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It's common knowledge that manufacturers hold back on tuning every last ounce of performance from their engines. It's also fact that factory authorized tuners like Volvo's Polestar offer four-figure software tweaks that not only boost horsepower and torque, but have also been known to increase fuel economy, to boot.
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Keen to broaden the accessibility of their "M" branded performance division, BMW now offers an M Performance Power Kit software upgrade for 2012 335i sedan and 335i xDrive sedans which the manufacturer says was "developed through consultation by the engineers at BMW M GmbH,"?and elevates horsepower from 300 to 320, which improves the 0-60 mph time by .2 seconds. Torque rises 17 lb-ft to 317 lb-ft on manual-equipped cars, and 32 lb-ft on autos. Not mentioned on the 3-series spec sheet is what BMW calls a "highly-emotional 'exhaust burble' sound during engine overrun conditions." The $1,100 price tag doesn't include installation from BMW dealers, which the manufacturer says retains the 4 year/50,000 mile warranty that comes with the car when new.
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While Mercedes-Benz has been known to charge up to $9,000 on "Performance Packages" for AMG models which essentially increase turbocharger boost, up the top speed, and add a limited slip differential, BMW's tactic introduces their "M" mentality onto non-M cars in a manner that echoes their optional "M Sport" treatment which adds zippier wheels, suspension, and bodywork for $3,200. BMW's software upgrades will surely attract buyers seeking a quick, relatively cheap hit of power, but it also might signal a bigger D.I.Y. trend of consumers wondering how they can extract more power from their bottled up engines themselves, without having to pay the proverbial piper.
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