Archive for the 'BMW M Series' Category

2012 BMW M3 Competition Edition

Published on December 8, 2011 in BMW M Series and BMW World. 0 Comments Tags: , .

BMW is celebrating 40 years of M with a special edition M3 Competition Edition that is about as rare as they come. BMW is only shipping 40 of the coupes to the U.S., and each will be identical save for a few options.

The M3 Competition Edition will feature Frozen Silver exterior paint, black M3 GTS 19-inch wheels, dark chrome exterior trim and dark exhaust tips. The interior will be complemented with Black Novillo leather upholstery with Palladium Silver accents, an Alcantara M steering wheel and M logos throughout.

This limited edition car will feature the same 414-horsepower V8 engine as other M3s, but the 0-60 time drops from 4.7 seconds to 4.5 seconds. The Competition Edition M3 is 10 mm lower than the standard M3, has wider-offset wheels, and higher-threshold programming for the M mode.

It’s also more expensive than the standard M3. The Competition Edition M3 cost $81,060 with destination and handling, or a hefty $20,000 more than the base car.

Since BMW is has dubbed this M3 the “Competition Edition,” the automaker is also encouraging its U.S. dealer body to compete for the chance to sell one of them. The first 40 dealers to receive M Certified Center certification get first crack at the car.

2010 BMW M3 V10 Estate by Manhart

Published on October 14, 2009 in BMW M3 and Manhart. 0 Comments

Attention all sporty, family men! The new BMW M3 is also available as a four-door saloon. That means it’s very easy to justify buying a new plaything to your sceptical wife (or, in fact, to your own conscience). It’s just a shame that the Bavarian company hasn’t yet been able to bring itself to make an M3 estate.

The tuners at Geilenkirchen-based Manhart Racing probably thought the same thing when they built the car that BMW didn’t want to build; an M3 touring. To produce it, the team centred around legendary mechanic Günther Manhart, furnished the E91 bodywork with the front apron, front side panels, side skirts and of course, the characteristic powerdome bonnet from the M3 saloon, designed their own M3-style rear apron and widened the rear wheel-arches to give them that M3 look. The aerodynamic rear-view mirrors really topped it all off. However, Günther Manhart knows that you obviously can’t just make a car look good; it has to have something under the bonnet too. The axles, the tank, the complete steering system and a range of other hidden but otherwise essential parts have all come from the M3.

V10 power in the E91

So it only remains to talk about what really makes the M3: The 4.2-litre V8 engine. But wait! At this point it should be mentioned that Manhart Racing specialises in fitting various BMW models with the formidable 5.0-litre engine from the M5 E60. And so the V10 engine found itself used in another BMW model, the E91. After optimising the electronics and incorporating HJS’s stainless-steel four-pipe exhaust system with two 200-cell racing catalytic convertors, the heavy-duty unit manages an extremely impressive 550 PS, which is kept on a tight leash by the 7-speed SMG gearbox, also taken from the M5 and by the corresponding 100% limited slip differential

With the vehicle possessing such an armoury, it can catapult itself from 0 to 100km/h in only 4.3 seconds and on the motorway it easily cruises past most other performance saloons and estates (including the ‘true’ M3 and M5 models) with its top speed of 324km/h.

It’s a good thing then, that Manhart Racing has equipped the car with tunable Bilstein PSS10 coilover suspension and an extremely stable Stoptech Sport Trophy Kit braking system with a six-piston calliper with grooved 380mm brake discs at the front and a four-piston calliper with 355mm brake discs on the drive shaft.

The RÄD Monza three-part forged wheels with black rims fit perfectly with the character of this vehicle, and they are available in 9.5″ and 10.5″ x 20″ sizes. Flat, size 255/30ZR20 and 295/25ZR20 Hankook S1 Evo tyres aim to provide higher levels of longitudinal and lateral acceleration.

Performance interior

A detailed look at the interior is also very much worth your. Driver and passenger both sit in outstanding BMW sports seats, and the back seats can be upholstered with leather or Alcantara to match those in the front. Likewise, the leather interior with Alcantara roof and door linings as well as the carbon fittings and the BMW performance steering wheel with illuminating indicator switches really give the car that racing look.

Manhart Racing has set the purchase price for the complete car package at around €120,000. If desired, your current basis car can be upgraded.

