BMW Car Blogs

30 November 2007Brand new F 800 GS now available on BMW Off Road...

2007-12-04T10:05:00.003-08:00

World of BMW is delighted to announce that the all-new F 800 GS will be an exciting new addition to the BMW Off Road Skills fleet for 2008.

The F 800 GS expands BMW Motorrad's class-leading traditions into the middleweight adventure sports category. The overall package combines balance, power and weight with excellent ground clearance thanks to an 880mm seat height and long suspension travel. Together with some innovative new BMW Enduro technologies, the result is a machine with excellent off-road riding performance.

If you would like to be one of the very first people in the UK to ride the new F 800 GS in its natural environment, the BMW Off Road Skills 4,000 acre private Enduro Park is the perfect place to do just that. The F 800 GS will be available for participants to book on all BMW Off Road Skills activities, from the newly structured Level One Basic and Level One Advanced courses, through to Level Two courses and the brand new Day in the Dirt and Brecon Beacons Discovery experiences.

Please note that the F 800 GS school bikes will be allocated to customers on a first come first served basis.

Customers who have already booked on a different model for a BMW Off Road Skills activity in 2008 are able to change their choice of model to the new F 800 GS should they wish to (subject to availability).

BMW Off Road Skills dates, running from March to October, together with full details of all 2008 activities have already been announced. With the F 800 GS now available to book, the World of BMW is advising customers to book now to secure their place.

30 November 2007RIDER POWER Survey places BMW Motorcycles first,...

2007-12-04T10:05:00.001-08:00

The BMW R 1200 RT, the machine that redefined the touring genre, is still the UK's number one motorcycle according to RiDE magazine's annual RIDER POWER Survey - the biggest poll of its kind in the motorcycle industry.

The boxer-engine tourer is as popular as ever with owners and, as if to emphasise its touring capabilities, the RT also topped the Best Tourer category - for the third consecutive time it has won during its three years of production.

A jubilant Tony Jakeman, BMW Motorrad Marketing Manager, was keen to expand on the RT's success: "The R 1200 RT has been voted by owners as the perfect motorcycle for touring and who are we to disagree? With its light weight, dynamic handling, impeccable road holding and a wide spread of power, not to mention its reliability, the RT is a fantastic all-round touring machine. It also features world-leading aerodynamics, Electronic Suspension Adjustment (optional), great ABS braking and safety features, unsurpassed rider and passenger ergonomics, a fuel range of almost 300 miles, and massive luggage carrying capacity.

"RiDE's RIDER POWER Survey awards reflect the opinions of serious motorcyclists and BMW Motorrad is delighted to have done so well in so many categories."

The most predictable award was in the Best Trailie survey where the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure and its standard derivative, the R 1200 GS, came first and second respectively. The Adventure also finished fourth in the overall survey and gave BMW Motorrad three of the UK's top four motorcycles.

However, the big boxer twins did not have it all their own way. BMW's high-tech K 1200 S, with its extremely powerful 4-cylinder engine, was placed first in the Sports Tourer category and second in the entire RIDER POWER Survey. Tony Jakeman commented: "This proves that if you want to go places on a motorcycle, a dedicated BMW is the best bike to get you there!"

BMW Motorrad's excellent dealer network and customer care was also recognised by the survey's voters. Southport Superbikes was voted Best Dealership in not only the North West and Wales, but in the whole of the UK. CW Motorcycles was voted number one in the South West (with Ocean Plymouth second and Bristol Motorrad third), while Wollaston Motors was placed third in the Midlands region.

Full details from the RIDER POWER survey are available in the January issue of RiDE magazine, on sale now.

Spy Photos: 2010 BMW X3

2007-12-04T10:04:00.002-08:00

MUNICH, Germany — The first prototype for BMW's all-new 2010 X3 has broken cover, and spy photographers caught it in action yesterday on the streets of Munich.

Despite the heavy camouflage, the sleekness of the revamped X3's new shape is unmistakable. From this first look, it seems that a little more "sportwagen" has crept into the new X3's exterior design. The X3 continues to ride on a BMW 3 Series platform, but it has been stretched and widened for additional functionality.

From an earlier X3 test mule cloaked in 3 Series wagon sheet metal, we have already surmised that the future X3 will get a redesigned suspension setup compared to the current model.

Expect additional mechanical specifications to continue to leak into the media as the X3 nears its launch date.

BMW brings Internet Protocol under the hood

2007-12-04T10:04:00.001-08:00

MUNICH, Germany — A BMW research group has tested the Internet Protocol to network automotive controllers. The engineers found that IP could well suit the real-time requirements even of safety-critical applications. But the most prominent benefits are in another area: With IP networking, costs for automotive electronics probably could be lowered.

The research group, working at BMW Research and Technology GmbH, an R&D think tank for the Bavarian luxury car maker, had the enviable task to develop a vision of tomorrow's car networking technology. Their experiments included the usage of standard Ethernet for certain aspects of in-car networking.

The most recent concept addressed the fact that in today's cars up to 70 embedded computers are networked by a host of different networking systems including CAN, LIN, MOST and Flexray. While these different types of networking are optimized each for specific purposes, the variety creates complexity and costs.

In order to enable a radical simplification of the network jungle, the BMW engineers tested the aptitude of the Internet Protocol for applications in engine compartment and dashboard. For their experimental in-car network, they used standard PC and embedded electronic parts and included, among other ECUs, engine control (DME), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and dashboard head unit. In addition, a multimedia server and a camera were part of the network; gateways connected conventional non-standard automotive applications.

The results were very positive towards potential future IP in-car networks. "One of our research goals was to verify the real-time capabilities of IP for safety-critical applications," said project manager Richard Bogenberger. "In order to guarantee the short response times required, we used features such as QoS and traffic shaping. Our experiments with prototypes demonstrated, that the real-time behavior far exceeded the requirements — even when we ran multimedia applications across the same network."

Bogenberger and his team used the current IP version 4. They even evaluated the future version IPv6. "We found great potentials for IPv6 applications," Bogenberger said. "But the research goals could all be met by just using IPv4."

The motivation to test IP in car networking was twofold, Bogenberger said. "We expect rising requirements as to automotive electronics with respect to consumer electronics integration and the interconnectivity of cars with other vehicles and with the infrastructure. Also, we were interested in exploring the chances and possibilities created by making a vehicle an integral part of the global internet."

By using IP components and software routines, automotive OEMs could use standard components. "This would facilitate coordinating and matching processes with external partner since they would have access to hardware and software building blocks," Bogenberger said.

Since the study was not part of the serial car development, there is no schedule in place as to when the first "internet cars" could hit the roads. But, Bogenberger pointed out, talks with other automotive OEMs and tier ones will follow soon.

BMW's high-velocity hauler is here

2007-12-04T10:03:00.000-08:00

BMW's M5 Touring - arguably the most muscular station wagon yet unleashed on the motoring public - is now available in South Africa, with prices starting at R1 050 000.

When Beem's überwagen was launched in Britain in May 2007, BMW SA confirmed that there were "no plans" to release it locally; we're glad that decision was revised.

The front end is pure M5, complete with front air dam, side-sills, air intakes in the side panels, 19" rims shod with 255/40 rubber and, of course, BMW's award-winning 373kW, 520Nm, five-litre, V10 engine, driving via a seven-speed, programmable, semi-automatic, sequential gearbox

The front end is pure M5, complete with BMW's award-winning 373kW, 520Nm, five-litre, V10 engine...
.

I'll launch from 0-100km/h in a spooky-fast 4.8sec and reach its electronic limit of 250km/h rather sooner than most drivers are ready for – BMW claims it'll cover a standing kilometre in 22.9sec.

BUT

It also has a spacious, versatile interior with luxurious seating for five and a luggage compartment that can swallow from 500 to 1650 litres, self-levelling air suspension and an electric tailgate with separately-opening window.

And there's a standard two-piece "sundim" glass roof, each panel of which can be tilted for extra ventilation; the front panel can be opened completely. Daytime lights and adaptive headlights are standards; a trailer hitch, rated for 1800kg, is an extra-cost option

... while the luggage compartment can swallow from 500 to 1650 litres
.

The rear body and luggage compartment floor have been reinforced and stiffened to cope with the extra stresses imposed by the car's performance levels and an optional storage package includes individual subdivision of the luggage compartment floor, folding partition panels, tie-down straps in the side panels, and multi-function supports.

All the BMW Individual options are available on the M5 Touring, including head-up display and a new, concert-class, 825W, 16-speaker audio system. The BMW M5 Touring comes with a two-year warranty and a five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan.

BMW may bring back Isetta

2007-12-04T10:02:00.002-08:00

Auto Express is reporting that BMW is currently considering bringing back the Isetta, the three-wheel mini car with a door where the hood should be that achieved pop-culture celebrity status as the personal whip of Urkel on the sit-com Family Matters (did I just date myself?). Unlike the original, the modern interpretation will have four wheels and two doors on the sides (damn safety regulations), but it will retain the rear-engine layout of the original. While BMW has not corroborated any of this speculation, there are many reasons why resurrecting the Isetta would be a good move for the Munich-based automaker. For one, the minicar segment is a robust one around the world, especially Europe where the new Isetta would do battle with the Fiat 500, smart fortwo and Volkswagen's up! lineup. Secondly, the Isetta would be powered by a clean engine that, coupled with its light weight, would yield the most eco-friendly BMW of them all. Its inclusion in the propellor's line up would serve to bring down the average emissions of BMW's entire fleet. Finally, the Isetta brand is eminently bankable thanks to the cult status it's achieved in car culture and the generally fun and jolly nature of the original. Hopefully, however, Urkel didn't damage the brand too much back in the '90s.

BMW Hydrogen 7 - Behind the wheel

2007-12-04T10:02:00.001-08:00

During my visit to the LA Auto Show, I was fortunate enough to drive a hydrogen-powered BMW 7 Series. Unlike hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicles, it uses the hydrogen to power its regular internal-combustion engine.

The hydrogen solution is still debatable, but it is considered by many to be the ultimate clean fuel since it uses a widely available resource. And despite division over the merits of hydrogen, most automobile companies are betting on it in one form or another. Even a casual stroll of shows this season it is clear that automakers are investing serious engineering resources and money into developing hydrogen-powered test vehicles.

First impressions
Bmwhydrogen7sedan The Hydrogen 7 is hybrid/flex-fuel/bi-fuel car that can run on both hydrogen and gasoline. This switch can be done on the fly by simply pushing a button on the steering wheel. Otherwise, the cabin is very similar to the regular 7 Series. Trunk space is very limited (smaller even than in a 3 Series) and acceleration seems a bit lethargic. Another noticeable difference was a slight pinging at low speeds when using hydrogen. The car always starts consuming hydrogen and once the catalysts are up to working temperature, the car can then be switched over to gasoline without any noticeable hesitation. The 6.0-liter V12 engine produces only 265 hp and 287 ft-lb of torque, which is not much for a vehicle that weighs about 5,000 pounds. Those figures explain the rather slow takeoff and the effort needed to merges in to traffic. The Hydrogen 7's performance is a stark contrast to typical BMWs, which have long been known for their wonderfully smooth and powerful engines. On the plus side, the car itself is quiet and drives adequately in dense traffic.

The 8 kgs of hydrogen is kept in liquid form in a tank just behind the rear seat. That amount yields a range of around 120 miles. Unlike the current group of hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicles—which store their hydrogen in a compressed form at 5,000 or 10,000 psi—the Hydrogen 7 holds its hydrogen in a liquid state at -253 degrees Celsius (-423 degrees Fahrenheit). Unfortunately, even with its double-walled tanks and insulation, the hydrogen slowly evaporates. And if the car remains parked for 10 to 12 days, the hydrogen is completely depleted. When running on hydrogen, the emissions are mainly water, although there are traces of CO2 and NOX as a result of burning engine lubricants.

One unforeseen issue I had with the car during my stint with it was the inability to park it inside a garage. The BMW representative insisted that the vehicle had to be parked outdoors at all times. This became the subject of many interesting conversations with parking valets, who were intrigued by the technology but were worried about being part of another Hindenburg tragedy.

Refueling with liquid hydrogen is the biggest challenge when driving the car. After all, where does the liquid hydrogen come from and where are the filling stations? These same issues affect fuel-cell vehicles, as well. Currently, most hydrogen is obtained from natural gas but it can also be generated from splitting water using renewable electric energy.

In sum, the Hydrogen 7 has some drawbacks, including a small trunk and not being able to park in a garage. However, it allows the flexibility of using hydrogen (when/where it's available) or gasoline. Likely, we'll have to wait decades for a hydrogen infrastructure to catch up to the petroleum-based transportation system, which also applies to a lesser extent to electric vehicles. Plus, we can add these drawbacks to the list of other negatives:

* The prohibitive cost of developing the technology and the vehicles.
* Skeptic public with potentially explosive and unfamiliar fuel.
* Lack of fueling infrastructure and production obstacles.

Still, these are similar to the hurdles early automobiles had to deal with at the dawn of the 20th century. Back then, the horse was king, roads were little more the dirt cart tracks, and there were no gas stations or oil companies. A major difference is that today's cars are really good when compared to a horse and the current alternatives are not quite there yet. BMW's approach may be an interesting interim solution between a hydrogen-powered world and the current oil-based transportation system.

Final thoughts:
I used to live in the LA area before moving to Connecticut, and I had almost forgotten the vast volume of traffic that is constantly moving around the LA freeways. At lunch time on a Saturday morning, I was struck in stop-and-go traffic, seven lanes wide (no car pool lane) for no apparent reason except for just an extreme volume of vehicles. Now, I love cars -- probably more than most people -- but it struck me that even if everyone was driving a hydrogen-powered fuel-cell vehicle, this volume of stationary cars is such a waste of time and energy, regardless of whether or not the energy is renewable. It goes against my grain to say it, but something must be done in the future to expand telecommuting, public mass transit, or other ways to reduce congestion. Simply building wider freeways is not a responsible option.

National Geographic Channel features Spartanburg BMW plant

2007-12-04T10:01:00.000-08:00

BMW Manufacturing Co. will be featured on the National Geographic Channel’s television show “Ultimate Factories,” in an episode airing at 9 p.m. Thursday.

The program focuses on the building of the Z4 Roadster at its birthplace in Spartanburg and the production of its in-line V6 engine at two of BMW’s high-tech plants in Munich and Landshut, Germany.

The show also highlights BMW Manufacturing Co.’s landfill gas-to-energy project, which siphons methane gas from rotting trash at the Palmetto Landfill in Spartanburg and provides the plant with 63 percent of its power while reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the Upstate by an estimated 60,000 tons per year.

“The ’Ultimate Factories’ series features icons of industry and focuses on processes of interest,” said Chris Valentini, producer for the National Geographic Channel. “We selected the BMW Spartanburg plant and the making of the Z4 Roadster because of the BMW name brand and the incredible technology designed to make this vehicle.

“As for working with BMW, it was great. They are top-notch professionals and really helped us with the research for this show.”

The Spartanburg plant has 4,500 associates and 500 robots that produce about 600 vehicles a day.

Since its inception in 1993, the plant has more than doubled in size to 2.5 million square feet and represents about $3.3 billion in investment for BMW.

“I received a contact about eight months ago from National Geographic as they were fishing around for factories for the show,” said Bobby Hitt, BMW Manufacturing Co.’s manager of public affairs. “They came in and scoped out a plan and then spent about a week filming at the beginning of the summer.”

Hitt said he hasn’t seen the final cut, but he has viewed a rough draft of the show featuring his plant and believes the area’s TV audience will be pleased.

“The episode shows what goes on at the ground level in one of the world’s most sophisticated automotive factories,” he said.

The show should whet the appetite of car enthusiasts around the country who haven’t had the chance to view the facility since its public tours were halted in June, so it could prepare to ramp up production by focusing on building high-volume sports activity vehicles and add a new vehicle, the X6, to its lineup.

The episode also will send off the Z4 roadster in style, as BMW announced in August it would shift production of that model from Spartanburg to a plant in Regensburg, Germany.

Hitt said the Z4’s move will be made with the next model changeover.

“It’s pretty terrific,” Hitt said. National Geographic “is a well-known, quality channel, and everything they do seems to have a long shelf life. I think it’s terribly exciting.”

In the Autoblog Garage: BMW 335i Convertible

2007-12-04T10:00:00.002-08:00

Thanksgiving is when I put the snow tires back on the cars. Here in New England, you never know what's going to happen; we've had our first snowfall already. Freezing temperatures also tend to herald the end of convertible season, though there still may be one or two Indian Summer days where dropping the top without freezing your earlobes is possible. Sadly, the BMW 335i convertible left our driveway long before the first frost, leaving us only memories.

The Thanksgiving holiday also heralds the beginning of the special hell that is the holiday shopping season. Don't know what to get that special someone? Drawing a blank when composing your wish list? Pencil this in: BMW 335i Convertible. Done and done.

It's all true. The decades of rhapsodic prose about BMW's 3-Series is on the mark. That goes nearly double for the coupe. The 335i is the automotive canvas where flame surfacing came of age. None of the awkwardness of the 3-Series sedan made it to the coupe. The lines are clean and taut, and the way reflections are controlled is beautiful instead of busy. This low, muscular design looks particularly evil rolling down the road, and the angry slant of the headlamps keeps the left lane clear for you.

BMW M3 CSL Supercharged sets new record on the ring- WOWSwedish racing star Richard Göransson once more took place behind the wheel of the project car

2007-12-04T10:00:00.001-08:00

Swedish racing star Richard Göransson once more took place behind the wheel of the project car "Loaded", and drove lap around the Nürburgring Nordschleife that puts supercars like the Koenigsegg, Pagani and Porsche in the shade. With the time of 7 minutes 22.8 seconds around the 20.6 kilometer long track he was over five seconds faster than the original target of 7 minutes 28 seconds.

22 November 2007An ICON Award for a BMW iconA great motorcycle is...

2007-12-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

A great motorcycle is only as good as its rider, and fortunately many of the world's most passionate riders insist on buying BMW bikes for their 'sheer riding pleasure'. All over the globe BMW owners can be seen riding across countries and even continents just to see how far they can go and to discover what is around the next corner.

Legendary riders such as Norwegian Helge Pedersen travelled over 250,000 miles - more than ten times the actual distance around the world - on his trusty GS during his ten-year journey across five continents. And Argentinean rider Emilio Scotto travelled a massive 460,000 miles (the equivalent of a round trip to the moon) from 1985 to 1995 through 279 countries. But surely there can't be many riders who can claim to have ridden more than a million miles� or can there?

