BMW Releases New Power Kits for 135i and 335i that Boost Output to 320HP

BMW's North American division has set its eyes on the lucrative aftermarket business with the releases of two performance packages for the 135i Coupe and 335i models.

The stage 1 and 2 Power Kits for the aforementioned models are fully covered under BMW of North America’s limited warranty and can be retrofitted at BMW centers or via the Port Installation Program.

The version 1 Power Kit, which is also available for X6 crossovers produced up to April of 2010, includes an engine software optimization that increases output by 20HP to 320-horses, and peak torque from 300 lb-ft to 332 lb-ft when equipped with an automatic transmission, and 317 lb-ft when fitted with a manual or DCT transmission.

According to BMW, with this kit, the 335i completes the 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint 0.2 seconds faster than the standard model. It is also 0.5 seconds faster in the 50mph to 75mph acceleration and offers what the company describes as an "“Exhaust burble” sound during engine overrun conditions.

The version 2 Power Kit includes the ECU upgrade plus an auxiliary water cooler and an enhanced radiator fan to reduce the higher thermal stresses on the engine during extreme driving, according to the automaker. It is available only on the 135i and 335i.

BMW said it is offering a special introductory price on all Power Kits from now until the end of 2011, with the Version 1 Power Kit carrying an MSRP of $599, and the Version 2 Power Kit an MSRP of $1,199. Installation costs are not included in the above prices.

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APP Europe Turns up the Wick on BMW 1 M Coupe with 410HP Tune

The new BMW 1 M Coupe is by no means a slow car but for those looking to push themselves into new arenas of performance European tuning house APP has assembled a new package comprising of mechanical and styling mods.

To improve performance, APP Europe turned to MR Car Design that developed a new kit for the 3.0-liter turbocharged straight six, which includes a larger intercooler, ECU upgrade and a lightweight, titanium sport exhaust system boosting output from 340-horses to 410-horses.

APP also fitted the car with a set of 6-piston brakes up front and 4-piston at the back with ceramic discs along with a new KW Variante 3+ adjustable suspension, the settings of which can be controlled via an Apple iPhone/iPod app.

The coupe rides on ATS alloy wheels finished in black and fitted with Pirelli P-Zero high-performance tires, while APP Europe pinstriped the exterior and changed the color of BMW's badges.

As for the interior, APP Europe opted to use a set of BMW Performance seats and a sport steering wheel, both trimmed in Alcantara.

The complete package is priced at €20,000 (~US$28,900), but falls to €14,000 (~US$20,200) if you ditch the ceramic brakes.

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