BMW Introduces New M Performance Parts Program, Includes Engine Upgrades

There's a lot to see from many automakers at this year's Geneva Auto Show, including a raft of new models from the BMW brand, which will introduce the new 6-Series Grand Coupe, the facelifted X6 and X6M, the new M6 Coupe, X5 M50d, X6 M50d M550d xDrive sedan and Touring along with several new engines for the 1-Series, 3-Series and X3. That's quite a handful but we're not done yet. The Bavarian firm will also showcase the latest 3-Series sedan, the i3 hatchback and i8 sports coupe concepts (all of which we've already seen before) and in a world premiere, the new BMW M Performance accessory program, which brings us to this post.
The M Performance program will run alongside the M Sport Packages offering more individualization options, both in terms of styling and performance upgrades.
Due to launch in Europe this spring and in North America in the summer, BMW says the initial batch of M Performance products were specially developed for the 5-Series Sedan, the new 3 Series Sedan and the new 1-Series hatchback.
The available products include black kidney grills, M Performance exhaust systems, brakes and suspension components, carbon fiber front splitters and various other aero parts, an M Performance steering wheel with Race Display, M Performance stainless steel pedals, gearshift lever knob and handbrake handle with Alcantara gaiter, and 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels.
Furthermore, the program also includes newly developed power kits starting with BMW's four-cylinder turbo diesel engines. For example, the M Performance Power Kit for the 120d, 320d and 520d comprises software and hardware components to increase the 2.0-liter unit's output from 184 bhp to 200 bhp and 420Nm (309.8 lb-ft).
"This is something the driver can clearly feel, including an increase in acceleration to 100 km/h of up to 1.0 seconds," says BMW adding that the increased performance does not affect the "low levels of fuel consumption and exhaust emissions".
The German automaker said that a later stage, the range will be extended to include an M Performance Power Kit for gasoline engines such as the 2.0-liter TwinPower unit.

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