Several years ago, BMW owner Dave Swisher became the first motorcyclist in the world to ride one million miles (1.6-million kilometres) on BMW bikes - an incredible achievement in itself - but he has obviously been spending a lot more time in the saddle since then as he has recently clocked up a staggering 1,400,000 miles (2,250,000 km). To put this in perspective, this is the equivalent of riding for 973 days and nights (or over two-and-a-half years) at a constant speed of 60 mph (100 km/h).

BMW Motorrad USA's Laurence Kuykendall - who had presented David with the very first Million Mile Award ever given under the BMW Motorcycles High Mileage Award programme - returned to give David a very special 'BMW Icon' award in recognition of his latest amazing achievement.

"We always try to recognise riders whose loyalty to the BMW brand complements our relentless pursuit of creating the perfect two-wheeled machine, and until I met David, we'd given hundreds of bronze medallions and certificates to BMW owners who'd proven their dedication to the brand by riding them a minimum of 100,000 miles. Our BMW High Mileage Awards are modelled on the medallions provided by BMW Motorrad in Germany during the 1920s and 30s for high kilometre riders, but when David achieved a million miles, we realised something special would be required because a medallion, however nice, would hardly be enough for such a massive achievement.

"So for that occasion we created a special award using a solar-powered Boxer engine and I had the pleasure of presenting it to David in person. Since then, David has also received his 1,100,000, 1,200,000 and 1,300,000 mile awards, and each one of these awards had to be specially designed, because each milestone was an achievement unprecedented by any other BMW (or other) rider that we know of. But there comes a time when it's not just about how many miles you ride, but what kind of rider you are - and David is one of those motorcyclists whose decency, good spirits and love of riding are an inspiration to others. So, as a direct result of the challenge we faced in keeping up with David, we devised a BMW ICON Award modelled on Ernest Henne - one of the greatest BMW riders ever."

The BMW ICON Award recognises riders who have made unusual or even extraordinary contributions to the BMW motorcycle brand. Hand-cast in bronze by noted Ohio sculptor Ric Stewart, no two ICON Awards are the same, due to the nature of the casting process, and the personalised inscriptions.

David Swisher's BMW ICON Award was presented to him by dealer principal Jeff Massey and BMW Motorrad USA's Laurence Kuykendall at the Virginia-based Morton's BMW Open House event earlier this month. This time, however, the award wasn't just about riding so many miles (as impressive as this is) but also for providing such an inspiration to at least two generations of BMW riders.

Although he is now 77-years-old, David actually began riding BMWs in 1973 at the tender age of 43. His current fleet comprises a pair of K 1100 LT models - one with over 100,000 miles on it and the other with more than 200,000 miles on it. A lifelong dairy and grain farmer who once joked that he "had to sell the cows because they were getting in the way of his riding", David is living proof that age isn't defined by the physical frame but by attitude, which in his case is forever youthful.

Next generation BMW 7-Series details starting to leak- Exclusive details

2007-12-04T09:57:00.000-08:00

Now that the X6 concept is out the door, the next vehicle slated for introduction from BMW is the next 7-Series and we’re hearing rumors that it could come as early as the 2008 Geneva auto show in March.

Sources tell the Spies that the next generation will stick to the BMW formula of an evolutionary exterior design change coming after a radical design change like the current model.

If you're hoping for something totally different, you've got another 5-6 year wait.

What WILL be radically different though from the current car is the interior dash layout and control center.

Look for the most sophisticated gadgetry, like night vision 3.0, more exterior cameras than cars should be allowed to have that will survey the perimeter plus secure the car and the most amazing radar cruise control on the planet.

We also hear they have teamed up with a 'Levinson-like' company to bring the next generation of audio/video amazement to the luxury set.

The 7 will also finally get a panoramic roof option ala Mercedes S-Class and the interior material quality will make an Audi A8 look like a Chevy Cavalier.

Well, maybe not that much better but it will be the best in BMW history.

An all new suspension system is being readied and it is supposed to be even more amazing than what's on the market today.

More luxury amenities than humans should be allowed to have are in the mix AND...

The big surprises?

Besides a twin-turbo, 500hp starting base engine?

How about a hybrid version that bests the Lexus LS600h....for LESS money.

The high end luxury segment is going to get even MORE exciting...VERY soon!

The BMW Hybrid Car Combines Style And Performance

2007-12-04T09:45:00.003-08:00

German automobile manufacturing giant, BMW have announced that within the next four years, their Hybrid car would be in bulk production and sales. This announcement comes in the wake of the environmentally friendly and phenomenally popular Hybrid cars that have been launched by many other car manufacturers.

BMW’s record of innovation and quality that has enriched the automobile world would mean that this development would be another standard setting achievement that others would have to follow.

BMW plans to introduce engines that would run both on hydrogen and petroleum on the 7 series BMW models. Some prototypes are already under trial in various countries and engineers and researchers are getting practical feedback which enables them to keep perfecting their to-be-launched Hybrid car.

It is BMW’s intention to launch a truly environment friendly, high performance and good-looking car.

Instead of using the usual fuels used so far by Hybrid car manufacturers, BMW opted for a hydrogen-petroleum combination in an internal combustion engine. This has entailed much more research and development as such engines require fuel in liquid form.

The problem is to keep the hydrogen sufficiently cool, to prevent evaporation while in the car as well as in transit. BMW claims that it has solved both the problems of keeping the temperature low in the engine as well as a method of transporting hydrogen, which will ensure that it does not evaporate during transit.

BMW sees hydrogen as the fuel of the future for automobiles. It estimates that it will take about a couple of decades before a car can actually be run on hydrogen exclusively. They however claim that this is an achievable goal.

BMW claims that they have been working for the past three decades on technology that could well deliver an engine that can power a car using only hydrogen as fuel. They have already developed a car running on water, one that emits water vapor at the exhaust and are well on the way to a revolutionary solar powered method to wed with water to extract hydrogen fuel.

BMW says that it has chosen hydrogen as a source of power for cars as it offers the best solution to the problem of vehicle emissions causing environmental pollution. Hydrogen does not release dangerous emissions on combustion and causes no damage to the air. It does not deplete any natural resource and can be generated from recyclable sources.

BMW may well be zeroing in on hydrogen fuel extracted from water using solar energy. Such a technology was showcased at the Expo 2000 through the BMW 750 hl prototype exhibited. BMW along with its partners may be lagging behind in the mass production of Hybrid cars, but are certainly in the forefront of the Hydrogen Hybrid technology.

In the very near future, these developments and innovations will benefit all of us. We will also be effecting considerable savings in fuel costs and causing little or no pollution to the atmosphere. It would not mean driving around in little uncomfortable and low powered cars. With cars like the BMW Hybrid, you can expect sophistication, power, elegance and style, without the disadvantage of environmental pollution.

Video: BMW M3 CSL De-Thrones Pagani Zonda F as Nurburgring King

2007-12-04T09:45:00.001-08:00

The Nurburgring in Germany is a proving ground for all sorts of supercars and the 'ring now has a king. Beating the Pagani Zonda F by a full five seconds, a lightly modified BMW M3 CSL managed to complete a lap in a mere 7 minutes and 22.8 seconds.

Typically, the fastest cars on this track have been the ones that weigh the least and have the most horsepower. Ironically (or surprisingly), the BMW M3 CSL actually weighs 400 pounds more than the Pagani Zonda F. What's more it has 70 fewer horsepower too, so the time must have been made in the corners rather than in the straights. The supercharged BMW M3 CSL puts out 532.7 rwhp and weighs 3,139 pounds with 30L of fuel.

And you just might be able to buy this Nurburgring king for a couple of pennies. The BMW M3 CSL that you can watch in the video below is actually for sale and it's an auction where the winner is the person with the lowest unique bid.

20 November 2007'Discover BMW Motorrad' wins golden ITVA Award!BMW...

2007-12-04T09:43:00.000-08:00

BMW Motorrad's multi-media information tool for new employees of the company's subsidiaries, importers and dealerships, has won a prestigious golden award at the Integrated TV and Video Association (ITVA) awards held in Cologne on 2 November.

Launched on 15 June 2007, this platform for every new employee is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to the world of BMW Motorrad for every new staff member. Irrespective of the area in which the employees work - whether marketing, sales, service, or in the workshop - the object of the web-based tool is to give new staff access to BMW Motorrad in a way that allows them to get started with their jobs quickly and successfully.

In order to reach as many employees as possible worldwide, the tool is currently available in German, English, Italian, French, Dutch, Spanish and Portuguese, with a Japanese language version coming soon. Using software developed by Frankfurt-based agency, C.3 GmbH, the interactive multimedia tool allows users to experience a highly entertaining tour through the world of BMW. By using the integration of different media (text, audio and videos), animated information (exercises, questions and games), and topical contents, the user can login and simply choose which road they want to take.

Highlights include comprehensive information and a history of the BMW Group and BMW Motorrad; all the details on the latest bikes, Rider Equipment and Accessories; a 'jobs and business' section describing life inside a BMW Motorrad dealership; and the Fascination of working for one of the most exciting and progressive companies in the world.

The key to the success of 'Discover BMW Motorrad' is its simple navigation, functionality and easy access. There is even a virtual tour guide called Monique, who will accompany the user on the tour through the BMW Motorrad world, occasionally addressing the user directly, motivating, asking questions and encouraging.

Since its launch, 'Discover BMW Motorrad' has been accepted and used all over the world by the subsidiaries, importers and dealers who have found that their new (and even existing) employees have substantially benefited from this innovative tool that gives users an entertaining and informative introduction to their new company and place of work.

At the end of October 2007, an independent jury of the international ITVA Committee decided that 'Discover BMW Motorrad' would be given the Golden Award in the Multimedia Application category. In collecting the award, C.3 GmbH's Bernd Helber was delighted at the recognition for this innovative and important piece of software for new BMW Motorrad colleagues.

"We're really pleased to win the Golden Award for 'Discover BMW Motorrad'," he said. "BMW Motorrad wanted to use New Media to allow young employees to discover the BMW brand values, its eventful history and all the different company segments, so we're delighted that the unique program design, innovative user guidance and navigation have been recognised in this way."

The 'Discover BMW Motorrad' information tool will now be entered in The Media Communications Association International (MCA-I) awards that recognise the best in media communications across the globe.

BMW announces 2008 BMW 1 Series Coupe pricing for U.S.

2007-12-04T09:36:00.002-08:00

BMW used the LA Auto Show to officially announce pricing for its upcoming 2008 1 Series Coupe, due to hit showrooms in spring of 2008. Base prices will start at $29,375 for the 2008 BMW 128i, while the more powerful 135i will see an increase to $35,675.

So which one to chose? Well, the 128i's 230 horsepower inline-six should prove adequate for many drivers, but those looking for more power will likely opt for the 135i that shares its 300 horsepower twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine with the 335i. And we imagine there will be more than a few buyers for the more potent version. After all, this is the car that BMW is touting as a return to the enthusiast-oriented sports coupe roots it has in its classic 2002 model, sold from 1968 to 1976.

BMW is relying on those roots to generate massive interest in its new 1 Series Coupe, and is expecting the car to be a success as soon as sales begin next year. The automaker's advertising campaign "Year One of the 1" places significance in purchasing the first model year of the 1 Series Coupe, even going so far as to engrave the vehicle's start button with the "Year One of the 1" phrase. Other incentives are given to first-year 1 Series buyers in the U.S., including a exclusive book chronicling the vehicle's development.

BMW will also sell a 1 Series Convertible in the U.S., a car that will make its debut at the Detroit Auto Show in January. Sales are expected to start months after the first 1 Series Coupes hit showrooms. At the Tokyo Motor Show last month, BMW displayed a 1 Series tii concept which emphasized the coupe's sporty nature with an Alcantara-trimmed interior, sports-oriented suspension, and aerodynamic modifications, among other changes.

BMW 1 Series Priced Starting at $29,375

2007-12-04T09:36:00.001-08:00

LOS ANGELES — BMW announced that it will price its new 1 Series coupe starting under $30,000, with the top model at $35,675. It goes on sale in the spring at U.S. dealerships.

The small coupe made its North American debut at the 2007 Los Angeles Auto Show this week. It will be sold in 3.0-liter inline-6 form as the 128i, making 230 horsepower, and — with a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six that makes 300 hp — as the 135i. The 128i will cost $29,375, while the 135i will be priced at $35,675.

It's "Year One of the One," BMW says, claiming that the 1 Series coupe "will reinvent the niche that the legendary BMW 2002 created." The company's microsite offers prospective buyers an opportunity to sign up for the chance to pre-order.

What this means to you: Looking at the gas pump these days, it sure looks like an appropriate time to reinvent this particular niche

16 November 2007Africa awaitsWith all the publicity surrounding the...

2007-12-04T09:35:00.002-08:00

With all the publicity surrounding the recent unveiling of the F 800 GS, it's easy to forget just how long this machine has been in development. But fortunately, the wait is now over for all those adventure sport riders who secretly hoped that BMW Motorrad's excellent 85 hp parallel-twin engine (that first made its debut in the F 800 S sports middleweight) would some day find its way onto a dedicated lightweight travel enduro.

Because the final development stages of machine parts and accessories for motorcycles such as the F 800 GS need to be tested in extreme conditions that private tracks and in-house simulators just cannot replicate, it is necessary to go 'out in the field'. Luckily, there are engineers such as Touratech Executive Director, Herbert Schwarz, who are willing to assist BMW Motorrad in certain areas of product development, helping to ensure that the products and accessories work in the toughest conditions that a rider could expect to encounter anywhere in the world.

Several months before the shiny new BMW F 800 GS was unveiled to the world's motorcycle press in Milan, Schwarz was out in equatorial Africa, helping test accessories for this eagerly awaited travel enduro. Accompanied by his new wife Ramona (who completed the Can2Mex trip with him in 2006) on a BMW G 650 Xchallenge, the couple spent over a month exploring Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi in order to test and develop components, and provide travel features for various motorcycle magazines.

Amazingly, in this world of global communication networks and mobile phone cameras - and despite being besieged by inquisitive locals wherever they went - the couple were able to complete their journey in secret, without a single picture of their journey making the headlines. And because the new F 800 GS is finally in the public domain, their story can now be told, so watch this space for a forthcoming interview with Herbert and Ramona, and find out the full story of what this respected globetrotter thinks of the exciting new addition to the legendary GS family.

15 November 2007GS Challenge debuts in Qu becBMW GS motorcycles have...

2007-12-04T09:35:00.001-08:00

BMW GS motorcycles have had a dedicated following for well over 25 years and have become the most successful BMW motorcycle model series of all time. The ever-expanding enduro line-up continues to find new converts, eager for the opportunity to put their skills and their bikes to the test on the kind of terrain that GS models were designed for.

With inspiration from GS customer activities all over the world, the owner of Montreal-based Moto Internationale Motorrad dealership, Charles Gref - a BMW-certified motorcycle instructor and long-time competitor in both on and off-road events - decided that the time was right for a GS Challenge in Canada. And what better backdrop than the rolling hills and forests in the beautiful province of Québec?

Charles and his enthusiastic team worked for months to organize the very first GS Challenge in Québec, which took place at the Pouvoirie du Lac Beauregard in the heart of the Hautes-Laurentides. With more than 150 square kilometres of terrain, the Pourvoirie is the ideal venue for this type of event, with a combination of sand and gravel trails threading through the spectacular forests and hills, and offering the kind of riding to challenge GS owners of every skill level.

The debut event attracted over 40 keen BMW owners, some from as far away as Ireland and Germany! All arrived on their own bikes, spanning the complete GS range from an R 80 GS through R 1100 GS, R 1150 and 1200 GS, and F 650 GS and Dakar models. BMW Motorrad Canada provided new G 650 Xchallenge, Xcountry and HP2 Enduro models to give the enthusiastic participants a chance to experience the very latest BMW off-road technology.

The first day's itinerary was devoted to a 60 km forest course with two skill sections, and the group split into teams of three to ensure safe riding space and to promote team support.

The second day featured a slow-speed race on a mud course with tight curves and sandy hills. This was followed by a trials session in the forest on a 65-km course where riders had to deal with water crossings, mud, holes and sand. A points system was in place, with scores awarded for specific tests on a variety of terrain. Second-day skill levels were noticeably improved and camaraderie in great evidence as the riders cheered each other on in the rougher sections. The day culminated with a special awards dinner with both teams and individuals being recognised for their performances in some of the more gruelling stages.

After a fairly exacting two days, the third and final day was 'open', giving riders the option of taking test rides and excursions in the woods on the new G 650 Xchallenge and Xcountry models, as well as the formidable HP2 Enduro.

On hand for the GS Challenge in Québec was special guest Tomm Wolf, head instructor of the BMW Motorrad Enduro Park in Hechlingen, Germany. With extensive experience at other GS Challenge events, Tomm was duly impressed by the beauty of the location and by the professionalism with which the GS Challenge was organized.

"This site presents so much diversity that I can easily see an international GS Challenge taking place here," he said. Tomm's presence at the event certainly raised the bar a few notches and gave credibility to the concept of a much larger-scale event in the future.

The effort that Charles Gref and his team put into the first GS Challenge in Québec delivered results that spoke for themselves. Every person who took part in the event agreed that it was an extraordinary weekend, and local print and TV journalists commented favourably. Therefore, the intention is to promote the 2008 Québec GS Challenge in both North America and Europe with the hope of attracting up to 500 participants in the medium term.

BMW 1 Series Coupe On Sale US Jan 2008

2007-12-04T09:34:00.001-08:00

The BMW 1 Series Coupe, which draws inspiration from the iconic BMW 2002 of some 40 years ago, has made its North American debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. By combining sporty rear-wheel-drive dynamics, agile handling, powerful engines and seating for four, the 1 Series Coupe will reinvent the niche created by the legendary BMW 2002.

On sale in the spring of 2008, the 1 Series Coupe will be available in two versions; the 128i and the 135i. Powered by a 3.0-liter, 230 horsepower inline 6-cyinder engine that generates 200 lb-ft of torque, the 128i Coupe will feature Valvetronic valvetrain management and aluminum/magnesium contruction-core elements of BMW’s EfficientDynamics.

The powerful 135i Coupe features BMW’s 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 accomplished in 5.3 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Both engines feature on-demand engine coolant pumps that improve fuel economy and reduce parasitic losses for increased output.

Handsome looks with sporting intentions
The new 1 Series Coupe combines unique, dynamic and unmistakable design elements with a powerful and muscular body. The greenhouse with its characteristic “Hofmeister kink” is moved rearward and offers a particularly nimble look with its long hood. The short overhangs, long wheelbase and large frameless doors sit on a body with a striking shoulder line for a modern interpretation of BMW’s characteristic look. On the 135i Coupe, an M Aerodynamic Kit is standard.

