2008 BMW 3-series

Here we go again. The BMW 3-series is getting another award, garnering still more praise, waltzing across the stage one more time. Are you tired of it already? We know how you feel. Believe it - no one here likes seeing the same winners over and over. So we didn't set out hoping to give the 3-series another All-Star award (its thirteenth!). But then we got in the car and started driving. And, just like always, it was good, very good. The hills, crests, dips, curves, lumps, and bumps of our rural route through southeast Ohio create an environment that would bring most cars to their knees, but the 3-series just reveled in it. After each leg of our daylong drive, another driver would get out and deliver some variation of the same verdict: This one's on my list. Again.

Despite BMW's recent missteps (iDrive, active steering, misshapen styling), the company still does chassis tuning like no other carmaker. That's particularly true of the 3-series, which is incredibly smooth and fluid. It's a car that instantly makes any mope who slides behind its wheel a better driver.

This year, we had a 335i on hand, with the turbocharged version of BMW's awesome straight six. Two turbos bump the power output up to a hale and hearty 300 hp - a figure that provides nearly M-car thrust without exhibiting the Dean-Martin-on-a-bender drinking habit that afflicts so many performance cars. The 335i achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg on the highway (its nonturbocharged sibling manages an even more abstemious 28 mpg). Better still, BMW offers 3-series sweetness in four different flavors - coupe, sedan, wagon, and hardtop convertible - the better to ensure its ubiquity.

You may be sick of reading it. We may be sick of writing it. But there's no denying it: the BMW 3-series is an All-Star. Again.

BMW X6 2009

We saw the X6 and Active Hybrid concepts in Frankfurt and have now learned that the production version will roll onto the show floor in Detroit this January. With it, BMW brings a fresh pot of alphabet soup and what may be their most convoluted naming scheme yet. The new "Sports Activity Coupe" will come in two flavors, the X6 xDrive 35i and the X6 xDrive 50i.

Let's take a moment to break down those names. Both models are equipped with BMW's xDrive permanent all-wheel-drive system and standard Dynamic Performance Control active rear differential - what varies is the engine used to turn the four wheels. You may have already guessed the X6 xDrive 35i makes use of the same twin-turbo 3.0-liter in-line six that sees duty in the 1-series, 3-series, and 5-series cars that bear the 35i suffix. The surprise here is a new engine for the top-of-the-range 50i - it's not the 4.8-liter engine that's found in the 5-series, 6-series, and 7-series cars that use the 50i suffix. It is instead a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 4.4-liter V-8.

The exterior design is nearly identical to what we saw in Frankfurt. BMW has extended the four-door coupe concept that little bit further to create what it calls a Sports Activity Coupe. The look of the bottom half is all X5 while the top says Porsche 911. From pictures, it appears the X6 has a longer rear overhang than the X5, which may help offset some of the cargo capacity lost with the sloping backlight. We're interested to see how much this affects real-world stuff-carrying ability.

Look for our coverage of the 2008 Detroit show in January, where we'll get our first chance to see this new Bimmer in 3D. Or, as BMW would call it, X6 x3D ActiveViewing.

BMW 135i

Since its introduction in 1966, the BMW 2002 has been at the core of BMW’s philosophy. By combining exhilarating rear-wheel-drive performance, agile handling, seating for four and powerful value, the 2002 created a new niche—the sport sedan—that is still a BMW stronghold today. The understated appearance never belied its capabilities but those who knew performance, knew the 2002. In 2008, BMW will introduce a modern and authentic performance coupe that will be the next BMW legend—the 135i Coupe.
The 135i is briskly motivated by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and an incredible 300 lb-ft of torque from as low as 1,400 rpm. With its direct piezo gasoline injectors, twin low-mass turbochargers and air-to-air intercooling, optimum performance and economy is achieved with no loss in engine response. For the 135i Coupe, acceleration from 0-62 mph is 5.3 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph.

The standard M Sports Package for the 135i Coupe offers more performance and a striking look. Features of the M Sports Package include M Sports Suspension for higher traction and reduced body roll, 18-inch wheels with performance tires, M logo doorsill trims, an M leather sport steering wheel and an M logo footrest for the driver’s left foot. The leather appointments on the gearshift lever and handbrake, as well as the handbrake handle are finished in high-quality soft leather. The roof lining on the M Sports Package comes in Anthracite, and the interior features offered in this package are rounded off by Glacier Silver aluminum interior trim that highlights the sporting character of the cockpit. The M Sports Suspension also comes with a high-performance brake system incorporating six-piston fixed calipers on the front axle and two-piston fixed calipers at the rear.

