As an owner of the 2011 BMW 135i with an M Sport Package, I can definitely appreciate what the girl in this video experienced. BMW of Singapore has launched promotional-prank project entitled ‘Switch.’

“The BMW Switch is a fun collaborative project between the public and BMW Asia to switch unsuspecting BMW drivers’ current cars with a similar model that has been enhanced with original BMW Performance Accessories,” BMW said.

The first victim of the BMW Switch is known as K, who owns a standard specifications BMW 1-Series. Accomplice and colleague J contacted BMW Switch to play the prank. BMW showed up and switched her standard BMW 1-Series to a BMW 1-SEries with a BMW Performance Power Kit and Silencer System.

As K stepped out for an appointment and parked her car in a parking deck – BMW showed up and “fitted the car with hidden cameras, and switched her BMW 1 Series. To dial up the drama, we deliberately parked our enhanced BMW 1 Series Performance at a different lot.

Check out K’s reaction after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

BMW announced today that it is offering two Power Kit packages for BMW 135i and BMW 335i owners.

Version 1 Power Kit $599: Performance-Optimized Engine Software. This version of the Power Kit was first introduced on the 335i BMW Performance Edition model (announced in July, 2011). Available for all Model Year 135i and 335i vehicles. Also available for X6 vehicles produced up to 04/2010.

Version 2 Power Kit $1,199: Same engine performance software as Version 1, plus an Auxiliary Water Cooler and an Enhanced Radiator Fan to reduce the higher thermal stresses on the engine during extreme driving. Available for all Model Year 135i and 335i vehicles.

The special introductory price on all Power Kits is available from now until the end of 2011.

Power Kit Highlights:

• Horsepower is increased to 320hp (20hp increase).
• Torque is increased to 332 lb-ft (when equipped with an automatic transmission) and 317 lb-ft (when equipped with a manual or DCT transmission).

Faster acceleration:

• 0.2 seconds faster than the standard 335i model from 0 mph to 60 mph.
• 0.5 seconds faster than the standard 335i model from 50 mph to 75 mph.
• “Exhaust burble” sound during engine overrun conditions (new feature).

- By: Omar Rana

For the interior, velour edged floor mats are available in a range of color options. A luggage compartment tray can be added, along with ski and snowboard bags with plenty of colors and materials to choose from.

Bicycle racks come with room for two bikes and access to the luggage compartment, and have been designed to be light.

Click here for more news on the BMW 1-Series.

BMW also took weight reduction into consideration with new alloy wheels and in the new Performance an aerodynamics package, which also comes with a lighter breaking system.

The BMW Performance power kit for the 135i and 335i kick power up by 20hp, as well.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Just last week, we’ve revealed a new package for BMW 1- and 3-Series buyers in the UK. Made to pay homage to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic games, the US will too receive Performance Edition Packages as well, but just for the 335i sedan and 135i coupe.

Costing only $550, the package features a power increase for the turbocharged N55 inline-six, going up from 300-hp to 320-hp with torque getting a up from 300 lb-ft to 317 torques for the manual and 332 torques for the automatic. The results are 0-60 times that are faster by 0.2 seconds and 50mph to 70 mph comes 0.5 seconds quicker.

Blacked out kidney grills and a BMW Performance badge will help differentiate the Performance Edition from standard models and will cost an extra $550. So yes, unfortunately the Performance Editions don’t include the BMW M-Sport packages like they do in Europe.

Now that you’ve purchased your first BMW, you’re thinking about ways you can further enhance your ownership experience. You ask your dealer and he/she mentions taking a look at BMW Performance Parts website and going through all the different parts and accessories available for your vehicle. So you head to your computer, start browsing and are kind of taken back by the prices of some of the upgrades that could hit prices of more than $4,000.

Then it sets in – that feeling of uncertainty or feeling whether dumping money into BMW Performance Parts and Accessories is really worth it?

Well, BMW is here to answer those questions with a new video that compares BMW Performance enhanced vehicles to their standard counterparts.

Check out the video after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

BMW Performance Accessories for 2011 BMW X5

Own a BMW X5? Want it to look a little more aggressive? BMW has just announced the North American availability of BMW Performance brand accessories for the X5 SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle). The upgrades for the BMW X5 include a bunch of aerodynamic components, aluminum pedals, special kidney grilles, and a new flat-bottom Sport steering wheel.

The BMW X5 Aero Kit, includes a redesigned front and rear bumper covers and side skirts and an available set of black kidney grilles. On the inside, BMW is offering a new steering wheel and pedal set which includes pedal, brake pedal, and footrest pedal, crafted of aluminum with rubber inserts.

BMW also offers an available unique multifunction steering wheel for X5 models. The steering wheel features a thick, racing-style, flattened lower rim and is fully covered in hand-stitched Alcantara material.

The new accessories go on sale at Authorized BMW Centers this month.

