Insideline puts the 2012 328i (F30) through a battery of performance tests on their own track to get some real life test results. Here are the results:

0-60mph: 5.9 sec
0-60mph (with 1 ft rollout): 5.5 sec
1/4 mile: 14.1 sec @ 98.9mph
60-0mph braking: 115ft
Skid Pad: 0.88g
Slalom: 67.1mph

Respectable results, but a bit slower than some other outlets have tested.

Evolution Racewerks didn’t take much time to tear into their F30 328i’s N20 engine, removing the engine cover and revealing some of the plumbing underneath. Check out the photos inside.

An alpine white F10 M5 has now been delivered to a site member - Singularity. Although the owner and car are now experiencing some wintry weather, we nonetheless get some nice insight and review of another new M5.

There’s now been several deliveries in our M5 forums and more to come as we head towards the warmer weather of Spring and especially when US deliveries begin this Summer.

The latest news in Saab’s bankruptcy involves BMW. Saabs United has reported that 6-7 companies have bid to purchase Saab, which is currently in bankruptcy proceedings. According to the report, one European company “is German and located in Munich,” which no doubt means BMW. Autobild suggests that there are even more interest parties (up to 14), including Chinese and Indian companies.

Saab won’t necessarily be sold to the highest bidder however, but to the company offering the best proposal (with respect to benefit for the company, employees, creditors, etc.)

What could BMW possibly want Saab for? As it’s already known that smaller FWD BMW models are coming, perhaps this is BMW’s play to build larger FWD cars without using the BMW badge.

The next 3 series variant to make its debut will be the 3 series touring / wagon (F31). We’ve now spotted it with virtually no camouflage remaining. Combined with the recently revealed F31 rear design patent CGIs (images inside), we now basically know how the F31 will look when it makes its debut at the AMI auto show in Leipzig in early June (for a likely market debut in the Fall).

Unlike the F11 5 series touring, the new 3 series touring model will make a return to the North American market. In an interview we had at the 2012 NAIAS with Paul Ferraiolo, Manager, Product Planning & Strategy of BMWNA, he confirmed that the next generation F31 3 series touring will make it stateside again:

“It’s coming, we’re not gettting rid of it, we love it”, Ferraiolo said when we asked about the next generation 3 series touring. More from Ferraiolo: “The touring buyers - in terms of their passion for their touring model - they love it and feel very strongly about it.”

The first test drives of the all new BMW M550d xDrive model [official info/specs] are underway and here is the first video footage courtesy of Sport Auto. The M550d represents one of BMW’s new lineup of M Performance Vehicles (together with the X5 and X6 M50d and upcoming M135i), which bridge the gap between standard series cars and M cars.

The M550d xDrive features an inline 6 cylinder diesel engine good for 381hp and 546lb-ft torque.

Its official factory quoted performance stats puts it at 4.7 sec 0-62mph and a top speed of 155mph, and fuel economy of 44.8mpg (imp) / 35.84 MPG (US gallon). Unfortunately, the M550d will not be making it stateside.

At a glance:

New BMW M GmbH product range based on current BMW models; BMW M Performance Automobiles complement the model family with their clear focus on sports performance combined with unrestricted everyday usability and outstanding efficiency; new product category launches with four models: BMW M550d xDrive Sedan, BMW M550d xDrive Touring, BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d.

Rigorous use of BMW M GmbH development expertise in the optimisation of agility, precision and emotion; BMW M Performance Automobiles with harmonious interplay of powertrain, chassis technology and design features typical of M models; exclusive, extremely powerful engine; detailed modifications to chassis technology and power transfer; aerodynamically optimised body.

World premiere for a new six-cylinder in-line diesel engine developed exclusively for the BMW M Performance Automobiles; new, globally unique

M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology: three turbochargers, common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors and maximum injection pressure of 2,200 bar; 3.0-litre displacement, 280 kW/381 hp, maximum torque: 740 Newton metres (546 lb-ft); instantaneous responses and outstandingly dynamic power delivery into the upper reaches of the rev range; maximum revs: 5,400 rpm; impressively economical thanks to optimised efficiency and extensive BMW EfficientDynamics technology, including Auto Start-Stop function and ECO PRO mode.

Eight-speed Sports automatic transmission with enhanced gearshift dynamics fitted as standard on all BMW M Performance Automobiles;
BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive with bespoke set-up optimised to enhance dynamics; BMW M550d xDrive and BMW X5 M50d with Performance Control, BMW X6 M50d with Dynamic Performance Control.

M-specific tuning of suspension, bodyshell mounting, engine and transmission mounting, springs and dampers, all standard and optional chassis control systems, and the Servotronic mapping for the hydraulic steering; result is significantly enhanced agility and precision in dynamic driving situations, with the linear build-up of lateral forces familiar from M cars.

BMW M550d xDrive comes as standard with the Driving Experience Control switch, including ECO PRO mode;
BMW M550d xDrive Touring also features air suspension on the rear axle and automatic self-levelling; both models available as an option with Dynamic Damper Control and Adaptive Drive including anti-roll control.

BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d fitted as standard with air suspension on the rear axle and self-levelling, Adaptive Drive standard on the BMW X6 M50d and available as an option for the BMW X5 M50d.

