BMW
BMW
BMW, short for Bavarian Motor Works (in English anyway), says on its website that the company fosters a culture of ideas. “Ideas are everything,” one page says. It is this attitude of exploration that has kept the German car maker in the forefront of the automotive industry.
Known primarily as a manufacturer of luxury-imports and high-end motorcycles, BMW’s tag-line here in the USA is, “The Ultimate Driving Machine,” and that isn’t far from wrong, considering the quality of design that goes into their cars, but what isn’t was widely known is that the company was originally an aircraft engine manufacturer.
The founder of BMW, Karl Friedrich Rapp, took a contract to build V12 engines for Austro-Daimler in 1916, and because he needed more capital, he joined forces with Camillo Castiglione and Max Friz, It was after this that the name BMW was born – the company officially became BMW AG in 1918.
Since then BMW has been busy. They built the first motorcycle engine, and later the first motorcycle, innovated the designs of sedans and coupes, and eventually became the parent company of Mini, Rolls Royce, and Rover (as in Land Rover), though they sold the latter.
In 2000, under Christopher Bangle’s direction, BMW redesigned their entire line, and while traditionalists balked, sales increased, and have continued to increase. Their 3-series cars are currently the standard to be met in entry-level luxury sedans and their performance vehicles, while pricey, are gaining popularity.
Today, BMW continues to put their ideas to work, even showing a hydrogen fuel cell concept car, the Hydrogen 7, in Geneva this year. At BMW, ideas really are everything.
BMW 6 Series
The BMW 6 Series was introduced in 1979. The car was a replacement for the E9 series of coupes and was designed to meet the stringent requirements of the US government concerning crashes and rollovers. The first 6 Series was given a 3.2 Liter engine whose highest speed was 222 kilometers per hour. The body of The 6 Series was an E24. The first generation 6 Series was in the market until 1989. During this period the car underwent a series of changes. The first car that came to The US was designated as 630CSi and it hit the US shores in 1977. The first model was succeeded by the 633csi which was powered by a 3.2Liter engine and that was quickly followed by the 630csi. During these model changes the body of the vehicle was also upgraded from an E24 to an E12. The car had better front and back suspensions. The vehicle’s production was stopped in 1989 and was replaced by the 8 series.
The second generation was reintroduced in the year 2004 in both a coupe and convertible forms. Both the coupe and convertible are available with a choice of engines ranging from a 3.0 liter V10 engine to a 5.0 liter V 10 engine. The new models have been designated as the 650i coupe and the 650i convertible. The 6 Series cars offer the driver a choice between an automatic gear system and a sequential gear system, both having 6 gears. In 2006 the vehicle was also available with a manual gear system.
The latest changes came in the 2007 model year when coupe and convertible versions were based on The 5 series body. The car that can seat 4 passengers is a rear wheel drive. The company in an effort to keep the weight of the new 6 Series down has used aluminum in making key components like the door and front cover. The vehicle has a soft roof, unlike most BMW vehicles which possess a hard roof. The only sour part of the car is the IDrive system, which is not easy to use. All new BMW 6 Series cars are available with 18 inch tires, headlights made of xenon, seats that have memory and are adjustable in 16 different ways, and a CD based music system which has 10 speakers and the option to play MP3 players.
BMW 6 Series
The 2007 BMW 6 series includes the 650i Coupe (from $74,700) and the 650i Convertible (from $81,700). Both build on the BMW heritage with the coupe offering aggressive lines and a long-slung kidney-grille. The result is a compelling and dynamic sense of style and a driving experience that’s pure passion. The coupe makes the zero to 60 leap in 5.3 seconds thanks to a 4.8-liter V8 and a choice of three six-speed transmissions.
The convertible capitalizes on the same good looks with a refined styling that is still bold and pleasing to the eye. The same muscular power plant pumps out 360 hp with the zero to 60 benchmark at 5.6 seconds. Active Roll Stabilization ensures dynamic and safe performance with level cornering on even the tightest curves. The top glides gracefully in place with the push of a button, mirroring the elegant lines of the 6 series coupe.
Inside look for the trademark BMW touch of luxury with Dakota leather upholstery and door trim and Ruthenium pearl-gloss interior trim in both vehicles. Front seats are eight-way power adjustable with four-way lumbar support. BMW on-board navigation with voice feedback, voice activation, and real time traffic information is an option.
