The E90 BMW M3 is already a vehicle which commands respect. It goes from zero to 100km/h in just 4.4 seconds and will cover the 400m sprint in 12.7 seconds. In standard form the M3 is powered by a 309kW 4.0-litre V8, however that did not stop German tuners G-Power from deciding to add a supercharger and extract a ridiculous 473kW.

The rationale behind the supercharger was to significantly increase the low end torque of the M3 as well as increase power throughout the entire RPM range. For those who are hesitant to boost a factory BMW engine, but still want more from a M3, G-Power has developed an engine swap package where they will transplant the V10 from the M5 into the smaller and lighter M3.

G-Power also offers a multitude of “less intimidating” performance packages. Their EVO I tuning package gives the M3 an additional 76kW with the use of an intercooled supercharger, larger fuel injectors and a stainless steel exhaust system. Also available is the EVO II package, giving an additional 17kW over the EVO I, resulting in 403kW. An EVO III setup utilizes an upgraded supercharger, a cold air induction kit with racing air filter and a high capacity water to air intercooler on top of the engine. Inside the engine block a 10.3:1 compression ratio is achieved with lightweight low compression pistons. The EVO III package also comes with stronger connecting rods due to the added stress.

For those who require a more sublte modification, G-Power offers the G1 Tune ECU software upgrade resulting in a power gain of 15kW. The software upgrade will also raise the top speed from the electronically limited 250km/h to 302km/h. Their G1 Plus SII package adds 32kW by using high flowing catalytic converters, a free flowing exhaust and sport air filters.

No official performance data is available at this time, but considering that the company has also produced a record holding 364.8km/h M5, any of the upgrades will ensure “Thrilling Driving Pleasure”.

Source: TopSpeed

It’s Friday night and you pull up to a red-light with your girlfriend in your brand new ‘08 BMW M3. A guy pulls up next to you in his ‘08 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, pulls down the window and goes “I’ve got 27kW more than you sucker,” and smokes you. Ouch - big shot to your man-hood.

So when 309kW isn’t enough for you Dinan Cars will come to your rescue.
According to Modified Luxury & Exotics News, Dinan will be building a new 2008 BMW M3 with a 5.7-litre V10 that will produce 461kW.

While other tuners (such as Hartge, Hamann and AC Schnitzer) have dropped the BMW V10 engine into either the M3 or 335i, this stroked engine will make the Dinan M3 the most powerful to date. “We also plan on lightening up the front end so it handles properly,” says Dinan.

The vehicle will be released in roughly a year, well after Dinan releases its 4.6-litre big bore kit for the new M3 at the end of this year.

First posted on 19 August 2008.

Do you think that BMW’s latest M3 is a bit too subtle? Well not to worry because AC Schnitzer may have an answer for you.

AC Schnitzer’s ASC3 Sport models start with BMW’s 309kW 4.0-litre V8, adding a short-throw sport shifter and a stainless-steel exhaust system with quad pipes.

The Schnitzer racing suspension features stiffer springs and is height-adjustable. Performance wheel/tire combinations are available in 19 and 20-inch sizes.

Aerodynamic add-ons include a front skirt and spoiler, bonnet vents on either side of the power dome, side skirts, rear diffuser, rear wing and roof spoiler.

The cabin boasts aluminum pedals, gearshift and handbrake levers and iDrive control knob, as well as carbon-fibre trim and an AC Schnitzer gauge set.

The acclaimed tuning house has yet to get to work on the award winning 309kW V8 engine, but expect announcements in this area some time in the future.

First posted on 12 August 2008.

Following the new 2009 BMW 3-Series Sedan, BMW has released a facelift for the new 2009 M3 Sedan.

Like the new 3-Series the 2009 M3 gets redesigned L-shaped tail-lights and LED headlamps and indicators.

The inside gets minor cosmetic changes to the center console and driver-side controls.
All 2009 BMW M3 models (including the coupe and the convertible) get the new iDrive which features a newly devised controller incorporating preference keys on the center console. The 2009 iDrive now also comes with a new 8.8″ display, image resolution of 1280 x 480 pixels and user-friendly cascading menu system - perfect for surfing the Internet via ConnectedDrive.

Power still comes from a 4.0L V8 engine producing 309kW. No news when the 2009 BMW M3 will arrive in SA’s showrooms but the M3 Sedan will be available with a new metallic Space Gray color. All three body variants are set to get a new metallic Le Mans Blue color as well.

First posted on 30 July 2008