Will BMW dealer-installed M power kit for 3 Series sedans make its way to other models?

By Marcus Amick March 29, 2013

BMW dealers got a huge boost with news that they will now be able to install a M performance power kit on 335i Series sedans.

According to the official BMW press release, the performance package will be available for 2012 and newer 335i and 335i xDrive models.

The upgrade will cost owners $1,100 and adds 20 horsepower and 32 lb.-ft. of torque to the 335i’s standard 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft. of torque for a total output of 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft. of torque. BMW 335i models with manual transmissions, however, will be limited to a 17-lb-ft. of torque increase.

The M Performance Power Kit joins the existing M Performance Parts line which includes chassis, aerodynamics, exhaust system components, and trim accessories.

Developed through consultation by the engineers at BMW M GmbH, the M performance power kit is immediately available through all authorized BMW dealers in the US and retains BMW’s 4-Year/50,000-mile new vehicle warranty when purchased with a new vehicle.

A two-year unlimited-mileage warranty is included with the performance package purchased for installation on later models.

The BMW M Performance Power Kit features comprehensive engine and includes updated software or replacement engine DME (electronic control unit), high-capacity engine air intake system, signature BMW M Performance engine cover, and rocker panel decals.

Even more impressive, the car still maintains its same fuel efficiency ratings with the upgrade.

BMW says the power kit will improve that highly coveted 0-60 time by 0.2 seconds and the 50 – 75 mph time by a full half of a second.

There’s no word yet on whether the carmaker plans to make the power boosting M kit available on other models, but I imagine it would be a very enticing incentive for potential BMW buyers.

Editors' Recommendations

BMW stripped weight and added power to make its pint-sized M2 even better

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Marcus Amick has been writing about the world of cars for more than ten years and has covered everything from new automobiles…

Mobile

The 6 best car phone holders in 2024

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger with an iPhone 14 Pro.

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Installing a car phone mount in your vehicle is the best way to make sure that you have easy access to your smartphone when behind the wheel. While you shouldn't be using your phone while driving, having it mounted on your windshield, dashboard, vent, or anywhere else will let you take a quick glance when you're using a navigation app, or to change your playlist when you stop for a traffic light, for example. Instead of having to pick up your device, it will be easier and faster to get these done while it's on a car phone mount for less time of having your eyes off the road.

Cars

Should you buy a used EV? Maybe, but it’s complicated

Electric cars are slowly but surely getting cheaper. Over the past year or so, Ford and Tesla have been discounting their most popular electric cars while other brands, like Rivian, are laying the groundwork for all-new cheaper models.

But you'd still be hard-pressed to call electric cars cheap, and buying a completely new car in the first place is a hurdle in and of itself for many potential buyers. According to Statista, used car sales represented around 74% of all car sales in 2022, and while this figure is likely to change as electric cars get cheaper, the fact remains that most car buyers would prefer to save cash and buy used rather than buy something new.
Buying a new car ain't what it used to be
Buying a car with an electric powertrain doesn't necessarily need to be all that different from buying an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. But there's a little more to it than that.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?

Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.