The particularly sports-minded driver of the BMW 135i Coupe will also be happy to know that aesthetic dynamics have also been adjusted accordingly for his or her tastes, thanks the included M Aerodynamics Package. The M Aerodynamics Package includes specially-designed front and rear bumpers as well as special rocker sills and foglamps. Together, they give the 135i Coupe a signature BMW M look in a tasteful yet distinctive manner.

The new BMW 135i Coupe comes not only with a sports suspension, but also with appropriate modifications of the ASC and DSC driving stability systems, taking the particularly sporting character of the car into account. And as a further point the top model in the range has an even more spontaneous control map for the gas pedal.

The innovative interior design incorporates high-quality and sophisticated trim elements with luxurious upholstery and color choices. The control console for the entertainment and air conditioning functions is integrated smoothly and harmoniously into the dashboard through its soft radii and flowing surfaces. The Controller featured in the optional iDrive control system is integrated to the center console, again following BMW’s characteristic philosophy.

The BMW 1 Series Coupe benefits from BMW’s industry-leading brake and stability control systems. Standard ABS (Anti-lock Brake System) and ASC (Automatic Stability Control) prevent the drive wheels from spinning while CBC (Cornering Brake Control) stabilizes the car whenever necessary during application of the brakes in a bend.

All of these functions are part of the car’s DSC Dynamic Stability Control that can apply the brakes to each individual wheel in particularly demanding situations and by reducing engine power, it can prevent the rear end of the car from swerving around (oversteer) or the front of the car from “pushing” out of a bend (understeer).

When networked with the optional Active Steering, DSC can is also prevent the car from swerving out of control on slippery surfaces by countersteering with the appropriate amount to allow the driver to regain control.

To ensure enhanced traction when the DSC is completely switched off, a software-controlled locking function slows down the drive wheels when spinning in an appropriate, properly controlled process. This, in turn, enhances the car’s traction without any negative effects on its steering behavior.

BMW 650i Convertible

Featuring highly attractive modifications to their characteristic design, interiors further refined in many details and boasting new color highlights, as well as innovations in drive technology and driver assistance and safety systems, the new BMW 6 Series Convertible offers a greater thrill and more style than ever before.

Style and sport are indeed inherent characteristics of the BMW 6 Series: a dynamic Luxury Convertible enabling the driver and passengers to enjoy the wind rushing by in an incomparable manner. The history of dynamic driving pleasure with nothing but the sky above was originally introduced in the BMW 327 Convertible, the BMW 335 Convertible, and the BMW 503 Convertible, all of them milestones in technology and design, with a strong and lasting impact on the ongoing development of the brand and its products.

The BMW 6 Series boasts powerful innovations characteristic of the brand and its leadership over the competition not merely through its power unit. For in design and style, the 6 Series Convertible offer a level of quality only the development process applied by the BMW Group is able to achieve.

Once again, the eight-cylinder power unit marks the pinnacle in superior power and performance. The 4.8-liter engine develops maximum output of 360 bhp at an engine speed of 6,300 rpm, with peak torque of 360 lb-ft at 3,400 rpm.

The new BMW 650i Convertible accelerates to 60 miles per hour in 5.6 seconds (with manual transmission). Engine management, in turn, limits the top speed to 155 mph.

Active Cruise Control with its Stop & Go function offers the driver better support and greater assistance at the wheel than ever before. This innovative system now available as an option in the new BMW 6 Series – on models with automatic transmission – features automatic distance control, allowing the driver to comfortably cruise along the highway or on a country road as well as in stop-and-go traffic at very low speeds, while constantly maintaining an appropriate distance to the vehicle ahead.

BMW Night Vision, available as an option, offers a higher level of safety when driving at night. The “heart” of this unique system is a thermal imaging camera able to detect people, animals and objects emitting heat at a distance of up to almost 1,000 feet down the road, then transmitting a high-contrast image to the central Control Display also used by the navigation system.