Technical facts

Vehicle: BMW M3 E91 5.0 V10 SMG

Bodywork: M3 E90 front apron, M3 E90 front fenders, M3 E90 bonnet, M3 E90 side skirts, M3 E90 wing mirrors, Manhart Racing-designed, M3-style, rear apron, widened rear wheel arches in the style of the M3.

Engine: 5.0-litre V10 from the M5 E60, modified engine electronics, lifting of the Vmax limiter, complete stainless steel exhaust system with 2 x 200-cell HJS catalytic converters and 4 x 86mm exhaust pipes, tank from the M3 E90, 550 PS.

Transmission: 7-speed SMG from the M5 E60, 100% limited slip differential from the M5 E60, front and rear axel from the M3 E90.

Chassis: Bilstein PSS10 coilover suspension, steering system from the M3 E90.

Brakes: Stoptech Sport Trophy Kit front and back, 6-piston callipers and 380mm slats in the front, and 4-piston callipers and 355mm slats at the rear.

Wheel/Tyres: three-part RÄD Monza aluminium rims in 9.5″ x 20″ ET20 and 10.5″ x 20″ ET20, Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Tyres in sizes 255/30ZR20 and 295/25ZR20

Interior: heated BMW performance sports seats, leather-covered back seats in the style of the front seats, full leather interior with Alcantara roof and door lining, BMW performance steering wheel with illuminating indicator switches, acceleration and ¼ mile time displays.

2009 BMW M3 GTS3 Limited by Vorsteiner

Published on August 19, 2009 in BMW M3. 0 Comments
GTS3 Front Bumper features (Application: E90/E92 M3 Only):
Vacuum Bagging Carbon Fiber Construction (Optional)
Utilizes all factory mounting points, screws, grills & ducting
Revised center mouth opening with 6.35mm extension
Lowered ground clearance with downward extension of 25.4mm
Redesigned side ducting eyebrows to enhance appearance
Replaceable 1-Piece Design Carbon Fiber Front Splitter
Improved overall aerodynamics & increased airflow to radiators & air box

Available Front Bumper Options:
Full visible carbon fiber construction w/ carbon fiber front spoiler attachment
Dry Vacuumed Woven Plastic construction w/ carbon fiber front spoiler attachment
1-Piece carbon fiber front splitter attachment (Shown Above)
2-Piece carbon fiber splitters (Available in September 2009)

As part of new the GTS3 front fascia we have also developed a new functional power dome vented carbon fiber hood to replace the factory aluminum unit.
GTS3 Vented Power Dome Hood features (Application: E92 M3 Only):
Vacuum Bagging Carbon Fiber Construction (Optional)
Utilizes all factory mounting points, screws & shocks
Revised central power dome with sharper tension edges
Integrated dual ventilation openings for engine heat extraction
Rolled composite carbon fiber edges

Available Vented Hood Options:
Double sided carbon fiber construction w/ carbon fiber underside paneling
Single sided carbon fiber construction w/ black DVWP underside paneling

2009 BMW M3 Silverstone II by IND

Published on August 7, 2009 in BMW M3. 0 Comments

2009 BMW M3 Silverstone II by IND

M3 Sport by RDSport

Published on July 1, 2009 in BMW M3. 0 Comments Tags: .
Matte Black is making a comeback on our blog and it’s slowly becoming one of the most interesting exterior colors on a BMW. For us it all started last year when we published the first photos of a BMW X6 sporting the matte black color and back then, we were quite charmed by it.

Moving into 2009, we started seeing more and more BMWs sporting the matte black coat, from 335is and M3s, to more X6 models. As we learned back then, matte black vinyl wrap was created by some shops in California and as we learned, it was an 8-10 year vinyl that is washed by using a mixture of water and baby shampoo.

The total cost of “upgrading” your car to matte black is around $3,000, pricey for some, but worth it for others.

BMW M Supercar Concept

Published on June 17, 2009 in BMW M Series. 0 Comments Tags: .
It’s been three decades since BMW produced its first and last mid-engined supercar, the M1, and even though the Bavarian firm raised expectations with the introduction of the M1 Homage Concept at last year’s Concorso d’Eleganza, the company has no official plans to resurrect the famous nameplate. But for those that continue to hope that BMW will produce a thoroughbred sports car in the near future, South African designer Idres Noah has created a striking concept proposal for an Audi R8-rivaling bimmer.

