach a top speed of 245km/h(152mph) and registers 6.9 seconds from 0 to 100km/h. Despite its power the speedy car saves a lot of fuel, the model with manual gearbox returning 5.4L/100km and, respectively, 5.6L/km the one with automatic transmission.
For the UK market the company scheduled one hundred D3 Bi-Turbo Coupes with prices from £32,950 for the manual gearbox car and £34,540 for the automatic transmission one.