New feature video on the Afrox / ADF F30 race car where the viewer gets a great look and listen at the race car with its Akrapovic exhaust system and BMW M Performance Parts.

SPECS:

2,998 pounds (1360kg)
408hp / 443 lb-ft torque (600nm)
MoTeC ECU
Turbos boost lowered to maximum 0.7 bar and 40mm turbo inlet restrictor
M Performance front brakes (370mm)
18″ BBS wheels
Akrapovic exhaust
GPS data logging system
6 weeks to complete, at cost of 196,300 Euro

Previous features on the ADF / Afrox F30:

http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=675582
http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=661374

You might remember our last FAQ thread regarding the F30 3 Series sedan. BMW is expanding its F3x lineup with two new cars soon – the F31 3 Series Touring and the F30 Active Hybrid 3.

As we’ll have the opportunity to learn more about both models soon, it’s time for another round of FAQs. So please respond below if there are any questions you have which are not answered in the official information yet. We’ll try to get the answers in the coming days.

The F31 3 Series Touring will be available in the US as of Spring 2013 and the Active Hybrid 3 will be available this Fall.

We’ll also have a chance to ask questions on the M135i and the F21 1 Series 3-door, so if you have questions on those, please ask HERE.

We’ve previously posted preliminary information and photos of the special edition frozen BMW M3 and M5 M Performance Editions, but now here’s the full official release information and gallery from BMW UK.

Two exclusive new M Performance Editions for the BMW M3 and BMW M5 are being built by BMW M GmbH solely for the UK market. Just thirty of each model will be available costing £74,080 OTR for the M3 M Performance Edition and the M5 M Performance Edition is priced at £95,140 OTR.

Showcasing BMW Individual, these M Performance Editions will bring three new Frozen paint colours to the UK for the first time; BMW Individual Japan Red with a Frozen Red wrap, BMW Individual Frozen White and BMW Individual Frozen Blue. All are on sale now. To complement the striking exterior colours, all M5 M Performance Editions come with Full Black Merino leather upholstery and all M3 M Performance Editions come with extended Black Novillo leather upholstery, both with contrasting Mugello Red, Lotus White or Tobago Blue stitching as standard.

Floor mats with contrast piping, an Alcantara steering wheel, BMW Individual Piano Black interior trim with a ‘One of 30’ laser cut designation, front headrests with M stitching and door sills with ‘BMW M Performance Edition’ designation complete the look of the interior.

The new BMW M3 M Performance Edition features BMW’s class-leading 420hp V8 engine with power transferred to the road via a standard seven-speed M DCT transmission and variable M differential. The car also comes with the Competition Package as standard, which features 10mm lowered suspension, Electronic Damper Control with Sport mode and a revised DSC+ system.

Additionally, the BMW M3 M Performance Edition boasts an array of extra standard equipment including; 19-inch M Y-spoke Matt Black alloy wheels, Dark Chrome exhaust, side gills and kidney surround, jet black bonnet intakes, carbon-fibre front splitters, high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim, folding exterior mirrors and sun protection glass to complement its unique exterior. Adaptive headlights, DAB digital radio, a Harman/Kardon 13-loudspeaker system, BMW Professional Media Package, mobile application preparation, telephone USB audio interface and Internet add to the M3’s practicality. While the sliding front armrest, front seat heating and front and rear Park Distance Control complete the package. The extensive list of equipment, now standard, is worth £9,790.

The new BMW M5 M Performance Edition features BMW’s latest 560hp TwinPower Turbo V8 engine complete with race-bred chassis technology including an Active M differential and electronic damping control. Combining track-car dynamics with supreme touring comfort, the new BMW M5 M Performance Edition includes £22,075 worth of additional equipment as standard.

For this added value 20-inch M Double-spoke Matt Black alloy wheels, Dark Chrome exhaust, side gills and kidney surround, M Sport multi-function seats with lumbar support, powered bootlid operation, sun protection glass, split-folding rear seats, comfort access and soft close doors add to the already impressive standard equipment list. A reversing assist camera, High-beam assistant, Internet, BMW Professional 12-loudspeaker system, telephone USB audio interface, mobile application preparation and speed limit display complete this exclusive model.

It’s official: Only a couple of days after the first teaser, BMW announces their new M Performance Parts. Think of this program as the successor of the Performance parts avaiable for E8x 1 series and E9x 3 series.

