For those in the know, the sport package is an essential part of any BMW purchase. And for those really wanting to set their cars apart, the M Sport package gives you all the sport package goodness with a dose of M car attitude. Today we take a look at the 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible with the M Sport package. The general design of the M aerokit hasn’t changed too much but it does create a slightly different effect with the larger headlights especially.
As before inside featuring unique trim, M Steering wheel, M Shifter, anthracite headliner and specific M Sport wheels.
BMW has officially taken the wraps off of what we reported last week; the N55 powered 135i. Beyond the N55 single turbo replacing the N54 twin turbo, the other notable change is the addition of a DCT option in place of the previous 6 speed torque converter automatic. The DCT (or DKG has BMW calls it in this application) allows for an official 0-60 time that is .2 quicker while being 1 mpg better in the combined cycle.
Also quietly released with this updated car is a “modified” M Aerodynamics Package and M Sports Suspension. We don’t have confirmation on how this changes the car but we do know that the suspension has been criticized (by more than just us) for being a touch too soft while being too harsh over expansion joints.
Finally news in 2011 is the ability to edit the set-up of the DSC, a new electronically locking function on the differential, as well as model-specific control maps for Servotronic power steering and the throttle.
Official Release: The by far most sporting and dynamic models in the compact segment are now increasing their leadership in terms of driving dynamics and efficiency. Starting immediately the BMW 135i Coupe and the BMW 135i Convertible come with a straight-six power unit of the latest generation for the first time combining BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, High Precision Injection and fully variable VALVETRONIC valve management, all interacting with one another to set new standards for economy with the highest level of performance.
BimmerCast #13 = NAIAS. Michael and I took some time to recap NAIAS and everything we saw at the BMW stand. We also go into detail on our conversation with Martin Birkmann and specifically what made the tape and what didn’t. There’s an enormous amount of conversation that naturally flows at events like this and we tried to capture some of what we heard over the two days of the NAIAS press preview.
We also touch on the coming 1 Series M production, wagons in the US market, the new 3er coupe and an entire litany of topics from the show. Enjoy.
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Now that we’ve had some time to digest the week that was, we thought we take a look back at not only the BMW stand at the 2010 NAIAS but also the entire show. So for your Sunday view pleasure, we’ve compiled all of our photography from Detroit in the slideshows below. Enjoy.
Today, BMW Officially announced the updates of the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible. As many have speculated (including us) the facelift (or Life Cycle Impulse in BMW terminology) has been a minor one in terms of the number of physical changes but those changes update the looks a good deal. The new headlights, featuring LED technology in the corona rings include eyebrows (reminiscent of the exiting E60), in addition to the new wider kidney grills scream BMW making these cars unmistakable as Bavaria’s finest through and through. Updated rear lights along with new front and rear fascias conclude the most obvious cosmetic changes.
The major change for the 335i is more than skin deep and wouldn’t go noticed unless you inspect under the hood. Propelling the new 2011 E92/93 3 Series models is the latest generation 300 hp/ 300 lb-ft BMW turbo charged inline six. Unlike its twin-turbo predecessor the new engine features only a single turbo. It utilizes dual scroll technology combined with BMWs Valvetronic system to provide improved response and to bring on the torque a full half of a second quicker all while improving emissions and fuel economy.
For 2011, 328 and 335 models will continue to see the enthusiast’s preferred 6-speed manual transmission as standard (3 pedals included at no additional charge) or each model will have an optional 6 speed automatic transmission available. New to 2011 vehicles equipped with an automatic and the optional “paddle shifters” is the concept of one paddle to downshift and one to upshift, as has been featured on ///M models.
New trim material options and color choices are available for 2011. This rounds-out some of the most noticeable changes to BMWs best selling two-door models.
For all of the changes and the full break down please continue on for the Official Press Release.
Car Magazine has just released spy photos of what they are calling the next generation 1 Series testing in the Arctic. We know this car to not be the next generation 1 but rather a tuned version from our friends in Garching, ///M. We have seen this car before and it looks to be continuing on its development path sine the recent official green lighting.
With this testing it appears the Frankenstein look of the Carbon fiber may stay (I personally love it and hope to see it stay). We can expect upwards of 350 hp from a tuned N55 motor in this ///M as well as a real deal rear differential and wider track. All BMW models that are to be produced undergo stringent testing in the harsh frigid environment of Scandinavia in winter, so we now have proof once again that this car is in fact coming to market!
Rumors continue to point to the “Concept” version of this vehicle to debut in March at Geneva.
Official Release: Yesterday, BMW of North America accepted the Ward’s 10 Best Engines award for its groundbreaking 3.0-liter BMW Advanced Diesel engine at the North American International Auto Show. For the 2010 model year and the second year in a row, BMW’s sequential twin-turbo inline-6 diesel engine was elected to the 10 Best Engines list by the Ward’s AutoWorld panel of expert judges. To win a place on the 10 Best Engines list, an engine must score highly in measures of horsepower, torque, refinement, technical relevance, and comparative data.
We originally broke the news last week of BMW bringing the 2011 335is to market but now that it has made its way around cyber-space we thought we show you some official documents from Canada. The “is” will be exclusive to coupes and convertibles. The boost in performance will be similar to the X6′s 7RR package and BMW Performance Kit with 22hp and 32 lb-ft bumps (322hp/332 lb-ft). The “is” will differ from those performance upgrades as it will feature “overboost” and provide a maximum of 369 lb-ft of torque.
Worth noting is that the list of standard features are for the Canadian market and there are some differences in content to the US, wheels being the main difference as the US will see 19s as at least an option. In other parts of the world these models will be referred to as the 340i.
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We believe in the old school BMW ownership experience. We believe in garage nights with a six pack and some friends. We believe in 2002s, in E30 M3s and E34 540s with the 6 speed. We believe in progress in both design and engineering but we haven't lost sight of what made the brand and its products great all those years ago. And yes, we believe in the manual transmission.
We long for the days of the wave and for the days of roll-up windows. Yet we love the gadgets on the inside and the xenons on the outside.
In short, we can't get enough of BMWs. This is BimmerFile.
Sections: E90 3 Series Jan 19th, 2010 5 Comments 
