BMW 357Ci: E46 Coupe gets Pontiac GTO 5.7-liter LS1 V8

Two observations: one, there’s nothing cooler than a LS1-engined BMW that is externally indistinguishable from its bread-and-butter cousins and two, the Apple iPhone is probably the worst thing for filming a movie ever. A little less of number two and a little more number one, if you please. This BMW E46 3-Series coupe, or as its UK owner has appropriately named it, the 357Ci, started its life as a 2001 325Ci with an M Sport Package.
In the hands of its current owner, it received the same 5.7-liter LS1 V8 engine as the rather forlorn looking Porsche 911 we wrote about last week, making this the second American-powered German automobile we’ve featured in as many days.
The engine was sourced from a fourth generation Pontiac GTO (aka the Holden Monaro) complete with a six-speed manual gearbox. The tune also included the installation of the rear suspension and LSD from an M3 as well as upgraded brakes on all four corners.
Funnily enough, this doesn’t appear to be the first E46-to-LS1 conversion that’s been attempted either, as a quick search on Google will prove. There are at least three completed cars and two that are still in the shop having the conversion done. Who knew?
You can check out the pictures and videos of this particular project car having its engine revved, all captured in awkward iPhoney goodness. At least the sound quality is better than the picture. Oh, and don’t forget to leave a comment below.

By Tristan Hankins

Via LS1Tech

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New Exclusive and M Sport Editions Join BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible Range

You didn’t think BMW would leave its bread-and-butter 3-Series untouched for the new model year just because it’s actively working on a replacement, did you? Of course not. The changes to the 3-Series range are of far less importance than on the 6-Series and 5-Series lineups, and are mostly limited to the presentation of new special edition models and packages.

These include a Special Edition package for the 320d EfficientDynamics Edition Touring, M Sport and Exclusive Editions for the 3 Series Coupé and 3 Series Convertible plus an BMW Individual hardtop option for the cabrio.

The Exclusive iterations of the coupe and convertible are offered with bespoke exterior colors including a Mineral Grey shade combined with exterior mirror caps in Oxide Silver and 18-inch V-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in Space Grey. The interior is distinguished by the Dakota leather upholstery in Pearl Grey with darker grey contrast stitching, or in Black with white contrast stitching, plus Bamboo Grain Anthracite trim strips.

Moving on to the M Sport Editions, aside from the aerodynamic package with new front and rear bumpers, there’s a Silverstone paint finish familiar from the M3 and 18-inch Ferric Grey light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design, black-painted exterior mirrors and in the case of the Coupe, an optionally available boot lid spoiler.

On the inside, there are sports seats with M detailing and blue contrast strips, an M Sport steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and an M aluminium driver’s footrest plus Model-specific interior strips in Aluminium Glacier Silver dark and floor mats with blue piping.

For the 3-Series Convertible, the company offers a new BMW Individual hardtop in contrasting in contrasting Black or Titanium Silver metallic that can be combined with a total of 15 different body colors.

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BMW Showcases Fleet of Emergency Vehicles at RETTmobil 2011

Following in the footsteps of Mercedes that dressed up the SLS AMG as an emergency medical vehicle, BMW unveiled its very own proposals at the RETTmobil, the leading European trade for emergency services and mobility, held in Fulda, Germany (May 11-13).

BMW has a more down-to-earth approach to the show as its emergency models are based on mainstream vehicles that are more suitable for this line of work than the fast, but unpractical, SLS AMG. We're talking about the BMW 3-Series/5-Series Touring models and the X3/X6 SUVs, although the latter is not new, having premiered at the same show in 2008.

Aimed at emergency service providers, such as fire brigades, ambulance departments and security services, the BMW special vehicles are available with special, purpose-built options integrated in the vehicle right from the development stage.

Production of these models takes place in parallel with regular models, with BMW saying this ensures “the highest standards of quality and functionality.” As an example, the Bavarian points at the special signal system that is integrated into the iDrive. This means the warning system can be operated through the iDrive knob, just like the navigation system or other comfort functions.

There are also specially configured direct selection buttons on the center console for those who aren't that good at navigating through the iDrive interface. This new feature will be displayed at the RETTmobil in the new BMW 5 Series Touring.

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