The 1 Series boasts an aggressive rear end styling. The trunklid has an integrated spoiler chiselled into the rear end of the car to accentuate the short rear section. On the 135i, an additional lip spoiler provides greater downforce on the rear end at high speeds.

BMW K1200 LT gets the luxury treatment

2007-12-04T09:33:00.001-08:00

The massive BMW K1200LT tourer has been given a boost for 2008, with every UK motorcycle gaining the full BMW Lux package as standard.

For 2008, the basic and SE versions of the K1200LT are being removed from the UK BMW motorcycle range, leaving only the highest-specification machine, which will be available to order.

The full £15,395 package includes virtually every extra you can imagine, with heated grips, cruise control, a heated seat, central locking for the panniers and topbox, ground lighting and an ant-theft system as standard.

Other goodies include the firm’s Xenon headlight kit, which gives a different look to the front of the bike, with an additional light below the main headlight unit. The two lamps act separately, as a high and low-beam, and offer 10 percent better illumination than conventional units. The Lux pack also includes a “Navigator preparation kit” – so BMW’s sat-nav system can easily be added.

Despite its high spec, there are still additional options to be had, including a luggage rack, higher screen, intercom and CD changer. You can even order a cup holder!

All-New BMW M3 Earns Popular Mechanics Award

2007-12-04T09:32:00.001-08:00

All-New BMW M3 Earns Popular Mechanics Award

2008 BMW M3 Praised for its Elegant and Powerful Performance at Comfort Level Unmatched by Many Cars

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - November 14, 2007… BMW of North America today announced that its all- new 2008 BMW M3 has won Popular Mechanics' 2008 Automotive Excellence Award in the performance category. Martin Birkmann, BMW M Series Brand Manager, accepted the honor on behalf of BMW at the award reception, which was held today at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

"We are thrilled that the 2008 BMW M3 has won this year's Automotive Excellence Award for performance," said Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO, BMW (US) Holding Corp. "BMW is dedicated to engineering vehicles that provide consumers with the ultimate driving experience and superior performance, so it is especially gratifying that the 2008 BMW M3 has won the award in the performance category. It just adds to the already incredible level of excitement and anticipation building around the launch of the M3 this spring."

The all-new 2008 M3 Coupe and M3 Sedan-which made their North American debuts earlier today at the auto show-arrive at dealerships in spring 2008 and will feature the first V8 in a series-production BMW M3. They will also feature driver-adjustable settings for crucial dynamic controls encompassing engine response, steering, damping and stability (with an available steering-wheel-mounted "MDrive" button to store the preferences.) The vehicles also offer a sport-oriented interior, which can be optimized to the driver's desires.

In its December 2007 article about the Awards, Popular Mechanics automotive editors praise the 2008 BMW M3 as "..one of the few performance cars that can triumph at weekend track days and still carry four friends in perfect comfort and luxury to an evening movie…The M3 is elegant and powerful, and it does its job at a comfort level not many cars can match."

Each year, to determine the winners of the Popular Mechanics Automotive Excellence Awards, the magazine's editors drive more than 100 of the newest cars, trucks and sport-utility vehicles, amassing well over 100,000 miles in the process. Through their experiences on extended test drives around the world, instrumented comparison tests and longer-term evaluations, the auto team nominates a list of vehicles in each category. Those selections are put to a vote and the top vote getters in each category win an Automotive Excellence Award.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand, the MINI brand, and the ROLLS-ROYCE brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, an industrial design firm in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all Z4 models and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car centers, 334 BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 143 BMW motorcycle retailers, 80 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 ROLLS-ROYCE Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North, Central and South America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

BMW Introduces Three New Models

2007-12-04T09:31:00.001-08:00

BMW plans to offer 20 motorcycle models in 2008, ranging from the 50hp G 450 X to the 167hp K 1200 S. BMW calls the lineup the most diverse the company has ever offered.

New models revealed at EICMA included the G 450X, F 800 GS and HP2 Sport.

G 450X
As a completely new model for BMW, the G 450 X represents a clean-sheet design. The BMW-designed single-cylinder engine incorporates fuel-injection, electric start, a crankshaft-mounted clutch, liquid-cooling and the DOHC head borrowed from the K 1200 S. A 30-degree cant to the cylinder provides a straight, downdraft intake with an overhead airbox; the fuel tank resides under the seat with a filler at the rear, and the exhaust includes a three-way catalytic converter for compliance with all current emission standards.

The bike puts out 50hp and has a wet weight of close to 265 lbs.

The G 450 X chassis includes a fully adjustable Ohlins rear shock, Marzocchi "upside-down" fork and Brembo disc brakes front and rear. The compact frame mates stainless steel tubing with stainless forgings and an aluminum subframe and swingarm. A unique hollow transmission output shaft places both the countershaft chain sprocket and the swingarm pivot on the same axis. This coaxial design reduces the chain's effect on suspension response, smoothes power delivery, minimizes chain wear, and provides a longer (by 30mm) swingarm for more travel and better traction.

F 800 GS
The 85hp parallel-twin-powered F 800 GS is slotted between the F 650 GS and the R 1200 GS Boxer-twin.

Aside from its 800cc displacement, the only items this new model shares with the original R 80 G/S are the cylinder count and the final two letters. This new F Series GS borrows the 85hp counter-balanced parallel-twin from the F 800 S and ST, swapping their belt final drive for an O-ring chain in its transition to adventure-touring duties. But engine aside, the newest GS shares little else with its smooth-tired siblings. An all-new tubular-steel frame carries the F 800 well above terra firma, suspended between lightweight, 21-inch front and 17-inch rear wire-spoke wheels. The suspension consists of an upside-down fork at the front, paired with an aluminum twin-spar swingarm at the rear. A single shock with adjustable preload and rebound damping controls the rear suspension. Brembo discs-two in front, one in the rear-handle stopping, and the optional two-channel ABS can be shut off for serious off-road riding.

HP2 Sport
Loosely based on the R 1200 S, the 130hp HP2 Sport is the most powerful Boxer-twin yet, and the first production DOHC Boxer in BMW history. It's also the most track-oriented production Boxer-twin ever to come from the firm.

Don't believe it? Need coaxing?

Aside from the powerful engine, the HP 2 is further designed for competition with a gear shift assistant that allows a rider to bang through the six-speed gearbox without using the clutch lever. It's decorated in carbon fiber bodywork, and has fully adjustable Ohlins shocks, Brembo four-pot calipers, and adjustable handlebars, footrests and Magura brake levers. Oh, and the instruments come directly from MotoGP — with digital readouts, lap timer and a tachometer with graphic rev display. Plan for 2008
BMW Motorrad delivered 82,779 motorcycles from January through September, up 4.3 percent from worldwide sales of 79,333 units during the same nine-month period in 2006.

BMW Motorrad has outlined three areas to be cornerstones for the company's continued growth in sales and profits: 1) a continuation of BMW's offensive in product development; 2) the development of a two-brand strategy as it pertains to the company's Husqvarna acquisition; and 3) an increase in profitability through the development of a broader global supplier system.

"Our goal is to sell more motorcycles to customers this year than last year," BMW Motorrad Director Herbert Diess said. "It's a big endeavor since breaking the barrier of 100,000 units sold in 2006. But we were well under way at the end of August, with the sale of 75,000 units accounting for 5 percent more motorcycle sales during the first eight months of this year than during the same eight-month period last year."

Diess made his comments prior to a reassignment within the company. As part of a "strategic realignment," the BMW Group created two new divisions in October. The first of the new divisions, Corporate and Brand Development, will be headed by former director of corporate planning, Dr. Friedrich Eichiner, and will be home to BMW Motorrad, Financial Services, Softlab, and any other new business units that are created. Diess now heads up the second new division, Purchasing and Supplier Network, primarily be responsible for lowering material costs.

Product Offensive
How will BMW Motorrad further its market share in the future? "Our goals are no doubt large, particularly considering the sales climate for motorcycles in Europe and North America," says Diess. "The model offensive we began in 2004 will continue. We plan to continue the product offensive we started in 2004 because we realize that it is the new product that will attract the new customers."

Husqvarna
Diess says the purchase of Husqvarna will allow the company to approach younger buyers and off-road and supermoto enthusiasts more quickly than it could have with the BMW brand. He also says Husqvarna's established worldwide sales network is another strong point for growth.

"If we want long-term gains, we have to diversify. We're confident Husqvarna has the potential to become a leading off-road brand. And, with this second brand, we now can grow in a segment that we previously were not in."

Profitability Through Purchasing
Since 2000, the Japanese Yen has lost value while the Euro has gained value. Diess says this exchange allows Japanese manufacturers to more easily optimize the value of their vehicles.

"What are we doing to combat that?" asks Diess. "First, we're improving the productivity of our suppliers and our plant in Berlin; second, we're looking for suppliers from around the world from which to purchase our parts and materials; and third, we are capitalizing on the technology and quality that differentiate the BMW brand from all of the others."

MotoGP
Peter Müller, head of research, development and production for BMW Motorrad, says the brand will enter World Super Bike competition in 2009 with a factory team.

BMW says further details — including motorcycle concept and team structure — have yet to be made available.

BMW Unveils 2008 Motorcycle Lineup

2007-12-04T09:30:00.000-08:00

Milan, ITA - BMW unveiled its 2008 Motorrad GS line during a press conference Nov. 6 at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy.

The lineup features three new models, the F 800 GS and the upgraded R 1200 GS and GS Adventure. All models will be on display at IMS across the United States this winter, and the company says it expects first shipments to arrive in dealerships next spring. The new lineup includes:

F 800 GS: The dual purpose F 800 GS features an 85hp parallel twin engine, lightweight steel trellis frame and double-sided swingarm, along with a chain drive and longer front and rear suspension travel.

R 1200 GS: New features on this bike include an aluminum handlebar that can be mounted in two positions, and for the first time, BMW Motorrad is offering an off-road version of its Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) technology. Optional Enduro ESA is designed to meet the unique needs of adventure touring. Three damper settings — Sport, Normal and Comfort — give the rider the option of customizing both front and rear suspensions to his or her specifications. The system also features an off-road mode.

2008 R 1200 GS Adventure: In addition to new design elements, including two-part, two-color hand protectors, the R 1200 GS Adventure also features added horsepower, a taller windshield, adjustable seat, extra wide foot pegs and optional ABS. BMW also added an 8.7-gallon fuel tank, allowing riders to cover more area, and the bike is available with an optional Enduro ESA.

13 November 2007An 'unstoppable' force at EICMAAll eyes were on BMW...

2007-12-04T09:29:00.000-08:00

All eyes were on BMW Motorrad at the Milan EICMA international motorcycle exhibition in Italy this week, as the company unveiled a staggering five new models to a packed audience of journalists and trade guests.

This year's biggest two-wheel show was the first chance to see the latest evidence of the company's continued commitment to developing its leadership in the adventure sport and enduro segments.

After a year of development in some of the toughest world championship off-road races imaginable, the customer version of the 450cc sports enduro prototype was finally unveiled. Known as the G 450 X, the new, no-compromise dirt bike is targeted at competition enduro riders, as well as the sports off-road market.

A welcome surprise for many visitors to the show is the new F 800 GS, which neatly fills the gap between the single-cylinder G 650 Xchallenge and Xcountry models, and the big GS Boxer twins. Boasting 85 hp, long suspension travel and excellent fuel economy and comfort levels, expect the F 800 GS to attract a whole new generation of future globetrotters to BMW.

Equally well received at EICMA was the all-new F 650 GS. Don't be fooled by the familiar model designation though, because the new version of the bike that first appeared in the early 1990s is now powered by the same 798cc parallel-twin engine as the new F 800 GS.

It's hard to believe that it's three years since the R 1200 GS was first presented, signalling the start of a 'new generation' of BMW motorcycles that would sell well in excess of 100,000 in its first years of production. At EICMA, journalists were treated to updated and improved versions of both the best selling R 1200 GS and its 'Adventure' variant. Changes to the all-terrain big boxer machines include increased power and a unique new enduro Electronic Suspension Adjustment system option.

Before all the new models were unveiled with the help of five-times motocross world champion Joel Smets, BMW Motorrad's Executive Vice President, Development and Model Lines, Peter Mueller, spoke of another year of anticipated record sales, the continued expansion into new market segments and promised increased participation in future off-road motorsport and road racing events across the globe.

Visitors to the BMW Motorrad stand at the Fiere Milano were also treated to a visual display of the new 'Unstoppable' campaign, devised by international agency 180 Amsterdam. With strong messages of success on road, track and trail, as well as the five new models making their world premier, 2008 is looking like it could well be the Year of the Enduro.

BMW F 800 GS Announced

2007-12-04T09:25:00.002-08:00

The New BMW F 800 GS!

Contents:

1.

Concept and Background
2.

Vehicle Characteristics and Technology
3.

Range of Equipment
4.

Colors
5.

Engine Output and Torque
6.

Technical Data

1. Concept and Background
The heavily rumored and long-awaited F 800 GS is a new Adventure Touring or Enduro model in the BMW Motorrad lineup. BMW is presenting the motorcycle as "a worthy successor to the totally successful F 650 GS with its single-cylinder engine". In typical BMW fashion, the bike is completely ready to go and can be outfitted with a huge number of accessories, which are described below.

The new bike is claimed to be off-road capable, with its sturdy appearance reminiscent of the very popular BMW R 1200 GS and its features like long spring travel, which should indicate what it can do off-road. The signals the bike gives off are clear yet diverse: fun to ride on the street and stamina on journeys even when the destination can only be reached by gravel tracks.

And guess what? It has a chain drive!

BMW claims a high level of stability combined with playful handling are features for the new F 800 GS, along with a strong chassis and impressive engine performance for maximum riding enjoyment.

The inline two-cylinder engine comes from the well-known F 800 model series, but beyond this, the F 800 GS has been completely redesigned. A completely new frame and new wheel suspension with new spring-shock absorber elements are used, for example, which, BMW claims, "will surpass the expectations of even the most demanding Enduro riders."

The belt drive and single-strut swing arm of the F 800, which are ideal for pure on-road use, have been replaced by a light chain drive, which, in combination with a very stable, attractive aluminum profile double-strut swing arm offers particular advantages in off-road riding in particular. The new GS is thus not only in its element on roads – it can also always find a way off-road too.

BMW said that the bike "thus combines the two worlds in a way that has never before been achieved in this class and offers the maximum possible freedom in terms of its areas of use." They have positioned the dynamic Adventure-Tourer at an attractive price, and our guess is that it will be an extremely popular seller.

2. Vehicle Characteristics and Technology
The abbreviation “GS” in the world of BMW is not an empty promise. This will probably be demonstrated in the future by the F 800 GS too, in continuation of a long tradition of rugged on- and off-road motorcycles.

The new model offers the typical qualities of an Adventure-Tourer -- on- and off-road performance and capabilities. While large-capacity Enduros sometimes reach their limits because of their weight and overall design, the new F 800 GS is different, according to BMW.

The overall package combines balanced power and weight, excellent ground clearance, long spring travel, precise wheel guidance and sophisticated ergonomics, giving excellent off-road riding and excellent long-distance performance.

The chassis combines all the ingredients that a real Enduro needs: a sturdy steel tube frame that allows a steering lock of 42 degrees, a rigid upside-down fork with 230 mm spring travel, a sturdy aluminum double-strut swing arm with a path-dependent cushioned spring strut and 215 mm spring travel and solid wire-spoked wheels.

A 21-inch front wheel in the classic Enduro dimensions of 90/90-21 should provide running stability in slow off-road riding, while the rear wheel's dimensions of 150/70-17 ensures that the engine power is always transferred securely to the track.

The engine is the parallel twin from the F 800 S modified for the new usage, with its cylinders now only inclined 8.3 degrees forward. The strong, liquid-cooled four-valve two-cylinder is particularly convincing because of its spontaneous response, its impressive torque and its low fuel consumption.

Nominally, the engine provides 85 HP at 7,500 RPM and at 5,750 RPM it sends 61 pounds-feet of torque to the sliding bearing based crankshaft.

Thanks to the regulated three-way catalytic converter and secondary air system, the twin also releases its power in a way that is environmentally friendly.

And the engine is balanced by BMW's system that is unique in standard motorcycle design: an additional swivel con-rod balances the first and second level mass forces and ensures that the two-cylinder functions with the minimum of vibrations.

The low dry weight of 178 kg makes a major contribution to the dynamic riding properties. When filled with fuel and ready to ride, the F 800 GS weighs in at just 207 kg (456 lbs.).

The F 800 GS is claimed to offer an excellent level of seat comfort for both rider and passenger, along with a high standard of safety features. If required, it can be fitted ex factory with two-channel ABS that can be switched off. In addition, the extensive range of BMW accessories meets the further individual wishes of BMW's demanding customers.

Overview of the main features of the new F 800 GS:

*

F 800 GS as mid-class adventure-tourer with excellent off-road properties and long-distance capabilities.
*

Liquid-cooled parallel twin with 798 cc capacity, four-valve technology and unique mass balance.
*

Rev-proof DOHC valve drive via cam followers.
*

Manifold injection with electronic engine management BMS-KP, lambda probe and regulated three-way catalytic converter plus secondary air system.
*

Closely stepped six-speed transmission for excellent riding performance.
*

Dirt-resistant secondary drive via O-ring chain.
*

Torsion-resistant tubular steel frame with unusual gusset plate reinforcement of steering head.
*

Easy handling and extremely tight turning circle.
*

Stable telescopic fork, USD fork with upright tube diameter 45 mm.
*

Double-strut swing arm in die-cast aluminum.
*

Spring strut with adjustable spring pre-tension and adjustable rebound damping; WAD function (path-dependent damping as in the R 1200 GS).
*

Long spring travel for comfort and off-road suitability.
*

Excellent seat comfort for rider and passenger.
*

Tank underneath seat, for best center of gravity, with easily accessible fill opening.
*

Powerful braking system, with ABS if required.
*

Air filter and battery positioned behind steering head for easy maintenance.
*

Wide range of accessories for off-road and touring use.

The most important details at a glance:

*

BMW F 800 GS
*

85 HP
*

Valve timing like F 800 S
*

Wide radiator
*

Off-road-look fairing
*

High windscreen
*

USD telescopic fork
*

WAD spring strut
*

Spoked wheels
*

21-in front wheel
*

Double-disc brake, floating, front
*

Aluminum handlebar
*

880/850 mm seat height
*

Ready-to-ride weight 207 kg

BMW says salon's sign must go

2007-12-04T09:25:00.001-08:00

When Susie Beam opened Beamer Salon Etc. in February, she decided to play off the BMW logo by using a round logo much like that of the German car company.

