3 Must Have BMW Performance Upgrades for Speed Junkies

How do you make a fast car go even faster? This is the question countless BMW owners ask themselves once they feel the power of their highly-engineered, performance-driven vehicles in action. So how can you push your BMW to the next level? Fortunately, there are a wide variety of upgrades that can optimize speed and performance and help you get the most from your BMW. Here are just three reasonable, must-haves for BMW speed junkies.

Performance Chips. Aftermarket performance chips replace the factory-installed chip in order to boost power and performance electronically. A chip's job is to adjust performance parameters, including timing, fuel-to-air ratio, turbo boost, and a performance chip allows you to change these parameters. This can increase your power and torque. A good BMW chip will adjust your air-to-fuel ratios and supply more fuel to the combustion chamber. The result? More power and more speed. You can choose the level of your upgrade, too, to achieve the level of performance you want.

Power Programmers. Power programmers run along the same lines as performance chips and are designed for those who not only want to boost performance, but also have greater control over the quality of their ride. It is an electronic component as well; a microprocessor optimizes the ignition spark advance and fuel maps. This delivers improved horsepower, handling, acceleration, torque, and throttle response.

Power programmers, unlike performance chips, are not permanently installed. You simply plug it into an under-dash OBDII port. It works on an as-needed basis. The results of both performance upgrades are similar, but according to many, you get more control from a power programmer.

Speed De-Limiters. Even the fastest BMWs, like the M3 Coupe, top out because the manufacturer installs a speed governor in the car. While 135mph (155 mph for those with the sport package) is more than enough for most drivers, those who want to kick it up (on a safe, closed track with professional driver only, of course) can try a speed de-limiter. This will eliminate BMW's factory-installed speed limiter.

The cost of these high-performance upgrades varies,depending on the model and year of your BMW. If you love speed and love pushing a finely engineered vehicle even further, this is additional cost is well worth the value of getting just a little bit more out of your BMW automobile. Of course, don't take our word for it. Try these upgrades out for yourself and see what we mean!

Enid Glasgow is a luxury automobile writer and enthusiast. BramanAutoParts.com offers BMW Auto Accessories.

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The Fastest 2011 BMW Models

What's the real reason people buy luxury cars? Is it the prestige and status? The excellent resale value? The elegant interior? Sure. But we know that behind the decision is really the desire to drive a superbly engineered machine that goes fast. The simple pleasure that comes with the acceleration of a complex engine cannot be met or adequately explained. How fast does a BMW go? It goes the speed limit, of course. But here are a few 2011 models that can handle a bit more.

M3 Coupe. As BMW says, "Racecars shouldn't be confined to racetracks." The M3 Coupe's design is inspired by Formula 1 racing cars and, first and foremost, it is a driver's car. The M3 features a powerful 4.0 liter V8 engine, 414 horses, 295 ft-lb of torque, and maximum engine speed of 8400rpm. What does this mean? Performance-enhancing features like Double-VANOS technology for precise valve timing and optimal combustion, 8 throttle butterflies for quick response, 7-speed Double Clutch transmission, the M Drive, and Electronic Damping Control combine to create a high-performance dream machine for speed junkies.

1 Series M Coupe. The 1 Series M Coupe's 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine is not as powerful as the M3 Coupe's 4.0 liter V8; but that is like saying a Harry Winston is not as good as a expensive watch. The M Coupe features TwinPower Turbo technology and puts out 335 horsepower. The Variable M Differential Lock allows you to manage torque on-demand, allowing you to optimize traction on all surfaces. Those commercials you see with cars hugging tight curves on a windy mountain road? That could be you. Other features include the M Drive button, which activates a precise throttle response program, close ratio 6-speed manual transmission, short, sporty M gearshift lever, and Double-VANOS technology. It is no wonder that BMW calls this their "predator on the prowl."

Z4 sDrive35is. This car feels fast before you even start up the 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. The 335 horsepower Roadster is sleek and fully stocked with performance-enhancing features, like 7-speed sports automatic transmission with double clutch, Servotronic Electric Power Steering for intense precision at all speeds, high precision direct injection, and Adaptive M Suspension make this a fast ride that sacrifices no comfort.

BMW combines advanced engineering with superior comfort to create high performance sports machines. These three models will fulfill your need for precise, exhilarating speed.

Enid Glasgow is a luxury automobile writer and enthusiast. BramanAutoParts.com offers 2011 BMW Parts.

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Driving Lessons - Turn In The Road

The name was changed for test purposes many years ago as it gives the impression you have to complete the manoeuvre within the usual 3 turns. You can however, if on a road too narrow, complete the manoeuvre in 5 turns and this is totally acceptable - as long as it would not have been possible in 3.

With this manoeuvre you need to keep the car rolling at a Creeping speed using clutch control. The clutch will not at any point come all the way up as you will then be moving to fast. Its all about being slow and safe with plenty of mirror and safety checks. Examiners are not looking for this to be completed quickly.

First off you will need to prepare the car as always, using slightly less gas. Complete your 6 point safety checks and as long as there's no one coming, release the handbrake. As soon as you start moving, steer full lock to the right. As you get closer to the kerb you need to be looking out your drivers door window to better judge how close you are to the kerb. You want to get as close as you can without touching it. Once happy with your position, stop, and pull the handbrake up. Use the handbrake so to ensure you don't roll towards to kerb.

Next select reverse, and steer the wheel to the left to straighten the wheels. Prepare the car again. 6 point check. And again as long as there is no one coming, release the handbrake. Again as soon as the handbrake is down, steer full lock to the left. Try and keep the car moving slowly as you do this and steer quickly, ensuring you get the best possible turn. Once full lock, have a look out the rear window (actually turning your head to look out the back. Using the rear view mirror here doesn't count). The examiners will look out for you looking out the back, even though you wont be able to see much, to make sure you are not reversing towards something you shouldn't.

