BMW adds performance edition for 3-series

In politics, power comes with privilege. In the car world, power comes with a price. And in the case of the 2011 BMW 3-series, it can be specified for $550.

BMW announced pricing for the performance edition of the 335i this week, and it will be offered on a limited basis through the end of the year. It is available for the rear-wheel- and all-wheel-drive models.

The pack increases output from 300 hp to 320 hp, and it pushes torque from 300 lb-ft to 317 lb-ft with the manual gearbox and to 332 lb-ft with the automatic. BMW is quick to note that the horsepower is now the same as that of the 335is.

The power boost comes from modifying the engine-tuning software—while not adding any new hardware. It also shaves 0.2 second off of the sprint to 60 mph and is 0.5 second faster when blitzing from 50 mph to 70 mph. Emissions are unaffected by the power jump, BMW said.

The pack also includes a black kidney grille and special badging.

BMW also announced that the pack will be offered to existing 335i and 135i customers for retrofitting, with pricing to be announced in August.

By Greg Migliore