Maximum speed on 3 series

[huyatgr]

My car's max speed according to speedometer is 280km/hr (174 mph). And I noticed that max speed on US spec 3 series cars is 160 mph (260km/hr). And Canadian spec (and maybe Euro spec as well) has RPM gauge that goes up to 8k while US spec's RPM gauge cuts off at 7.5k. (of course, redline at 7k is the same). I wonder if there is specific reason for this...? Or is it to cram MPH unit on the gauge with proper spacing between numbers? And can E9X cars really go up to 174mph without speed limiter? If so, I'm getting rid of it

[Jack Dabsy]

Generally, most cars built since the mid-nineties were factory limited to 155mph.
As for the speedo limits, don't rely on the last/top speed indication as they are calibrated between engines and not models.

[kyled]

Interesting. If that doesn't make a test drive enticing, I don't know what does. Are you saying that the 3-series will go faster than the max on the speedometer?

[Jack Dabsy]

NO, but with outside help it will !!
Generally the speedo dial often has its last marker as an "Ultimate" and will never reach it in "stock" condition, but there are many enhancements that can propell the motor beyond this...
Cam, timing, intake, fuel grade, turbo/supercharger and re-map...
Just depends on your budget my friend... !!

[bighorns]

Don't forget that the speedos are inaccurate. The indicated speed on my speedo is 5 MPH faster than actual speed as measured by GPS.