Pimp my BMW - is the M Performance worth the extra dosh?

It is the most interesting, eye-catching colour I’ve ever seen on a Beemer. BMW calls it “Valencia Orange”. I call it burnt orange, but then the orange must still be burning, because it’s almost the colour of naked flames. Oh, and it’s metallic. So, what’s the deal with the production of only 500 of these sports-embellished babies, available in this peculiar orange, and in “Laguna Seca Blue”?

Just to supply a bit of history: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca (previously known as Laguna Seca Raceway) is a paved road racing track in central California used for both auto racing and motorcycle racing, built in 1957 near both Salinas and Monterey, California, USA. The whole idea behind the M Performance Edition, is for M aficionados to get their 3-series M-line kicks, but without  having to tick all the pricey, optional M Performance boxes separately, and by not having to buy an actual M3 for R1 016 118.40. The BMW 3-Series Sedan M Performance Edition models were produced at BMW’s Rosslyn plant in Pretoria, and are available in the 320i, 320d, 328i, 330d and 335i engine derivatives. BMW’s production team tells us that the allotted 500 have already been distributed throughout SA, so no more are available to order. However, some are still available at selected BMW dealerships across SA (and on our site).

As odd as the optional colours may sound, they really work. Combine it with the R50 000 worth of M Performance Edition kit like black M Performance side sills, M Performance aerodynamic package, sporty black front grille, carbon wing mirror caps, a subtle carbon spoiler on the rear and you’ve got a hot, sporty-looking BMW which you didn’t have to fork out in excess of a million bucks for (if you bought the M3). Then you also have the option of ordering additional and exclusive M Performance gear, such as 20” BMW M Performance light alloy double-spoke wheels, M Performance top stripes, an M Performance exhaust system (only available for the 328i and 335i), the exclusive “Laguna Seca Blue” and “Valencia Orange” metallic paint colours and the BMW M Performance Power Kit. This will increase the power output (by between 10 and 15 kW) and around 30 Nm of torque. (Only available for the 320d, 330d and 335i.)

At first glance, the bright orange paint job and all of the sports kit almost reminds one of something from the set of Fast and Furious. But after a week the colour had really grown on me and needless to say, it’s quite a head-turner.  The fact that it’s so highly visible to other road users, is always a good thing, from a safety perspective.

The interior also had the sports treatment, with “Aluminium Hexagon” trim finisher and an optional black anthracite roof lining which also helps to camouflage grubby fingerprints. The instrument binnacle is plain and easy to read, with red backlighting that further enhances the sporty theme. The dark cabin’s layout with black leather upholstery is clean, almost to the point of being clinical, but this car has only one thing on its mind, and that is performance. The 335i (without the optional M Performance Power Kit) is the flagship engine, a six-cylinder, three litre pot with a generous 225kW and 400Nm torque, (mated with Sport automatic transmission) to put some hair on one’s the chest. And the most fun one can have with it (apart from taking it around the Laguna Seca track, I suppose) is on a deserted, twisty road where there’s no radio reception or traffic police presence, such as the almost eerily quiet R316 between Caledon and Bredasdorp in the Western Cape. This is where BMW’s Driver Experience Control (standard) can be put to good use: The Sport and Sport Plus settings will give you quicker acceleration time and will let the engine run into higher revs before gears are changed. In short, it will alter the responsiveness and dynamics to make the car feel more athletic. On Sport Plus the traction control is deactivated, so one better be prepared for shaking that booty. The noise that the engine makes is music to the ears and the engine seems to hum a tune as the automatic gearbox smoothly makes its way through all 8 gears. It’s quite tempting to accelerate through the twists as the 335i’s taut body feels almost drawn to them. The M Performance steering wheel feels solid beneath your palms and although I felt the previous model’s steering gave a bit more feedback, it is still direct and precise.

For city driving, it would be advisable to set the Driver Experience Control button to the EcoPro or Comfort setting. EcoPro will help to equalize throttle input and make the 3-series more fuel efficient. In town one can expect average fuel economy of around 8.5 litres per 100km’s, and on yonder open road (if one likes to have a bit of fun on Sport Plus) up to 13 litres per 100km’s.

The 335i sedan, without all the extra kit, is a winning buy. The “everyday” 335i fulfils every need: It has the fiery engine which is perfect as is, stylish looks and the fantastic handling. Plenty folks out there like their cars pimped and primed and the M Performance Edition offers a big saving on all the M Performance goodies. But, all 3-series models offer good rear legroom, a large boot, extensive safety, communication, sound and assistance systems, and good value for money if you leave out unnecessary optional extras. Autotrader’s new 335i M Performance Edition test model came to almost R790 000 (with expensive options like Satnav, a sunroof and Internet), but by being conservative, one can get away with a new 335i sedan for under R660 000. If you do have your heart set on the M Performance edition, check our site as there are currently a few pre-owned 3-series M Performance models available, including a few in that gorgeously racy “Laguna Seca Blue