BMW launched the 2011 335is at Estoril yesterday. The official release is below and the one glaring facts that was not reported on before the official launch was that there is a 6 speed manual being offered! This “is” model will feature 320 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque in manual form from its N54 twin turbo inline six. It will be a more enthusiast oriented offering to slate in-between the 335i and ///M3. It will only be offered in coupe and convertible models. Official public debut is set for the NY International Auto Show.
Special high-performance models exclusively for North American marketplace.
Confirming what may have been this year’s worst-kept auto industry secret, BMW announces the introduction of the BMW 335is Coupe and Convertible, each destined to take a place in history among the line of desirable, often collectible, BMW “s” models. Based on the newly-enhanced BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible, the new BMW 335is features the award-winning, twin-turbocharged BMW inline-6 engine, specially tuned and equipped to produce 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque from its 3.0-liters. For the first time on a BMW 3 Series in the US, the 7-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) with Launch Control will be available as an option, in place of the standard 6-speed manual transmission. Equipped with the DCT, the 335is Coupe is capable of 0-60mph acceleration in 5 seconds flat. The BMW 335is will debut at the New York International Auto Show and arrive at BMW Centers later in the spring. Pricing will begin at $50,525 including Destination for the 335is Coupe, and $59,075 including Destination for the Convertible.
With the international media launch of the new 5er underway, we’re starting to see all sorts of reviews from the major publishers. Here are a few of our favorites:
The new electro-mechanical steering system with rear-wheel steer makes the 535i even more maneuverable around town than before. With optional adjustable suspension in comfort mode, the low-speed ride is sufficiently supple to soak up broken surfaces with authority. This car is terrifically composed with great stability, a nice tied-down feel and hugely impressive refinement at higher speeds.
With this article we introduce Saad, our newest contributer here at BimmerFile. Saad has a passion for cars, BMWs in particular and will initially be providing us with some history behind the brand we love. Enjoy, as we are sure you will find the articles informative and engaging.
After World War II, Germany was in a state of destruction. A dreadful economy, the consequence of involvement in the war, and Allied bombings had left the German car industry in a perilous state. BMW had suffered badly, but the sanctions placed upon it were generously waived by the Allied Control Commission. This meant that, despite the war wounds and amputations, BMW could start over. With the glory years behind them, it was never underestimated how difficult it would be for a new beginning.
BMW demonstrated its postwar panache by producing timeless sports cars, like the 507, and the infamous Baroque Angels. By the end of the fifties, however, BMW had yet to produce a revenue generating automobile. The Baroque Angels were simply too expensive given the European economy of the time with limited sales potential and the diminutive Isetta just wasn’t selling well enough. The void between the V8s and the bubblecars had to be filled. The Goldilocks formula was a four-cylinder family car sized and priced between the Isetta-derived flat-twin rear-engined 600 and the elegant Goertz designed 503 sports car.
While we are not in Portugal, AutoSpies is and they have taken some photos while at the event. Keep in mind some of these pictures contain content for European markets, none the less these are great “live” examples of the car and it looks great!
We have confirmed with several iron clad sources that for model year 2011, ///M3s will be available with an optional Competition Package (ZCP). In the past the Competition Package featured larger wheels, brakes, and a host of other performance enhancements. The ZCP is what every enthusiast could want in an ///M- it gives us more of the things we want and less of the stuff everyone else wants.
On the previous generation ///M3 (E46) ZCP interior there were Alcantara inserts throughout, with the most notable of all being the steering wheel. Alcantara not only looks and feels great it provides added grip to the wheel (refrain from using lotion as it KILLS the Alcantara). Exclusive trim items reminiscent of the famed CSL were also carried over. With BMW recently releasing the ///M3 GTS outside the US we had heard that a competition package was in the works with some of the items designed for that special car being used to fill it.
While details remain fuzzy, we know there will be larger wheels and a host of other performance enhancements available. The wheels will be 19″ (style 359 M),we have also been told to expect 10 mm lower suspension and an updated EDC Sport setting. Those are just some of the anticipated enhancements. There is also a 7MA option tied directly to the ZCP, it could be simply a manual transmission option or what we hope to be a leaner and meaner exhaust. As for pricing, we estimate the full competition package to come in at between four and five thousand dollars based on passed examples.
As we hear more we will let you know but for the time being…. wipe the drool from your chin! Official announcements will not come for a while.
Thanks to all those that helped contribute to this breaking story!
Compliments of BMWUSA.com come the images of the soon to launch 2011 335is (the official announcement will be January 22nd). The “is” (which is obviously next to the 335 on the emblem) models will feature an up-tuned N54 twin turbo motor, styling cues, larger wheels and other exclusive features. A dual clutch transmission will also be available as an optional extra. This car looks to feature parts directly out of the BMW Performance catalog, the body kit and wheels especially! We are expecting the official numbers and information soon but for now 322hp and 369 lb-ft of torque during overboost are what we are hearing for output. As always we will keep you updated.
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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 23rd, 2010 14 Comments 