After a quick look out the back window, now turn your head to have a look over your right shoulder, to have the best view of the approaching kerb. Once once you feel you are as close as you can get without risking hitting it, clutch down, stop, and handbrake up.

Select 1st gear again and steer the wheel to the right to straighten the wheels up. Prepare the car, complete all your 6 safety checks once more, and if its clear, handbrake down, steer to the right as much as is required to get you into the correct road position to drive off.

And thats the Turn in the Road! When you do your 6 safety checks, if at any point there is a car coming then you must always wait until its clear what their intentions are. Because you are in a learner car, most people will drive past you even if you are mid manoeuvre. If the oncoming car stops, then continue the manoeuvre whilst they wait. You are not allowed to wave anyone past during the test as this would result in a serious fault, and therefore a fail. This is because someone else, ie a pedestrian, might see this wave as a signal to them and they might cross the road putting themselves in danger.

Also dry steering, ie steering when the car is not moving, used to be a fault but isn't anymore. It was once said that it would damage tyres, but tyres are so well made these days it would have no effect. And, especially if you are on a narrow road where a 3 point turn may only just be possible, and little dry steer as detailed above could be the difference between making it, or not.

So follow the instructions above and you cant go wrong!

JV

Jason Vines - Vines Driving School

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Hatchback Cars Are Back In A Big Way

When hatchbacks were introduced back in the seventies, they were affordable and basic cars without a ton of extra fills or amenities. They were ideal for someone who didn't want to pay a lot of money for an auto and were willing to sacrifice when it came to luxuries. One of the earliest hatchback was the Pinto. These cars were always available as an option for consumers, however they never became huge sellers.

It looks as if this type of vehicle is regaining popularity with the masses again. The major difference between today's hatch back is that it comes with air conditioning, a stereo system, power seats and all of the amenities we've become accustomed to. Add to that the cargo space that is easy to get to and the result is more people are buying them.

Auto companies are aware of the surge in popularity of this model and as a result they are mass producing many more. According to WardsAuto.com, the number of hatchbacks produced and sold in the U.S. jumped by 63 percent during the 2006 to the 2010 model years. In raw numbers that is an increase from 291,853 units to 475,048 units. Meanwhile total car sales fell 23 percent during that period.

One company that has received massive success from its hatchback model is Ford, a producer of the popular Fiesta car. Almost forty percent of the Fiesta sold are hatchbacks. Moreover, 41 percent of the retail sales of the Focus are hatchbacks. That is a pretty good achievement because the Focus hatchback has been available for just a few months.

A large number of automotive makers have added this model to their lineup. For example, Hyundai is offering the Accent, which includes a hatchback model. More than seventy percent of Accent sales were of this model which is much higher than what the company expected. In addition, Chevrolet has introduced a new subcompact called the Sonic, which also includes a hatchback model.

Kia introduced the Forte hatchback and the company said that sales have been phenomenal. The Mazda3 is a model that is produced by the Japanese auto maker. The hatchback accounts for about 25 percent of all Mazda3 sales. The hatchback version is actually more expensive than the sedan; a big change from past years. Toyota has been selling a subcompact called the Yaris since 2006. It also includes a hatchback model.

Remember how back in the days hatchbacks were economy vehicles? Nowadays, even high end brands are producing them. Audi and Porsche are offering hatchback models too. These will be upscale and luxurious cars with enough power and performance for even the most discerning tastes.

Written by Jacqueline Star Nissan Colton offers a large inventory of vehicles in San Bernardino, Nissan and Redlands in the Inland Empire. Gauding Ford offers great deals on the 2011 Ford Focus Las Vegas.

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California DMV New Law Changes Records System

Did you know that after July more effort is going to be required to take care of that pesky ticket on your driving record in California.

Even though some are concerned that traffic school will not be as valuable as it once was in helping someone clear their driving record.

The new law basically says that you can only go to traffic school once in a year and 1/2.

The problem that California is trying to fix is that their courts don't have good communication systems and so you may be able to go to traffic school multiple times in the same year as long as your tickets are from different municipalities. This new law will not allow that to happen anymore.

In addition, the fact that the traffic school attendance cleared the record, and with no record of the previous offenses someone would be able to go traffic school multiple times.

Apparently it even got so bad that people were able to take one traffic school for tickets in 2 different counties at the same time.

The California DMV is going to have a centralized database that will track all of California drivers records. In addition, even though going to driving school will take the points off your record they're still going to keep a record of the incident in their files.

One of the biggest concerns from Californians opposed to the law is that the record can be used against people in court with future cases. Isn't that the way all criminal records work?

In other news items concerning the DMV in California is that they finally got their budget approved. Hundreds of thousands of drivers in California have had to wait to renew their registrations. This is because the DMV was trying to decide on how much they wanted to charge for this transaction. One good thing for drivers is that police are not supposed to pull you over for an expired tag. Also California is giving all drivers a 30 day extension on their expiration date to renew their registration. In addition to California, all the other states have been notified not to pull you over for an expired California tag.

Some more good news for drivers is that the DMV is going to start mailing out notices to renew your registration 60 days before the due date. Registration rates can be expected to rise at a greater rate due to the weak economy.

Finely, up until now if you were living in California and driving a hybrid vehicle you were given special preference on the highway and allowed to travel in the carpool lane. The relaxed carpool lane restrictions took place in 2004. This is no longer the case you will be treated like every other driver. In addition to that change they are increasing rates across the board including paying for special passes.

You may be able to get your DMV Records Online for free in your state. To check go to http://www.freedmvrecordsonlinesearch.com/

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