Despite the fact that we see some styling influences from the M1 Homage Concept, Idries’ concept study has its own character. By far the best parts of the design are the supercar’s kinky profile and especially the rear end which is hotter than Eva Mendez in a Brazilian bikini holding her hands between her thighs… The front-end design on the other hand could do with some work, but overall, we lift our hat to Idries Noah and hope we see more design proposals in the future.

BMW M3 Coupe ‘Darth Maul’ by MWDesign

Published on June 4, 2009 in BMW M Series and BMW M3. 0 Comments Tags: .
Canadian tuner MWDesign has released a few more photos of its BMW M3 Coupe Darth Maul, but as much as we like the dark-theme project car, we must admit that in our book, Chantel Elloway scored more points in the “styling department” than the bimmer.

BMW M3 by G-Power – 500hp and Top Speed Over 200mph

Published on June 3, 2009 in BMW M Series and BMW M3. 0 Comments Tags: .
For the current BMW M3, G-POWER offers an exquisite supercharger system that sets new standards in regards of design, quality and performance. Using gentle soft charging with just 0,3 bar (relative) boost, the output of the V8 engine is pushed from 420 hp to 500 hp and the torque increases from 400 Nm up to 480 Nm.

After 9 months of intensive development, starting with the CAD design, followed by prototyping and completed with test drives and hot climate tests in the United Arab Emirates, the result is awesome.

500 hp and 480 Nm of torque, achieved through gentle soft charging with just 0,3 bar (relative) boost, let the BMW M3 appear completely changed. Already from 3.000 rpm on the supercharged G-POWER M3 TORNADO pulls like the standard BMW M3 revving twice as much, but than the G-POWER M3 TORNADO really starts to flex its muscles: from 5.000 rpm on until redline the G-POWER M3 TORNADO provides constantly about 20 % more torque than the factory car, this provides an acceleration that feels like being dragged by a bungee cord.

This output explosion is based on the heart of the G-POWER supercharger system, the all new T1-518 ASA centrifugal supercharger. By the way the ASA superchargers are being used in the ALPINA models B5S, B6S and B7 as well, just like the ALPINA B6 GT3 race car, in witch the chargers could state there impressive quality and reliability during 3.500 km in the “Green Hell” of the Nürburgring at the 24th hour race on may 23rd and 24th!

The exclusive use of components meeting OEM standards is one of the basic elements of the G-POWER philosophy and one of the secrets for the extraordinary quality, reliability and performance of the G-POWER products.

For its mission in the G-POWER M3 TORNADO the ASA T1-518 has been literally been tailor-made, to provide the giant need for fresh air of the up to 8.300 rpm revving 4.0 litre V8 engine. But the ASA supercharger, flanged to the engine using a CNC-milled high-strength mount, is not the only high-tech component of the G-POWER M3 supercharger system. The engineers did not spare any cost or efforts during the development of this supercharger system. Amongst others they even did a sophisticated, computer aided simulation which analyses the conditions of the air-ducting engine parts. The defined goal of this extensive research is to improve the efficiency of the G-POWER supercharger system to the best possible performance. And the result proofs us right. The G-POWER supercharger system is capable of reducing the specific fuel consumption of the engine. This shows that we do not only care about performance but are concerned of the sensitive use of restricted resources like fuel, as well.

A further key figure, next to the supercharger, in the G-POWER supercharger system is the complete aluminium cast, large volume air box, including 8 lightweight integral resonance induction pipes, that is responsible for the perfect throttle response and optimal torque curve. The G-POWER M3 supercharger system is completed by the large air-to-air intercooler that is located in the vehicles front, which cools the boost temperature down to an output optimal level under all circumstances.

Of course the performance figures benefit from this huge output improvement. The figure from stand still to 200 km/h improves from 15,8 seconds (stock, 6-speed manual) to 13,5 seconds (SKI).

