Owners of the 135i and 335i vehicles seeking more performance can now choose between two new factory power kits. The kits can be retrofitted at BMW dealers or added via the Port Installation Program. The kits retain the original emission certification, maintain the original fuel efficiency ratings, as well as the vehicle’s original factory limited warranty.

• Version 1 Power Kit :Performance-Optimized Engine Software.  This version of the Power Kit was first introduced on the 335i BMW Performance Edition model (announced in July, 2011).  Available for all Model Year 135i and 335i vehicles.  Also available for X6 vehicles produced up to 04/2010.

• Version 2 Power Kit: Same engine performance software as Version 1, plus an Auxiliary Water Cooler and an Enhanced Radiator Fan to reduce the higher thermal stresses on the engine during extreme driving.  Available for all Model Year 135i and 335i vehicles.

The kits up the horsepower from 300 to 320 and increase torque to 332 lb.-ft. with an automatic transmission and 317 lb.-ft. with either a manual or DCT. Acceleration improves by 0.2 seconds over the standard 335i from 0-60 mph and by 0.5 seconds from 50-75 mph. The automaker didn’t provide figures for the 135i.

BMW is offering introductory pricing until the end of 2011 of $599 for the Version 1 Power Kit and $1,199 for the Version 2 Power Kit. The Version 2′s price doesn’t include the additional air ducts or other components that might be needed for installation. Prices do not include installation, and BMW says the kits should only be installed on vehicles equipped with the increased top speed limiter, which includes an additional oil cooler.

Like other premium automakers, BMW is hard at work devising new powertrains and platforms that will help cut emissions and boost mpg. At the same time, these brands are also looking for ways to dominate the increasingly in-demand premium compact segment.

Worcester Mass Jaguar dealers concede the 1 Series will continue to be important for achieving many of these goals, and a new front-wheel drive platform is already in development for BMW’s smallest model. But in addition to FWD, the 1 Series will not only feature a four-cylinder engine, but it will also receive a new three-cylinder unit to help dramatically curb CO2 emissions.

This new three-cylinder engine will feature direct injection and turbocharging. As the BMW brand is synonymous with performance, insiders assert that this new entry-level engine will still deliver sportiness as well as refinement.

Unfortunately, it remains to be seen whether the three-cylinder will make it to the U.S.

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