Only, Beam's logo has scissors running through it, red in place of blue and the letters 'BSE' where the 'BMW' would normally be.

BMW of America doesn't think that's so catchy.

In August, Beam received a letter from the auto manufacturer, asking her to 'cease this and any other unauthorized use of the BMW trademarks.'

The company's attorney said in a subsequent letter that the hair salon's use of the logo could 'dilute or otherwise impair the trademark function of BMW's marks.'

'I know it looks something like (their) logo,' Beam said. 'To me, it was a compliment. To me, it means excellence.'

But after trading letters between attorneys, Beam has decided she'd rather design a new logo than face BMW in court.

The company has asked Beam to remove the logo from her sign and all other advertising and promotional materials by Monday.

'I'm going to take it down,' she said. 'I don't have the money to fight them.'

In addition to having the logo put on the sign on the front of the salon at 525 Southland Drive, Beam also used the logo on business cards, banners and an advertisement on shopping carts at the Beaumont Centre Kroger. Those applications add up to about $5,000 in costs, she said.

'They don't realize how much that's going to cost me,' Beam said. 'This is my first year and I'm struggling. This is taking me back a notch or two.'

Beam said her son's nickname is 'Beamer,' and her younger daughter is 'Baby Beamer.' The salon is named after them.

'Beemer' is a term commonly used to refer to BMW automobiles, although enthusiasts insist it should be applied only to BMW motorcycles.

BMW hasn't taken issue with the salon's name.

Beam already has a new logo in mind, and she said she likes it even better than the previous one.

This time, she's going with a diamond shape to avoid any conflict with BMW. 'They've got dibs on circles,' she said.

BMW Celebrates Year One Of The 1 SeriesBMW Celebrates Year One Of The 1 Series

2007-12-04T09:24:00.000-08:00

Drivers who purchase a 2008 BMW 1 Series will be reminded that they are one of the few lucky drivers of the next BMW icon every time they start or stop their cars. Each 2008 BMW 1 Series, both coupe and convertible models, will be equipped with a specially engraved Start/Stop button with the inscription: “Year One of the 1”. The engraved Start/Stop button is one of several notable initiatives to be announced celebrating the launch of the new BMW 1 Series in America next spring. Appearing exclusively in the 2008 calendar year 1 Series models coming to the U.S., the “Year One of the 1” button was created by the same team of BMW designers who designed the 1 Series.

“Forty years ago, BMW introduced a car, the legendary 2002, that changed the American automotive landscape. That car was a pivotal car in the history of BMW and is still revered by aficionados today. We believe the 1 Series will be as important to the history of BMW in America,” said Jack Pitney, Vice President, Marketing, BMW of North America. “The ‘Year One of the 1’ Start/Stop button is a way to directly engage our customers with a simple message of celebration each time they get behind the wheel of their new 1 Series,” continued Pitney. “Our ‘Year One of the 1’ activities will incorporate several elements that will celebrate this historic launch. The specially engraved Start/Stop button is just one of the many things we will announce as we approach the launch next year.”

The new 1 Series, which draws inspiration from the legendary BMW 2002 of 1968 with a focus on pure performance, will be available as a Coupe and Convertible. In addition to premium design, the 1 Series features rear-wheel-drive dynamics, agile handling, powerful 6 cylinder engines and seating for four.

2008 BMW Motorcycles New Model Overview

2007-11-27T10:30:00.000-08:00

BMW's two-wheel product expansion takes another step forward for 2008, with six new or extensively revised models in four different categories. In addition, the company moves into yet one more displacement class this year with another all-new off-road design.

The company's HP, Supersport and Adventure-Touring ranks also expand via new or extensively revised models in those areas. In all, BMW's 2008 model offerings rank as the most diverse the company has ever offered, with 20 models that cover the world of motorcycling from cleated footpegs and knobbies, to clip-ons and slicks, to saddlebags and GPS units -- in any mixture you can imagine.

2008 BMW G 450 X
The cleated footpeg crowd is covered by the all-new competition-oriented G 450 X, which joins a lineup that includes the three single-cylinder G 650 X models. Even more off-road oriented than the G 650 Xchallenge , the 450 boasts an engine and chassis designed to optimize the lightweight bike's off-road intent.

The 50-horsepower liquid-cooled single sits in a frame that combines stainless steel and aluminum components. A Marzocchi fork and Ohlins rear shock are just two of the top-drawer components on this fuel-injected off-road-ready tool.

2008 BMW F 800 GS
Also new this year is the latest version of BMW's parallel-twin, the F 800 GS (See the wBW Special Report on the new F 800 GS). Neatly slotted in between the previous F 650 GS and the company's R 1200 GS Boxer-twins , this 85-horsepower Adventure-Tourer provides another choice in BMW's legendary line of all-road tourers.

2008 BMW R 1200 GS and R 1200 GS Adventure
Those looking for a higher-performance alternative can choose from either R 1200 GS or R 1200 GS Adventure, this year thoroughly updated with more power, revised gearing and optional Enduro ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment). True to their character, the new GS models ensure that 2008 will provide a wider range of treatments for chronic wanderlust.

2008 BMW HP2 Megamoto and HP2 Sport
BMW's high-performance HP2 series gains a pair of stablemates with the addition of the HP2 Megamoto and HP2 Sport , both designed to provide a significant boost in power, performance and excitement.

The Megamoto boasts a 113-hp Boxer-twin, premium chassis components and upright riding position with sticky 17-inch tires, lowered suspension, and dual front discs. The 130-hp HP2 Sport is the most-powerful Boxer-twin yet, and the first production DOHC Boxer in BMW history. Awash in carbon-fiber, it looks particularly fetching fitted with slicks.

Rounding out the remaining 2008 lineup is an appealing array of encore performers. The F 800 S (2007 model) and F 800 ST parallel-twins retain their positions as superlative sport or sport-touring middleweights.

BMW's four-cylinder K 1200 S and K 1200 R Sport (2007 model) inject an additional dose of horsepower to that formula while still maintaining a modicum of civility. BMW's traditional touring niche is neatly-and exquisitely-filled by the R 1200 RT Boxer , the K 1200 GT and luxury-touring K 1200 LT.

And those who prefer motorcycling's purist approach can still find the R 1200 R and K 1200 R fill that bill with just a hint of attitude.

BMW M3: Automotive Excellence Awards 2008

2007-11-27T10:28:00.002-08:00

The new M3 isn’t the quickest or fastest performance car you can buy. Cars like the 600-hp Dodge Viper will likely beat it in a drag race. So why is this Bavarian hustler our performance pick for ’08? Because nothing can touch BMW’s mastery of refining and redefining the entire performance envelope. This is one of the few performance cars that can triumph at weekend track days and still carry four friends in perfect comfort and luxury to an evening movie. It’s as at home tearing up a winding mountain road as it is commuting on the freeway. The original high-spirited asphalt eater from the 1980s had the heart and soul of a race car. Today’s M3 is much more sophisticated and elegant. But don’t let a new suit of armor fool you into thinking this road warrior has gone soft. Under the hood, you’ll find a 414-hp, 4.0-liter V8—an M3 first—that produces 81 hp more than its predecessor. To handle the power, BMW heavily modified the 3 Series chassis. And many components are made of aluminum for weight savings. The V8 is backed by a slick six-speed manual gearbox. But a new seven-speed, double-clutch unit is on the way. The M3 is elegant and powerful, and it does its job at a comfort level not many cars can match.

Curvier 7-Series is shaping up - BMW 7-Series

2007-11-27T10:28:00.001-08:00

Bigger than ever before, sportier and more luxurious – that’s BMW’s 7-Series replacement. But will it be better to look at when it’s revealed in 12 months time?

Auto Express’s exclusive pictures are the first to show that it will. Our spies caught a new prototype of the luxury model testing in the south of France.

By matching the photographs with inside information, we have been able to create the most accurate representation of the car yet – and it’s a stunner!

With a new-look grille and a lower and wider bonnet, the 7-Series takes some of its styling inspiration from the sensational CS concept, revealed at this year’s Shanghai Motor Show. The car also promises to lose the slab-sided look of the current model, thanks to sculpted flanks and a more rounded rear end.

And to match the new design, BMW is also claiming that the new 7-Series will represent a big step forward under the skin. Leading the way is an eight-speed automatic gearbox, and the option of BMW’s xDrive 4WD transmission. Inside, the gearlever will be moved from its current position next to the steering wheel to the transmission tunnel, while a simplified iDrive cabin control system is also promised.

A new range of engines is being developed, with power coming from a choice of 272bhp six-cylinder and 412bhp eight-cylinder petrol units. A new hydrogen model is also planned. Prices have still to be confirmed, but the car is likely to cost from £55,000 – that’s a slight increase over the current model.

More BMW 7-SERIES:

* News, Spy Shots: Seven up!
* News, Auto Express News: Terminator 7's target
* News, Auto Express News: Next 7 aces on space
* News, Spy Shots: BMW 7-Series
* News, Auto Express News: Gas-powered BMW 7
* News, Auto Express News: Gas-powered BMW 7-Series
* News, Spy Shots: Mild seven
* Car Reviews, First Drives: BMW Hydrogen 7
* Car Reviews, New Reviews: BMW 7-Series
* Car Reviews, First Drives: The air apparent
* Car Reviews, First Drives: BMW 730d
* Car Reviews, First Drives: BMW 750i
* Car Reviews, First Drives: BMW 730d
* Car Reviews, First Drives: BMW 730d
* Car Reviews, First Drives: BMW 7-Series
* Car Reviews, Used Car Tests: BMW 7-Series
* Videos, Spy Shot Videos: BMW 7-Series

Milan Show: BMW F650GS launched

2007-11-27T10:27:00.001-08:00

As well as the new F800GS, BMW has unveiled the all-new F650GS – but don’t be fooled by the name, as its capacity is also 800cc.

Basically a lower spec version of the new F800GS, the F650GS replaces the old single-cylinder bike of the same name, using a detuned parallel twin engine.

Power is 71bhp – which is a full 20bhp more than the old 650 single – and the use of lower-specifications components means the price is kept down.

Right-way-up forks, a single front disc and different wheels – alloy rather than wire, and with a 19-inch front rather than a 21-inch version – mean the F650GS is a model in its own right. Weight is 171kg dry, or 199kg wet.

More road-oriented than the F800GS, it’s only a little slower, with a claimed 0-62 time of 4.3 seconds and a top whack of 117mph.

For new riders, BMW is offering a no-cost conversion to 33bhp.

2007 LA Auto Show: BMW M3 Coupe & Sedan to Debut

2007-11-27T10:26:00.000-08:00

The Fourth Generation Benchmark Performance Car - Now with a V-8

WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ - November 6, 2007. BMW will unveil one of the most anticipated new cars of the year as it raises the performance benchmark once again with the North American premieres of the 2008 M3 Coupe and Sedan at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The all-new 4th generation 2008 M3 Coupe and the all-new 4 door M3 Sedan will arrive in the spring of 2008 and will feature a high-revving V-8 engine developing 414-horsepower at 8,300rpm, a first in a series-production BMW M3 and the highest-performing M3 ever offered by BMW's M division.

The BMW M3 Coupe will feature a unique carbon fiber roof panel that reduces weight by 44lbs versus the optional steel roof panel with moonroof. Both the M3 Coupe and Sedan will feature driver-adjustable settings for crucial dynamic controls including steering, damping and stability (and an available steering-wheel-mounted "MDrive" button to store the preferences) and a sports oriented interior that can be optimized to a driver's desires, including the comprehensive entertainment/navigation system operated through BMW's latest iDrive controller.

Lightweight, efficient V8 at the heart of the BMW M3 The move to eight cylinders in the fourth generation BMW M3 provides a powerplant offering the seemingly disparate characteristics of more power, increased efficiency and reduced weight when compared with the previous six-cylinder M3 engine. Displacing 3,999 cubic centimeters (4.0 liters), the new light-alloy engine produces 414 hp at 8,300 rpm and 295 pound-feet of torque at 3,900 rpm with 85 percent of the maximum torque available consistently through 6,500 rpm. This power output represents a 17% increase over the six-cylinder from the last generation M3 yet the new engine weighs 7% less and consumes 8% less fuel than its predecessor.

Manual transmission, twin-disc clutch and Variable M Differential Lock Power from the BMW M3 Coupe and Sedan's V8 is transmitted to the rear wheels through a close-ratio six-speed manual gearbox. The performance parameters of the M3 dictated heat management as a key design factor for both the transmission and clutch. The transmission features integrated temperature-dependent oil cooling management, while internal ventilation maximizes heat dissipation for the twin-disc clutch.

The new final drive comes with a Variable M Differential Lock generating up to 100 percent locking action with fully variable action whenever required, ensuring optimum traction on all road surfaces.

Latest-generation of Dynamic Stability Control
The electronic Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) monitors driving conditions and intervenes through the application of brakes and reduced engine power to stabilize the BMW M3 and help avoid major over- or under-steer situations.

In addition to engine controls and the ABS, other systems integrated in the DSC are Automatic Stability Control (ASC), which prevents the wheels from spinning on surfaces with reduced traction; the Start-Off Assistant, which prevents the car from rolling back when setting off on a grade, as well as Cornering Brake Control (CBC), which prevents the car from spinning or swerving out of control when applying the brakes in a bend.

The latest version of DSC includes additional functions for even greater driving safety. Whenever the driver is likely to apply the brakes in full within the next few seconds, the system builds up pressure in the hydraulic brake circuit and pre-loads the brake pads to ensure an immediate response. The Dry Braking feature removes water film from the discs in wet conditions, thus reducing the chance of water interfering with the braking process.

Electronic Damper Control recognizing the driver's style of driving
The optional Electronic Damper Control (EDC) allows the driver to tailor the vehicle's chassis dynamics to his or her preference through one of three modes: Sport, Normal and Comfort.

The response of all dynamic driving systems is carefully tailored to the power and performance of the new BMW M3, with electronic intervention of the various systems naturally taking the dynamics of the car into account. Indeed, the driver even has the option to individually configure specific parameters, thus adjusting the response of the car to his personal preferences.

Interior design oriented an active driving experience with luxury
There is no question as to the heritage of the vehicle upon opening the door of the new BMW M3 thanks to the M car logo in the door sills. The unique nature of the vehicle carries to the dash where the dual circular instruments typical of BMW - the speedometer and fuel gauge as well as the tachometer and oil temperature display - are in specific M style. A feature typical of BMW M cars is the variable warning zone on the tachometer that informs the driver of the recommended engine speed depending on the engine oil temperature.

The M3's leather steering wheel, with its thumb contours resting firmly in the driver's hands, provides an optimum grip for precise movement of the steering wheel. The spokes within the steering wheel incorporate the remote control buttons for the audio system and mobile phone, as well as the optional MDrive button. An additional auxiliary button may be programmed through the optional BMW iDrive system.

A premium AM/FM/single-disc CD audio system comes standard with an auxiliary input jack. Individual entertainment options include SIRIUS satellite radio, HD radio and a USB-enabled port for control of an Apple iPod or iPhone media player. These three options can be bundled together in the Technology Package, should one choose to have them all together.

For vehicles equipped with Navigation, the comprehensive information and entertainment systems are controlled by the refined BMW iDrive. Selecting the Navigation/iDrive option also brings the performance-oriented, steering-wheel-spoke-mounted Mdrive button.

Eicma: BMW F 800 GS and F 650 GS

2007-11-27T10:25:00.000-08:00

Concept, claim and characteristics

With two completely new enduro models, the F 800 GS and F 650 GS, BMW Motorrad is not just expanding its range of products but also presenting a worthy successor to the successful single-cylinder F 650 GS.

Even when parked, the amazing off-road-capable parallel twin F 800 GS travel enduro, with its sturdy appearance and long spring travel, implies what it can do off-road. It hints at fun riding on all types of road with added stamina and durability on journeys where the destination can only be reached on gravel tracks.

The F 800 GS's smaller brother, the F 650 GS, which also has a parallel twin-cylinder engine, is aimed at people who do not need quite as much spring travel and are looking for a little less adventure. With its low seat height, it is an outstanding all-rounder; easy to control, provides plenty of power combined with economy, and is ideal for everyday use.
High levels of stability allied to easy handling are features shared by the two new GS models. Both offer high-quality workmanship, a safe chassis and impressive modern engines for maximum riding pleasure.

The parallel twins' drive comes from the well-established F 800 model series, but beyond this, the new enduro models have been completely redesigned. A new frame and new wheel suspension with new spring-shock absorber elements are strong features. They will surpass the expectations of even the most demanding enduro riders. The previous model's belt drive and single-strut swing arm, which are ideal for pure on-road use, have been replaced by a light chain drive in combination with a very stable and attractive aluminium profile, double-strut swing arm. These are more advantageous when off-road riding. The new GS models are not only in their element on twisty roads it will also perform exceptionally off-road too.

The F 800 GS combines road and touring capabilities with superior off-road characteristics. It thus performs on both terrains in a way that has never before been achieved in its class. BMW Motorrad has positioned the versatile travel enduro at an attractive price, thus adding a real asset to the market.

The new F 650 GS differs from its higher capacity variant by featuring a lower seat height, lower weight and slightly reduced engine power. It is ideal for newcomers to the genre or as a sturdy all-round motorcycle for all purposes. Compared with its single-cylinder predecessor, the new F 650 GS is an improvement in every area. Despite its designation, which usually refers to the engine size, the F 650 GS has the same 800cc twin-cylinder engine as the F 800 GS. With slightly reduced engine power (71 instead of 85HP) the focus for the F 650 GS is on high torque at lower engine speeds coupled with excellent economy. Despite this it delivers over 20HP more power than its predecessor. The 800cc (sic) F 650 GS guarantees riding pleasure no matter where it goes.

Vehicle characteristics and technology

For BMW Motorrad, the GS designation is not an empty promise.

Eicma: BMW R 1200 GS

2007-11-27T10:24:00.000-08:00

Stronger, livelier and more agile more driving enjoyment on- and off-road.

With the new BMW R 1200 GS, BMW is writing another chapter in the success story that started in 1980 with the BMW R 80 G/S. The new, comprehensively reworked R 1200 GS meets all the requirements that an ideal travel enduro should meet. It offers superb performance, maximum comfort and a wide range of use on the longest trips and, with even better acceleration and agility, guarantees maximum enjoyment on twisting country and mountain roads. The optimised chassis and suspension properties guarantee the best possible handling both on and off-road.