Intitially, M Performance parts will be available for the F30 3 series, the F10 5 series, and the F20 1 series (not available in the US). Available are:

– Black kidney grilles
– M Performance exhaust systems
– M Performance brakes
– Carbon fiber front splitters
– M Performance steering wheel

Premiere: BMW M Performance Parts and Original BMW Accessories

The Geneva show also marks the premiere of new accessory division for BMW vehicles: BMW M Performance Parts. BMW M Performance Parts are designed in close collaboration with BMW M GmbH and include powertrain, suspension, aerodynamics and cockpit components that provide a tangible increase in driving dynamics by enhancing engine power, reducing weight and optimizing aerodynamic properties. The initial BMW M Performance products have been specially developed for the BMW 5 Series Sedan, the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and the new 1 Series (5-door model). The products include black kidney grills, M Performance exhaust systems, carbon fiber front splitters and an M Performance steering [wheel]. The BMW M Performance Parts will roll out in the USA beginning this summer. BMW M Performance Parts may be purchased and installed through authorized BMW Centers.

Stay tuned for more information, photos and videos of the M Performance Parts lineup.

For the other previews of BMW models to be displayed at the Geneva show, see our 2012 Geneva Preview Guide.

Driving pleasure, emotion, captivating design, premium quality and groundbreaking efficiency characterize the model range which keeps the BMW brand on track for success in 2012. At the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, BMW presents several new production models as well as groundbreaking vehicle concepts whose design and technology pave the way to forms of mobility which are both exciting and sustainable. The innovative strength of the world’s most successful premium automobile manufacturer enables the development of vehicles which combine an exceptional level of charisma and continuously increasing driving pleasure with a consistent reduction in fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels. With its current model program, BMW sets the benchmark for technological advancement, groundbreaking design style and sustainability in the automotive sector. The continuation of this development strategy is embodied in the BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept on show in Geneva.

World Premiere: the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

Introducing the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe [official info thread] – a new 4-door, 4+1 seat addition to the 6 Series line that successfully combines the stunning proportions, design and driving dynamics of the 6 Series Coupe with interior room and amenities for up to five passengers. Harmonious proportions, precise lines and sleekly contoured surfaces give the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe the unique ability to satisfy the driver who wants a luxurious and sporty coupe yet needs a car capable of carrying four adults in comfort and luxury. The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will be offered as three distinct models in the USA. The TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder powered 2013 640i Gran Coupe is the initial model of the range, arrives early this summer and is priced at $76,895 (including $895 Destination and Handling Charge). Later in the summer, the TwinPower Turbo V-8 powered 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel drive 2013 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will join the range. Pricing for the V-8 powered models will be announced closer to the time of launch.

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World Premiere: The New 2013 BMW M6 Coupe

The iconic M6 [official info thread] returns from a two year hiatus more powerful, more athletic, more focused, more luxurious and more efficient than ever before. Since the “M6” badge was first placed on a BMW back in 1987, this iconic model has exemplified the luxury and daily usability of a top range BMW coupe combined with true super-car performance. Now, in its 3rd generation, the all-new BMW M6 will again be offered as a 4-seat Coupe and Convertible.

The new 2012 BMW M6 Convertible will be the first to arrive in US BMW Center showrooms in June 2012 and will make its world premiere at the New York International Auto Show in April. The BMW M6 Coupe will arrive at US BMW Centers in the late Summer of 2012 as a 2013 model. US Pricing, technical specification, EPA mileage ratings, standard and optional equipment will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Like its sedan brother the M5, the new M6 models are high-performance sports cars whose exceptional dynamic potential is geared squarely towards the demands of track use. At the same time, the M6 sets new benchmarks in daily driving comfort, innovative features and fuel efficiency.

In order to achieve these lofty performance goals, the new BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible share the most powerful engine ever fitted in a series-produced model from BMW M GmbH – a high-revving 560 hp M TwinPower Turbo V-8 mated to a high-torque 7-speed M-Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT). An innovative Active M Differential which optimizes power transfer between the rear wheels. This drivetrain, combined with extensive chassis and suspension upgrades ensure that the engine’s performance can be transferred to the ground.

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Premiere: BMW M Performance Parts and Original BMW Accessories

The 2012 Geneva Auto Show marks the premiere of a range of Original BMW Accessories developed to customize and enhance the look and feel of the new 3 Series Sedan. Exterior offerings range from unique 20 inch wheels to a fitted indoor/outdoor car cover. The new 3 Series Sedan interior can be customized in keeping with the new Sport, Modern or Luxury Lines with items such as high quality all weather floor mats, color matched emergency brake handle, key fobs, rear storage and backrest bags. For longer trips a lockable roof box, or a snowboard holder is also available. Original BMW Accessories can be purchased through any authorized BMW center.