Purposeful design modifications in familiar M style set individual models apart and provide aerodynamic optimisation; exterior mirrors and air intake bars with striking Ferric Grey metallic paintwork; trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes; BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line; 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design standard on the BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring; 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design standard on the BMW X5 M50d; 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design standard on the BMW X6 M50d; exclusive 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in Ferric Grey available as an option for all models; model lettering on the door sills, boot lid and, in the case of the BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d, also in the instrument cluster; engine cover with

Matt Farah (of Tuned) drives and reviews VF Engineering’s 700hp Supercharged BMW M3 (VF620). This M3 features a VF Engineering VF620 supercharger with KW 2 way Adjustable Club Sport Coilover kit w/ Front Camber Plates. Brakes are AP Racing - AP7100 368mm 6-piston Front Big Brake Kit and AP Racing - AP7150 356mm 4-piston Rear Big Brake Kit. Exhaust is Akrapovic Titanium Evolution Slip-On Exhaust System and Challenge X-Pipe Race+ (Catless), Stainless Steel.

Rumors about an M135i version have been circulating for months. Now there’s official confirmation from BMW - not in the form of a press release but via a newly launched F20 accessories price list.

As you can see in the screenshots below, there’s mention of the 135i, the 135i xDrive, and the M135i. The context is interesting too: The M Sport bumpers aren’t available as aftermarket parts for the 135i and the 135i xDrive, likely because both models come standard with them. The M135i is mentioned with the drilled and slotted M Performance rotors we’ve reported about before (and which BMW just announced HERE). This likely means that the M Sport brakes are standard on the M135i.

The M135i is expected to be powered by the N55 inline 6 engine with an output of 320hp.

While the F20 M135i (like any other F20) won’t make it to the US, this is interesting as there are other M Performance petrol models likely to hit US shores, namely a F30 M335i and — as BMW insider SCOTT said recently — the X1 xDrive M35i.

We expect BMW to pull the wraps off of the M135i soon, so stay tuned. For a preview, see some of the recent M135i spy photos:

http://f20.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=640284
http://f20.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=637010

Vishnu Performance Systems has pushed the tuning of the N54 platform to unprecedented levels with its N54 335i single turbo build, the first one successfully dyno’d.

The latest dyno has already achieved 627whp / 477 lb-ft. torque @ 22.5 PSI. The final power goal is an incredible 700whp!

See the dyno and highway run inside, along with full system technical details and ongoing progress of the build.

For a long time, motorists regarded air conditioning merely as a guarantee of a cool workplace when behind the wheel. During the early 1980s, the optional extra was predominantly ordered as protection against the midsummer heat inside the car, true to the motto: the heat has to stay out, irrespective of how hot the sun is. The greater the “refrigerator feeling” experienced by occupants was, the more effective an air conditioning system was considered to be.

However, over the years, consumers have changed their attitude and the demands on interior climate comfort have increased significantly. Whether in extreme heat, heavy rainfall or severe cold, a cosy interior climate has become a must.

In the case of the new BMW 3 Series, air conditioning experts go even a step further, as particularly good air quality is also crucial for best possible interior climate comfort.

Besides automatic air circulation control, which is activated for instance in increased concentrations of fine particulate and exhaust gases in tunnels or behind HGVs, the standard air conditioning unit featured in the new BMW 3 Series employs an additional filter system that also becomes effective when switched to the air circulation mode.

As a result, unpleasant environmental odours such as those sometimes experienced in industrial areas or in the streets of large cities are almost entirely eliminated. The perfect interaction between the automatic air circulation control and the filter system noticeably enhances air quality inside the BMW 3 Series. Even when the air conditioning is not in use, the additional filter remains active.

When opting for a two-zone automatic climate control system, both the driver and the front seat passenger are able to set the desired temperature for their seat area individually and according to preference. The temperature of the air leaving the air vents as well as the amount and distribution of air are automatically regulated. Depending on intensity and radiation angle of the sun, the automatic climate control system adapts its degree of effectiveness (solar compensation) and individually adjusts the interior temperature to the desired level on both the driver and front seat passenger sides. Additional air vents, likewise variably adjustable and located in the rear compartment, ensure that backseat passengers are also able to enjoy a pleasant interior climate. In order to avoid fogged-up windows, particularly during the cold and damp season, the new BMW 3 Series is also equipped with an automatic sensor-controlled anti-fogging function, which intervenes by means of targeted ventilation as soon as visibility is restricted.

After a frosty night or when it is bitterly cold, the new climate control system quickly generates a remarkably high heat output. Within the defrosting area of the windscreen, the field of vision is evenly defrosted only shortly after a cold start. The increased heating performance is of particular benefit to customers in Scandinavia, as temperatures there often drop below minus 20 degrees in the winter. Even in temperatures as low at that, the two-zone automatic climate control system featured in the BMW 3 Series ensures that the car is cosy and warm within the foot and head areas after around ten minutes, and that includes the rear compartment.

Each air vent of the automatic climate control system is controlled by a compact and centrally located flap mechanism, rendering additional stepper motors unnecessary. This all results in a saving of weight and space beneath the dashboard. Thanks to the compact design of the automatic climate control system, it is possible for the first time to offer the new BMW 3 Series with Head-Up Display – a new feature in the premium middle class. Furthermore, in this way, space has been created in the centre console for two cupholders.

Within the framework of EfficientDynamics measures, BMW engineers paid special attention to improving the fuel consumption of the new BMW 3 Series. When the driver switches to the ECO PRO mode, the new automatic climate control system operates using an optimised heating/climate strategy. Without any noticeable loss in comfort, fuel-efficiently is enhanced through reduced air-drying and cooling in the interior as well as through the intermittently deactivated air-conditioning compressor.

In BMW’s own environmental wind tunnel, engineers are working intensively on additional fuel savings and further optimisation of in-car climate comfort. In this facility, it is possible to simulate every climate zone on the planet, highly efficiently and within the shortest time. There, mainly cold starts and de-icing tests are carried out under the most extreme conditions. The aim of BMW developers is to further shorten the engine warm-up phase, as higher temperatures reduce friction, which in turn facilitates lower fuel consumption and emission levels - totally in keeping with the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy.