M-Performance
The 2011 BMW 335is, which was only sold in Canada and the United States but not Europe, slotted between the regular 3 Series (which had an optional M-Sport styling package) and the M3 (the full M performance variant). The 335is has a more powerful engine than the regular 335i, plus the front bumper intake and rear exhaust manifold influenced by the M3, and an optional dual clutch transmission instead of a conventional automatic transmission. The same engine is also found in the 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe, which is considered a full M car.
Recently (2012) BMW have introduced a range between M-Sport kitted standard cars and full M cars branded the M Performance range (which shares the name a range of after-market accessories) - although not directly confirmed the line would appear to compete with Audi's S models on positioning within the model hierarchy.
To date this includes the M550dx in touring and saloon variants, the X6 m50d and X5 m50d which all share a 381 bhp 740NM triple turbo diesel engine, the former pair are only LHD drive markets currently due to the xDrive layout in the F10 series not being compatible with RHD markets (a RWD F10 M550d was mentioned by Auto Express but has not been confirmed). The first petrol M Performance car is the M135i which is a 320 bhp (estimated) RWD 1 series car.
Nothing yet has been announced as regards the F30 3 Series M Performance line up but BMW have trademarked (amongst many other monikers) M335, M340 and M350. Further to this M President Friedrich Nitschke has confirmed that the new triple turbo diesel engine will "easily fit" within the F30 engine bay but did not elaborate any further.
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