2008 BMW 6 Series
Almost everything about the 2008 BMW 6 Series remains unchanged from last year with the exception of a few cosmetic exterior and interior changes. Noting that, the 6 Series remains a favorite luxury car, whether you opt for the sports coupe or convertible. Depending on trim, the 6 Series offers two engines: a 3.0 Liter 6-cylinder engine which develops 272hp and a 4.8 Liter V-8 which rockets at 367hp.
The BMW 650i sports coupe offers a Voice Activation System that can control various features in the automobile including navigation and phone. iDrive is another technological advance that controls and displays settings on a console mounted button and monitor including cabin temperature, navigation and communication. Get one year free of Sirius Satellite Radio with 65 commercial-free channels to provide the sound track to your driving adventures.
Aiding in the superior performance profile of the BMW 6 Series is the revolutionary Valvetronic technology which replaces the traditional throttle with a system which alters the timing and aperture of the engine’s valves to regulate air and fuel intake. Valvetronic technology allows the engine to breathe better, save gas, and increase performance. Add to that the benefit of Double-VANOS, allowing precision adjustment of the timing of the engine’s intake and outlet camshafts and the 6 Series V8 is as precise and balanced as any combustion engine on the market.
A problem which the Series 6 seems to have solved is the performance of most cruise control devices when traveling downhill. In most traditional cruise control applications, if the car is traveling downhill, the vehicle will continue to pick up speed above the set speed on the cruise control device. With active cruise control, that problem has been solved with the introduction of automatic brake application to slow the vehicle in these situations. A heads up night display can be a life saver in certain situations, as well as the 6 Series lane departure system. Add run-flat tires to the armamentarium of safety features in the 2008 BMW 6 Series and the experts agree that this car is flirting with perfection.
2008 BMW X3
The 2008 BMW X3 is a compact luxury SUV that offers a combination of true BMW road manners and comfort with the versatility and practicality of a larger sports utility. Its single trim level is called the X3 3.0si, fittingly named for its standard 3.0 Liter in-line 6-cylinder engine which develops 260hp. Outfitted with xDrive, the latest 4-wheel drive configuration, the X3 achieves a greater degree of stability and control in situations where traction may be lost. The xDrive system is linked to the vehicle’s Dynamic Stability Control and ABS to provide unparalleled traction under some pretty slippery situations. Add to this the X3’s 71 cu-ft of cargo space and you have the better of two worlds.
The interior of the BMW X3 is tidy and trim, with numerous cargo bins and storage spaces. The instrument layout in the X3 is thoughtfully arranged and exceedingly intuitive. On a crisp fall day, driving through Golden Gate Park, the heated front seats will make the drive that much more enjoyable. Add to that the Dual-Panel Panoramic Moonroof and the excursion gets much more interesting.
Beyond equipping the X3 with a premium sound system, BMW uses a digital sound processor to shape the sound envelope inside to imitate the acoustics of the venue of your choice, from steamy jazz bodega, to open-air concert stadium, to cathedral. Finding the soundtrack for your driving adventures will be a lot easier with the free 1-year subscription to Sirius Satellite Radio, which has over 60 commercial-free stations
Of all of the abundant safety features aboard the 2008 BMW X3, the parking assistance feature is pleasing owners the most. Through the use of 8 sensors, the X3 will alert you when you are close to obstacles behind and along side. A monitor alerts you visually when you are about a foot from an obstacle. Whether you ski, surf, or sailboard, the rugged accessory racks make traveling with your sports equipment a snap. Altogether the X3 makes sense in a world of shrinking parking spaces, gas-guzzling road yachts, and too-short vacations.
2008 BMW Z4
The 2008 BMW Z4 is a luxury sports car that comes as a coupe or a two-door convertible. The convertible, designated as the Roadster 3.0i or 3.0si is offered with a 3.0 Liter fuel-injected inline 6-cylinder engine that produces 255hp and starts at $42,400 M.S.R.P. The Coupe, which ships one model only, the 3.0si, drives off the lot with rear-wheel drive and an M.S.R.P. of $40,000. It is comforting to know that, with all of its performance cred, the Z4 routinely produces 28mpg highway.
