Tag Archives: BMW

Press Release

Exclusive special edition of the BMW M3 “30 Years M3”

To mark the 30th anniversary of this automotive icon this summer, BMW M is launching the exclusive special edition of the BMW M3 “30 Years M3”, which is limited to 500 cars worldwide.

With the launch of the first generation of the BMW M3 in 1986, the BMW M GmbH, at that time operating under the name BMW Motorsport GmbH, revolutionized the sporty mid-range segment. No other manufacturer had previously ever deployed genuine motorsports technology so consistently in order to transform a high-volume production model like the BMW 3 Series into a thoroughbred high-performance sports car that is also fully suitable for everyday use. The first BMW M3 set the standard by which other manufacturers were measured.

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A 3 Series with flared arches and impressive power… the first M3.

Around six months after BMW had stunned experts with the world premiere of the new BMW M3 at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in the autumn of 1985, the time had finally come: In the spring of 1986, the first automotive journalists were given the opportunity on the racetrack in Mugello to test the “3 Series supercar”, which looked extremely spectacular not just because of its distinctively flared wheel arches. The 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine featuring four-valve technology delivered 200 hp. This power unit was an ideal match for the two-door car, which weighed in at only 1,200 kilograms thanks to lightweight construction – the front and rear bumpers, the side sills and the boot lid including spoiler as well as other features were made of plastic. Acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 146 mph.

When it developed a high-performance sports car based on the BMW 3 Series, BMW was really just trying to find a way into the DTM. The successes of this fascinating cross-breeding of sedan and motor sport genes were, however, overwhelming on numerous levels.

The edition “30 Years M3” builds on the Competition
Package, which is optionally available for the BMW M3 series production model. It comprises an increase in engine output by 14 kW/19 hp to 331 kW/450 hp. Also included in the Competition Package is the Adaptive M suspension, which has been comprehensively aligned to the increased performance. Optimized features also include new springs, dampers and stabilizers, modified characteristic curves of the three modes Comfort, Sport and Sport+ as well as a correspondingly modified standard Active M differential on the rear axle and Dynamic Stability Control feature (DSC). Moreover, the Competition Package of the edition model includes forged 20-inch M light-alloy wheels with 666 M star spoke design and mixed tires (front: 265/30/20, rear: 285/30/20).

All of these measures lead to a noticeable increase in dynamic performance, which is not least also reflected in enhanced acceleration. The BMW M3 “30 Years M3” with optional 7-speed M double clutch transmission sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4 seconds, which is 0.1 seconds faster than the series production model. Even with the standard 6-speed manual transmission, the car completes this sprint 0.1 seconds faster than the production model.

The Competition Package upgrades the interior of the edition “30 Years M3” with specific M sports seats in a skeletal design that combine perfect support with distinct travel comfort over long-distances. Seat belts with woven-in BMW M strips also enhance the sporty interior ambiance.

The logo “30 Years M3” on the front door sills reminds both driver and front passenger of the BMW M company icon’s unique history. The wording “30 Years M3 1/500” on the carbon fiber interior trim strip of the instrument panel gives indication of the exclusiveness of the BMW M3 “30 Years M3”, which is limited to 500 cars worldwide. “30 Years M3” is embroidered into the front headrests.

The BMW M3 “30 Years M3” features an exclusive full leather Merino trim in bi-color Black/Fjord Blue or optionally in Black/Silverstone with color-matching contrast seams that effectively underscore the anniversary model’s sporty and sophisticated character.

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Information, Press Release

2017 BMW 230i and M240i – the 2 series gets more power!

A key element in the new engine’s ability to serve up thrillingly dynamic acceleration is the pulling power that comes on tap early and is maintained over a wide rev range. The new unit lays on peak torque of 369 lb-ft between 1,520 and 4,500 rpm and generates maximum output of 335 hp at 5,500 rpm.

Today, BMW announced the new 2017 BMW 2 Series now featuring the latest generation of BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder inline engines. The new BMW 230i Coupe and BMW 230i Convertible are powered by the latest generation 4-cylinder 2.0 liter engine featuring an even smoother power deliver and efficiency with increased horsepower and torque, 248 hp and 258 lb-ft. The M Performance Model with the new BMW M240i Coupe and BMW M240i Convertible feature a new inline 6-cylinder gasoline engine that develops 335 hp, a 15 hp increase in maximum output over its predecessor. The new engine has an impressive 369 lb-ft of torque, 39 lb-ft more than before. The 3.0-liter unit with further developed M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology. This new engine produces the same performance levels as the sought after 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe. With an acceleration time of as little as 4.2 seconds from 0 to 60 mph, it is 0.2 seconds quicker than its predecessor. The BMW M240i Coupe and BMW M240i Convertible are fitted with the latest generation of the 8 speed Steptronic Sport Automatic transmission as standard and rear wheel drive models are also available with a six-speed manual gearbox as a no cost option. These M Performance vehicles as an alternative to sending their power to the rear wheels can also be ordered with BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.

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One has to ask themselves though… with this upgraded power, is it making the need for an M2 less relevant? Discuss this topic here and let us know.

[tweetthis]No more M235i! Time to get a M240i![/tweetthis]

[tweetthis]Who needs an M2?  I’ll take an M240i![/tweetthis]

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Information

2016 BMW M2 Close Up

The 2016 BMW M2 offers its driver and passengers a driving dynamic like no other small car in its class. The smooth refined chassis has been dialed in by BMW, resulting in better handling whether navigating a track day or the back roads. The 3.0L 365 horsepower turbo straight six gives the BMW M2 all the push it needs to zip towards 60 in just over 4.2 seconds, planting all that power with axles out of the M3 and M4.

Interior

As you enter the cabin of the new 2016 BMW M2, you are greeted with comfortable and supportive heated leather seats, and plenty of carbon fiber trim. BMW always gets the feel of their steering wheels right, perfect 10-2 position and it comes heated as an option. If you want to fill the cabin with fresh air, a one touch window option is right at your fingertips. Whether you select to shift the gears yourself with the rev matching six speed or let the computer do the work with the 7 speed DCT auto, the gear changes are smooth and effortless and they really put the power to the pavement. BMW makes it easy with the M2 packages, there is only one the Executive Package, which includes rear view camera, active drive assistant, and auto high beams. When it’s time to listen to your favorite song on those daily commutes, the 12 speaker Harman Kardon surround sound system fills the cabin with rich vibrant sound that’s music to anyone’s ears.  

Exterior

The 2016 model year gives the BMW M2 four options for paint, the lone non-metallic Alpine White, or you pay a little more for the three metallic colors Long Beach Blue, Mineral Gray, and Black Sapphire. With the possibility of this car seeing track days, BMW has widened the stance and wheel wells to give way for wider and stickier Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires, 245’s in the front and 265’s in the rear, rolling on forged alloy 19” wheels. There is no mistaking this car is an M car, with the M rear spoiler giving the car downforce, and the M2 badging at all sides of the vehicle. The BMW M2 is always seen by traffic with programmable LED daytime running lights and night time cruising made easy with the xenon adaptive headlights. Most people would think that because the car is small, you can’t fit anything in it. Trunk space while tight allows room for groceries or a couple of suit cases to last you a weekend getaway.  

BMW has proven yet again that big performance, can come in a small two door coupe with a fair price. The price at just over 50 grand gives the driver the M performance fun and doesn’t put a hurting on your wallet. So whether you are whipping the BMW M2 around the twisty corners at the track, or sipping your coffee while commuting the highway to work, the BMW M2 delivers in every aspect of performance, drivability, and comfort.