On demand we can enable an unlimited top speed according to the capacity of the tyres. In combination with the 20 inch G-POWER SILVERSTONE DIAMOND wheels and the MICHELIN Pilot Sport tyres in the dimension 255/30 ZR 20 and 295/25 ZR 20, a top speed of more than 320 km/h can be achieved. Especially designed for the BMW models, the G-POWER SILVERSTONE Alloy Wheel forms a contrast to the great mass of other aftermarket wheels, due to the successful combination of double spokes and the “concave design” typical of G-POWER. The G-POWER “diamond cut” provides for the fascinating dynamic appearance of the G-POWER SILVESTONE rim, in contrast to the silver-graphite coated rim body and the bolt applications of stainless steel. An additional feature of the G-POWER SILVERSTONE rim is its weight-optimised design that allows a low rim weight with the same stability, compared to other standard wheels. A perceptibly improved impression of convenience and a considerably increased agility accompany the minimisation of the unsprung mass: advantages of the G-POWER SILVERSTONE rim, which you can factually experience above all in connection with low-profile tyres. Further improvement of the road handling is realized through the continuously height-adjustable G-POWER coil-over suspension G3M-RS with nine selectable settings each for bound and rebound.

Next to the output and the suspension of the BMW M3, G-POWER has taken care of the sound, as well. The G-POWER 4-trim sport rear muffler with its 4 x 83 mm tailpipes gives the BMW V8 a deep, throaty sound that turns heads but is at now time annoying. The G-POWER M3 rear muffler is available made from stainless steel or completely out of Titanium which is 14,5 kg lighter than the factory part.

The interior is upgraded by G-POWER with precious carbon panels, a speedometer with G-POWER logo scaled to 360 km/h, a sporty aluminium pedal set and on demand a tailor-made leather interior. The exclusivity of each G-POWER M3 TORNAD is documented with a special badge in the interior and on the supercharger system that features the G-POWER serial number.

BMW M7 spied

Published on May 27, 2009 in BMW M Series and BMW M7. 0 Comments Tags: .
BMW has Mercedes’ monstrously powerful S63 AMG in its sights! These are the pictures that prove BMW is ready to launch a incredible M7 version of its flagship luxury saloon.

As you can clearly see in our close-up images, the front spoiler has been completely reworked for a more dynamic look, and to provide better cooling to the engine and brakes. An M3-style bonnet bulge has also been added in order to accomodate the larger engine. The hood will also be made from alumimium to take some weight away from the nose and help to ensure perfect 50-50 weight distribution.

The most likely candiadate for providing the M7′s power is the 550bhp 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 fitted to the X6M and X5M – that’s more horsepower than the S63 AMG and the most powerful Porsche Panamera. A 0-60mph time of under 4.5 seconds means performance should be well within the supercar bracket, too.

BMW M3 RS35 Biturbo by RDSport

Published on April 16, 2009 in BMW M Series and BMW M3. 0 Comments Tags: .
The first impression you get of the car is its lower, more aggressive stance courtesy of a Chassis Kit consisting of new custom-valved Bilstein struts, stiffer springs and anti-roll bars. The vehicle now sits 25 mm lower in the front and 20mm lower in the rear with a decidedly more stable ride. Filling the fenders are lightweight, 20″ RD2 Monoblock wheels or the optional 20″ RS2 multi-piece wheels, shown. Tires are P Zero Nero’s supplied by Pirelli, our development partner.

Engine performance includes electronic modifications to increase boost and optimize fuel and timing. A free-flowing intake and a larger, more-efficient intercooler help supply enough air. Exhaust gasses run through a larger exhaust that terminates in stainless sport silencers with quad tips. These modifications result in an increase in horsepower and torque to 414 bhp and 404 lb/ft – more than the V8 powered M3!

The under hood area is finished with a blue engine cover with RDSport crest. These numbers are merely the result of a long development period including TUV homologation. Any tuner can offer a black box upgrade for the vehicle, but how many can say that their modification has been tested and can include the upgraded speedometer and wheels and tires that the homologation requires.

Bodywork is an evolution of RDSport’s signature Tornado aerodynamics. The revised carbon front bumper offers larger openings for better engine and brake cooling with an exposed carbon housing for fog lights. Deeper side skirts and revised rear apron with quad exhaust cut outs add to the aggressive look while a roof and trunk spoiler smooth out the airflow over the car.

Interior upgrades include the RS Pedal Set in machined aluminum, aluminum hand brake cover, logo carpet set, the aforementioned upgraded speedometer with logo and RDSport crests in the steering wheel and shift knob. Each complete vehicle built by RDSport includes a vehicle ID badge and VIN specific build sheet.