The predecessor model the R 1200 GS presented in 2004, of which over 75,000 were produced already embodied an incredibly synthesis of off-road and on-road characteristics. And yet the new version outstrips its predecessor (still acknowledged as outstanding) in every major respect.

A torsion-proof chassis, the front wheel suspension with the unique BMW Telelever and rear wheel suspension with the BMW Paralever still offer first-class, safe handling. Extremely efficient brakes combined with the BMW Motorrad Integral ABS ensure maximum safety, even in critical driving situations. Excellent environmental compatibility is achieved through cutting-edge exhaust purification with a regulated three-way catalytic converter.

The proven maintenance-free cardan drive means that there is no need for scheduled maintenance work, which can be inconvenient and time consuming on extended trips and long-distance tours. As is traditional, BMW is again offering a reliable, ingenious luggage system for the new R 1200 GS, plus further made-to-measure accessories and special equipment.

The new engine more powerful, higher revving and more dynamic

In terms of design principle, basic structure, power transmission and mixture preparation, the engine in the new R 1200 GS is based on that of the R 1200 R. However, improvements have been made to the engine management for use in the R 1200 GS with regard to the special requirements a large-volume travel enduro has to meet.

While the 1170cm3 boxer engine of the predecessor model offered superb power development in all conditions and situations, the new R 1200 GS can give much more. With a power output of 105HP, the maximum engine speed has increased to 8,000 rpm and provides an even wider engine speed range and completely revised transmission ratios. The result is that the R 1200 GS is even more dynamic than before, with more acceleration in the upper half of the speed range, and even better traction over the whole range.

In combination with the reworked six-gear transmission, the R 1200 GS thus offers the most dynamic performance of all the travel enduros.

BMW 3Q Profit Rises 78 Percent

2007-11-27T10:23:00.000-08:00

Luxury automaker BMW AG saw its third-quarter net profit leap 78 percent, driven higher by increased sales, and raised its sales outlook for the rest of 2007 on Tuesday.

The Munich-based automaker earned 803 million euros ($1.2 billion) in the July-September period compared with 452 million euros a year earlier and beating the 605 million euros ($876.5 million) that analysts polled by Dow Jones Newswires had forecast.

Sales at BMW, which also makes the popular Mini, the Rolls-Royce and high-end motorcycles, climbed 19 percent to 13.78 billion euros ($19.96 billion).

Despite some market worries about the company's exposure to the falling U.S. dollar, BMW said it was 'well on its way toward achieving its earnings and sales volume targets for the full year.'

'The BMW Group will focus its attention on profitability and increasing value over the long term,' said Chief Executive Norbert Reithofer.

Pretax profit rose 6.3 percent to 765 million euros ($1.1 billion), up from 720 million euros a year earlier, but below the 900 million euros ($1.3 billion) analysts had forecast.

'BMW's (third-quarter) numbers mark a slightly better performance after a very disappointing year so far, with at least some of the top-line strength feeding through into earnings growth,' said auto analyst Stephen Cheetham at Sanford C. Bernstein Ltd.

'However, apart from higher net income due to lower taxes, the numbers came in below our estimates, and do little to dispel investor fears of the company's continued exposure to a weaker U.S. dollar.'

The euro currency hit another new high of $1.4542 on Tuesday, but BMW said it did not expect the negative impact to be bigger than the 666 million euros it posted in 2006.

'All of the main currencies are fully hedged for the business year 2007,' the company said, adding it had been 'confronted with higher purchase prices for steel, precious metals and other materials. The additional cost is likely to be on a similar scale to the previous year's level of 178 million euros ($257.89 million).'

But Cheetham said markets would likely take a 'wait and see approach' to the company's improvement plans, and BMW shares fell 4.5 percent to 42.76 euros ($61.95) in Frankfurt.

In terms of sales, the company said it saw strong demand in all of its markets, including the United States, its biggest market, and it expects to sell more than 1.4 million cars by the end of the year. Reithofer said BMW hopes to sell more than 1.8 million vehicles a year by 2012.

Third-quarter sales rose 13 percent to 364,564 vehicles from 323,064 last year, while nine-month sales rose 7.2 percent to 1.09 million vehicles from 1.02 million in the same period in 2006.

Chief Financial Officer Michael Ganal said he expects the company to post a strong fourth quarter, and added that the earnings impact from the rising euro is likely to ease through the second half of this year compared to the first six months.

BMW earned 2.1 billion euros ($3.04 billion) in the first nine months of the year, down 2 percent from 2.18 billion euros in 2006. It attributed the slip to costs related to new market launches for models and production startups, as well as higher costs for raw materials and the 'development of even more efficient and fuel-saving engines and the ongoing weakness of the U.S. dollar and Japanese yen.'

The company introduced its new 6-Series Coupe and convertible and is developing its new Mini Clubman that is expected to go on sale worldwide later this month.

Nine-month sales rose 11.1 percent to 40.4 billion euros ($58.53 billion) from 36.3 billion euros.

Pooja Batra gets BMW for birthday

2007-11-27T10:22:00.000-08:00

Pooja Batra's fascination for cars led husband Sonu Ahluwalia to surprise her with a BMW M5 for her birthday.

This adds to her Lexus Hybrid SUV and BMW M3 convertible.

The actress, who is based in Los Angeles and celebrated her birthday Oct 27, said: 'I love this one as its 500 horsepower! It's a mean-looking car and I love its growl plus it has a plethora of airbags and blue tooth connectivity. I'm so looking forward to going back and revving up the engine.'

Now that's quite a gift!!

BMW 335i Power Upgrades - Proven

2007-11-27T10:21:00.002-08:00

The debut of the 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged, six-cylinder engine in the 2007 335i heralds a new generation of BMW turbos. It is now feasible to build a motor with the horsepower and torque of a V8, while still achieving the fuel economy of a standard six. It also means it's time to play. We tracked down a 335i sedan to put a few upgrades to the test.

*Baseline
Peak wheel-hp: 254 @ 5588 rpm
Peak wheel torque (lb-ft): 255 @ 2144 rpm

*Pros
Engine has long torque curve Twin turbos for quick spool-up Direct injection technology Front-mounted intercooler

*Cons
Each turbo features a pair of restrictive catalytic converters, one directly off the turbo, the second downstream.Diverter valves are integrated

*Notes
The 335i sedan was equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission with its odometer reading 1232 miles at the start of testing. The vehicle was tested using the highest grade of gas available in Southern California: 91-octane. All testing and installation was performed on the same day, during moderate temperatures of 77 to 79 degrees F. The testing location was at sea level with a reading of 46 percent relative humidity.

All dynamometer testing was performed in third gear on a Clayton 'Mustang' dyno.

Split Second Turbo Tuner upgrade
Peak wheel-hp 270 @ 5623 rpm
Peak wheel torque (lb-ft) 277 @ 2227 rpm

*Pros
Plug-and-play design allows for easy install and removal when going in for dealer service Retains the smooth power curve OEM plug housings ensure perfect water-tight fit Built-in temperature compensator reduces boost based on temperature

*Cons
Relies on the engine control unit (ECU) to adjust air-to-fuel ratio No speed limiter removal Rev limiter not increased

*Part: Tuning box

*Tools: Small flathead screwdriver

*Price: $599

*Installation time: 5 min.

*Notes
The Split Second Turbo Tuner is a reasonably priced option to increase horsepower and torque output, and the fact that it can be removed easily makes servicing at the dealer less stressful. The Turbo Tuner is installed between the ECU and the TMAP sensor, providing a mild increase in boost pressure. Performance gains are not limited to any specific part of the rev range; they can be felt throughout without a single hiccup. The increased power does not adversely affect the automatic transmission.

Super Sprint Cat-Back Exhaust
Peak wheel-hp 279 @ 5691 rpm
Peak wheel torque (lb-ft) 285 @ 2301 rpm

*Pros
Mid-pipes feature an X section, ensuring that the equalization of exhaust gas pulses is optimized60mm mandrel bent tubing 100 percent T304 stainless steel Uses all factory hangers No reduction in ground clearance100mm tips fill the bumper cut-out

*Cons
Adjustable tips are a bit tricky to get lined up Requires cutting of stock one-piece exhaust right after the stock catalytic converters

*Parts: X-pipe, right and left muffler and tips, clamps, muffler cross brace with hardware

*Tools: WD40, T50 Torx socket, long flathead screwdriver, 16 and 17 mm deep socket, three-inch extension, ratchet, 6mm Allen wrench, 12mm wrench, chop saw or Sawzall

*Price: $2,362.91

*Installation time: 60 min.

*Notes
The stock exhaust sounds good only when completely floored, thanks to the vacuum-operated flapper. The Supersprint exhaust system gives the 335i more presence, offering a range of tones from a mild idle to aggressive full throttle. If cutting the stock exhaust system is not an option, Supersprint offers two alternatives (that are not quite legal, because they replace or remove two of the four factory catalytic converters): a set of front connecting pipes with two 100-cell HJS cats ($3,211.87) or a set of front connecting pipes with no cats ($551.83). With either option, the system will bolt right to the factory downpipes. If future plans are to install a set of downpipes, the front connecting pipes with cats feature O2 sensor bungs, allowing relocation of the sensors to avoid a 'check engine' light.

First Look: 2008 Mini Clubman

2007-11-27T10:21:00.001-08:00

If a lack of room has been holding you back from buying a Mini, you had better get your checkbook ready.

The new Clubman comes with all the charm of the Mini Cooper as well as more rear room and better access to that room. Talk about cool.

Of course, Minis have been cool since the first one put rubber to pavement back in 1959. The reconstituted version, which arrived under BMW's auspices for 2003, remains true to the original's stated purpose of providing plenty of bang for the buck.

The line was extended in '05 with the arrival of the convertible and now the all-new German-styled Clubman model makes it a Mini Cooper trio for 2008.

The Clubman, which will be available at North American Mini stores early next year, is based on the Mini Traveller concept car that captivated patrons at last year's Detroit Auto Show. Traveller was the name used on the original Morris version of the Mini Wagon, but the German-based automaker ultimately chose to go with the handle used on the nearly identical Austin version, so Clubman it is.

Whatever you call it, the newest Mini is clearly the biggest of the group, with a 9.5-inch stretch in overall length and an increase of 3.2 inches between the front and rear wheels.

The Clubman also remains true to the original's dual-rear-door setup, as opposed to the more commonly-used liftgate. The doors are partially power operated in that they'll fully open by themselves once you unlatch them. There's also a rear-hinged half-sized "Clubdoor" on the passenger side that aids access to the back seat. Both the Mazda RX-8 and the recently retired Saturn Ion coupe employ a similar setup (the Mazda actually has two doors), which really helps open up the area behind the front seat, whether to load cargo or rear-seat riders. The latter (sorry, two passengers maximum in back, which Mini calls a "lounge area") will really enjoy the additional leg room.

As expected, there has been a significant increase in rear stowage space, especially with the split-folding back seat lowered. That will be especially appreciated by various trades people (think inner-city couriers, florists, or repair personnel) for whom a comparatively big, bulky and thirsty van is too large and decidedly un-cool.

What is cool, however, is how the Mini's designers avoided making the Clubman appear too brick-like. The contrasting silver paint scheme applied to the slightly elevated roof, rear-most window pillars, bumper and on the area surrounding the taillights spruce up what could have otherwise resembled a plain-wrapper Mini-van.

Other than the exaggerated length, the Clubman is essentially like any other Mini.

The interior contains the same bathroom-scale-inspired mid-dash-mounted speedometer, thickly padded steering wheel and funky interior trim as regular-length Mini Coopers and the front seats are shaped to hug the body and keep everyone snugly in their place. And given the Clubman's low center of gravity that encourages spirited cornering, those seats will get a solid workout.

As with the rest of the lineup, the Clubman can be ordered in two strengths. Base models feature a 118-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, while the Cooper S version runs with a turbocharged version of the 1.6 that's rated at 172 horsepower. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

The Mini Clubman's list of extra-cost content is likely to be a lengthy one, in keeping with the corporate philosophy of extreme personalization. Climate control, leather seats, power sunroof, power-folding outside mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats and upgraded wheel and audio system options will barely cover the what's-available list.

The Clubman offers something that both the Mini Cooper and convertible models lack: space to make it really useful. If you ever needed an excuse to include this baby Bimmer on your short list of potential garage mates, this is it.

BMW Manufacturing Co. Names New Vice President

2007-11-27T10:20:00.001-08:00

BMW Manufacturing Co. has named Dr. Carsten Regent vice president for Total Vehicle, Quality Management and Engineering.

Regent joined BMW in 1998, working in Assembly at the Munich factory. Since then, he has filled a variety of roles in Planning, Analysis and Quality. He holds a doctorate in manufacturing engineering from Hannover.

He and his wife have two children.

Regent replaces Peter Gilliam, who has moved to the Dingolfing plant in Germany.

BMW Manufacturing Co., a subsidiary of the BMW Group based in Munich, Germany, is the exclusive manufacturer of the Z4 and M Roadster, Z4 and M Coupe in addition to the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle. Its website address is www.bmwusfactory.com. In addition to the South Carolina manufacturing facility, BMWÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s North American subsidiaries include sales, marketing and financial services operations in the United States, Canada and throughout Latin America, and a design firm in California.

New BMW 6 Series Coup' features head-up display and glass roof

2007-11-27T10:19:00.000-08:00

Friday July 11, 2003BMW has given the world a sneak preview of its second generation 6 series BMW - a car slated for its first public showing at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.The new 6 series luxury coupes will be priced at the same levels as the current 7 series vehicles, and the first models will be available in the Australian market from the second quarter of next year. The first six series has been out of production since 1989.Powered by the 4.4-litre V8 power unit already well known from the BMW 745i, the 6 series will not be short of power - the fully variable VALVETRONIC valve control engine develops 245 kilowatts (333 bhp), does 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and will reach its (electronically limited) top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) very quickly.In keeping with the marque's long tradition of luxury sporting coupes, BMW has two six speed transmissions available for the new 6 - a manual and an automatic transmission with Steptronic If the announcement of the 6 series was a surprise, even more surprising is the news that a 2+2 Convertible 6 series is on the way.Two of the must-have optional features available with the 6 series are the Head-Up Display and glass panorama roof. The Head-Up Display will be an option for the new BMW 6 Series but will not be offered in the initial batch - this is unfortunate as it is a truly unique feature in the large coup' market and many potential buyers are likely to wait until the feature is available. The head-up display presents information relevant to the driver on the windscreen, directly in his line of vision, ensuring optimum clarity and allowing the driver to concentrate on the road ahead at all times. The innovative glass panorama vent roof with an electrically moving roofliner gives the interior an even more spacious and brighter impression, especially because the panorama roof is much larger than a conventional sliding roof.The extensive use of light weight materials and processes has enabled the weight of the car to be kept to 1600 kg with an ideal 50:50 front:rear weight distribution.

BMW K1200R for MotoGP Power-Cup

2007-11-27T10:16:00.000-08:00

March 24, 2005 BMW Motorrad hasn't wasted any time in getting its performance-oriented K1200R at the forefront of motorcycle competition, and is replacing the popular BMW BoxerCup that is run in conjunction with each European MotoGP round with a series based on K1200R racers. Powering the new one-make championship is a race honed version of the K 1200 R with some added carbon fibre aerodynamic enahncements and an even warmer version of the bike producing 175 bhp (129 kW).

In race trim the K 1200 R tips the scales at 230 kg thanks to the carbon fibre engine undertray, the high-grade lightweight material also adorns the lamp surround, hand protectors, intake panels, rear pillion seat cover and the lightweight LASER racing exhaust system which boosts performance and delivers a sporting exhaust note in keeping with its surroundings.

The semi-automatic racing gearbox is an innovation for the K 1200 R. Other race-bred changes to the machine include an adjustable footrest system, Metzeler Racetec racing tyres, while a lap timer and gear shift indicator feature on the instrument panel.

The new BMW Power-Cup aims to give up-and-coming riders a chance to perform in front of a large and influential audience. Experienced competitors, such as last year's BoxerCup champion, Thomas Hinterreiter, will show off their skills, not to mention teaching the racers of tomorrow a few tricks.

A full field of 36 riders will contest the seven rounds. The ultimate prize is a BMW 6 Series Coupé. Runners up also score substantial prizes: a BMW X3 4WD for second place in the series and a BMW motorcycle for third.

As before, BMW's focus on nurturing young talent making its international debut is embodied in the 'YoungStar' award, the winner of which will drive away in a BMW 1 Series.

Once again, Randy Mamola acts as the BMW ambassador for the series.

After a season debut race at Le Mans on May 15, the series follows the MotoGP circus to Mugello (June 4), Assen (June 25), Donnington (July 24), Sachsenring (July 30), Brno (August 28), with the final round and championship presentations at Valencia on November 6.

BMW Motorsport announces ready-to-race Z4 M Coupe

2007-11-27T10:13:00.000-08:00

March 7, 2006 BMW Motorsport has torn the wraps of its ready-to-race two seater. Designed for enthusiast customers who ache to post a competitive time at the famed Nordschleife as much as for professional touring and production car race teams around the world. The Motorsport Version of the BMW Z4 M Coupé, which itself has only just been revealed in production guise, is the first two-seater BMW Motorsport has offered for customer teams.

The development plan was simple: Design a car to race successfully and spectacularly on the world’s most demanding racetrack, the Nürburgring’s famous Nordschleife. The new Motorsport Coupé can be used by private BMW customer teams in the German Endurance Championship and in the Nürburgring 24-Hour Race.

The power unit of the beefy coupé is a development of the BMW Motorsport designed 3.2-litre in-line six-cylinder engine, delivering about 400bhp (300 kW), with the suspension in particular benefiting from the knowledge gained from the successful BMW M3 GTR project.

Plenty of race-adjustable components have been designed into the car by BMW Motorsport and the BMW Racing Parts Distribution. Customer teams now have a new technology platform for use in many diverse international racing and club sport series. Fans of a fast-paced trip around the feared Nordschleife are not the only targets, since the hairy-chested coupé also represents the perfect car for use in the Belgian Belcar series and other, non-European, endurance series.

The kit can be ordered from May 2006 from BMW Motorsport and will be available for an estimated € 250,000 (plus VAT).

BMW Concept 1 Series tii: the upcoming 1 Series roadster in race trim

2007-11-27T10:09:00.000-08:00

November 1, 2007 Shortly before the on-sale date of the new BMW 1 Series Coupé on 24 November, BMW designers have given an insight into what an out-and-out motorsport-focussed derivative might look like. The BMW Concept 1 Series tii uses lightweight materials, optimized aerodynamics and a race-inspired interior to deliver an uncompromising focus on motorsport.