One of the particular highlights offered by the BMW 6 Series Convertible is the use of a newly developed type of leather for the seat upholstery and interior panels. In this case, so-called “cool pigments” are integrated into the material in a process referred to as SunReflective Technology, reflecting infra-red radiation in the sunlight. This very effectively reduces undue overheating of the seat surfaces when the car is open, providing a difference in temperature compared with conventional leather of up to 36 °F in the case of dark colors.

The new BMW 6 Series Convertible belongs to the small group of cars fulfilling the greatest demands in every respect and setting new benchmarks everywhere. Given the sheer magnitude of its qualities, the model stands out clearly in its respective segment.

BMW X5 4.8i M Sport

BMW’s ever-popular M Sport derivative is to be introduced to the new BMW X5 range for the first time. On sale now, the new flagship offers customers a substantial level of sports-orientated standard equipment when compared to SE specification to offer a distinctive and dynamic range-topping model.

The new BMW X5 4.8i M Sport comes equipped with 19-inch V-spoke M light alloy wheels, Sports suspension, M Aerodynamic body styling, Sports seats, matt aluminum surround to the side window frames, high-gloss Shadowline roof rails, Anthracite headlining and M leather steering wheel. Customers wishing to further differentiate their cars can also choose to upgrade to 20-inch M V-spoke light alloy wheels.

The introduction of M Sport to the BMW X5 range has been eagerly awaited by buyers as 90 per cent of the previous models sold were specified as a Sport.

The new BMW X5 4.8i M Sport will be available in six colors: Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Carbon Black, Monaco Blue, Space Grey, Titanium Silver. Inside and Nevada leather upholstery is standard and is available in Black, Grey, Beige and Saddle Brown hues. Dark Walnut interior trim is standard on the X5 4.8i M Sport but customers can specify Brushed Aluminum, Dark Bamboo or Light Poplar at no additional cost.

Power for the car comes from a 4,799cc engine fitted with Bi-VANOS and VALVETRONIC variable valve technologies to produce 350 bhp. The advanced engine is capable of propelling the car from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds before going on to a top speed of 150 mph. The 4.8-liter powerplant still records 22.6 mpg on the combined cycle and emissions of 299 g/km – both figures that better rival products from Porsche and Audi.

The introduction of a new variant to the X5 range comes as the sales figures reveal that the model is exceeding original expectations. Customer demand for the BMW X5 means the model is forward sold until the end of 2007.

2007 Bmw M5

Gerhard Richter, the development chief of BMW's M division, practically gnashed his teeth in frustration when he told us last spring that the BMW M5 would be made available with a six-speed manual transmission in 2007. He knew that rabid BMW purists in America had forced the M division to make the six-speed available as a no-cost option for the U.S. version, even though this transmission makes the M5 slower than the car with the standard, seven-speed, electrohydraulic-activated, sequential-manual gearbox (SMG).

And Richter is right: the M5 is slower and even clumsier with a conventional six-speed manual gearbox and a clutch pedal. But the six-speed M5 is also better to drive in almost every way.

When you stab the clutch, pull the lever, and hit the gas, you get what you want, when you want it. The predictable sequence of events gives you confidence, unlike the annoying electronic delay as the SMG thinks to itself and then makes its move. Surprisingly, the six-speed's clutch action is as light as you'll find in a BMW 3-series, despite the burden of coping with the M5's fire-breathing, 500-hp, 5.0-liter V-10. And the action of the ZF-built six-speed's long-throw shift linkage is equally light, although the gear engagement is notchy in that characteristic BMW way. In giving us the six-speed manual, however, BMW took away the ability to fully disable the stability control system. Many enthusiasts will find that unacceptable, and there will be no Ford Shelby GT500-style smoky burnouts at stoplights.

The M5 is a fearfully intimidating machine, and we've found that the SMG transmission (eleven shift modes and all) makes you feel like a victim of speed, not its master. With the six-speed, you become more confident that you can sort out this bastard, even if the stopwatch ticks away while you do.

Herr Richter, a sport sedan might be about speed, but it's also about command and control.

BMW 3 - Series

Among BMW fans, the 3-Series garners cult-like devotion. Sure the M cars are sensational and special one-offs such as the Z8 otherworldly by even dream standards, but the 3, for decades a staple among BMW loyalists and dealers alike, is the most important car in the lineup.

