BMW performance parts give you an opportunity to improve and personalize your vehicle. You can get more horsepower, improve handling, or enhance aesthetics. BMW produces performance parts for specific car models. The company also features unique kits you can use to improve any BMW. Here’s what you need to know about performance parts and their compatibility:
What Are BMW Performance-Enhancing Parts?
BMW cars can provide stellar performance compared to other brands, but each model has room for improvement. Car owners can use performance parts to enhance aspects such as torque, horsepower, braking, exhaust, suspension, aerodynamics, and more. BMW performance parts aim to provide driver-centric design and bring a heightened level of performance and driving experience. The components can improve precision and maneuverability and connect the car and driver better. BMW parts fall into two categories:
BMW OEM Parts
OEM performance parts are usually made by in-house teams and approved by the original equipment manufacturer. BMW OEM performance parts can be designed after thorough consultation with certified technicians. The parts fit perfectly into your vehicle without safety or durability issues. OEM parts are also optimized for the specific make and model of the car, resulting in smooth operation and precise performance gains. BMW tests each part thoroughly to make sure it can perform to the highest standards.
BMW Aftermarket Parts
Aftermarket performance-enhancing parts are made by engineers other than in-house BMW teams. The products are fitted by industry experts with experience working on BMW engines and suspensions. Aftermarket parts tend to be more affordable and offer more customization options. You can find performance parts for nearly every aspect of the car, and each aftermarket vendor has products for their clients. Popular performance parts include engine, suspension, and braking components.
Are Performance Parts Compatible with My BMW?
BMW performance-enhancing parts are designed for specific models, so you can’t fit them on any car. Manufacturers often produce performance parts for a particular series, like BMW 5 or X5. Such parts are compatible with all makes within the series. BMW’s performance components are synonymous with the M series, which includes M, M Sport, and M Performance. The original BMW M featured mildly detuned sports cars like the M1 Supercar. Modern BMWs with the M badge include X5 and X6 SUVs.
M Sport is an accessory package you can add to almost any model. You can order your BMW with an M Sport package, which comes with unique exterior and interior touches. Depending on the model, the package can feature a special steering wheel, larger wheels, a sportier body kit, and more. M Performance models are one step above M Sport and add genuine speed. They also feature sportier trims, larger wheels, and enhanced suspension systems.
What Performance Components Can I Add to My BMW?
BMW performance components include heat exchangers that lower intake air temperatures and improve airflow. You can also find high-performance exhaust systems designed to expedite the escape of harmful gases during high RPM. Car performance tuning chips are also popular performance parts most BMW owners seek. The chips can adjust engine settings to produce more horsepower and torque. Tuning chips can also increase your BMW’s speed, acceleration, fuel economy, throttle response, and more.
Performance suspension systems are other parts you must consider, especially when you tweak engine settings. You can find high-performance springs, damping, bushing, anti-roll rebars, shock absorbers, linkages, arms, joints, and deflection. Suspension adjustments like coil-over suspensions and progressive bump stops can also help reduce body roll. Other BMW upgrades include performance wheels and braking systems. You can also find performance cranks, dry sumps, intercoolers, and exterior upgrades.
Finding Compatible BMW Performance Parts
BMW performance components can improve your car’s strength, output, and drivability. You can use performance controllers to fine-tune your engine for greater performance and smooth power delivery. Performance heat exchangers also provide faster heat soak recovery. Suspension tuning can keep your BMW slick, while performance exhaust systems give your car better airflow. You can also find improvements for the rims, tires, brakes, and caster assembly.
Finding compatible BMW performance parts involves choosing upgrades specifically designed for your make and model. Some performance parts are exclusive to BMWs made in specific years, while others can work with many models. You can work with reputable auto workshops experienced in tuning and optimizing BMW performances. Choose companies with high-quality components for your BMW and aim for safe, phased tweaks.