cars news 10: M Performance Goodies for BMW 5 Series Revealed

The BMW 5 Series Sedan goes on sale early next year, but BMW is already teasing us with sporty, new M Performance parts and accessories.

Upgrades for the upcoming 5 Series sedan include aerodynamic tweaks, substantial power increases, suspension upgrades, performance brakes, and fancier bits for the interior.

BMW’s all-new 540i replaces the 535i and now receives a Performance Power and Sound Kit that will boost the 3.0-liter twin-turbo I-6 engine by 34 horsepower, up to 360 hp.

It also gets a silencer system that won’t annoy your neighbors and tailpipe trims finished in a choice of chrome or carbon fiber. BMW claims the boost will not increase fuel economy or emissions, but if you are considering performance parts for your car, do you even care?

An exclusive set of 20-inch BMW M Performance light alloy wheels in a two-level, double-spoke design are offered in Orbit Gray with a bi-color finish. In addition, M Performance brakes are available with calipers finished in bright red. How original, right?

Tire sizes for the sport package bump the stock 18-inch rubber to 245/35 R20 up front and 275/30 R20 at the rear. Bigger is usually better, but if you go above that we will disinvite you from the next Cars and Coffee meet.

Nifty new exterior components include hand-crafted front bumper bits, a polyurethane rear diffuser, and a subtle, rear spoiler with a carbon fiber finish. It’s all tastefully done and not too over the top for most folks.

Inside, there’s an Alcantara covered steering wheel with red central marking in the 12 o’clock position and silver-gray cross-stitch seam. If you are not a big fan of the fake suede feel, we recommend sticking with a leather wrapped wheel here. It’s much easier to clean too.

Other optional highlights include carbon fiber mirror caps, black radiator grille, M Performance bars for the brake air channels, BMW M Performance stickers, and accent strips. Too cool.

Pricing for the new performance package has not been announced, but more details will be released prior to February 2017 when the sedan officially goes on sale.