For such reasons both dealers and potential buyers have been on pins and needles with anticipation over the new model. Normally the concern would not be so great, but since Chris Bangle took over top job at BMW styling, now moved up to make way for Adrian von Hooydonk, the designer of the lovely new 6-Series and also creative mind that dreamt up the controversial yet bestselling 7, normally credited to Bangle, most everyone has been hoping for a more conservative approach to the new 3.

As a six-times BMW owner I think I can speak for everyone by first letting out a gasp of relief, and then unequivocally stating the new 3-Series is one of the prettiest designs to come out of Munich in years. Dont get me wrong, Im in the camp that actually likes the new 5 and 6, plus after years of getting used to it am now appreciative of the 7s ominous presence.

The 3, on the other hand, retains BMWs "flaming surface" design language without appearing overly complicated, a la 9th grade French teachers horn rimmed reading glasses in place of headlight clusters on the 5-Series, or at least thats the way one auto journalist I know described them. The new 3s headlamps are wonderfully flowing, tilting upwards in a similar fashion to the new X3 sport utility, but in a much more elegant manner. Its grille, sporting a fine chrome surround and thicker horizontal chrome strip, is heavily influenced by the new 6, and again adds an elegant touch to the smaller Bimmer. I also like the way the sculpted hoodline continues past the grille and headlamp clusters, diving deep down into the front fascia and forming the central oil cooling air vent in the process. Two additional brake cooling vents butt up on each side, integrating discrete circular fog lamps at their outermost reaches. These are tied together via a thin horizontal chrome strip that spans the width of the car, an unusual yet graceful styling detail.

Active Steering offers another benefit that may give new 3-Series buyers even more reason to buck up, it now intervenes to help stabilize the car if traction is lost due to slippery road surfaces, working together with DSC III, ABS, CBC and all the other BMW acronyms, becoming an integral part of the 3s active safety system.

DSC III, short for the third generation of Dynamic Stability Control, features some new benefits in the upcoming 3-Series, including a new brake-drying system said to improve stopping power in wet weather. Reportedly it detects moisture using the windshield rain sensor and/or a driver turning on the wipers, and then allows the brake pads to gently touch the rotors in order to keep the pad surfaces dry. This is not supposed to increase brake wear either, or at least not noticeably.

The rejuvenated 3.0-liter mill makes the 330i much quicker, mind you, thanks to 255 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, available between 2,500 and 4,000 rpm. While still shy of the C320 and G35, BMW makes a habit of keeping conservative with regard to its engine output ratings, so dont be surprised if the fewer ponies in the new 330i actually outperform others boasting more horsepower.

For an example, Infinitis 260 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with 260 lb-ft of torque jump starts the 2004 G35 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds if equipped with its optional 6-speed transmission, according to the Japanese companys press information, while the seemingly less endowed BMW 330i manages the feat in a mere 6.2 seconds. Is the BMW that much lighter than the Infiniti? Not really. The G35 weighs in at 3,386 pounds and the new 330i tips the scales at, well Im not really sure. BMW makes no mention of it in their press material, only to say the 2006 car weighs no more than the current one despite being larger and more sophisticatedly equipped. Factor in the 2004 330s 3,285 pound curb weight and theres only a difference of 101 pounds. Significant? Yes, but hardly enough dead weight to cause a 0.4 second discrepancy. So you tell me why the less powerful 330i is so much quicker? To Infinitis credit, the 2005 G35 gets bumped up to 277 standard horsepower, which should make up the difference.

And when that time comes, itll only take a short drive on a twisting roadway to see if BMW has managed to once again, unequivocally recapture best-in-class driving dynamics. But dont think that Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and the others in this hotly contested segment will take the news of the new BMWs capabilities lying down.

While the competition will keep getting better, making the compact luxury category one of the most entertaining to watch in the coming years, no rival will be able to boast of the 3-Series latest achievement. The 3 millionth 3 just rolled off the Regensburg assembly line last week, six years after launching the current version. This is a milestone for BMW, as it has never achieved greater success with any model series previously.


Without doubt the next generation 3 will carry on this legacy, maintaining BMWs benchmark status for years to come.