BMW M Performance Parts for Oz
BY MARTON PETTENDY | 21st Feb 2012
Announced on February 17 via a new website (bmw-mperformanceparts.com) and a racy YouTube video of a kitted-out 1 Series belting around a racetrack in the hands of a white-suited Stig-lookalike, the M aftermarket components will initially be available for the 1 Series hatch, new 3 Series sedan and the 5 Series range.
BMW Australia corporate communications chief Piers Scott told GoAuto the inaugural BMW M Performance Parts range could become available here within months.
“This is a new range of performance parts as it applies to the new 1 Series, 3 Series and 5 Series models. There is still no final word on local availability but we hope to introduce the range mid-year,” he said.
As previewed by the teaser video, the new M Performance aftermarket range will include M-badged aerodynamic components, wheels, carbon-fibre accessories and upgraded brake systems, as well as power kits for BMW’s four-cylinder diesel engine.
“Add a striking touch of sporty style in the appearance and interior styling of each vehicle with the new BMW M Performance Parts… Designed in close collaboration with BMW M GmbH…,” says the official website.
“In spring 2012, superior performance and maximum sportiness powered by M await you. The BMW M Performance products are driven by the dynamic power of innovation and were developed with the goal of creating an individual racing car character.
“The result is a motorsport sensation, which quickly raises the adrenalin level and provides maximum driving pleasure. Soon you'll be able to experience the BMW M Performance products for yourself.” BMW’s new M Performance Parts aftermarket range should arrive here before the first two models to appear under the Bavarian brand’s similarly named M Performance Automobiles sub-brand, which will be launched Down Under in the third quarter of 2012 via M-badged X5 and facelifted X6 models powered by a new 280kW/740Nm triple-turbocharged 3.0-litre diesel six.
The retro-fit M Performance components are not to be confused with the factory-fit ‘M Sport Plus’ options packages announced earlier this month for the 1 Series and 3 Series Coupe and Convertible, which BMW says were introduced following overwhelming customer demand.
The latter combines additional interior and exterior upgrades with the M Sport package previously available for both models, including an M body kit, M Sport suspension, an M leather steering wheel, BMW Individual High Gloss shadow line and anthracite roof lining.
In addition, the 1 Series Coupe and Convertible pack includes Aluminium Glacier Silver interior trim, high-gloss black kidney grille bars, ‘blackline’ tail-lights and extra exterior paint colours including Vermillion Red and Carbon Black.
The 3 Series Coupe and Convertible’s M Sport Plus kit, meantime, includes Aluminium Silver Dark interior trim, a chromed grille, sports seats, stainless steel pedals, black wing mirror caps and metallic paint at no extra cost.
Pricing ranges from $1923 for the 123d Coupe and Convertible, to $2153 for the 120i Coupe and 118d and 120i Convertible, and $2500 for the 125i Coupe and Convertible.
The two-door 3 Series M Sport Plus package adds $3000 to the price of the 325i Coupe and 330d Coupe and Convertible, $4000 on the 320d Coupe and 325i Convertible, and $5202 on the 320d Coupe.
Local availability of the M Performance Parts and M Sport Plus upgrades follows last week’s announcement that BMW Australia will reduce by 15 per cent the list prices of a range of “high-demand” new BMW parts.
Effective immediately and expected to lower servicing costs for BMW owners, the price decrease is applicable to genuine BMW oil filters, micro-filters, front and rear brake pads, and front and rear brake discs.
“BMW Australia is confident that its authorised dealer network will pass this reduction on to customers making new genuine BMW parts even more competitive and making it easier for customers to maintain the integrity and quality of their vehicle,” said the company.
Fresh from launching its newest M-division flag-bearer, the M5 super-sedan, two new price-leading turbo-petrol versions of the 5 Series and the German giant’s redesigned 3 Series sedan, BMW Australia will this year release the M3 Pure Edition, the ActiveHybrid 5, next-generation M6 Coupe and Convertible, the X5 M50d and X6 M50d super-SUVs, a facelifted X6 range, all-new 6 Series GranCoupe and an upgraded 7 Series limousine line-up.
Additional models will continue to come in the form of the 3 Series-based X4 crossover in 2013 and the i3 city-EV and i8 plug-in hybrid super-coupe in 2014.
