BMW BLOG

Chris Paukert over at Autoblog spent some time behind the wheel of the 2011 BMW 335is, the latest high-performance 3 Series coming out of the Munich factory and only available exclusively for the U.S. market.

Since most of the technical information are well known  by now, we will take a moment to focus on the driving experience, as reported by Autoblog:

“More important than raw numbers is the way the 335is feels and behaves, and in this regard, we’ve only whetted our appetites with a limited amount of laps at Estoril with both the DCT and manual (these prototypes were sadly not plated for street use). Even given our limited time and closed course conditions, we can tell you that we like what we see so far.

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Looking at the December sales numbers for BMW, we can clearly see an ascending trend of diesel vehicles sold in the United States. Official numbers showed that one out of three X5s sold were represented by the xDrive35d model. Last summer, the $4,500 Eco-Credit has also helped boost the sales for the two diesel offerings with most of the dealers running out of 3 Series diesel sedans.

Back in September, in an interview with Automotive News, Jim O’Donnell, CEO of BMW North America, has reiterated that BMW remains committed to its diesel strategy in the U.S. even if more hybrid vehicles will emerge in the near future. As far as future plans, BMW is hoping for 10%-20% diesel penetration in U.S and also the introduction of new diesel vehicles on the market. The one mentioned by Mr. O’Donnell was a diesel variant of the next generation 5 Series, but unfortunately, no other news along that line have been released since.

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2011 BMW 3 Series Coupe
BMW has substantially updated the 3 Series Coupe for model year 2011. Headlining the changes are new headlights and tail lights, a new hood and kidney grille, new side skirts, new wheels, and new front and rear fascias. Under the skin, the 335i Coupe has been fitted with the new “N55” twin scroll turbocharged inline-6 engine, and may be coupled to the standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission.

In addition to the new Vermillion Red and Deep Sea Blue exterior colors, Mineral White Metallic exterior paint will be available on the Coupe starting in June. On all 3 Series models, the optional Harman Kardon Surround Sound System replaces BMW’s HiFi Professional System. Also, as part of the update, BMW has made new Bamboo Anthracite Wood trim available on the interior.

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BMW just released some new videos of their latest gimmick: BMW 335is. The car was unveiled last week at the Estoril track in Portugal and it was just the beginning of a new wave of car comparisons. While many of you might have already compared it to its competitors in the market, mostly from Mercedes and Audi, we believe their main competitor comes within the company.

Just days ago, we debated the pros and cons of the 335is when compared to the respectable M3 and the choice can be quite difficult and the following quote may describe how many some of us feel: “The 335is has been “tuned” by ///M. The M3 was handmade by ///M”

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Here we go…..comparisons between the BMW 335is and the M3 models are starting to pile up. We’ve started yesterday with our own comparison, but written in a funny, entertaining way. Now, Autospies takes it to a more serious level and gives us a closer look at the BMW 335is and the differences from the standard model.

With the new 335i, BMW brings a lot of visual updates to the standard 335i. At the front fascia, the 335is sports a wider mouth to feed more air, the fog lamps have been removed on the Coupe model, but will remain on the convertible. To use the extra air properly, BMW has fitted an additional radiator behind the left-front air intake, along with a more powerful electric cooling fan. An oil cooling pan has been added opposite of the second radiator, as well. The engine mounts that hold the 335i in place well enough are gone for even stronger units on the 335is, to ensure maximum performance under the heavier loads and conditions that the ‘is’ can cope with.

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We’ve been having an internal debate here at BMWBLOG as to which car represents the greater value, the 335is or the M3. After the dust settled we decided to consult with our resident expert, the good Dr Oetker.

But before we jump into the interview, allow us to leave with you this memorable quote:

The 335is has been “tuned” by ///M. The M3 was handmade by ///M

Dr. Oetker, can you help us with a little question we’re having deciding on which car represents the best value, the 335is or the M3?

What do you intend to do with this car? Make ice cream runs?

Well that’s just it we haven’t decided exactly how we’ll be using the car. There’s some talk about lap times, track days, and optimal slip angles, and other discussion about high altitude passes in the Rockies and two lane twisties?

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BMW launched earlier today one of the most awaited cars in the last few weeks: their 2011 BMW 335is. The 2011 BMW 335is is powered by the same award winning N54 inline-6 3.0-liter twin-turbo motor that comes standard in the 335i, although the motor is now enhanced.

It comes packing 320hp at 5,900 rpm and 332lb-ft of torque is available from 1,500-5,000 rpm. The engineers have tweaked the twin-turbo 3-liter motor to have an overboost function that increases torque to 370lb-ft. The overboost function comes into play at higher engine speeds and gears. BMW has also fitted a sport exhaust system that has a deeper “rumble” at low speeds and rpm.

The 335is will come with BMW’s heralded 7-speed double-clutch transmission, or DCT, with launch control, as an option over the standard 6-speed manual transmission. BMW claims a 5.0 second time to 60 with the optional DCT and launch control, while the manual coupe will take 5.1 seconds. The E93 is not far behind, with a 5.2 second 0-60 time with the DCT or the 6-speed manual.

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BMW today released its “worst kept secret”, as they said it; the 2011 BMW 335is Coupe and Convertible.

The E92 and E93 335is are the most powerful of standard 3-Series BMWs. The ’s’ typically meaning the most sporting of possibilities of the current model range for BMW.

The 2011 BMW 335is is powered by the same award winning N54 inline-6 3.0-liter twin-turbo motor that comes standard in the 335i, although the motor is now enhanced…ever so slightly. It comes packing 320hp at 5,900 rpm and 332lb-ft of torque is available from 1,500-5,000 rpm. The engineers have tweaked the twin-turbo 3-liter motor to have an overboost function that increases torque to 370lb-ft. The overboost function comes into play at higher engine speeds and gears, similar to that of the Z4 sDrive35is.

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