If performance is important to the Z4 owner, the ability to shift smoothly serves that purpose by getting power to the rear wheels quickly and intuitively. The 6-speed Shiftronic with paddle shifters adapts to the behavior of the driver by learning his timing and reflexes. At any time, the driver can get more in contact with the road by switching over to manual mode. Upshifting and downshifting with the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters puts you that much closer to Formula 1 racing.
Night driving in the 2008 BMW Z4 is as close to ESP as you can get by using its Xenon headlight system. As you begin to turn the wheel, the patented Z4 headlights turn in the direction your are traveling to enable you to see around corners and into the distance beyond the curve. Nowhere has innovation made such a difference in safety as it has in the 2008 Z4, which, while providing a thrilling driving experience, its BMW technology has made driving safer than ever.
Comparable Price Range: Cadillac DTS, Chevrolet Tahoe, Nissan Pat
2008 BMW M3
If you were familiar with previous models, you would recognize the 2008 BMW M3, but there have been some changes. Most notably the side panels are different, and where there was a recess in the center of the hood there is now a power dome.
Other vehicles in this class include the Mercedes-Benz C and CLK classes, Cadillac CTS, Lexus IS F, Porsche 911 and the Audi RS 4. Compared to them the M3 is rated as having a lower base price ($53,800 for the sedan) and more power than most of the class. On the downside, the M3 gets about a mile per gallon less than average for the class and is about a foot shorter which is good for parking but not for interior legroom.
The outside is not the only thing that has changed. The new M3 is powered by its first V8 engine, a monster 414 horsepower 4.0 liter mated standard with a six-speed manual transmission with overdrive. There is something new here, too, as a seven-speed M Double-Clutch transmission with Drivelogic is also available. Basic fuel economy is 14 miles per gallon city and 20 miles per gallon on the highway.
There are three versions of the M3: coupe, convertible and sedan. Except for the obvious, they are similar. However, drag pulls the economy figures down one mile per hour in each category with the convertible.
No specific testing has been done on the M3, but the 3-Series in general gets five stars from NHTSA for side crash test ratings and four stars everywhere else. Not bad, but not particularly impressive, either. Safety features include an inside trunk safety release, airbags all around (including head protection for the convertible), antilock brakes, electronic brake assistance, limited slip/locking differential, traction control, vehicle stability control and tire pressure monitor. You can also get an electronic parking aid.
As you would expect, the M3 is loaded with goodies. Some of the standard ones are power, leather seats with memory and power lumbar support; leather tilt/telescopic steering wheel; trip computer; and CD player. Optional goodies include a telematic system similar to OnStar, navigation system, heated front seat, second row folding seat and sunroof. What is surprising is some of the items the M3 does not offer, including adjustable foot pedals, CD changer and hands-free cell phone system.
Base price for the coupe is $56,500 and for the convertible is $64,950. The 2008 BMW M3 is a nice car, as any vehicle in this price range would be. And the folks who spend that kind of money for a car generally don’t have to worry about pinching pennies. Still, everybody likes to get their money’s worth and if you’re going to spend that kind of money, given the safety issues, size and lack of some of the nicer options, the M3 probably shouldn’t be the only place you look.
2007 BMW 7 Series
The 2007 BMW 7 series has been praised as the world’s best driving luxury sedan, a tradition more than upheld by the 2007 models. Both the 750i (from $75,800) and the 750Li (from $78,900) have a 360 hp, 4.8-liter V8. The 760Li (from $122,600) is powered by a 438 hp, 6-liter, 48-valve V12.
The 750i offers premium cow hide seating, American walnut interior, and a standard ten-speaker audio system. Acceleration from zero to 60 takes just 5.8 seconds with the vehicle’s top speed at 150. Estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg city and 25 highway on both the 750i and the 750Li. An expanded 123.1 inch wheelbase on the 750Li equates to additional leg room in the already luxurious interior. The front seats have 20-way power adjust. The leather, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel offers both audio and phone controls (with one programmable control.) The 760Li features Ash wood interior and premium leather trim. Both rear climate control and a coolbox are among the available amenities. (Estimated fuel economy is 14/22.)
