BMV X5

2008 BMW X5 Summary
The 2008 X5 is a 4-door, up to 7-passenger luxury sport-utility, available in two trims, the 3.0si Sports Activity Vehicle and the 4.8i Sports Activity Vehicle.

Upon introduction, the 3.0si Sports Activity Vehicle is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 260-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 21-mpg on the highway. The 4.8i Sports Activity Vehicle is equipped with a standard 4.8-liter, V8, 350-horsepower engine that achieves 14-mpg in the city and 19-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard on both trims.

The 2008 X5 is a carryover from 2007.

What reviewers liked most about the BMW X5:

"...manual gearbox, lightweight six-cylinder, and tush-friendly suspension made the test vehicle pretty close to wonderful."
—USA Today

"Keeping this hot-rodded X5 [4.6i] glued to the ground is a sport suspension with... exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels."
—Edmunds.com

"Crash-testing of the X5 has allowed it to set new standards in front- and side-impact protection."
—Edmunds.com

"It may be the best-handling SUV on the road. It almost feels like an oversized rally car."
—New Car Test Drive

"...the X5 can handle anything a graded surface can throw at it...including" a severe case of red clay mud."
—Woman Motorist

"At highway speeds... a tiny poke at the accelerator seems to levitate the X5 above and beyond fellow travelers."
—The Car Connection

"The X5 wants to be driven like a sports car. The five-speed Steptronic transmission can be easily used like a stick, downshifting with a snick or two of the lever for turns, sometimes instead of braking."
—New Car Test Drive

What reviewers liked least about the BMW X5:

"...this isn't what we'd call a highly capable off-road vehicle. And cargo capacity isn't a strong point."
—New Car Test Drive

"Four-wheel drive: Inferior to less-sophisticated, conventional systems in snow and ice."
—USA Today

"...a full-size spare tire... was an 18-inch Michelin in our X5 that was shod with the 19-inch Bridgestones."
—Car and Driver

"...a jarring ride on all but the smoothest blacktop..."
—Car and Driver

BMW X5 Comparisons:

"Compared to the Mercedes ML430, the X5's track is one inch wider and it rides 2.2 inches lower."
—New Car Test Drive

Best one-liners about the BMW X5:

"If the AMG Benz is for horsepower extremists, the X5 [4.4i] is still a power hitter-the Sammy Sosa to Mark McGuire of SUVs, maybe."
—New Car Test Drive

"...looks like a 540i wagon on steroids..."
—New Car Test Drive

"The X5 doesn't just ferry occupants through the urban jungle; it exempts them from it."
—The Car Connection

BMW 520d Beats a Prius in Efficiency

GoodCleanTech.com has a very interesting story about a BMW 520D and a Toyota Prius driving from London to Geneva.

It looks like that is exactly what happened on a 545-mile London-Geneva run, when a diesel-powered BMW 5-series posted better MPG stats than a petrol-based Toyota Prius hybrid. The BMW 520d with a 2.0-liter diesel engine and regenerative braking posted an impressive 41.9 mpg - about 0.9 mpg better than a full hybrid Prius. The difference may not seem huge. But given that the Prius weighs about 500 lb less, BMW’s fuel economy lead was significant enough to raise new questions about which drivetrain technologies are more environmentally viable and should become the future mainstream of sustainable transport.

Impressive to say the least. A 5 Series that gets better MPG than a Prius. We can only imagine how well a MINI Cooper D would fare.

2009 BMW X6

The 2009 BMW X6 isn't great on a racetrack. This thought occurs during my third lap when I realize — the throttle wide open, exiting a corner at 100mph — this may not be the best sports car out there. My next thought is "But this is a 4,993lbs SUV." And that's the point where you realize what we have here is something entirely new.



BMW calls the X6 a Sports Activity Coupe. That seems preposterous given both their constant assertion that their best selling SUVs, the X3 and X5, be referred to as SAVs and the X6's four doors, which is 2 more than the unofficial definition of a coupe allows. The BMW X6 is based on that X5, its main difference, aside from the obvious low roof, swoopy bodywork and huge ass, is firm suspension and the addition of Dynamic Performance Control.

