[FastLane]

BMW chief Norbert Reithofer has confirmed to CAR Online that a range of tii performance options will be launched soon on the company's smaller models. He has finally ruled out a rumoured M1 version of the 1-series and said the tii spec would be the most performance-oriented model, claiming the the twin-turbo 135i was quite fast enough (it does 0-62mph in 5.3sec, after all).

The tii concept shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show points accurately to the approach BMW is developing: performance kits for the 1-series coupe and hatchback, an aero package, carbonfibre details, fatter wheels and tyres, sports seats and instruments. There's even talk of a new M-style steering wheel with integrated LED rev counter.

A tii for the masses

BMW is the past master at offering huge choice in spec and trim; subtle nuance of alloy wheel size here, and Sport spec there is the stuff of workplace car park folklore. The tii spec will slot above today's M sport spec in the multi-faceted pecking order.

However, BMW plans for the tii models to be proper performance cars in the longer run. For instance, the next-gen 1-series, dubbed F20 and due in late 2011, will offer a tii version with a downsized twin-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine and a radically lighter body and chassis, we hear.

The 3-series tii

We'll see the facelifted 3-series this summer - with mild revisions to the lights and bonnet - but there is likely to be a tii model, too. Expect the brakes from the M3, 19in wheels, sports suspension and a new twin-clutch transmission. Again, though, a harder core tii is likely with the next 3-series, codenamed F30 and due in late 2011.

Q&A with Norbert Reithofer

CAR: In Tokyo, BMW showed a vision for a 1-series coupe with tii genes. Fact or fiction?
Reithofer: 'The response was positive. Expect to see tailormade tii packages in the very near future.'

Q: But the original tii was much more than a cosmetic equipment package...
A: 'True. On the other hand, the 135i already plays kind of a tii role within the 1series.'

Q: What about an even stronger M1 as new top-of-the-line version?
A: 'It´s not in the plan.'

Q: The tii approach epitomises core brand values for BMW. Are your smallest models most likely to get the tii treatment first?
A: 'In terms of sportiness and vehicles dynamics, both the 1- and the 3-series are already well positioned.'

Q: Isn't the danger that the tii suffix could be seen as just decorative? CAR thinks there should be substance to back up the badge...
A: 'I don´t disagree. But we need a bit more time - to define the evolution of the tii theme and to physically develop it.'

Source

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Se...ontent-block=0

and

on autoblog

[PaulBailey@ltbmw]

I haven't seen it.
Great post.
Beautiful car! Like the matching blonde too
They should include one with ever purchase.

[cycler]

Will the next 3 series be out in 2012?

[ShinBalNom]

Tii vs M3??

[FastLane]

The next completely redesigned 3 (whatever numer the suffix is, 45, 50?) will prolly go on sale mid 2011 as a 2012 model.

In the mean time, you might see small changes to the current e92 such as internet, a re-flash from BMW, maybe a fuel pump recall (jk), face lift, color options, etc...Oh i think they're planning on adding the Dual clutch trans to the 3 in the next year or so as well!

Yet, the first 335 came out in 2006 so 5 years is a long time in the auto world to not redesign a car....

[jjang201]

BMW chief Norbert Reithofer has confirmed to CAR Online that a range of tii performance options will be launched soon on the company's smaller models. He has finally ruled out a rumoured M1 version of the 1-series and said the tii spec would be the most performance-oriented model, claiming the the twin-turbo 135i was quite fast enough (it does 0-62mph in 5.3sec, after all).

The tii concept shown at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show points accurately to the approach BMW is developing: performance kits for the 1-series coupe and hatchback, an aero package, carbonfibre details, fatter wheels and tyres, sports seats and instruments. There's even talk of a new M-style steering wheel with integrated LED rev counter.

A tii for the masses

BMW is the past master at offering huge choice in spec and trim; subtle nuance of alloy wheel size here, and Sport spec there is the stuff of workplace car park folklore. The tii spec will slot above today's M sport spec in the multi-faceted pecking order.

However, BMW plans for the tii models to be proper performance cars in the longer run. For instance, the next-gen 1-series, dubbed F20 and due in late 2011, will offer a tii version with a downsized twin-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine and a radically lighter body and chassis, we hear.

The 3-series tii

We'll see the facelifted 3-series this summer - with mild revisions to the lights and bonnet - but there is likely to be a tii model, too. Expect the brakes from the M3, 19in wheels, sports suspension and a new twin-clutch transmission. Again, though, a harder core tii is likely with the next 3-series, codenamed F30 and due in late 2011.

Q&A with Norbert Reithofer

CAR: In Tokyo, BMW showed a vision for a 1-series coupe with tii genes. Fact or fiction?
Reithofer: 'The response was positive. Expect to see tailormade tii packages in the very near future.'

