With M Performance Parts, you get even more racing DNA and exclusivity for your BMW or BMW M. In an interview with BMW M Magazine, M Performance expert Björn Lellmann explains how the combination of the highest quality materials, unique design and motorsport know-how make the Performance Parts such exquisite components.

"IT HAS TO BE MORE THAN JUST BEAUTIFUL."
An interview with BMW M Performance Parts expert Björn Lellmann.
"It has to be more than just beautiful."An interview with BMW M Performance Parts expert Björn Lellmann.
18. Oct 2019


Björn Lellmann, Head of Product Management BMW M Performance Parts
WHO IS WHO.
Björn Lellmann
Head of Product Management BMW M Performance Parts
How do you take your coffee?
As black as the night with a touch of love through sugar.
What are you working on right now?
We are working full throttle on the M Performance Parts portfolio for the new BMW 4 Series and its big brothers, the M3 and M4.
BMW M Magazine: Which project was the most special for you?
Björn Lellmann: Today's BMW M2 Competition has the largest range of M Performance Parts ever. I'm very proud of that, especially as half of the car is made of carbon.
When you are on the racetrack, how do you prefer to drive: sideways and spectacular, or fast and precise on the ideal line?
I love the challenge of perfection and getting closer to it step by step. I define perfection as driving on the ideal line. To achive this, I bought my own private BMW that is intended exclusively to improve my lap times on the Nordschleife.
"We don't want to improve the car in any way – we want to optimise it in order to get the maximum performance on the racetrack."
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT.
Why should an M driver choose M Performance Parts?
The most important reasons why is definitely our highest manufacturing quality, the accuracy of fit and the choice of materials, which are always the best available. This is evident, for example, in the fact that we usually work with full carbon. Our motto is always: only the best is good enough for BMW M Performance Parts. Another reason is our wide range. This enables us to respond with maximum precision to the most diverse customer requirements – whether they want something uncompromisingly sporty or fast and luxurious, everything is possible.
It is also incredibly convenient for our customers that M Performance Parts are homologated, i.e. you can take the part and simply have it installed. No additional work is required because we meet exactly the same requirements as a standard production part.
The most important reason, however, is that every customisation made with M Performance Parts always represents an aesthetic and/or technical improvement.

The BMW M8 Competition Coupé with M Performance Parts

The BMW M8 Competition Coupé with M Performance Parts
What stages does an M Performance Part go through until it is ready for production?
We have the same quality standards as standard components – and they are very high. That's why our parts are tested intensively again and again until we achieve the best result. We work very closely with our BMW colleagues, who also co-develop our parts, and exchange ideas with colleagues at BMW Motorsport.
"Our task is also to sound out the market and to find out what the current trends are. Customer feedback plays a very important role in this."

The BMW M5 Competition with M Performance Parts

The BMW M5 Competition with M Performance Parts
A QUESTION OF PERFORMANCE.
How do M Performance Parts affect the aerodynamics and weight of a BMW car?
Our parts are not just for show – they really provide extra performance by offering the best aerodynamics and optimal weight. We have a relatively large influence on both areas. When it comes to weight, the equation is simple: the heavier the vehicle part, the more weight you can save by replacing it with an M Performance Part.
When designing aerodynamically effective parts, great importance is attached to a balanced drive. Development takes place in the wind tunnel in order to match design with aerodynamic requirements. Our M Performance Parts increase the downforce and thus the driving stability at the same time. Depending on the vehicle, some front and rear spoilers can only be installed in combination with one another.
What role does your involvement in the MotoGP™ Safety Car play for BMW M Performance Parts?
Of course we are happy to be able to equip the MotoGP™ Safety Car. For us it is a big stage to show what we can do. That's why we always rely on the latest vehicle and use parts that will also be available for series production.

The BMW M8 MotoGP™ Safety Car

The BMW M8 MotoGP™ Safety Car
INDIVIDUALISATION AND EXCLUSIVITY.
Apart from the exterior, where else do M Performance Parts play a special role for BMW automobiles?
Björn Lellmann: We design parts for the interior, such as the M Performance steering wheel with its optimised shape, 12 o'clock marker and race display. We often combine leather with suede, make the inner inlays or the gearshift paddles in carbon and basically try to expand the amount of carbon equipment. There are also more aesthetic parts, such as decorative trim with M Performance branding and floor mats. The aim is simply to offer customers even more sportiness.


How important is the branding of the vehicle with M logos and M Performance lettering?
Björn Lellmann: Branding is very important, but we always talk about the design here. We don't want to over-badge, so we don't want big lettering on every part. We place great importance on creating a good symbiosis between the vehicle and our parts. With our rims with milled M Performance Parts lettering, for example, this works great. It is important that it always looks good as a whole.
Björn, thank you very much for speaking with us!
"The basic requirement is to create a part that looks beautiful and refines the vehicle in the customers’ eyes. But the most important factor is always that the part brings a performance advantage."
BMW M2 Competition:
Fuel consumption in l/100 km (combined): 10.0 - 9.8 (9.2 - 9.0)
CO2 emissions in g/km (combined): 227 - 224 (209 - 206)
The figures in brackets refer to the vehicle with seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic.
BMW M8 Competition Coupé:
Fuel consumption in l/100 km (combined): 10.6
CO2 emissions in g/km (combined): 242
BMW M5 Competition:
Fuel consumption in l/100 km (combined): 10.6 - 10.5
CO2-emissions in g/km (combined): 241 - 238
MORE HIGHLIGHTS:
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The models illustrated include optional equipment.
Official data on fuel consumption and CO2 emissions were determined in accordance with the mandatory measurement procedure and comply with Regulation (EU) 715/2007 valid at the time of type approval. In case of a range, figures in the NEDC take into account differences in the selected wheel and tire size; figures in the WLTP take into account any optional equipment. WLTP values are used for assessing taxes and other vehicle-related charges that are (also) based on CO2 emissions, as well as for the purposes of vehicle-specific subsidies, if applicable. Where applicable, the NEDC values listed were calculated based on the new WLTP measurement procedure and then converted back to the NEDC measurement procedure for comparability reasons. For more information on the WLTP and NEDC measurement procedures, see https://www.bmw.de/wltp.
For further information about the official fuel consumption and the specific CO2 emission of new passenger cars can be taken out of the „handbook of fuel consumption, the CO2 emission and power consumption of new passenger cars“, which is available at all selling points and at https://www.dat.de/co2/.
All vehicles, equipment, combination possibilities and varieties shown here are examples and can differ in your country. In no way do they constitute a binding offer by the BMW M GmbH. Visit your local BMW website or see your authorised BMW M Retailer for accurate details on the offers in your country.