It's the latter that makes the X6 so special. Basically the cleverest rear differential in the world, DPC apportions power to the rear wheels independently to improve agility, stability and traction at all times. This matters to you and me because it makes the X6 handle incredibly well and incredibly safely in any condition without cutting power or hitting the brakes to interfere.

Combine DPC with Adaptive Drive, which eliminates roll and dive, and two incredibly powerful engines and you have a car that performs better than even the wildest imagination allows.

The first indication of the X6's genre-creating genius came with a tearing sound from the back end. Getting on the power in the middle of a wet and foggy hairpin in the Appalachian Mountains that sound suddenly joined the twin-turbo inline-six's deep growl as the level of grip began to beggar belief. It's the sound of the rear differential working hard to keep the X6 accelerating rather than spinning. Its function is otherwise undetectable, except through the scarcely unbelievable speed with which it allowed me to attack that windy mountain road in the middle of a thunderstorm.

Eventually, the realities of physics do overcome the ability of BMW's engineers to bend them. Pushed to the limits of grip the X6 will oversteer, stepping out into a few degrees of controllable slide, but take things a step further and the end result is understeer. The aggression it takes to provoke is, however, unlikely to be encountered on anything this side of an icy road or racetrack.

Slowing down, later in the day, that performance becomes nothing but a memory as the realities of driving an X6 on the road set in. It's bigger than you think, dwarfing Ford Explorers and minivans, a full width lane barely containing its bulk. This is both good and bad. The size creates an incredibly spacious interior for its four occupants and plenty of their luggage, but it's hard to place on narrow streets and in tight corners. The svelte shape leaves plenty of room for six footers in the rear seats, but doesn't allow for rear visibility. BMW has compensated by speccing the biggest wing mirrors you'll find this side of a semi, but we don't recommend reversing without the aid of the on board camera. And while its incredibly fast and has ridiculous levels of grip, the steering is almost totally numb, so it takes time to develop faith in the chassis' ability.

For the US, the X6 will come with two engines, both have twin turbos. The xDrive35i comes with a 3.0-liter straight six while the xDrive50i come with a 4.4-liter V8. On paper, the V8 is the clear winner, delivering a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 155mph. In practice however, the inline-six is livelier, weighing down the X6's front end considerably less and not suffering from the bigger engine's turbo lag. At 6.5 seconds to 60mph and topping out at 149mph, it's far from slow as well.

The gearbox lets both engines down by being difficult to use. Override it manually with the paddles and the results are hit or miss. Sometimes you get the gear you want, sometimes you don't, making fully exploiting the X6's chassis disappointingly difficult.

Don't expect the X6 to be the last vehicle to use Dynamic Performance Control. Allegedly, it'll soon find its way into the X5 and maybe even into vehicles from the M division. Judging by what's it's capable of here, we can't wait to try it when it's not just serving to make a flawed vehicle surprisingly capable, but when it's being used to make an already good car even better.

Next generation BMW Z4 to get folding hard top, possibly M3's V8

We're seen the spy shots, so the revelation that BMW's next generation Z4 will be equipped with a folding hard top isn't much of a surprise. The mules undergoing testing show a two-piece metal unit that should be able to fold neatly into the trunk, while not infringing too heavily on luggage space.

More importantly, the new Z4 will be sporting a range of engine offerings, including an array of four- and six-cylinder mills, including the much-loved twin-turbo, 3.0-liter six found in the 135i, 335i and 535i. Additionally, AutoExpress dropped the bomb that a diesel engine will be fitted to the Z4 for the first time and that BMW might try to squeeze the 4.0-liter V8 found in the M3 into the Z4's lengthy hood.

All new Z4s will come equipped with BMW's Efficient Dynamics systems, featuring start/stop engine technology and some form of regenerative braking to boost electrical efficiency while reducing C02 emissions. The Z4's length is expected to increase by around an inch and it's due to hit dealers sometime in late 2009.

2008 BMW 7 Series

The 7-Series is a large, luxurious sedan that delivers excellent handling and a spacious interior. If you're in the market for a super luxury large car, check out the 2008 Mercedes-Benz S Class or the 2008 Lexus LS.

The BMW 7 Series vehicles were always created with a unified stylistic vision. 7 Series reflects the technical mastery and the fundamental principles of the manufacturer with its cutting-edge technology and other unbeatable features. These vehicles include the 745i Sedan 2008 and the 745Li Sedan 2008, both of which come standard with a 324- horsepower, 4.4-liter, 32-valve V8 engine. These vehicles offer 15 percent more power than their counterparts in the 5 series, along with greater fuel efficiency and even lower emissions.

