We’ve heard trough several sources recently that BMW is busy perfecting the process of matte paint finishes through the help of a supplier. According to those same sources Munich is looking to debut three varriations on the current M3 as a run-out special edition before the car is officially retired in several years. Reportedly those colors are to include black, silver and white if all goes according to plan.
We have received many questions regarding the longevity of the high pressure fuel pump in N54 powered BMW models (335, 535, X6 35, 135) since their inception. While the longevity has not been established for the pumps as they are still fairly new in concept, there have been some premature failures. These failures have affected a small percentage of cars but they have been widely discussed on the internet.
BMW recently sent out letters to customers of 2007/2008 MY cars announcing that the warranty on the HPFP has been increased to 10 years or 120,00 miles. This shows BMW’s commitment to engineering a reliable product and standing behind it. So all you on the fence about buying that used 335i because of possible fuel pump issues can feel a bit more comfortable.
As an American, the idea of clean powerful diesel engines being available in a BMW had been a dream and nothing more until the recent launch of the Advanced Diesels. If it wasn’t the sulfur in our diesel, it was our supposed distaste for all things diesel stemming from some ill-concieved products by the domestic automakers 30 years ago. The idea of diesel is still a compelling one if you look at the numbers.
Powerful and sporty yet efficient. That’s the promise of diesel and more specifically of the BMW 335d. The numbers are all there. 37mpg on the highway and 425 foot pounds of torque. It’s astonishing if you consider what the current petrol BMW engines do in regards to efficiency and performance. It gets even more eye-opening when you think about BMW’s previous inline six engines from just a few years ago.
The 335d is the pinnacle (for the time being) of BMW’s diesel range. The inline six cylinder engine features two sequential turbos that propel the car to 0-60 is 6.0 seconds (that’s BMW’s official conservative figure) and an electronically limited top speed of 150 mph. But the key to the experience is the 425ft lbs of torque available from 1750-2250 rpm. What is torque and how does it compare to horsepower? There are lots of technical answers to that question (you can read one here) but the difference is obvious behind the wheel of the 335d. When you hit the accelerator in a 335i, the car surges forward with all the pomp and circumstance you’d expect from 300 hp. It pull’s hard and the engine lets you know it. When you hit the accelerator in the 335d, it doesn’t so much pull as it feels as if it was pushed by the very hand of God. And there’s nothing stressing or straining about it. The 335d simply consumes tarmac effortlessly until you realize you’re doing double the legal speed limit.
Last year around this time we featured an article on what BMW models are made where entitled “Made in Germany?” . BMWAG has graciously done this work for us this year by releasing a list of production facilities, what models are produced/assembled at each plant and the total number produced at the plant for 2008. This saved us a good deal of time and we thank them!
Worth noting in this official document is that the 5 Series GT will be in production this year as will the X6 Hybrid, but there is no mention of the new X3 or X1 which are both expected this year as well (now possibly in the Spring of 2010?). If you are questioning BMW producing cars in Asia, you will be happy to know that CKD stands for Complete Knock Down, and these are cars produced elsewhere in kit form and assembled for the specific local market in which they are assembled.
This may just be one of the simplest to install accessories you can add to your E90 3 Series BMW. No tools required; that is right NO tools! So those of you afraid of a wrench or messing with the “ultimate driving machine” you are safe with this one.
In about 15 minutes you can add some functional storage to the underside of the rear-shelf. This drawer works great for keeping miscellaneous items (such as bike components) from banging around the trunk. It also allows easy access to these items even when other stuff is taking up the main trunk area; the major setback to storing things under the cargo floor. As you can see from these photos; BMW over engineered the drawer and it even retains the ability to hold up the lower load floor to make accessing items under it easier.
There are three parts for this install:
Luggage Compartment Drawer Part # 51477131155
Left Adapter Part #51476956665
Right Adapter Part #51476956666
Pricing varies from dealer to dealer but as with many BMW parts you may find the best prices at GetBMWParts
A while back we had reported BMWNA was working on publishing a list of recommended oils to be used in gasoline engines.
This was a welcomed move as oil specifics have not been listed in the owner’s manual and some people like to have an independent garage (or alone) complete a mid recommended interval oil change. Then there is the occasional need to top the engine off; it has always been a question as to whether that quart of oil, the life blood of the motor, was up to spec.
The oils listed below meet BMW’s Long-life rating and are acceptable for use in BMW Passenger vehicles and SAVs in the US market with gasoline engines. (Excludes ///M and Alpina models).
BMW Long-life rating LL-01 Approved Synthetic Oils for the US Market
Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30
Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40
Pennzoil Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30
Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30
Use only oils with an API rating of SM or higher.
For ///M or Alpina models as well as the view the BMW document here
We have been asked this question a lot lately: “What is going on with the turbo lag software update?”
We have some good news for all of you that fit the criteria BMWNA laid out in their official statement. The software is out and obtainable, though some dealers may need an arm twist.
Our original post here help spread the word initially. This follow up should answer the questions in regards to obtaining the update and what it entails.
BMWNA had released the initial wave of the M Sport models several months ago: 135i, 528 and 535. Now we are in the second wave of models that are to receive the M Sport kit. We have covered the features of this package in the past and many have commented on the fact there is no meat with the potatoes (no added power) but the kit does add a lot of nice looking ///M equipment.
The 128, 550, all 3 series (excluding 335d) will be available with ZMP from March production. The X5 will be available from April with the optional ZMP.
Pricing for the 128 coupe is $2,450 and the convertible comes in at $2,700. The coupe and convertible 3 series is priced at $3,250 those interested in a sedan or wagon will need to cough up an additional $500. For the remainder of pricing, wheels and model specific package options please see the attached PDF.
It has been made official: BMW Performance will be offering a performance upgrade for the N54 twin turbo six! The engine software and components that gave the new 740i an increase in horsepower and torque will essentially now be available as a dealer installed option for 135i and 335i models.
The BMW Performance Power Kit consists of both software and hardware components including additional water cooling. The kit will be installed and covered under warranty by BMW. In European terms this gives the engine 20 more horsepower (326 from 306) and 50 more Newton meters (450 from 400). In the US that should figure to somewhere in the 321 hp and 336 ft/lbs neighborhood. The performance increase is noted as .2 of a second from a standstill to .5 seconds faster in the passing range.
Official US information has not been released but we have heard for some months that this was in the works and that we could expect something at dealers this summer. We will update you as we hear more so as always stay tuned!
It is official, BMW snuck the 3 Series ///M sports in the system so they can be ordered! Originally it was not believed the 3 Series would be part of the ///M Sport (ZMP) lineup for the US launch. They now have definitely been included. All models except the 335d can be equipped with this option. Yes, even the sport wagon!
BimmerFile is dedicated to bringing you the most interesting news, links and reviews related to the BMW brand and it's vehicles.
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: //M3\\, E90 3 Series Jun 5th, 2009 1 Comment 