The Geneva show also marks the premiere of new accessory division for BMW vehicles: BMW M Performance Parts. BMW M Performance Parts are designed in close collaboration with BMW M GmbH and include powertrain, suspension, aerodynamics and cockpit components that provide a tangible increase in driving dynamics by enhancing engine power, reducing weight and optimizing aerodynamic properties. The initial BMW M Performance products have been specially developed for the BMW 5 Series Sedan, the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and the new 1 Series (5-door model). The products include black kidney grills, M Performance exhaust systems, carbon fiber front splitters and an M Performance steering. The BMW M Performance Parts will roll out in the USA beginning this summer. BMW M Performance Parts may be purchased and installed through authorized BMW Centers.

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World Premiere: BMW M Performance Automobiles

BMW M GmbH reveals the start of a completely new product range with four premieres at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. The BMW M Performance automobiles [official info thread] meet the demand for more power, precise handling and highly expressive design while retaining unlimited suitability for everyday use and exemplary efficiency. The BMW M550d xDrive, M550d xDrive Touring, X5 M50d and X6 M50d will be the first to come to market. Their main points in common: the most innovative, powerful and efficient in-line 6-cylinder diesel engine in the world, the intelligent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive, M-specific suspension settings and a characteristic design.

The new diesel engine with triple turbocharger and common rail direct injection delivers 280 kW/381 hp and mobilizes a maximum torque of 740 Newton meters (546 lb-ft). The 8-speed sports automatic transmission, xDrive, the suspension technology and the aerodynamic balance of the BMW M Performance automobiles are configured specifically to match the performance characteristics of each model with the precision typical of BMW M GmbH. New benchmarks are achieved, especially in terms of agility but also in the area of efficiency. For example, the BMW M550d xDrive accelerates in 4.7 seconds from zero to 100 km/h, while its average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 6.3 liters per 100 kilometers.

These initial BMW M Performance models are not slated for sale in the North American market.

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Premiere: Additional Engines for the New BMW 3 Series Sedan

The 2012 Geneva Motor Show marks the debut of additional engine versions (for markets other than the USA and Canada) for the new BMW 3 Series Sedan that just went on sale this month. Each with four cylinders, a capacity of 2.0 liters and BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, the engines of the BMW 316d, 318d and 320i provide a level of power delivery which is typical of the brand as well as especially low fuel consumption and emission levels. The engine output of the two additional diesel models is 85 kW/116 hp in the BMW 316d and 105 kW/143 hp in the BMW 318d. As the new entry-level version among the gas engine models, the BMW 320i offers an output of 135 kW/184 hp. These additional engine variants are not slated for sale in the US market.

The M Sports package for the new BMW 3 Series Sedan is also presented along with the new engines. There is also a look ahead to further engine versions: BMW will be offering the intelligent all-wheel drive system xDrive for the new generation of the sporty sedan. The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will be on display in Geneva. The M Sport package will arrive in the USA in August 2012 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will arrive in September.

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World Premiere: The New Updated 2013 BMW X6.

Introducing the new 2013 BMW X6. The world’s first ever Sports Activity Coupe stills offers a unique combination of sporty dynamics, versatility and unmatched character. Select design updates and innovative features further hone the profile of the new BMW X6 as a distinctive model within the premium segment of all-wheel-drive vehicles. Its ongoing popularity is due to both its highly expressive design, which combines the athletic and elegant lines of a coupe with the unique character of a BMW X model, and the outstanding driving experience provided by two powerful engines featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and xDrive, the intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The BMW X6 continues to offer Dynamic Performance Control which gives the Sports Activity Coupe unparalleled agility for a vehicle in this segment. Since its market launch three years ago, more than 150,000 Sports Activity Coupes have been sold globally with over 20,000 sold here in the US. This has far exceeded the original expectations. The continuing high level of demand for the BMW X6 on worldwide markets is affirmation of the ground-breaking vehicle concept of the Sports Activity Coupe.

In the front view of the new BMW X6, its powerful presence is emphasized even more intensively with a particularly striking design of the BMW kidney grille and a new position for the fog lights. The rear lights, likewise modified, reflect the characteristic night design of the brand even more clearly. What is more, the new BMW X6 is the only vehicle within the competitive field of the BMW X models to be offered with optional adaptive LED headlights.

2013 BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe which arrives in US BMW Centers this spring.

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Premiere: BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition with CO2 level of 99 g/km

Just a few months after the successful market launch of the new BMW 1 Series in markets other than the USA and Canada, the engine range for the compact model will be extended with the addition of three 4-cylinder engines. The status of the most powerful gas engine variant goes to the BMW 125i, whose 4-cylinder power unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology develops a maximum output of 160 kW/218 hp and a maximum torque of 310 Newton meters (228 lb-ft). The most powerful diesel model in future will be the 125d with the same output and a maximum torque of 450 Newton meters (330 lb-ft). Its BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology includes multi-stage turbocharging and the latest generation of common rail direct injection.