All vehicles in the 7 Series have dynamic stability control, anti-lock brakes, dynamic traction control, and dynamic brake control. Safety systems are deployed via an Intelligent Safety and Information System and include dual front-impact airbags and supplementary bags.
2007 BMW 5 Series
The 2007 BMW 5 Series Sports Wagon stands out from its cousins in the 5 Series lines of sedans. While it incorporates all the standard amenities of a “5,” you also get ample cargo room, the performance of all-wheel-drive, and the protection of technologically advanced dynamic stability control. These practical features don’t overwhelm the luxurious form of the vehicle, they just give you the firm assurance that this BMW is going to keep its wheels firmly on the road and get the job done for you and your family.
Practical doesn’t mean pokey either. The wagon is powered by a 255 hp, 3-liter engine. On the road the 530xi offers up crisp handling and pleasantly powerful accleration. Inside the faux leather seats can be adjusted ten ways. In back the seats split and fold. At your side the dual console makes room for the handset of your mobile phone and in the lower compartment gives you a cool spot to stow snacks or drinks.
Back in the cargo area you’ll find full finishings. There’s a tool kit and the tailgate can be released with an interior handle. Under the floor compartments with removable, flexible dividers given you even more space to stow your gear. Look for power outlets in the front passenger floor board, at the rear of the console, and in the cargo compartment. (The glove box even offers up a rechargeable flashlight.).
Look to burn about 19 mpg city and 28 highway in the new 2007 BMW 5 Series Sports Wagon with a manual transmission and around 20/27 on the automatic. Acceleration is a thing of beauty in a car of this size with the zero to 60 leap conquered in 6.8 seconds with the manual and 7.3 seconds with the automatic.
2008 BMW 5 Series Sedan
The 2008 BMW 5 Series Sedan is a group of 4-door sports sedans which come in the following trim levels: 528i, 528xi, 535i, 353xi, 550i. The BMW 328i is powered by a 3.0 liter, 230 hp, I-6 with 6-speed manual or automatic RWD. Add AWD for the 328xi, and a twin turbo to the 3.0 liter, 300 hp I-6 plus RWD for the 535i. Add AWD and you have the 535xi, while the 550i weighs in with a 4.8 liter 360 hp V8.
The power credentials are only the start for this squadron of land raptors, with key features being added to make each model resonate at a different quantum level. The 6-speed Steptronic automatic offers three driving modes, each one being suited for a particular driving style and traffic condition. “Drive” is perfect for city, stop and go traffic when a fully automatic transmission reduces the tedium of repeated up and down shifting. “Sport” level automatic offers the driver control and choice for more active driving. “Steptronic” mode allows manual shifting without the need for a clutch.
The interiors of the 5 Series sedans are perfectly matched to the temperament of each model, with cowhide surfaces on the console plus chrome accented controls, making each 5 Series sedan more luxurious than ever. The exteriors of the 5 Series are more aggressive with a high beltline that makes the vehicles appear more tough and mean. The cant rail runs seamlessly from the “A” pillar back to find support at the rear cheater and C pillar producing a seductively sweeping curve.
Whether you prefer an all wheel drive option, like XDrive, or rear-wheel drive, the suspension and steering characteristics of the 5 Series are a perfect match of luxury and performance. There are innumerable driving and weather conditions where Dynamic Stability Control can come into play and help you steer clear of danger due to loss of traction. Whether you encounter slippery areas on the road, changeable weather, or unpredictable traffic, chances are Dynamic Stability Control will negotiate the hazard safely.
The engineers at BMW added a few new talents to the 2008 BMW 5 Series, including Night Vision, for all of your covert operations. Driving at night becomes more comfortable and worry-free with the ability to see objects that are otherwise hidden by darkness. Using an infrared-sensing camera in the front of the vehicle, hazards and other objects are easily seen and identified.
The 2008 BMW 5 Series offers a full compliment of airbags in its passenger safety system, now augmented by the new Head Protection System, which adds protection to the head from a side impact accident. Fuel economy is worthy of mention as the Series 5 Sedans are impressive for a luxury line of vehicles at 17-18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. When it comes to uniting performance and luxury, the 2008 BMW 5 Series sedans are in a class by themselves.