BMW has announced an optional power upgrade for its 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine among a series of new developments from its newly established M-Performance equipment line - all of which are planned to be revealed at the Paris motor show at the end of September.

To be made available on the 120d, 320d and 520d, the engine upgrade adds a larger intercooler and remapped software among other as yet unspecified modifications, raising the output of BMW's popular diesel engine from a standard 135kW and 380Nm to 147kW and 420Nm - increases of 8.8 and 10.5 per cent respectively.

BMW isn't revealing too much on just what performance gains the so-called BMW M Performance Power Kit brings. However, early information hints it leads to a 1.0 second improvement in claimed 0-100km/h acceleration in certain models without any increase in the official fuel use or CO2 emissions figures.

As a factory offered option, the existing warranty terms and conditions also remain valid, unlike aftermarket power boosts.

Meanwhile, BMW plans to showcase a range of optional M Performance aerodynamic components at the motor show.

Fitted to a 335i sedan, the new components are designed to complement the existing M-Sport styling package.

Included is a blacked treatment for the grille, body stripes, additions to ducts housed within the front bumper, foliations for the sills, carbon fibre look exterior mirror housing, inserts for the rear bumper and new 20-inch wheels.

The new aerodynamic components are available for a range of models, including selected 1-Series, 3-Series and 5-Series models.

BMW has also announced an M Performance suspension kit and brake package for the 1-Series and 3-Series.

It consists of upgraded springs and dampers as a well as 345mm front and rear discs grabbed by four- and two-piston callipers front and rear.

- Sydney Morning Herald

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