The new front runner of the BMW model range in terms of efficiency will also be in the spotlight at the 2012 International Motor Show in Geneva. The BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition is powered by an 85 kW/116 hp diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology. It accelerates in 10.5 seconds from zero to 100 km/h and its average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 3.8 liters per 100 kilometers. With a CO2 level of 99 grams per kilometer, the BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Edition sets another milestone in the continuous reduction of exhaust emissions in road traffic.

Please note that the new 1 Series 5-door model is not planned for sale in the USA or Canada.

Born Electric: BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept

The consistent continuation of the BMW development strategy for sustainable mobility will be shown again at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show with the presentation by BMW i. The BMW i3 Concept and the BMW i8 Concept provide concrete insights into the models currently undergoing development for serial production. The BMW i3 will come off the production line at the BMW plant in Leipzig as early as 2013 as the first electrically powered premium vehicle in the world. The production start of the plug-in hybrid drive BMW i8 is due to follow at the beginning of 2014.

It’s teaser time again. BMW is speeding up their newly founded M Performance division. Some days ago, BMW announced the first M Performance vehicles powered by the triturbo N57 Diesel engine. Now it’s time to put their effort on the smaller cars.

Seen in this video is a teaser for the new lineup of M Performance accessories for the F20 1 series (we expect the F30 to follow shortly). We got a first glimpse at this lineup back at Frankfurt. The interesting parts are still blurred in the video, so expect unique M Performance front and rear bumpers, M Performance Brakes comprising of red calipers, slotted and drilled brake discs, carbon rear view mirrors, interior CF trim (feels incredibly good) and other goodies.

Just to be sure, the car teased here is NOT the M135i, even though the M135i might get similar (or the same) parts and look similar.

BMW has also set up an email notification, so register at www.bmw-mperformance.com for more info this Spring. Or just lay back and stay tuned here.

At the 2012 Detroit NAIAS, we sat down and chatted with Oliver Ganser, the 3 Series Product Manager at BMW North America. As the F30 3 Series may now be ordered and will have its official worldwide market launch in just a few weeks – on February 11, we naturally had many questions for him (many directly from you, our members). Here are the F30 related topics we covered.

Are the aerodynamics of the F30 improved by the M-sport package, or is it only a cosmetic difference?

M Sport Package has same drag coefficient (Cd) value as the base models – 0.29 Cd for 328i and 0.30 Cd for 335i. Each F30 model has been optimized for minimum drag and turbulence and to create directional airflow. A neat example – there are plastic aerodynamic sculpted sleeves on each rear control arm / wishbone to increase downforce and reduce turbulence on rear axle/suspension [picture to right].

Will Adaptive Sport Suspension be standard on M Sport models?

Not standard, it will be an option.

Will M Sport brakes be included as part of M Sport Package for the US?

We have not decided this yet, but we will have the decision soon because we will bring the M Sport Package soon – July Production for September delivery. It can be ordered prior to July. [F30 M Sport brakes pictured to right]

Will there be a power bump for the M Sport 335i?

No. We have increased cooling capabilities for the M Sport and Sport Line model [via extra cooler behind fog lights on passenger side – pictured right], but no power bump. Many customers like the M Sport Package as just an aerodynamics package; that’s why we separated things like the Adaptive Sport Suspension and Sport Steering as options apart from the M Sport package, so customer can make choices between aesthetics and functional enhancements.

Why does the US M Sport model on display have no fog lights, unlike the European model?

For improved race capability. We need the air intakes for air. That’s why the fog lights are out. Because you have more driving on the racetracks than in Europe and you have different climate zones (some places are hotter). European models will keep their fog lights.

Will there be a Diesel F30 in the US?
We will not have a diesel for the model year 2012, but our last outgoing model (e90) was very successful with the diesel so we’re thinking about it.

When will xDrive be available? As of July production also or later?
It will come in Fall as well with pretty similar schedule as M Sport Package (see above).

Will xDrive be available with manual transmission?
For some models.

When will Active Hybrid 3 be available, 9/2012?
Will also be offered in the same time frame.

Why no staggered wheels standard for 328i?
Staggered wheels are available as optional wheels.
[Note: Note: As far as we can tell, this applies to M Sport models only.]

What generation runflat tires does the F30 use?
We use the latest generation RFT on the F30 now. It’s a huge step forward in ride comfort, tread life, and noise reduction.

