Cars Engine: BMW 3 Series

Showing posts with label BMW 3 Series. Show all posts

VST Conversions' Electric BMW E30 can toast a Tesla [with Video]

Maybe I'm crazy, but aren't vintage electric conversions just so much more interesting than current electric cars? They're like old Mercedes diesels converted to biodiesel: vintage cool but using modern day tech to be efficient, clean, and (in the this case) very fast.

This green '86 BMW 3-Series E30, built by Croatia's VST Conversions, is the brainchild of Mate Rimac; he wanted to go fast in an electric car, and now he can.

After working through a few power setups, the current version of the VST "bi-moto EV" puts down 500 horsepower through the wheels and can run the quarter in 12.1. The word you're looking for is DAMN. As in "Damn, this thing is awesome."

It only helps that the car's coated in a juicy shade of green and its graphics pay homage to BMW's 1-Series ActiveE concept. Now, I can't make any sense of the parts and other jazz used, but if you can, enjoy more info and pics of the build at DIY Electric Car.

By Phil Alex

Source: DIY Electric , Via: Green.Autoblog

_______________________________VIDEOS_______________________________

BMW’s South Carolina Factory May Get Fourth Model, Possibly 3-Series

BMW is considering adding a fourth model to its Spartanburg, South Carolina factory in order to further compete with U.S. luxury market leaders Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.

The Bavarian firm's chief, Frank-Peter Arndt believes an additional "volume model" could be added to Spartanburg's production line. The introduction of a fourth model would help reduce BMW's exposure to foreign currency, which presently tops US$14 billion. IHS Automotive analyst Rebecca Lindland believes the 3-Series is the most likely candidate for production at Spartanburg: "The 3-Series is a no-brainer." she said.

Of the 1.07 million vehicles BMW delivered last year, 397,103 of them were 3-series models. In spite of a 9.2% rise in U.S. sales from January to September 2010, BMW is still trailing behind Mercedes-Benz and Lexus.

The Spartanburg factory - which makes BMW's X5 and X6 SUVs - recently underwent a US$750 million renovation to squeeze in the compact X3. The introduction of the latter model meant an increase in BMW's U.S. production capacity by a whopping 50%. Roughly 70% of the vehicles built in Spartanburg are exported, with more than 65% of the component parts sourced from North American suppliers.

Giving further credence to the 3-series at Spartanburg rumor is the December 2009 announcement by rival Mercedes-Benz that it would begin building the C-Class at its Alabama factory. It only figures that BMW would want to face this threat head on.

By Tristan Hankins

Source: Bloomberg

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________

2012 BMW F30 3-Series Spy Shots, Now With a Better View of the Interior

Here are some more spy shots of the upcoming next-gen BMW 3-Series with a closer look at the interior. Codenamed the F30, BMW is likely to play its next bread and butter 3-Series pretty safe with an evolutionary design. Even without looking at the pics, we all know it'll be the 3-Series version of the 5-Series.

As stated in our previous post (read here), power is likely to come from a series of inline-4 and -6 cylinder gasoline and diesel engines that'll see some boost from turbochargers. Also, with BMW downsizing and boost-raising, the next M3 could see either a turbo V8 or possibly even revert to a lighter but high-output 6-cylinder.

Inside, you'll see the newest bit: the car's center information stack is turned slightly toward the driver, harking back to the good old days of BMW. Also, this F30 seAlso, this F30 sedan is just the beginning. After it and the coupe/convertible debut, we could see a hybrid and even a GT variant joining the ranks. As soon as we got some spy pics of those two nasties, we'll let you know.

By Phil Alex

MR Car Design wrings out another 100 Ponies from BMW 335i

Even though the 335i has been on the market for a while now, there seems to be no shortage of new tuning proposals for the BMW model. Today's faster 335i Coupe comes via German tuning firm MR Car Design. Thanks to a custom made sport exhaust system with sport catalysts, a larger intercooler and an optimized ECU for the 3.0-liter turbocharged straight six, output is bumped from 306HP and 400Nm to 406HP and 530Nm.

MR Car Design's 335i comes fitted with deep dish 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in high-performance rubber size 235/30 20 at the front axle and 285/25 20 at the rear. A sports suspension package from KW and an original M3 hood are also available from the German tuner.

Bavarian Potpourri: E36 BMW 325i Cabrio with E90 3-Series Front and E60 5-Series Rear

Now here's a BMW owner with a joyfully vivid imagination. What you're looking at here could be Holland's answer the Japanese Civic/Lexus/Toyota thingamajig we showed you last month: a E36 (1990-2000) 3-Series Convertible with a removable hardtop that has been "facelifted" with the front end of the latest E90 3-Series and the buttocks of an E60 5-Series sedan. The best of all worlds... or the worst? It's up to you to make the call. More photos after the jump.

Via: Autoblog.nl / Autojunk.nl

StopTech BMW M3 track car Wallpaper

APP Europe had a few goals when they decided to modify the current BMW M3, which was to create a track day car with reduced weight, better driving dynamics, added engine performance and stable braking. The result is this, the StopTech M3.

Starting off, they played with the M3’s 4.0-litre V8 engine and increased power output to 450 hp from the standard 420 horses with the help of a tuning kit from Collaction AG. This also adds 40 Nm of torque to make 440 Nm. Next was the brake system by StopTech, which comprises forged aluminium and anodized 6-piston calipers with two-piece 380 x 32 mm discs at the front and 4-piston calipers on 355 x 32 mm discs at the back. This set is claimed to be much lighter and more powerful than the stock items.

To improve driving dynamics, APP added a KW Club Sport suspension, a titanium exhaust system and 19-inch ATS ‘Race Light’ wheels covered with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres. The exhaust system is 23 kg lighter than the standard set, while each new wheel is 1.5 kg lighter than the ones supplied by Munich. Instead of matte black, this car’s skin gets a matte titanium silver foil for a metallic effect and clean finish.

>