Shown at Tokyo last week, The BMW Concept 1 Series tii is the fifth concept car presented by BMW in 2007. It showcases innovative technologies but also reflects on the traditions of BMW’s compact, lightweight and sporting coupés. The Concept’s tii badging harks back to the BMW 2002tii from the 1960s and 70s – a car that set the mould for successful and dynamic two-door BMW models of recent times.

On first inspection, the most noticeable part of the car is its striking color scheme. Alpine White body panels combine with a visible carbon-fiber bonnet, black and white front-to-rear decals and blue trims to give a dynamic appearance. But the BMW Concept 1 Series tii has sporting substance to back up its bold visual appearance.

From the front, the bumper and valence have been redesigned to deliver even more air to the engine and braking system. Air flow is also enhanced through the Beemer’s trademark kidney grilles. The bonnet is constructed of carbon fiber, as are the mirror caps and inserts in the front air intakes to reduce weight and lower the center of gravity. The fins running along the carbon-fiber bonnet help the flow of air over the bonnet and are reminiscent of the legendary BMW 3.0 CSL from the 1970s.

From the side, the profile of the new BMW 1 Series Coupé is retained, but the Concept 1 Series tii features extensively remodeled side sills and a uniquely-designed 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheel finished in dark chrome. From the rear, the aerodynamic enhancements continue with a carbon-fiber boot-mounted gurney-flap rear spoiler to deliver enhanced rear down force. Weight is further reduced with the rear bumper insert also made from lightweight carbon-fiber material.

The car’s exterior colors and motorsport orientation continue inside the car. Supportive bucket seats give the highest levels of lateral support while the three-spoke sports steering wheel is covered in Alcantara with body-color white inserts. The roof lining, door linings and instrument panel are also covered in Alcantara. Ahead of the steering wheel, the instrument binnacle also reflects the motorsport intentions of the car with a white rev-counter with red needles dominating the driver’s view.

Motor and drivetrain details aren’t available – so we’ll assume they’re standard. It doesn’t look like the Concept 1 series tii will ever be raced or go to production, but the concept does perhaps reflect a slight and very quiet shift further towards racing and motorsports in the company’s production car philosophy and brand values.

Authentic, progressive, Gran Turismo - introducing the new BMW 6 Series Coupe and Convertible

2007-11-27T10:08:00.001-08:00

Two dream cars are setting out on their next Gran Turismo lap of the Middle East - BMW Group Middle East will introduce the new 6 Series Coupé and the new 6 Series Convertible in November of this year.

Featuring highly attractive modifications to their characteristic design, an interior further refined in many details and boasting new colour highlights - as well as innovations in drive technology and on the driver assistance and safety systems - the new BMW 6 Series Coupé and the BMW 6 Series Convertible offer an even greater thrill and more style than ever before.

'The BMW 6 Series has accounted for worldwide sales of almost 75,500 units since market launch in 2003, and has positively influenced BMWs strong positioning in the luxury Coupé and Convertible segment,' said Phil Horton, Managing Director, BMW Group Middle East.

The range of petrol engines, combine superior dynamics with modern efficiency, and feature a wide range of modern improvements optimising both fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. Amongst these is High Precision Injection on the straight-six - the most advanced system of direct fuel injection - Brake Energy Regeneration. Innovations in the areas of driver assistance and safety also underline the progressive character of the new BMW 6 Series Coupé and the new BMW 6 Series Convertible.

The new six-speed automatic sports transmission is tailored perfectly to the character of the BMW 6 Series, combining comfortable cruising with the option at any time to use the full power and muscle of the engine for all-out acceleration and driving dynamics.

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 cars with automatic transmission - features automatic distance control allowing the driver to comfortably cruise along the motorway or on a country road, while constantly maintaining an appropriate distance to the vehicle ahead, and also in stop-and-go traffic at very low speeds.

To support driver awareness, both the new BMW 6 Series Coupé and the new BMW 6 Series Convertible come with a newly developed assistance system helping to prevent the driver from inadvertently departing from the right lane on the road. Referred to as Lane Departure Warning, this sophisticated system identifies departure of the car from the right track and gives the driver a discreet but noticeable signal at the most important point in steering the car - on the steering wheel itself.

Innovative driver assistance systems provide the opportunity to mastermind the bi-Xenon headlights of the BMW 6 Series in a particularly intelligent fashion. The optionally available Adaptive Headlights, for example, guarantee appropriate illumination of the road ahead, following the road in bends and on winding passes.

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 any undue overheating of the seat surfaces when the car is open, providing a difference in temperatures compared with conventional leather of up to 20 °C or 68 °F in the case of dark colours.

The exclusivity of the new BMW 6 Series is enhanced to an even higher standard by appropriate refinements in the quality of materials on specific controls and instruments finished in new Chrome Pearl Grey Design as well as new colours for the interior trim and upholstery. Optional finish in Pearl exclusive leather, with additional leather on the armrests, the door grab handles and the centre console, is now also available in Chateau Red and in a new upholstery colour, Saddle Brown.

High-quality audio systems and telematics functions serve to enhance touring comfort and driving pleasure in the new BMW 6 Series to an even higher standard. Particularly the newly developed BMW Individual High-End Audio System guarantees exceptional quality of sound ensured above all by the 'heart' of the system, trendsetting Dirac Live signal processing. The digital nine-channel amplifier with DSP Digital Signal Processing develops maximum output of 825 watt and, together with the particularly sophisticated loudspeakers, sets a new benchmark in the quality and reproduction of sound.

Through its convincing representation of the latest BMW values, including not only uncompromising quality, unpretentious elegance, superior everyday reliability and now also superior economy, the BMW 6 Series is a highly attractive proposition also to the connoisseur outside of the car's classic target group.

The outstanding success of the BMW 6 Series so far clearly proves the car reaches the objectives set not only by BMW, but also by the most demanding customers, of a luxury performance Coupé and Convertible. Within just three years, the BMW 6 Series already accounts for more than 85 per cent of its predecessor's sales volume.

And now, with both new models boasting an even more distinctive profile, everything is in place for continuing the great success of the BMW 6 Series.

2007 BMW 5-Series 530I Sedan Misc. Pictures

2007-11-12T11:34:00.001-08:00

2007 BMW 5-Series 530I Sedan Color Available

2007-11-12T11:33:00.001-08:00

2007 BMW 5-Series 530I Sedan Interior Pictures

2007-11-12T11:32:00.001-08:00

2007 BMW 5-Series 530I Sedan Exterior Pictures

2007-11-12T11:31:00.003-08:00

2007 BMW 5-Series Specifications

2007-11-12T11:31:00.001-08:00

Bodystyles: 4-Dr Sedan; 4-Dr Wagon;
Engines: 3.0L Inline 6; 4.8L V 8;
Transmissions: 6 Speed Automatic; 6 Speed Manual; 6 Speed Semi-Automatic;
Drivetrains: Rear Wheel Drive; All Wheel Drive;

2007 BMW 5-Series Performance & Efficiency Standard Features
- 2,996 cc 3 liters in-line 6 front engine with 85 mm bore, 88 mm stroke, 10.7 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder N52
- Premium unleaded fuel 91
- Fuel economy EPA highway (mpg): 30 and EPA city (mpg): 20
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 18.5 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank
- Power: 160 kW , 215 HP SAE @ 6,250 rpm; 185 ft lb , 251 Nm @ 2,750 rpm

2007 BMW 5-Series Handling, Ride & Braking Standard Features
- Four-wheel ABS
- Brake assist system
- Cornering brake control
- Four disc brakes including four ventilated discs
- Electronic brake distribution
- Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
- Immobilizer
- Spacesaver steel rim internal spare wheel
- Stability control
- Strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs , multi-link rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs

2007 BMW 5-Series Exterior & Aerodynamics Standard Features
- Body color front and rear bumpers
- Chrome/bright trim around side windows
- Day time running lights
- Driver power heated partial-painted door mirrors , passenger power heated partial-painted door mirrors with automatic
- External dimensions: overall length (inches): 191.1, overall width (inches): 72.7, overall height (inches): 57.8, wheelbase (inches): 113.7, front track (inches): 61.3, rear track (inches): 62.3 and curb to curb turning circle (feet): 37.4
- Front fog lights
- Projector beam lens halogen bulb headlights
- Heat reflective glass
- Heated door locks or key
- Luxury trim alloy & leather on gearknob, wood/woodgrain on doors and wood/woodgrain on dashboard
- Metallic paint
- Fixed rear window with defogger
- Glass electric front sunroof
- Tinted glass on cabin
- Weights: curb weight (lbs) 3,428
- Windshield wipers with automatic intermittent wipe and rain sensor

2007 BMW 5-Series Interior Standard Features
- 12v power outlet: front and 1 , 12v power outlet: rear and 2 , 12v power outlet: cargo and 1
- Air conditioning with climate control and rear outlet 2
- Diversity antenna
- Peripheral interior monitoring anti-theft protection
- Front and rear ashtray
- Audio anti-theft protection: code
- RDS audio system with AM/FM and CD player CD player reads MP3
- Cargo area light
- Cargo capacity: all seats in place (cu ft): 14
- Front seats cigar lighter
- Clock
- Computer with average speed, average fuel consumption and range for remaining fuel
- Full dashboard console with open storage box , full floor console with covered storage box
- Delayed/fade courtesy lights
- Cruise control
- Front seats and rear seats cup holders pop out
- Door ajar warning
- Door entry light
- Door pockets/bins for driver seat, passenger seat and rear seats
- External temperature
- Floor covering: carpet in load area
- Driver and passenger front airbag with occupant sensors and multi-stage deployment
- Bucket electrically adjustable driver and passenger seat with height adjustment, five adjustments and tilt adjustment
- 3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners
- Front seat center armrest
- Lockable glove compartment
- Two height adjustable electric adjustable head restraints on front seats , three height adjustable head restraints on rear seats
- Headlight control with time delay switch-off, dusk sensor and auto off with ignition
- Heated washer
- Illuminated entry system
- Internal dimensions: front headroom (inches): 37.7, rear headroom (inches): 37.9, front leg room (inches): 41.5, rear leg room (inches): 36, front shoulder room (inches): 57.3, rear shoulder room (inches): 57.2 and interior volume (cu ft): 99.1
- Low fuel level warning
- Low tire pressure indicator
- Low washer fluid level warning
- Memorized adjustment with two settings on door mirror position and steering wheel position with five driver's seat positions and head restraint
- Online information system
- Remote power locks includes trunk/hatch, includes power windows and speed sensing
- Vehicle speed proportional power steering
- Front and rear power windows with two one-touch
- Front and rear reading lights
- 3-point reel rear seat belts on driver side, passenger side and center side
- Rear seat center armrest integral box
- Three fixed bench front facing rear seats with zero adjustments
- Rear view mirror
- Steering wheel mounted remote audio controls
- Remote control remote trunk/hatch release
- Front and rear roof airbag
- Front seat back storage
- Vinyl seat upholstery with additional vinyl
- Seating: five seats
- Service interval indicator
- Front side airbag with occupant sensors
- Ten speaker(s)
- Leather covered electrically adjustable multi-function steering wheel with tilt adjustment and telescopic adjustment easy entry
- Tachometer
- Telematics 240 and 12
- Illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirror
- Ventilation system with recirculation setting, micro filter and active carbon filter
- Voice activating system includes phone

2007 BMW 5-Series Reviews - Summary & Specs

2007-11-12T11:30:00.001-08:00

The BMW 5 Series mixes comfort, performance, high-tech features and passenger-friendly accommodations in a relatively compact package. Yet with Active Steering, Active Roll Stabilization and an available manual transmission, the 5 Series is more obviously engineered with an emphasis on the driving. It's remarkably well balanced, and satisfying to own and drive. Even with its love/hate exterior styling, the 5 Series remains a luxury sedan benchmark.

NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent J.P. Vettraino filed this report from Detroit, with NCTD editor Mitch McCullough reporting from Charlottesville, Virginia.

2007 BMW 5-Series Reviews - Driving Impressions

2007-11-12T11:29:00.003-08:00

The BMW 5 Series cars are a pleasure to drive, though it's hard to say which model we'd choose. The light-on-its-feet 525i makes clean, satisfying driving without a lot of high-tech drivers aids to get in the way. We're quite happy in one. On the other hand, high-tech systems such as Active Steering or Active Roll Stabilization can quickly demonstrate their value, and there's nothing quite like the thrust developed when you slam the accelerator on the 550i V8.

The 5 Series is not whisper quiet like BMW's full-size 7 Series sedan, so a bit more road and wind noise finds its way into the cabin. Yet with the stereo turned up about two-tenths of the way, you won't hear any of it. And the 5 Series feels smaller on the road than its dimensions suggest. Consider its near-perfect weight balance, and a rock-solid body that's free of creaks, rattles or unpleasant vibration, and this BMW is exactly what we'd like a luxury sedan to be: smooth and comfortable regardless of the speed, nimble and reassuring when it's appropriate to travel at a good clip. The 5 Series has nearly all the bells and whistles, and almost nothing to diminish the driving experience. If you decide to pick up the pace, you'll discover handling and overall performance that's hard to match in any sedan. No matter which engine sits under the hood, there's plenty of power to get you up to speed.

BMW's inline engines remain one of the great experiences in motoring. The classic straight six delivers a balance of smoothness, torque, and response that V6 engines can't seem to match. Other luxury manufacturers have switched to V6s because they're easier to package, and they've proven easier to certify for stringent emission standards. We're glad BMW sticks with its trademark inline engines.

The 5 Series engines were overhauled for 2006, starting with a new inline six cylinder that is the only current production engine with a magnesium alloy engine block to reduce weight. The engines in the 525i and 530i are actually the same size (3.0 liters); the difference in power (215 hp vs. 255) is the result of different controls and intake systems.

From a stop or at high-speed roll, the six-cylinder 530i delivers as much acceleration-producing torque as some thirstier V8-powered sedans. Off-the-line acceleration surpasses probably 70 percent of the vehicles on the road, and top speed exceeds anything you'll get away with anywhere outside a desolate Nevada desert. Power delivery in the 530i is very linear, meaning that you'll get the same response and acceleration whether the engine is turning 2500 rpm or 5000 rpm when you step on the gas.

Still, those who put a premium on straight-line acceleration might choose the V8-powered 550i. The 4.8-liter V8 produces 360 horsepower and an impressive 360 pound-feet of acceleration-producing torque. The power delivery flows in the same even fashion as it does in the six-cylinder engines.

Pushing the accelerator to the floor in this high-performance sedan is a truly enjoyable experience. The 550i will squirt from 0-60 mph in about 5.3 seconds, which is substantially quicker than sports cars such as the Jaguar XK or Nissan 350Z. Top speed is electronically governed at the voluntary limit adopted by most German automakers: a mere 155 mph.

For those who don't mind a little work, we heartily recommend the six-speed manual transmission. It's one reason to choose the 5 Series over other luxury sedans, in which manuals are increasingly few and far between. The shifter is tight and reasonably quick, and shifting is smooth, precise and easy. Particularly with the six-cylinder models, the manual transmission maximizes performance potential, as well as the driver's involvement.

The great majority will choose the automatic transmission, a six-speed Steptronic, and they won't give up much. The Steptronic reacts to the gas pedal in fine style. Full-throttle upshifts are quick and smooth, and downshifts, in most cases, come quickly. We like the Sport mode, as it responds even more quickly, shifting down instantaneously when you dip the gas pedal and allowing the engine to rev higher more often. The downside is that the automatic can feel more jarring in Sport mode. If a serene experience is preferred for the drive home, choose the Comfort setting.

BMW's Sequential Manual Gearbox, available on the 530i and 550i, is strictly for hard-core enthusiasts. While it will shift automatically, the SMG is not an automatic with a manual shift feature like the Steptronic. It's more like a manual with a clutch but no clutch pedal; the driver shifts up or down simply by moving the gear lever or clicking paddles on either side of the steering wheel. Shifted manually when the 5 Series is driven hard, SMG can be a satisfying rush. The problems start in automatic mode. At a casual pace the SMG can feel both slow to shift and rough. Indeed, it can feel as if a driver is taking his or her first crack at a traditional clutch/manual transmission.

When it comes to handling, we like the six-cylinder models, and particularly the 525i. Despite its horsepower deficit compared to the other models, it's no lightweight, and because it's lighter, it feels spry and light on its feet. This is a good, honest sedan in the BMW tradition, with a comfortable ride, precise steering and nice, sharp handling, and without a lot of high-tech stuff to muddle the picture.

Still, those high-tech add-ons have their appeal. Active Steering, for example, is more than a gimmick. Maneuvering through tight confines is a breeze, and pulling into an empty parking space is as quick a swoop on the steering wheel. On a tight slalom course, a 530i with Active Steering is more responsive than one without it. Weaving through the cones is less work, requiring less sawing at the wheel and fewer corrections. The driver can focus more on the car's trajectory through the course, less on compensating for mistakes. Moreover, Active Steering is now tied into the electronic stability control system. It can automatically make slight steering adjustments without driver intervention.

Active Roll Stabilization replaces conventional anti-roll (anti-sway) bars with an electronically controlled, hydraulically operated system that reduces leaning in corners, allowing flatter cornering at higher speeds while maintaining a nice smooth ride. With Active RollStabilization, the 530i stays remarkably flat through fast, sweeping curves, with just enough body lean to remind a driver that he or she is hurtling down a public road at considerable speed. The best thing about Active Roll Stabilization is that it accomplishes this without the stiff springs and shocks often used in sports suspensions. When the car is traveling straight, the effect of the roll stabilization is essentially negated. This 5 Series rides firm, without a sensation of floating, but always smoothly and comfortably.

BMW's brakes are large by industry standards, and they're one of the most impressive components of the 5 Series performance package. They slow the car from high speed in sports-car fashion, and they hold up under harder use than any driver is likely to dish out. Even after repeated stops that would smoke the brake pads on lesser cars, the 5's brakes show very little fade.

The Adaptive Xenon Headlights are excellent. They deliver bright, even light and are real benefit on winding rural roads at night, especially on dark and stormy nights.

