It's confirmed now. After numerous leaks over the past several days, the 2011 BMW 335is is officially on the way. It will get a version of the N54 3.0-liter found in the Z4 sDrive35is, but in the 335is it's rated at 320-horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. It will also be the first 3 Series to offer BMW's 7-speed Double Clutch Transmission (DCT) as an option.
And why exactly does the 335is have 320-hp while the Z4 with the same engine boast 335 horses? Our man on the scene asked BMW officials and the answer wasn't entirely clear.
"First an engineer said it was because the standard manual in the 3 Series couldn't handle the extra torque. Then another engineer said it was a marketing decision. Quickly after that another BMW representative cut in and said it was all about the underhood packaging that required a more restrictive intake."
So there you have it, the longest non-answer possible. Other than that small detail, the 335is is everything we thought it was when we first reported on it early this week. It will come as a coupe and convertible and cost $50,525 and $59,075 respectively when it goes on sale in the spring.
Other notable upgrades include an extra radiator and oil cooler along with larger intakes in the revised air dam. There are also stiffer engine mounts to compensate for higher G-loads expected of owners willing to pop all that extra money for 20 extra horsepower. Oh, there's a special sport exhaust system too.
On the inside there's a whole laundry list of M-badged parts like a sport steering wheel, sport seats, stainless steel pedals and a M shifter. The car will get an official unveil at the 2010 New York Auto Show in March.
sgude says:
05:23 PM, 01/24/10
This package would be best if applied to the four-door, but I guess BMW marketing knows better than I do. Most people think the standard N54 makes a lot more power than what BMW rated it anyway, so this package simply brings it closer to the truth -- as they see it.
roadburner says:
10:06 AM, 01/25/10
The engine upgrades are the same ones you get with the BMW Performance Power Kit, and I suspect that the exhaust is also the BMW Performance item. Together they cost $3682 plus installation, so you can run the numbers yourself to see if the is package is a good deal. There are several decent aftermarket tuners that offer similar or higher power gains, but the BMW Performance parts preserve your warranty without any hassles. You pays yer money...
jederino says:
10:11 AM, 01/25/10
Will this take care of the oft-reported overheating problem, for those who take part in the occasional track days?
roadburner says:
11:56 AM, 01/25/10
The overheating problem related to the lack of an auxiliary oil cooler. This upgrade is in addition to the oil cooler, which can also be retrofitted.