Q: But the original tii was much more than a cosmetic equipment package...
A: 'True. On the other hand, the 135i already plays kind of a tii role within the 1series.'

Q: What about an even stronger M1 as new top-of-the-line version?
A: 'It´s not in the plan.'

Q: The tii approach epitomises core brand values for BMW. Are your smallest models most likely to get the tii treatment first?
A: 'In terms of sportiness and vehicles dynamics, both the 1- and the 3-series are already well positioned.'

Q: Isn't the danger that the tii suffix could be seen as just decorative? CAR thinks there should be substance to back up the badge...
A: 'I don´t disagree. But we need a bit more time - to define the evolution of the tii theme and to physically develop it.'

Source

http://www.carmagazine.co.uk/News/Se...ontent-block=0

and

on autoblog

[vladinecko]

3er tii, that will be sweet

[footie]

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...89&postcount=1

Sorry to said it but you were a little too late.

[TheAcAvenger]

Hmmm, a new lineup for the M-haters!? My next second car might be a 2011 3-tii? Nice

[Robert]

So is Tii above or below M line? Is Tii the new GT3 vs. Turbo for BMW?

[Year's_End]

The Tii is above M-Sport but below //M, if that answers your question.^

I dunno, I don't like the sound of this tbh. I mean, I agree with CAR, there needs to be substance to back up the badge. I don't want this to turn into MB's "AMG" package with the AMG badge on the back of, say, a C300. Not cool.

[E82tt6]

I don't see how they could do this, and make it anything other an cosmetic.

The gap between the 335 and 135 and the M3 is already razor thin. Add a stiffer suspension, LSD, and chip, and you have an M3 beating car... I couldn't see BMW doing that.

[Das M]

[mapezzul]

See these people are taking everything once again out of context, just like the //M losing cylinders. No where does it say a car would be produced in the near future, it is accessory packages. Tii, will be like John Cooper Works was for the Mini, acessessories and performance parts. At the end of the life cycle they may build a ZHP like car labelled as a factory Tii. BMW learned a lot about parts and accessories from Mini and it is a big cash infusion.

//M is too big in the states for them to put a dent in it.

[Remonster]

Originally Posted by E82tt6

I don't see how they could do this, and make it anything other an cosmetic.

The gap between the 335 and 135 and the M3 is already razor thin. Add a stiffer suspension, LSD, and chip, and you have an M3 beating car... I couldn't see BMW doing that.

But they are the BMW Performance parts already includes lower, stiffer suspension than the ZSP package, sway bars, intakes, exhausts, cams, brakes (some only available on E46s for now but they are coming for the E90 and the 1 series) but they aren't hard core enough upgrades to beat the ///M models.

It makes perfect sense to me, these parts on a regular 3 series will not be quite as hardcore as an ///M3 but it also will still be cheaper than an ///M3 so there is still reason to justify the ///M's higher price tag.

And I'm being careful to put the /// in front of the ///M3 to differentiate it from the M-Sport packages which are purely cosmetic.

[Year's_End]

Actually, most of the performance accessories out right now are solely for the e46 range. Most of the e9X stuff is purely cosmetic, or just physical performance upgrades like ssk's and wheels.

[Numb3rs]

Originally Posted by footie

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...89&postcount=1

Sorry to said it but you were a little too late.

??
That is the M3 boards

[shiggy]

Originally Posted by mapezzul

See these people are taking everything once again out of context, just like the //M losing cylinders. No where does it say a car would be produced in the near future, it is accessory packages. Tii, will be like John Cooper Works was for the Mini, acessessories and performance parts. At the end of the life cycle they may build a ZHP like car labelled as a factory Tii. BMW learned a lot about parts and accessories from Mini and it is a big cash infusion.

//M is too big in the states for them to put a dent in it.

well said!!!

[hl0m4n]

the tii has great potential though

[mapezzul]

Originally Posted by shiggy

well said!!!

Thanks.... I recently wrote an article about the //M losing cylinders
http://www.bimmerfile.com/2008/04/02/m-downsizing/
I see one on the Tii coming as well!

[Pimp Star]

Originally Posted by bobbo

So is Tii above or below M line? Is Tii the new GT3 vs. Turbo for BMW?

Tii is different from ///M.

Tii = Light weight, more handling-based
///M = Power, balance, power....

Not to say that an M3 cannot handle, but, it uses brute force to keep up with the C63 AMG.

[OzStriker]

Originally Posted by Pimp Star

Not to say that an M3 cannot handle, but, it uses brute force to keep up with the C63 AMG.

Errr it is actually the other way around, in a straight line...On a track the C63's brute force doesn't put it in front...