Night Vision uses a thermal-imaging camera with Far Infra-Red technology that highlights sources of heat (the tailpipes on cars ahead, for example, but more importantly the cyclist or deer lurking beyond the headlights). The camera has a range of nearly 1,000 feet, and it displays a high-contrast image on the navigation screen when Night Vision is turned on. By design, the image is not highly detailed, and those high-heat people or animals are supposed to stand out more quickly. The system is intended to work like a rearview mirror, with potential hazards standing out in a quick scan. Our time in a 550i equipped with Night Vision was confined largely to an urban setting, and in this environment its value is reduced. With so much ambient light, and traffic, the camera doesn't offer much more than an alert set of eyes. Yet a drive into the dark countryside expressly to test Night Vision demonstrated the system's potential. The thermal-imaging camera picked up a truck's exhaust pipe almost as far ahead as its tiny taillights were visible. Had that exhaust been the body heat of a large animal, with no taillights to mark it, the 5 Series driver would be aware of the animal long before it's visible to the naked eye. The problem with Night Vision, beyond its substantial cost, is the novelty factor. We found ourselves occasionally fixating on the screen, noticing which parts on SUVs ahead were warmest from friction, or looking at the warm bodies walking into restaurants, at the expense of peering through the windshield. We suspect that it will take some acclimation, and discipline, to get past the newness and use Night Vision as it's intended.

2007 BMW 5-Series Reviews - Interior

2007-11-12T11:29:00.001-08:00

BMW's current 5 Series sedans are noticeably roomier than the previous-generation, pre-2004 models. Front passengers have a fraction more shoulder and head room, but the improvement is more obvious in the back, where there's more shoulder room and a lot more legroom. Increased cabin space put the 5 Series on better footing with key competitors like the Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6, and Lexus GS.

The finish and quality of materials is nice. Soft plastics covering the dashboard and doors are handsome and rich to the touch. The seats feature a draped-leather look, with the upholstery hung loosely over the seat frames. Leather inserts in the front door panels compliment the seats.

The standard 5 Series seats are very good, with above-average support and just enough give to keep from feeling hard. The seats in the optional Sport Package have so many adjustments that those who lean toward obsessive/compulsive may start stressing out as they try to settle in. If you can get them just right, save the position in memory, because these are some of the best seats in the business. They're firm, but not church-pew hard like the previous-generation sport seats.

The 5 Series dashboard applies BMW's familiar double-wave theme, with one wave or bubble over the instrument cluster, defining the driver's area, and another that begins over the dash center and sweeps toward the right side. From a functional view point, it's an effective design. The instrument cluster features two gauge pods, with the gas gauge wrapped inside the analog speedometer and a miles-per-gallon gauge inside the tach. The tachometer has a variable warning LED that circles the gauge. When the engine is cold, this LED extends to 4200 rpm, then gradually increases the rpm limit to the redline as the oil warms up.

The center dash is dominated by a large electronic screen that displays various control functions, system readouts and the navigation map or Night Vision image when the car is so equipped.

There are vents below the screen and on either side off the steering column that move an impressive quantity of air with minimal fan noise. Three big climate control knobs sit below the display screen, for fan speed, temperature and airflow direction.

There's also a volume knob next to the CD slot, a station selector on the right steering wheel spoke, and phone controls on the left spoke. Window switches are just above the armrest, and right where the hand naturally rests. In short order, these knobs will become the 5 Series driver's best friends.

That's because almost everything else, including some basic stereo functions, is controlled by i-Drive, the computer interface that manages virtually every system in the car. The master control is a big aluminum knob on the center console between the seats. The knob is easy to locate from the driver's seat without a glance, and with each move of i-Drive, menus appear on the video screen. In effect, the system works something like the point-and-click operation of a computer mouse, though there is no cursor.

The problem is that it can be confusing to use i-Drive to wade through various menus to get to the function that needs adjustment. At best, it's difficult to master, and while BMW has simplified the system by reducing the number of movements for the main control, and adding a Main Menu button, it still takes time to get used to i-Drive. Operation becomes more intuitive with time, but many still find it a cumbersome way to make everyday adjustments.

HD Radio, new for 2007, delivers digital audio quality, with FM reception that is supposed to sound like a CD and AM that replicates traditional analog FM. Our test car had HD radio, and it's great, with a caveat. When it locks on a signal the clarity and fidelity is amazing, especially on the AM band. The problem is that, depending on where you're driving, the radio can fluctuate from HD to standard broadcast as signal strengths changes, the same way a conventional FM radio can switch from stereo to mono when the signal weakens. It can happen several times a mile, and become a bigger annoyance than it's worth.

BMW's optional head-up display projects a 6x3-inch rectangle on the windshield, focused so the display appears to be at the end of the hood, rather than right on the glass. Using iDrive, the driver can adjust the HUD's intensity and the information it displays. Options include road and engine speed, various warnings prioritized according to urgency, cruise control settings and navigation instructions. If you like it, you'll love it, but we don't find HUD to be a great safety or concentration aid.

Storage inside the 5 Series is so-so. The glovebox is fairly big, but usuable space in the center console is small. The door pockets are lined with a velveteen material, and it's valuable for keeping sunglasses from scraping on hard plastic if they slide in stop-and-go traffic. On the other hand, the pockets are so shallow that anything much larger than sunglasses wants to fall out when the door is opened or closed.

The back seat in the 5 Series makes good accomodations. There's plenty of space for two average-size adults, three in a pinch, with all the amenities. The reading lights are excellent. Our 550i had rear seat heaters, with switches on the back of the center console, along with two high-flow airvents and a pair of 12-volt power points.

The high rear deck has increased the size of the 5 Series trunk. With 14 cubic feet of trunk space, this BMW is mid-pack among sedans of similar dimensions. Load height is just above the rear bumper, and the 5 will accommodate even larger items with the folding rear seatback, which is optional. It's hard to imagine a buyer not wanting the flexibility the optional folding seat offers, and the seatback can be locked to prevent access to the trunk. Still, if hauling pets or cargo is a priority, there is always the 530xi Sport Wagon.

BMW re-introduced its 5 Series wagon for 2006, and we like it. From the handling, accelerating or braking standpoints, it gives up nothing to the 530xi sedan, and it adds another dimension of utility. Cargo volume increases to 33.6 cubic feet, floor to ceiling, with the rear seat in place. With the rear seat folded forward, the 5 Series wagon can swallow up to 58.3 cubic feetof stuff, more than the typical small SUV. The load area is flat, too, and nearly four feet wide. The cargo area is fully lined with thick, soft carpet, and it's full of convenient features, including four separate enclosed bins, cargo tie downs, bag holders, a power point, a cargo cover at seat height and a roll-out cargo net.

For 2007, the Sport Package includes a new three-spoke steering wheel and multi-contour seats with 20 separate adjustments. An auxiliary audio jack has been added to all 2007 models located at the rear of the center console, which allows MP3 players such as the Apple iPod and other audio devices to be played through the car stereo.

2007 BMW 5-Series Reviews - Walkaround

2007-11-12T11:28:00.001-08:00

Many buyers will find the BMW 5 Series a near-perfect size. It seems more substantial than some small luxury or sport sedans, with more usable interior space. At the same time it's not so physically bulky as large sedans, and therefore easier to maneuver in tight spaces and to park.

The 5 Series sports BMW's now-familiar corporate design themes, introduced on the larger 7 Series sedan and subsequently applied to the smaller 3 Series. BMW's new approach to styling has been discussed as frequently as any in the car world, and more than occasionally criticized. On the 5 Series at least, the curvy front-end, flat sides and high rear deck stand out less than they once did. That may simply mean we've grown more familiar with the shape, rather than more appreciative.

The critics contend that, with the flared-nostrils look in front and the chunked-off shape of the trunk lid, the 5 Series seems almost like two halves taken from different cars. In our view, the lines create a fairly compact appearance, and that may be part of the problem. The 5 has the appearance of a well-built mainstream sedan, and that may not be the precedent one expects for an expensive European job. In any case, the look doesn't seem to have hurt 5 Series sales.

The comma-shaped, wraparound taillights apply a technology introduced by BMW that has spread to a number of makes. The company calls them adaptive brake lights, and they illuminate more intensely, over a larger area, when the anti-lock brake system engages, in other words when the driver is braking as hard as possible. The point is to inform drivers following that it's stopping quickly, possibly in an emergency situation. It could help, if the driver following correctly interprets the increased intensity of the brake lights.

BMW re-introduced a 5 Series wagon for 2006. The big difference, of course, lies behind the rear roof pillars and back seats, where the 5 Series Sport Wagons offer more load-carrying potential and versatility than the sedan. The rear gate opens electrically, with a switch on the key fob or dashboard, and swings very high for easy access to the load floor. A big reflector on the bottom of the gate adds an element of safety in darkness.

The lift gate has a soft-close feature. When it's lowered, it automatically sucks itself shut, no slamming required. The glass window opens separately, which is convenient when dropping a briefcase or a couple of bags in back.

New for 2007: Xenon adaptive headlights are now standard on the 530i and above. The xenon high-intensity discharge headlights offer a brighter, more intense, more white light that appears blue when we're used to seeing halogen lights with a warmer, relatively yellow light. Adaptive means the lenses turn slightly with the steering, throwing light around a curve in the direction of travel.

2007 BMW 5-Series Reviews -- Lineup

2007-11-12T11:27:00.001-08:00

The 525i ($43,500) features a 3.0-liter inline-6 generating 215 horsepower. Standard features include Leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control with active micro-filtration, an AM/FM/CD stereo with 10 speakers, 17-inch alloy wheels, four power outlets and a rechargeable flashlight in the glovebox. The 525i comes with a six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic transmission ($1,275) with Steptronic shifting.

The 530i ($47,500) gets a 255-hp version of the 3.0-liter six and xenon adaptive headlights. The 530i comes standard with the six-speed manual. The six-speed Steptronic automatic ($1,275) and the six-speed sequential manual gearbox ($1,500), or SMG, are optional.

The 525i and 530i sedans are available with BMW's x-Drive permanent all-wheel drive ($2,200).

The 530xi Sport Wagon ($52,100) comes standard with the all-wheel-drive system.

The most popular option for the six-cylinder models is the Premium Package for the 525i ($2,000 and 530i ($1,800), which adds Dakota leather upholstery, a universal garage door opener and the swanky interior lighting package with ambient light, auto-dimming and outside approach lighting.

The 550i ($58,500) is powered by a 360-hp 4.8-liter V8 and comes standard with the items in the Premium Package plus Park Distance Control parking assist and a choice of the manual, SMG or automatic transmission at no charge.

The M5 ($81,200) sits atop the 5 Series lineup. It's powered by a hand-built 500-hp 5.0-liter V10, with suspension and brakes enhanced to match all the power.

Option include: HD Radio ($500); Night Vision ($2,200); a Cold Weather Package ($750) with heated front seats, heated steering wheel and heated, high-pressure headlight washers; the Sport Package for the 525i ($2,500) and 530i and 550i ($2,800) with BMWs Active Steering and Active Body Control systems, 18-inch wheels with performance tires, more potent brakes and sport seats; and the Premium Sound Package ($1,800) with BMW's high-power Logic7 audio system and a six-CD changer; a navigation system ($1,800); radar-managed Active Cruise Control ($2,200); and Sirius satellite radio ($595).

Safety features that come standard include front airbags with dual threshold deployment, front-passenger side airbags, and full-cabin curtain-style head-protection airbags. Also standard are seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters; seatbelts are the first line of defense in a crash so be sure to use them. Active safety features include antilock brakes with Dynamic Brake Control auto-proportioning, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control. Also standard is the standard BMW Assist communications package with automatic collision notification, an SOS button, roadside assistance and locater service. Rear passenger side-impact airbags are optional ($385).

2007 BMW 3-Series 328I Sedan Reviews - Driving Impressions

2007-11-11T05:39:00.000-08:00

Still the benchmark after all these years.
Driving Impressions
BMW's 3 Series has always been about the driving. It has many of the attributes of a sports car with the practicality of a sedan. It offers rear-wheel drive and manual transmissions in a class increasingly dominated by front-wheel drive and automatics. Driving has never been much better than the 3 Series, or at least not with seating for five, decent mileage and a high level of all-season comfort.

BMW's x-Drive permanent all-wheel-drive system greatly enhances all-season capability, not a traditional strength of these cars. The x-Drive delivers most of the power to the rear wheels most of the time, maintaining the sporting feel associated with rear-wheel drive.

The 2007 3 Series sedans are true to their predecessors, with a couple of caveats, in our view. The typical BMW buyer will likely appreciate the technology built into the new 3, and particularly the electronic skid-control wizardry. Enthusiasts, however, may pine that the 3 Series' purity has been lost.

The heart of any BMW is its engine, and those in the new 3 Series are first rate. They remain true to BMW's commitment to straight or inline six-cylinders, as other manufacturers have switched almost exclusively to V6s. The straight six presents more packaging challenges, but its unique performance characteristics and smoothness make it a favorite among enthusiast drivers.

In both the 328i and 335i sedans, the engine is fantastic. No one will feel short-changed on performance if they make the more economical choice of the 328i. Either engine delivers quick acceleration by any standard: 0-60 mph times of 6.3 seconds for the 328i and 5.4 seconds for the 335i when equipped with manual transmissions, according to BMW.

We found the 328i fun to drive, with good throttle response that made us feel a class above other cars in traffic. Our bright red 328i sedan had the manual, which was smooth and precise, easy and enjoyable to flick between gears. It was also quick and easy shifting from first to reverse and back when parking. Clutch pedal effort made taking off easy, without having to think about it. Shifting was so easy that the clutch didn't need to be fully depressed.

The 335i is, however, particularly enjoyable, with an engine that's stronger than any 3 Series engine before, short of the limited production M3s. What's best is its linear quality, or the steady supply of acceleration-producing torque at any speed. There's more torque down low than before, but the new engine pulls like a sprinter all the way to its 6800-rpm redline and never misses a step. Moreover, the joy of a straight six isn't hidden under the high tech. It sounds great, with an emphasis on clean mechanical noise from the engine bay rather than the tone of the muffler.

The manual transmission is great, too. The shifter seems to have slightly shorter throws between the gears than before, and its operation is appropriate to a world-class sports sedan. The sixth gear adds even more flexibility to the 335i's power band and lowers engine revs at cruising speeds.

The automatic we liked a bit less, but it's hardly disappointing. With six speeds, the same advantages apply here as with the manual. The automatic can be a bit slow to react with an appropriate gear change in Normal mode, but leaving it Sport mode pretty much solves the problem, with a slight payback in more abrupt shifting. Then there is the Steptronic manual mode, which allows manual gear selection by toggling the shift lever to the left. No problem with shift response when you do it yourself.

The other half of the 3 Series equation has always been ride and handling. This is the prototypical sports sedan, or about as close as you can get to sports car driving dynamics in a practical sedan. For 40 years, the 3 Series had defined that mix: rear-wheel drive, great steering feel and balance between the front and rear axles. Moreover, the 3 had always delivered an impressive balance between ride and handling. The fun never comes at the expense of beating up the passengers inside.

The 328i and 335i sedans ultimately hold true to this heritage, as we first discovered on a slick race track in rural Spain. The perfect balance front to rear, the right touch of suspension compliance, the smooth torque delivery is all there, and for the better part of an afternoon we clipped apexes and managed power slides and just had a ball. We had to turn off all the gizmos to do it, however.

The 3 Series suspension layout is borrowed from the larger 5 Series sedan, with double-joint aluminum control arms in front and a five-link fully independent system in the rear. This is trick stuff, but it's nothing compared to the electronics that manage everything. The 3 has BMW's most advanced Dynamic Stability Control chassis electronics yet, with more sensors measuring more things than ever before. It also more aggressively integrates BMW's Active Steering into the skid-control scheme.

Active Steering is designed to eliminate the compromises inherent in conventional fixed-ratio rack-and-pinion steering. Active Steering speeds the steering up to reduce steering input, or sawing on the wheel, at low speeds, and slows it down at high speeds so a sneeze or twitch doesn't dramatically turn the wheels and send the car drifting toward a concrete abutment. BMW's active system has an electrically operated transmission on the steering shaft. It reduces steering wheel movement from three turns lock-to-lock in the old 3 Series sedan to 1.66 turns in the new one.

But there's more to the active steering story. The motor that varies the steering ratio is wired into DSC, which measures a bunch of things, including road speed, wheel rotational speed, steering angle, yaw rate and lateral acceleration, as it thinks about what it should do. If something is amiss, say if DSC senses that a particular wheel is losing traction, it will react by applying the brake at that wheel or reducing engine power in an effort to keep the car going in the intended direction. With Active Steering in the new 3 Series, DSC also can change the steering angle. Not only does it make it easier to park at Macy's or help manage the risks of an arm twitch at autobahn speed. It also helps drive the car by making fairly significant steering corrections without driver input, or even driver awareness, or perceptible feedback on the steering wheel.

All that understood, we still would noautomatic: With fob in pocket, the doors unlock automatically as the driver approaches, and the seats are waiting in their proper position. The driver just pushes the start button, and pushes it again when it's time to get out. These systems are not our favorite feature and sometimes seem like the answer to a question no one is asking.

Seats have long been 3 Series strength, and the new ones are better than ever. Even the standard-trim front buckets provide excellent support without feeling too hard. The manual adjustments work great, though we recommend using them when the car is parked. The 335i gets power adjustments with three memory positions and they are coded to the key. The power seats that come with the Sport Package are outstanding. Additional back and bottom bolstering make them a bit harder to slide into, but we'd rather have them during a spirited drive.

The instrument panels have a pronounced horizontal format, with more community and less driver orientation than before. There are actually two: The standard setup has a single bubble, or hood, over the instrument cluster, while the optional navigation system has a dash that accommodates the system with a second hood.

The front door panels are different on each side, as well. The passenger side has a sdered slamming on the brakes. The pads also lightly sweep the rotors every few seconds if it's raining, just to be sure there is no significant moisture build up.

Bottom line, the 3 Series sedans are great performers, impressive cars and technological tours de force. If price is remotely an issue, don't have a second thought about choosing the 328i. It has as much power as most drivers will ever need, and it delivers the same inherent goodness as the 335i, without much less really useful stuff. Indeed, we wouldn't recommend options such as Active Steering or Active Cruise Control except to die-hard fanatics for the latest technology.

2007 BMW 3-Series 328I Sedan Reviews - Interior

2007-11-11T05:38:00.002-08:00

Still the benchmark after all these years.
Interior
What's New for 2007: Climate control knobs in the 3 Series sedan are now trimmed with the same Galvanic Silver plastic that surrounds the start button. The three-spoke steering wheel with the Sport Package is finished with the same material.

The 3 Series cabin takes the best of several ideas introduced in the larger BMW 5 Series and 7 Series sedans, synthesizes them for a smaller car and improves them in the process. We aren't completely enamored with everything inside, but we have few real gripes.

