Thursday 4th October 2018

M Performance parts launched for new 3-Series

The G20 isn't even here yet and already BMW has plenty of ways for you to gild the lily...

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With the new G20 3-Series having only just been unveiled at this week's Paris show, it'll be a while before the performance variants hit showrooms. An M340i is expected sooner rather than later, but hasn't been officially announced yet, and a replacement M3 isn't even on the horizon. For those of you who can't wait that long to get into a sporty mid-size BMW saloon, though, there are three pieces of good news.

Firstly, the new car is said to have been engineered to offer increased dynamic ability right out of the box, with stiffer suspension, re-tuned damping and sharper steering. This should make for a more engaging driving experience as standard, and hopefully restore the 3-Series' reputation as a driver-focussed option within the segment.

Secondly there's this, a range of new M Performance parts. Claimed to be "directly inspired by and derived from motor racing" they include a new front splitter, mirror caps, an M Performance branded "side sill film" (or door sticker, to you and me), a rear diffuser, boot spoiler and an exhaust hewn from a mixture of carbon fibre and titanium.

There are new 18- and 20-inch wheel options in four designs, too, as well as 18-inch M Performance brake discs with four-piston aluminium calipers - finished in red, of course.

Inside, an M Performance steering wheel can be optioned in, as can carbon fibre shift paddles, carbon fibre trim and M Performance floor mats said to "emphasise sportiness." The add-ons are available in either high-gloss black, matt black or carbon-fibre and are all claimed to provide a functional advantage, be that in improved aerodynamics or weight reduction. All, that is, except for the M Performance LED puddle lamps and Alcantara-with-carbon M Performance key wallet, those just identify you as someone who's best avoided, even if it's dark or you're away from your car.

And finally, for those of you who thought I'd forgotten about number three, the below video confirms that despite BMW's claims that the new 3-Series makes use of a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, it's actually hiding a 5.0-litre V10 under its bonnet. That or the titanium exhaust is worth every penny...

 

[Kenny Powers]

Such a handsome machine. It looks great in white with the BMW Performance options, and my goodness those rims are lovely

[Kenny Powers]

E65Ross said:

Are we just posting any random cars and saying they look the same, even if they're totally different?

Standard these days. Anything the same colour with four wheels and lights in each corner apparently looks identical.

This car now even looks like Elvis

[Kenny Powers]

Rawwr said:

Wait. Someone tell me I'm not the only one who thinks this 3-Series now looks like Hitler?

Hahaha you can have that one

[Kenny Powers]

Blakewater said:

Everybody is so negative. What's the "right" car to have then?

People are entitled to their opinions but I agree with your sentiment in general. Sport-moaning is all the rage these days.