BMW Performance goes online: 1-Series and 3-Series get first upgrades

BMW has released a video on its website promoting its new 'BMW Performance' range of accessories, which is designed to allow customers to purchase factory-backed performance and aesthetic upgrades for their cars. We first saw details about the new BMW Performance range in September of last year, but now the full list of accessories is online with some surprising additions to the original lineup. One of the more interesting items includes an F1-style racing wheel displaying gear-shift lights, lap times and a host of other motorsport-related data.

BMW previously stated that it would be offer the mods on the 3-Series and Z4 first, however the website video shows a 1-Series Coupe decked in racing white alongside a white 3-Series, and further perusal of the website reveals that the 1-Series and the 3-Series will be the first to benefit from the new accessories, with other models to hopefully follow later.

For the 1-Series, BMW is offering a full bodykit that increases downforce and improves handling, including a carbon-fiber rear diffuser, a new front grille, a carbon-fiber front splitter, and a roof spoiler, rear spoiler and side mirrors, all made from carbon fiber. The 3-Series forgoes the carbon roof spoiler and mirrors, but also gets the carbon front splitter and rear diffuser.

Meanwhile, both the 1-Series and 3-Series get upgraded six-piston aluminum fixed calipers painted in yellow and grooved cross-drilled discs to up the braking power. Both models also get chassis and suspension upgrades, including ultra-stiff shock absorbers, suspension struts and anti-roll bars, plus a carbon fiber suspension cross-brace, as well as lighter wheels to reduce corner weights further.

In the cockpit, aluminum pedals and an Alcantara-swathed gearknob are available on both models, along with various carbon-fiber accents to give the interior a sporty feel. Apart from the short-shifter and racing seats that we reported on earlier, a new F1-style racing wheel is available with a three-section display built into the top of the wheel. This allows drivers to call up a variety of motorsport-related data and functions, including lap times, split times, maximum acceleration and speed, and the time taken for the quarter-mile sprint. It also shows gear shift indicator prompts, water and oil temperature readings, and figures for straight-line and lateral acceleration.

You can visit the official site by clicking here.