BMW is closing the gap between its most powerful regular cars and the M GmbH’s ultra high-performance models. Under the “M Performance” moniker, a number of new vehicles will be released soon. Munich is starting out with several powerful diesel models, but gasoline-powered M Performance cars are sure to follow.

We had the chance to sample the M550d xDrive (official info thread) for an 85-mile drive, starting at the M GmbH’s headquarters in Garching near Munich and leading to a nice, Bavarian lunch stop at Gut Sedlbrunn, north of Augsburg.

A first walk around the car reveals the subtle changes which set this M Performance model just slightly apart from the regular 5 series, while keeping a respectful distance to the M5. The M550d xDrive is equipped … CONTINUED

Great report from M3POST member mdyaman on his recent 2-day M School experience, including photos and some video. Check it out inside… M School is not to be missed if you ever have an opportunity to attend!

The full F30 3 series English catalog (international version) is now available. We’ve posted it in the “Catalog” portion of our Official F30 Info Thread for you to download. It’s 54 beautiful pages of F30 goodies and includes info on all the model lines (Sport, Luxury, Modern), as well as the F30 M Sport.

5POST member delvek reviews his Hartge ECU remap for the 550i, which he had performed on site at Hartge’s facilities. Hartge’s official stats for their 550i ECU is 360 kW (490 hp) / 5500 rpm 720 Nm (lb-ft 531) / 6400 rpm.

The results? The Hartge engineers were able to record a 80kmh (50mph) to 180kmh (110mph) run in just 7.2 seconds. Delvek’s previously stock 550i took 11.4 seconds to reach the same speed!

New video animation shows the coordination and interplay between the three turbochargers on the BMW M550d and X5/X6 M50d’s N57S tri-turbo inline 6 cylinder diesel engine.

With the 3 series traditionally having the largest aftermarket support of any BMW model, it usually doesn’t take long for the first aftermarket parts to become available. And one of the first parts are usually suspension components.

H&R has now released its F30 springs application for the 2012 328i and 335i sedan. The lowering springs come in two varieties — Sport Spring and Super Sport Spring, with the latter being a more aggressive lowering.

The H&R Sport Springs (Part #28878-2) lower the F30 by 1.2″ front and 1.2″ rear.
The H&R Super Sport Springs (Part #28877-2) lower the F30 by 1.75″ front and 1.6″ rear.

Retail MSRP is $389.00 for both sets.

H&R also makes a whole catalog of wheel spacers for the F30 and BMWs, in many sizes - … CONTINUED

Now that the F30 3 series retail sales have launched worldwide, check out how the 6th generation 3 series sedan is manufactured and produced.

We bring you a set of five F30 production videos, covering the press shop, body shop, paint shop, assembly, and final assembly.

BMW is set to add another variant of the Coupe and Convertible to the BMW 6 Series line-up with the arrival of the BMW 640d xDrive Coupe and Convertible in spring 2012. Intelligent all-wheel drive – making its debut in the BMW 6 Series – teams up with a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology to take driving pleasure to another new level. The combination of a diesel engine and BMW xDrive all-wheel drive, which will also be found in the BMW 640d xDrive Convertible, gives the BMW 6 Series a spread of abilities none of its rivals can match.

The new BMW 640d xDrive Coupe accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.2 seconds. The 230 kW/313 hp diesel powerplant … CONTINUED

BMW presents the concept study of a BMW M Performance automobile featuring a six-cylinder petrol engine – consistent further development of the new BMW 1 Series’ dynamic characteristics – world premiere at the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show.

Munich. Simultaneously with the world premiere of the first BMW M Performance automobiles, BMW’s concept study of a further model from this new product category will be showcased on the media days (6 – 7 March 2012) at this year’s Geneva International Motor Show. The BMW Concept M135i consistently utilises the dynamic potential of the new BMW 1 Series for the concept of the first BMW M Performance automobile featuring a straight six-cylinder petrol engine. The body design of the BMW Concept M135i assigns the youthful and sporty looks … CONTINUED