Is the PDC and Rearview camera the same set-up as in the 5 and 7?
Yes, same technologies flow down from the 5 series. There is front and rear PDC, rearview camera with parking guide lines, top down view, and front fender side view cameras.

Any plans to bring the uprated 315hp N55 in the 335i (as recently launched in the 6 Series Gran Coupe)?

No. The F30 N55 engine is the same engine as in the outgoing E90 model. We just decided that the 6 and 7 series will have the uprated N55 engine to 315hp. This won’t flow down to the F30. The uprated power in the 6 and 7 series comes from software only.
[Note: However, we were told during our F30 test drive in Barcelona that BMW is considering bringing the 315hp N55 to the F30 at some point (perhaps as a Performance option)].

Any word regarding BMW Performance parts for the F30?

You will see them soon.
[Note: Some BMW Performance and M Performance parts for the F30 have already been spotted [pictured right], via some photos taken at a recent dealer presentation – see the images here]

When will Individual colors (exterior and interior) be available for the F30?

The suggested BMW Individual colors and combinations have not yet been released.
[Note: Remember, from our interview with Matt Russell last year at the NYIAS, any dealer can submit individual orders for you].

Latest status on F30 Front license plate mounting base:

The latest from BMWNA (as of 1/19) is that the first batch of 3 Series Sedans will be delivered to BMW Centers across the US with (but not necessarily attached) the large front license plate bracket shown in some recent photos. That is the reason we see it installed on some recent production cars (pictured below). [Preproduction cars will still continue to be seen with it of course.]

As of last Thursday however, BMW production facilities have begun manufacturing a new license plate bracket that is smaller than the ones previously seen.

So, this means that some of the very early F30 cars will have the large front license plate base come with the cars, and the others that come after it will have a smaller plate base.

A front license plate holder will not be installed on US bound F30 models. A front license plate holder will be supplied for all cars in case it is bound for a State that requires front license plates. Sorry for any confusion that may have come from our previous posts on the matter. We were relaying what we found out and were told by BMW.

Seen here, at the Brussels auto show is the first sight of the F30 3 series M Sport looking great with the optional Style 403M 19″ wheels and the blue M sport brakes that we’ve been mentioning. As we just posted about, it hasn’t yet been decided whether the blue M Sport brakes will be a part of the M Sport Package or optional.

Also being displayed with this F30 M Sport model are some BMW Performance and M Performance – an M Performance alcantara dashboard cover with carbon fiber fabric trim, a performance flat bottom alcantara steering wheel with red center marker, and performance racing pedals. Some F30 exterior BMW M Performance and Performance parts were spotted for the first time just yesterday. See inside for more info and photos.

An interview with Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, President of BMW M GmbH. In it, he gives review for the successful year 2011 and explains the philosophy behind the new BMW M category of cars: the BMW M Performance Automobiles Range.

We also get the best look yet at the upcoming X6 M50d in LCI/facelifted form.

For months now, there have been signs and clues pointing to the potential release of several M tuned BMW models which will create a new category of models to fill the gap between the standard series cars and their M versions. It’s now just been officially announced by BMW M! See inside for BMW M’s full official announcement.

So what rumored models can we expect to launch this new category of BMWs? The following three rumored models should all come with the criteria just announced by BMW M for its new M Performance cars category — extra power, tuned handling, and M visual enhancements.

There is the M550d, which was first discovered on the label of a new BMW brake pad package (pictured left). The M550d will be a new tri-turbo inline-6 diesel F10 5 series and it’s effectively been confirmed. What’s not yet confirmed however, is a power figure.

The latest rumor coming out of a BMW dealer presentation held in the Netherlands in November was that the M550d will come in with 381hp and 516 lb-ft torque. It will be AWD-only.

X6 M50d: The X6 M50d is the car which has been teased by BMW in recent days with their teaser video. It should to be powered by the same tri-turbo inline-6 diesel engine as the M550d. Complimenting the power plant should be a dedicated M Sport Package and some other goodies. It will debut in the X6 LCI (facelift) form, which should be revealed imminently.

We’ve confirmed at the 2012 NAIAS however, that this model will not be seeing North American shores, which likely rules out the M550d as well.

From the same Dutch BMW dealer presentation in November which yielded the 381hp tri-turbo diesel M550d rumor (see above), came a report that a “M135i” F20 1 series hatchback is coming next summer. Those in attendance were reportedly told about a M135i featuring 320hp and powered by the N55 inline 6 engine.

A few months back, we spied what appears to be an M Sport 135i F20, so we wouldn’t be surprised if BMW went with the “M135i” moniker for that car.