The 3 Series sedans no longer have a keyed ignition switch, relying instead on a slot-type key fob and a starter button. We don't love it. It sometimes seems balkier than a regular key. The fob slides into a slot next to the steering column, and you push the button to fire up. The benefit of this design? We're not sure. The Comfort Access option makes everything automatic: With fob in pocket, the doors unlock automatically as the driver approaches, and the seats are waiting in their proper position. The driver just pushes the start button, and pushes it again when it's time to get out. These systems are not our favorite feature and sometimes seem like the answer to a question no one is asking.

Seats have long been 3 Series strength, and the new ones are better than ever. Even the standard-trim front buckets provide excellent support without feeling too hard. The manual adjustments work great, though we recommend using them when the car is parked. The 335i gets power adjustments with three memory positions and they are coded to the key. The power seats that come with the Sport Package are outstanding. Additional back and bottom bolstering make them a bit harder to slide into, but we'd rather have them during a spirited drive.

The instrument panels have a pronounced horizontal format, with more community and less driver orientation than before. There are actually two: The standard setup has a single bubble, or hood, over the instrument cluster, while the optional navigation system has a dash that accommodates the system with a second hood.

The front door panels are different on each side, as well. The passenger side has a sloped, vertical door pull, while the driver's door lays the door pull horizontally in the arm rest. Moreover, the new doors address one of our biggest gripes with previous 3 Series cars. Window switches are now clustered near the driver's arm rest, where they're easier to locate without glancing, rather than spread around the shifter on the center console.

The soft vinyls and plastics in the 3 Series sedans are an improvement in both touch and appearance compared to previous generations, and they put the car more closely in line with the best cars in this class. Burr walnut trim is now standard, and there's a lot of it on the dash and doors. BMW's Leatherette vinyl is not the least bit tacky. The optional leather is soft and thick. The new 3 Series follows BMW's tradition of soft orange backlighting for the instruments. Some will like it, some won't.

The automatic climate control that comes standard features separate temperature adjustments for driver and front passenger. A mist sensor measures moisture on the windshield and automatically adjusts the defroster, while a heat-at-rest feature keeps the cabin heating on for a time after the car is turned off.

The standard in-dash single-CD player is easy to operate and sounds good, with 10 speakers and separate subwoofers under the front seats. The orange readout on it is almost invisible when wearing polarized sunglasses on a sunny day, even though similar orange readouts for the climate control are perfectly readable. Switching between AM and FM and other modes is difficult and complicated while driving. The 335i comes with an upgraded system called Logic 7. This system adds wattage and three speakers, with the latest digital sound processing and surround technology. Audio controls on the steering wheel work well, once they're mastered.

BMW's multi-layer, mouse-style iDrive interface is optional in the 3 Series sedans, but if you want the DVD-based GPS navigation system, you'll have to take iDrive. We'd probably do without the navigation system just to avoid iDrive. We hate it, and have encountered few people who remotely like iDrive. We cannot to figure out how to perform simple tasks on iDrive such as calling up a map of the area on the navigation system or pre-setting radio stations without consulting the owners manual. We would not opt for iDrive on a 3 Series car and we would consider not purchasing a BMW 6 Series or 7 Series car just to avoid iDrive.

However, in certain respects the 3 Series cabin is more user-friendly than ever. There are more storage pockets and nooks than before, and those in the doors are much larger. The new climate-controlled center console is a huge improvement, in both function and appearance. So are the cupholders.

Rear-seat accommodations are substantially improved over pre-2006 models, as well. For starters, the rear air vents can be separately adjusted for both temperature and air volume. There's more space, particularly in front of the knees. Remember: this is still a compact car, and rear passengers with long torsos will still feel hair rubbing on the headliner. The center position is still best left to children. Nonetheless, the rear seat feels more spacious than before, and puts the 3 Series on better footing with the roomiest cars in the class. Compared with a mid-size car, though, rear-seat accommodations are not a strength.

With improved cargo capability, the 328i Sports Wagon is an alternative to a small SUV. From the handling, accelerating or braking standpoints, it gives up nothing the 328i sedan, and it adds a dimension of utility. Cargo volume increases from 12 cubic feet in the sedan's trunk to 24.8 cubic feet, floor to ceiling, with the rear seat in place. With the rear seat folded forward, the 3 Series wagon can swallow 60.9 cubic feet of stuff, or more than the typical small SUV and slightly more than the larger BMW 5 Series wagon. The load area is flat, too, which is good for dogs and cargo. The cargo area in the wagon is fully lined with thick, soft carpet, and it's full of convenient features, including separate enclosed bins, cargo straps, bag holders, a power point,a cargo cover at seat height and a roll-out cargo net. The wagon is available with all-wheel drive, giving it good winter-weather capability.

2007 BMW 3-Series 328I Sedan Reviews - Walkaround

2007-11-11T05:38:00.001-08:00

Still the benchmark after all these years.
Walkaround
The 2007 BMW 328i and 335i sedans are recognizable as BMWs in an evolutionary way, but they are substantially different from the more familiar, previous-generation models.

For starters, they are the largest 3 Series cars ever. They're more than two inches longer and three inches wider, and wheelbase has increased 1.4 inches. Most of the increased exterior dimensions translate into more interior space, particularly in the back seat.

The 3 Series shares many of its design features with BMW's other sedans. Some critics claim the 3 Series has been spared: that it has not suffered from some of the styling excess in BMW's current 5 and 7 Series. Certainly the approach with the 3 Series has been more conservative, and it's easy to understand why. This car accounts for nearly half of BMW's income. Nonetheless, spared is not a word we'd use.

The 3 Series has BMW's traditional double beam headlights, now under clear covers that wrap around the corners and taper to a point to emphasize the car's width. In profile, the sedan's front and rear overhangs seem even shorter than before. The hood line continues past the windshield pillars all the way to the rear, while the roof line is rounder than before.

Design is the most subjective of all automotive traits, and clearly the 328i and 335i retain some basic BMW qualities or character. Yet in certain respects they also look more generic than their predecessors. The sides are basically flat planes with a single crease below the door pulls and above the wheel wells, but the ends of the car are busier, and we've yet to discover cohesion to the design. Particularly in rear view there are lots of lines, and in this aspect the 3 looks as if it might have been designed in Asia rather than Munich. In short, we're still getting used it.

One thing is certain. Larger wheels and tires filling the wheel wells are almost always a good thing for appearance's sake, and we like the 328i and 335i better with the wheel upgrades (to 17-inch on the 328i and 18-inch on the 335i). The 335i can be distinguished from the 328i by more than its wheels. The 335i's windows and grille slats are trimmed with chrome, while that slats across its lower front air intakes are body colored rather than black.

The high-tech theme that permeates the 3 Series sedans is even visible from the outside. The 335i comes standard with adaptive bi-xenon headlights that turn with the steering wheel to aim into a curve. All models have BMW's adaptive brake lights, which are based on the idea that drivers in the cars following a 3 Series will know when the 3 is attempting a panic stop just by the brake lights. The LED lights illuminate more intensely, over a larger area, when the driver applies the brakes full-lock or when the ABS operates.

The trunk is larger than ever. With 12 cubic feet of space, it gives the 3 Series sedan a trunk that's more competitive, if not best in class. Moreover, the trunk opening is considerably larger, making it easier to get things inside, and the additional trunk volume does not count a new divided storage bin under the load floor (where a spare might have gone, if not for the 3 Series' run-flat tires). There's also a drawer hanging under the rear interior shelf to take better advantage of what is often useless space. The sedan is also available with a split-folding rear seat and ski sack, which expands cargo space into the rear of the cabin.

Redesigned for the 2006 model year, the 3 Series Sport Wagon is identical to the sedan from the center roof pillar forward. Rearward, its roofline tapers slightly all the way to the rear of the car, while the bottom line of the rear windows tapers upward slightly, creating something a of teardrop shape. Roof rails are standard.

The wagon's rear gate opens electrically, with a switch on the key fob or dashboard, and swings high for easy access to the load floor. A reflector on the bottom of the gate adds an element of safety in darkness. The glass rear window opens separately, which is convenient for quickly loading a lightweight items.

2007 BMW 3-Series 328I Sedan Reviews - Lineup

2007-11-11T05:37:00.001-08:00

Still the benchmark after all these years.
Lineup
BMW's line of 3 Series sport sedans and wagons includes five distinct models. True to BMW tradition, all are powered by a variant of the company's inline six-cylinder engine, with a standard six-speed manual transmission. All-wheel drive is offered on both sedan and wagon, and BMW's six-speed Steptronic automatic ($1,275) is optional on all models.

The BMW 328i ($32,400) and 328xi ($34,300) sedans are powered by a 225-hp 3.0-liter six. This high-tech engine is the first in mass production with a magnesium alloy engine block, to trim weight. It's light, powerful for its size and fuel efficient. The 328xi comes with BMW's x-Drive permanent all-wheel drive system.

The 328s comes well equipped, with automatic climate and headlight control, a climate-controlled center console, heated washer nozzles, rain-sensing wipers, a power moonroof, 10-speaker AM/FM/CD and BMW's self-braking Dynamic Cruise Control. Burr walnut trim is also standard, with BMW's Leatherette vinyl upholstery. Lighter poplar trim and aluminum are available as no-charge options.

The 328i Sports Wagon ($34,300) and 328xi Sports Wagon ($36,100) are equipped comparably to the sedans, with the 225-hp engine and all-wheel drive for the xi model. The big difference, of course, lies behind rear roof pillars and seats, where the wagons offer more load-carrying potential and versatility than the sedan, with a rear tailgate and rear window that can be opened separately.

The 335i sedan ($38,700) features a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder the generates 300 horsepower. The 335i also adds standard equipment, including eight-way power seats with memory, xenon adaptive headlights that turn into a curve with the car, and BMW's 13-speaker Logic 7 stereo, with two subwoofers and surround-style digital sound processing.

Beyond the 6-speed automatic transmission, there are three major option groupings. The Premium Package ($2,450 of the 335i, $3150 all other models) adds Dakota leather upholstery and a number of conveniences, including Bluetooth cellular phone interface, power folding side mirrors, a digital compass in the rear-view mirror and hardware for BMW Assist, the telemetric package that provides safety, convenience and concierge services. After the first year, you'll pay for the subscription.

The Sport Package ($1,500) includes sporting suspension calibrations tuned by BMW's M performance division, more heavily bolstered sports seats and a wheel/tire upgrade: 17-inch alloys with W-rated performance tires for the 328s; 18-inch for the 335i. Finally, the Cold Weather Package ($600-$1000, depending on model) adds electrically heated seats, high-intensity headlight washers and a split-folding rear seat with ski sack.

BMW's Active Steering system ($1,250) and radar-managed Active Cruise Control ($2,200) are available as stand-alone options on the 3 Series, as is a DVD-based navigation system ($2,100). Sirius satellite radio hardware ($595), the Logic 7 stereo ($1,200) and power rear-window and manual side rear-window sunshades ($575) are also available as standalone options, as are most of the individual components of the three packages, including the split-folding rear seat ($475) and BMW Assist ($750). BMW also offers various dealer installed accessories. In all, there are more than 600 choices in equipping the 3 Series sedans.

Safety features include dual stage front-impact airbags that deploy at different rates depending on the severity of impact, front side-impact airbags and full-cabin head protection airbags. BMW no longer offers rear side-impact airbags on the 3 Series, on the basis that few buyers took the option, and that the protective benefit does not exceed the risk of airbag related injuries.

Active safety features, designed to help the driver avoid collisions, include Dynamic Stability Control and the latest generation antilock brakes. The ABS preloads the brake pedal when the driver suddenly lifts off the gas pedal, and includes a feature that lightly sweeps the brake discs dry every 1.5 seconds when it's raining.

2007 BMW 3-Series 328I Sedan Reviews Introduction

2007-11-11T05:35:00.000-08:00

Still the benchmark after all these years.
Introduction
If you're shopping for a smaller luxury sedan that puts a premium on driving satisfaction, the BMW 3 Series remains the place to start. It's one of the world's best sports sedans.

For 2007, 3 Series sedans and wagons come with powerful new engines, a couple of new colors and some minor interior tweaks. The 3 Series is expanding for 2007 with the introduction of an all-new, two-door 3 Series coupe and an all-new 3 Series convertible. (The 2007 3 Series Coupe is evaluated in a separate review.)

The 2007 BMW 328i and BMW 335i accelerate more quickly, stop shorter and turn with more lateral grip than any of their predecessors. The current 3 Series sedans are the roomiest ever, with more standard and optional equipment and more sophisticated electronic controls. BMW's x-Drive all-wheel drive system is available on the 328i.

Yet what characterizes the current 3 Series sedans as much as anything is its high-technology. We presume the car-buying public expects the latest technology in BMW products, and the 3 Series delivers in spades. It's everywhere in this compact sedan, some of it first in class and some not previously applied in any BMW.

The 2007 BMW 3 Series cars offer Active Steering that actually turns the front wheels without driver intervention, not to mention 150-mile run-flat tires, turning Bi-Xenon headlights, and an optional i-Drive interface. It was the first car in its class to offer radar-managed active cruise control, and even the standard cruise control will automatically apply the brakes if you get too close to a car ahead.

None of this is necessarily a bad thing, but owners of older 3 Series models may wonder where their purist sports sedan went, or at what point all the gizmos start detracting from that sporting character. Rest assured, this remains a true sports sedan, but its sporting heart is a little more difficult to find under all the stuff.

Any 3 Series model still delivers a special mix of performance, practicality and European luxury in a compact package. This car defines sports sedan, and it's the benchmark every luxury car maker from Acura to Volvo aims at. The 3 Series embodies consistent product character and values, defining what has made BMW one of the most respected brands among car enthusiasts. Above all, the 3 Series is a driver's car: accelerating, turning and stopping with remarkable agility and balance, without seriously compromising comfort or common sense.

What's New for 2007: The sedans and wagons get new engines, and a corresponding change in nomenclature. The 325i is replaced by the 328i. The new models have a more powerful version of BMW's 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, generating 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque, for an increase of 15 hp and 15 lb-ft over the previous models. The 2006 330i sedan is replaced by the 2007 BMW 335i, featuring BMW's new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 producing 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. That's an increase of 45 hp and 80 lb-ft for the 2007 335i sedans and wagons.

2007 BMW 3-Series 328I Sedan Information

2007-11-11T05:32:00.000-08:00

Bodystyles: 4-Dr Sedan;
Engines: 3.0L Inline 6;
Transmissions: 6 Speed Manual; 6 Speed Semi-Automatic;
Drivetrains: Rear Wheel Drive;

Specifications

2007 BMW 3-Series Performance & Efficiency Standard Features Hide
- 2,996 cc 3 liters in-line 6 front engine with 85 mm bore, 88 mm stroke, 10.7 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder
- Premium unleaded fuel 91
- Fuel economy EPA highway (mpg): 30 and EPA city (mpg): 20
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- Main premium unleaded fuel tank
- Power: 172 kW , 230 HP SAE @ 6,500 rpm; 200 ft lb , 271 Nm @ 2,750 rpm

2007 BMW 3-Series Handling, Ride & Braking Standard Features
- Four-wheel ABS
- Brake assist system
- Cornering brake control
- Four disc brakes including four ventilated discs
- Electronic brake distribution
- Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
- Immobilizer
- Stability control
- Strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs , multi-link rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs

2007 BMW 3-Series Exterior & Aerodynamics Standard Features
- Body side molding
- Body color front and rear bumpers
- Day time running lights
- Driver and passenger power heated body color door mirrors
- External dimensions: overall length (inches): 178.2, overall width (inches): 71.5, overall height (inches): 55.9, wheelbase (inches): 108.7, front track (inches): 59.1 and rear track (inches): 59.6
- Front fog lights
- Complex surface lens halogen bulb headlights
- Luxury trim leather on gearknob, wood/woodgrain on doors and wood/woodgrain on dashboard
- Black paint
- Fixed rear window with defogger
- Glass electric front sunroof
- Tinted glass on cabin
- Weights: curb weight (lbs) 3,340
- Windshield wipers with automatic intermittent wipe and rain sensor

2007 BMW 3-Series Interior Standard Features
- 12v power outlet: front and 1
- Air conditioning with climate control and rear outlet
- Diversity antenna
- Front and rear ashtray
- Manufacturer's own RDS audio system with AM/FM and CD player CD player reads MP3
- Cargo area light
- Cargo capacity: all seats in place (cu ft): 12
- Front seats cigar lighter
- Clock
- Computer with average speed, average fuel consumption and range for remaining fuel
- Full dashboard console , full floor console with covered storage box
- Delayed/fade courtesy lights
- Cruise control
- Front seats and rear seats cup holders pop out
- Door ajar warning
- Door pockets/bins for driver seat and passenger seat
- External temperature
- Driver front airbag with multi-stage deployment , passenger front airbag with occupant sensors and multi-stage deployment
- Bucket driver and passenger seat with height adjustment and tilt adjustment
- Height adjustable 3-point reel front seat belts on driver seat and passenger seat with pre-tensioners
- Front seat center armrest
- Two height adjustable head restraints on front seats , three height adjustable head restraints on rear seats
- Headlight control with time delay switch-off, dusk sensor and auto off with ignition
- Heated washer
- Illuminated entry system
- Internal dimensions: front headroom (inches): 37.4, rear headroom (inches): 37.1, front leg room (inches): 41.5, rear leg room (inches): 34.6, front shoulder room (inches): 55.4, rear shoulder room (inches): 55.1 and interior volume (cu ft): 93
- Low tire pressure indicator
- Remote power locks includes trunk/hatch and includes power windows
- Power steering
- Front and rear power windows with two one-touch
- Front and rear reading lights
- 3-point reel rear seat belts on driver side with pre-tensioners , 3-point reel rear seat belts on passenger side with pre-tensioners , 3-point reel rear seat belts on center side
- Rear seat center armrest
- Three fixed bench front facing rear seats with zero adjustments
- Rear view mirror
- Steering wheel mounted remote audio controls
- Remote control remote trunk/hatch release
- Front and rear roof airbag
- Front seat back storage
- Vinyl seat upholstery with additional vinyl
- Seating: five seats
- Service interval indicator
- Front side airbag
- Ten speaker(s)
- Leather covered multi-function steering wheel with tilt adjustment and telescopic adjustment
- Tachometer
- Illuminated driver and passenger vanity mirror
- Ventilation system with micro filter

2007 BMW 3-Series Misc. Pictures

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2007 BMW 3-Series Color Available

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2007 BMW 3-Series Color Available

2007 BMW 3-Series Interior Pictures

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2007 BMW 3-Series Interior Pictures

2007 BMW 3-Series Exterior Pictures

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2007 BMW 3-Series Exterior Pictures