I thought it might be fun to do a roundup of a few cars that caught my attention recently. Starting out is this slick Le Mans Blue 335is. In 2011, BMW reintroduced the “is” moniker to the top-notch 335 2-door. The new 335is differed from the regular production run in many ways. Replacing the N55 motor was the trusty N54, just like in the 1M. BMW remapped the engine to deliver 320 horsepower and 332 lb.ft of torque channeled through a short-shift 6-speed gearbox or you could opt for the dual-clutch DCT 7-speed from the M3 for repeatable 5.0 second runs to 60. Because it was turbocharged, you also have a 7-second overboost function that gives you another 40 lb.ft in passing situations (or, to show off). The 335is helped to mitigate this additional power with a revised cooling system and heavier-duty motor mounts. The additional cooling meant no fog lights for the coupe, though oddly they could be had on the convertible 335is. Typical M adornments outside meant revised front and rear bumper covers, and the 335is wore unique Style 313 forged wheels measuring a substantial 19×8 in front and 19×9 out back.
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Just in case the many special editions of the M3 and M4 didn’t strike your fancy, in 2020 BMW launched yet another limited-edition of the outgoing F82 M4. Dubbed the Heritage Edition, it was effectively a Competition model in one of three exterior colors mimicking the Motorsport logo. You could choose from the shades of Velvet Blue, Imola Red II, or today’s choice – Laguna Seca Blue – and you got a special M-striped carbon-fiber roof panel, special interior trim, and the choice of a six-speed manual or the seven-speed DCT transmission. Production was limited to 750 units worldwide, and so collectability is almost assured for the future:
2020 BMW M4 Heritage on Autotrader
1 CommentWill anyone pine over the Mk.4 GTI? I think there’s actually a chance the answer is yes. Yes, the Mk.4 GTI ushered in a more bloated body, subdued styling, increased safety, and a lot more weight. But, it also brought with it a lot more choice. While the VR6 continued over into early models largely unchanged, though a more potent 24-valve version emerged later. But the big news was the entrance of the turbocharged 1.8T into the lineup for me. More in keeping with the character of the original model, the peaky and punchy 1.8Ts grew in power over the production run, and they also offered the basis for a few special models; the European-market 25th Anniversary model, the 2002 337 Edition, and the 2003 20th Anniversary Edition.
Today’s car isn’t any of those special models, but it does have low mileage and appears to be pretty much as it left the factory. Collector status?