BMW Performance Accessories for 2011 BMW X5:

- By: Zain Haq

BMW X6 Performance Accessories

BMW has just announced that there are some new accessories for their “segment busting” X6 Sport Activity Coupe”¦in which they really mean the most pointless car ever made. Pointless because it has a useless boot, weighs more than the universe, and isn”t as practical as it suggests. Nonetheless, these new accessories include a Power Kit, aerodynamic components, unique light-alloy wheels, and a new racing style flat-bottom sport steering wheel”¦mmm tasty.

But let”s start with their “Power Kit” and high performance exhaust system. For 2008-2010 X6 xDrive35i and the xDrive50i models””what”s wrong with X6 3.5iX or 5.0iX”¦I had to literally go back more than four times to retype the other names””the power kit features a reflashed ECU, which was done in-house, and the ending results are 320 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, up from 300 and 300 respectively for the 6-cylinder and 440 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, up from 400 and 450 for the 8. BMW said that engine response and output were increased without affecting emissions and fuel consumptions. Projected performance changes are 0-60 times lower by .2 seconds for each car, so 6.3 for the 6-cylinder and 5.0 for the 8. A new high-performance exhaust system for both engines is currently in the works and will be released with details later.

A body kit is also now available as an option after BMW took the X6 back to the wind tunnel. The Performance Aero Kit, which is for only standard X6s and not the X6 M or ActiveHybrid, includes redesigned front and rear fascias, and side skirts. Now they are meant to reduce aerodynamic drag and lift at high speeds whilst improving stability and adding to the X6s aesthetic flare”¦which is honestly like trying to beautify a pile of manure. Rear spoiler options are available as well to complete the package.

Wheels involve options for a set of 21-inch lightweight alloys for all models with massive 285/35/R21 tires up front and a wider set of 325/30/R21s at the back.

Lastly, the racing style flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel is available as an option for all X6s except for the X6 M and ones with the Lane Departure Warning. Featuring a thicker rim and fully lined in what”s more or less a buff mat, or what they call Alcantara, BMW says that since it”s “the driver”s primary interface with the X6, the BMW Performance Steering Wheel has been designed to place maximum emphasis on the importance of the man-machine connection.”

BMW X6 Performance Accessories:

- By: Chris Chin

At the 2010 Geneva Motor Show next month, BMW Performance will unveil a set of modifications for the already sporty looking X6 crossover. Modifications or upgrades will be available for the aerodynamics, powertrain, suspension, and the cabin. These items can all be purchased individually.

Starting June, BMW Performance will also offer its Power Kit performance upgrades for the X6. With a couple of changes, power output for the xDrive5oi V8 X6 will be increased by 40-hp for a total of 443-hp. The xDrive35i 6-cylinder model will get an increase of 20-hp for a total of 322-hp. Both upgrades will improve the xDrive50i and xDrive35i by 0.2 seconds.

Hit the jump for the press release for more details.

BMW Performance BMW X6:

Press Release:

Fascinating Design, Supreme Dynamism:
BMW Performance for the BMW X6.

The BMW X6 stands out in particular through its unique sporting looks and performance, unmistakable design adding a most exclusive touch. And now the truly discerning driver is able to make the driving experience and looks of the world’s first Sports Activity Coupé even more outstanding, tailoring all the car’s features to his individual, sporting preferences.

The wide range of products from BMW Performance offers numerous options for this purpose, ensuring an even more intense experience of driving dynamics and the fascinating, aesthetic design of the BMW X6. The range of retrofittable options specially developed for BMW’s unique Sports Activity Coupé for the drivetrain, suspension, aerodynamics and cockpit is included in the broad selection of BMW Original Accessories.

BMW Performance components convey know-how from motorsport to the road, expressing a particular passion for supreme performance and characteristic design. All features in the BMW Performance product line are available individually, enabling the driver of a BMW X6, through the choice of selected components, to set clear sporting highlights in all areas he finds particularly relevant. At the same time all BMW Performance products may be combined with one another to provide a harmoniously balanced overall package.

Aerodynamics and the suspension:
precise optimisation, individual style.

The sporting looks of the BMW X6 are accentuated more than ever before by the BMW Performance Aerodynamics Kit with features and elements tailored exactly in both style and function to BMW’s Sports Activity Coupé. This even includes the cameras and sensors for the Park Distance Control, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, and the Side View driver assistance system.

The BMW Performance Aerodynamics Kit is made up of the front bumper, side-sills and an insert for the rear bumper, all in special design and all finished in body colour.

The BMW Performance Aerodynamics Kit for the BMW X6 may also be supplemented by a rear spoiler, rear fins in matt black and a front grid finished in high-gloss black paint.

BMW Performance light-alloy wheels in Y-spoke design further optimise the dynamic driving potential and the striking looks of the BMW X6. Reduced in weight, these cast light-alloy 12-inch wheels stand out in particular through their roll-milled rim hump and exclusive twin-tone finish with a glossy outside surface and Ferric Grey paintwork between the rims. A special production method reduces the weight of each wheel by approximately 1,500 grams
compared with conventional wheels of the same size.

The reduction in unsprung masses ensured in this way has a positive effect on both the driving dynamics and steering behaviour of the BMW X6.

The BMW Performance light-alloy wheels come on tyres varying in size from front to rear and featuring runflat qualities allowing the driver to continue even after a complete loss of pressure.

Rim dimensions are 10J x 21 at the front on 285/35 R21 tyres and 11.5J x 21 on 325/30 R21 tyres at the rear.

BMW Performance Power Kit: even more muscle when accelerating.

The BMW Performance Power Kit available as a retrofittbale option on the gasoline versions of the BMW X6 as of June 2010 increases both torque and acceleration to an even higher standard. Developed specifically for the V8 power unit in the BMW X6 xDrive50i and the straight-six in the BMW X6 xDrive35i, the Performance Power Kit significantly improves both acceleration and elasticity through a further increase in maximum output and peak torque precisely matched to the car’s power characteristics.

The BMW Performance Power Kit comprises appropriate modifications to engine management with a positive effect on the development of power in both engines. The Kit was developed by BMW’s engine specialists and naturally reflects the high quality standards of the BMW Group with the increase in power and torque remaining in full compliance with all warranty rights and claims on the part of the customer.

The BMW Performance Power Kit raises maximum output of the eight-cylinder with BMW TwinPower Turbo and High Precision Injection in the BMW X6 xDrive50i by 30 kW/41 hp to 330 kW/448 hp. Peak torque, in turn, is up by 50 Newton-metres/37 lb-ft to 650 Nm/479 lb-ft.

The six-cylinder power unit of the BMW X6 xDrive35i equipped with Twin Turbo technology and High Precision Injection shows an increase in maximum output by 15 kW/20 hp to 240 kW/326 hp, with peak torque increasing by 50 to 450 Newton-metres/332 lb-ft.

Benefiting from the BMW Performance Power Kit, both models accelerate 0.2 seconds faster from a standstill to 100 km/h, the BMW X6 xDrive50i with the BMW Performance Power Kit completing this sprint in 5.2 seconds, the BMW X6 xDrive35i in 6.5 seconds. Acceleration in gears from 80 – 120 km/h (50 – 75 mph) is 0.5 seconds faster in each model.

Likewise starting in June 2010, BMW Performance also offers a sports exhaust system. Available also on the BMW X6 xDrive50i and BMW X6 xDrive35i, this option stands out clearly through its chrome-plated tailpipes, at the same time offering even lower weight and a particularly striking sound pattern together with a further reduction of exhaust counter-pressure.

Cockpit: driver’s workplace like in a sports car.

BMW Performance offers attractive accessories also for the car’s interior design, again raising the sporting driving experience in the BMW X6 to an even higher standard. As an example, all model variants of BMW’s Sports Activity Coupé may be equipped with a BMW Performance sports steering wheel with a flattened rim at the bottom and alcantara coating for optimum grip and a pleasant touch in all temperatures.

The driver’s workplace is further optimised in the true style of a genuine sports car by BMW Performance aluminium pedals and the BMW Performance driver’s footrest.

In their technical features and design all of the BMW Performance components available in the BMW X6 comply in full with the typical style of the brand and naturally fulfil all of BMW’s supreme standards in terms of quality and safety. Accordingly, they are fully in line with all BMW warranty standards and requirements.

BMW Performance accessories and features are sold and fitted by BMW Dealers and Service Partner as well as BMW Retail Outlets.

- By: Omar Rana

The lovers of all things BMW, BimmerFile, have learned that BMW Performance will be offering an output upgrade for the N54 twin-turbo found under the hood of the BMW 135 and the 335. The N54 is the popular 3.0L twin-turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine that BMW says produces 300-hp (on the stateside).

The new BWW Performance Power Kit will offer a software and performance upgrade that will give the N54 a boost of 20-hp. In European terms that means the engine will now produce 326-hp and 450 Newton meters of torque. In the U.S. that translates to around 321-hp and 336 lb-ft.

The kit has yet to be made official for the U.S. but we have been hearing for sometime now that we can expect a BMW Performance Power Kit sometime in April.

You can check out a video and the high-res image gallery of the BMW Performance 1-Series and 3-Series after the jump.

BMW Performance Parts for 1-Series and 3-Series:

BMW Performance Parts for 1-Series and 3-Series Video:

Source: BimmerFile

A couple of days ago we brought you a new teaser for the upcoming BMW Performance Parts for the new 2009 BMW 3-Series and 1-Series. The BMW Performance Parts and Accessories are now officially online with 32 upgrades and the full video that may make BMW owners want to go spending their cash right away.

Upgrades include aerodynamics enhancements, braking system upgrades, chassis improvements, interior upgrades and a couple of performance upgrades.

Click here to check out the BMW Performance site.

Follow the jump for the video.

Thanks for the tip Max!

BMW has released a new teaser video along with a short message reading:

Can’t wait to see more? Join us again in November when we will show you what genuine driving pleasure is all about. Because with BMW Performance true passion is a matter of course. See you then.

From the teaser we’re guessing that we’ll get to see new performance parts for the 2009 BMW 3-Series since performance products and accessories are already available for the current 3-Series and the 1-Series. Whatever it is, it seems really exciting.

Follow the jump to see the video.

Thanks for the tip Max.