More than 60,000 trade visitors are expected for the 2016 Specialty Equipment Market Association—or SEMA—automotive trade show in Las Vegas this week. BMW is presenting its extensive line of M Performance parts and other original BMW accessories, along with a number of vehicles for which the parts are intended.
The vehicles include a BMW M2 Safety Car, BMW M3, BMW X5, and BMW 340i finished in Alpine White with numerous M Performance Parts. For the first time at SEMA, BMW will display an iPerformance vehicle; in this case, the BMW 740e xDrive iPerformance finished in BMW Individual Frozen Black Metallic and featuring M Performance Parts.
BMW’s largest market for M Performance is the United States, and SEMA is the biggest trade show for automotive aftermarket and specialty items so BMW’s large presence this year makes perfect sense. In comparison, sales of BMW M Performance parts were 20 percent higher in the U.S. than in Germany. We love our M parts.
New concept M Performance light alloy wheel.
A new light alloy wheel is being displayed as a concept wheel on the BMW M3. In this configuration, the M3 has 19-inch wheels in front and 20’s in the rear. The M Performance wheel is milled and weight-optimized from a forged blank. The color is matte black with “M Performance” lettering on the rim flange. The M Performance light alloy wheel is expected to be available for the M2, M3, and M4 next summer.
World premiere: motorsport aerodynamics for the BMW M3.
SEMA attendees are the first to see the new carbon fiber BMW M Performance rear wing designed for the BMW M3. This part should also be available mid-2017.
New coilover suspension for the BMW M3 and BMW M4.
M Performance has adjustable coilover suspensions for the BMW M3 and M4. Using adjustable spring plates, M3 and M4 ride height can be lowered between 0.2 and 0.79 inches.
M Performance Power and Sound Kit.
Coming to North America for the first time is the M Performance Power & Sound Kit for the BMW 340i and 440i and their variants including models equipped with xDrive. The Kit comprises modified engine management software and a higher flowing, electronically controlled valve exhaust system that is actuated in Sport/Sport+ modes. This upgrade effectively increases the three-liter turbo inline six power output by more than 10 percent to 355 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque (355 pound-feet on manual transmission models). The M Performance Power & Sound Kit is designed to lower the car’s zero to 60 time by 0.2 seconds. Amazingly, BMW says fuel consumption and emissions remain unchanged.
M Performance Packages combine attractive individual options.
M Performance Packages specific to the U.S. market are tailored to each model series, including the BMW 2 Series Coupe, the BMW 3 Series Sedan, the BMW 4 Series Coupe, and the BMW 7 Series Sedan as well as the BMW M2, M3 and M4. With the exception of the M3 and M4, the packages always include a black front grille and a visible carbon rear spoiler—painted in vehicle color in the case of the BMW 7 Series—and with “M Performance” lettering on the rear side sills.
M Performance Packages for the BMW 2 Series Coupe and the 3 Series Sedan also come with a black polyurethane (PUR) M Performance Front Splitter attachment. The BMW 4 Series gets a carbon-fiber attachment while the one on the M3 and M4 are carbon/PUR. The BMW 4 Series Convertible, the M4 Convertible, and the BMW 7 Series get carbon exterior mirror caps. The 7 Series package also has BMW M Performance 21-inch, double spoke 650 M Bicolor alloy wheels. The M Performance Package for the BMW M2, M3, and M4 include the M Performance exhaust system featuring a rear silencer made entirely of titanium (M3 and M4) or stainless steel (M2) as well as M Performance carbon tailpipes with the M logo.
Attractive details complete the range of M Performance Parts.
The M treatment is being given to accent and trim parts so owners can complete their individualization. Items that will be available include a carbon fiber M Performance engine cover for the BMW M3 and M4. Models with manual gearshifts can have an M Performance carbon gearshift knob with Alcantara boot, which will look great next to the M Performance carbon handbrake grip with Alcantara boot and the M Performance steering wheel Alcantara with carbon trim.
Smart remote engine start and interior preconditioning.
BMW is presenting a feature we have heard about but not yet seen: the optional Remote Engine Start. Pressing the “lock” button three times on the existing key will start the vehicle. If the vehicle doesn’t move for 20 minutes, it will automatically turn off the engine. Using the remote start, drivers can precondition the interior with heat or air conditioning. The Remote Start will be available first only for the F10 5 Series and the X5 and X6.
Almost since the beginning of BMW M, owners of non-M BMWs adorned their cars with M trim and M parts. Owners of actual M cars were never immune to the upgrade instinct either and looked for newer or cooler M parts for their rides. Through its M Performance line, BMW is keeping a lot of the search for such parts in house.—Scott Blazey
[Photos courtesy of BMW AG.]
