New BMW 3 Series and 5 Series Sedan M Performance Parts Announced
The first set debuted in May. This next wave includes exterior, chassis and interior performance components.
Starting with 3 Series aesthetics, the Bavarian automaker is offering a front splitter, rocker panel blades, carbon-fiber or black rear spoiler, diffuser, and side stripes as well as an M Sport retrofit kit for cars not equipped with that option.
A rear diffuser is available for 528i, 535i and 550i models and is joined by a carbon-fiber front splitter in early 2013. A 5 Series M Sport retrofit kit will also be available.
The 3 Series interior additions include a stainless steel footrest, floor mats, carbon-fiber parking brake handle and an electronic steering wheel. The flat-bottom, Alcantara steering wheel is available for automatic, sport automatic and six-speed manual variants, and gives drivers three different driving modes: Sport, Race and EfficientDynamics. Fuel economy and average speed data is provided in EfficientDynamics mode, while acceleration times and LED shift lights are some of the available features in Race and Sport modes.
A non-electronic steering wheel is offered in the 5 Series and a carbon-fiber trim package is also available solely for the midsize sedan.
A 3 Series spring kit lowers the ride height by 0.4-inches compared to M Sport models and 0.8-inches next to the standard setup, and BMW is selling a Brembo big-brake kit with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear aluminum calipers as well.
Those looking for more performance can follow up the increase in stopping power with a stainless steel exhaust available for 328i, 335i and 535i models.
BMW rounds out the list of M Performance Parts with lightweight 20-inch V-spoke wheels for the 5 Series and 20-inch double-spoke bi-color forged alloy for its compact sibling. The 5 Series dubs are wrapped in 245/35 front and 275/30 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050 A run-flats, while the 3 Series gets Pirelli P Zero performance rubber, sized 225/35 in the front and 255/30 in back.