The 2008 BMW 7 Series 769Li has standard engine features as follows, 6.0-liter DOHC (4-cam) 48-valve V-12 engine with direct fuel injection and Valvetronic Double-VANOS steplessly variable valve timing Aluminum block and cylinder heads Electronically controlled engine cooling Digital Motor Electronics engine-management system with adaptive knock control 6-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC) STEPTRONIC automatic transmission Electronic gear selector Liquid-cooled alternator.

For the 7 Series 745i the engine and power features are as follows, 4.4-liter DOHC (4-cam) 32-valve V-8 engine with Valvetronic Steplessly variable intake manifold Double-VANOS steplessly variable valve timing, aluminum block and cylinder heads, electronically controlled engine cooling, Digital Motor Electronics engine-management system with adaptive knock control 6-speed automatic transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC) STEPTRONIC automatic transmission electronic gear selector steering-wheel downshift controls ("L/D" range) and a liquid-cooled alternator.

The 2008 BMW 7-Series comes as a 750i, 750Li and 760Li. Both 750s come with a 4.8-liter V8 engine and the Li is BMW's long wheelbase trim. The 760Li comes with a 6.0-liter V12 engine.

2007 BMW 5-Series

The 2007 BMW 5-Series has several submodels available for customers to choose from including 525I Sedan, 525XI Sedan, 530I Sedan, 530XI Sedan, 530XIT Wagon, 550I Sedan. The base 2007 BMW 5-Series model features a Normal 3.0-liter L6 engine and a 6-speed Automatic transmission.

525I Sedan

Powered by a smooth, 3.0-liter, 215-hp engine, the 2007 525i delivers the kind of show-stopping performance you’ve come to expect of a 5 Series—and then some. With a spirited new design, roomier interior, and state-of-the-art handling and safety systems, the 525i offers more of what drivers have come to love about the 5 Series.
• 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


525XI Sedan
Introducing the 525xi. With BMW’s intelligent xDrive, all-wheel-drive system, the highly celebrated 5 Series performance goes everywhere you want to go–whenever you want to go. By shifting the power where it’s needed most, you get the brilliant handling and feel of BMW rear-wheel drive when it’s dry, and the added control of All-Wheel Drive when the conditions demand it. And with the power of a 215-hp 3.0-liter lightweight magnesium/aluminum Inline Six and Dynamic Stability Control, you’ve got an exhilarating driving combination that will continue to amaze you. Unconditionally.
• 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): 27 and EPA city (mpg): 19
• 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


530I Sedan
The graceful beauty of the 530i exterior is the first hint that you are in the presence of perfection. Powered by a 3.0-liter, 255-hp inline-six engine with Double VANOS valve timing, the 2007 530i sets a benchmark for performance and agility. Industry-leading safety systems, enhanced performance features, and an expanded interior add up to unparalleled control, comfort, and peace of mind
• 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: 190 kW , 255 HP SAE @ 6,600 rpm; 220 ft lb , 298 Nm @ 2,750 rpm


530XI Sedan
The new 530xi combines the legendary agility of the 5 Series with the brilliance of BMW’s xDrive, all-wheel-drive system technology. By sending power where it’s needed most, the 530xi remains true to its rear-wheel drive performance heritage on dry roads, but shifts the power to the wheels with the most traction when the road conditions demand it. Combine that with a 255-hp lightweight magnesium/aluminum 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine and Dynamic Stability Control, and you’ve got the perfect balance of power, exhilaration and control. The 530xi, All-Wheel Drive that drives like a BMW every day of the year.

• 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): 27 and EPA city (mpg): 19
• Multi-point injection fuel system
• 18.5 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank
• Power: 190 kW , 255 HP SAE @ 6,600 rpm; 220 ft lb , 298 Nm @ 2,750 rpm


530XIT Wagon
The 2007 BMW 530xi Sports Wagon combines the driving thrills of a sports car with the versatility of a wagon. With its potent 3.0-liter, 24-valve, 255-hp 6-cylinder engine, crisp handling, and spacious cargo area, the 530xi Sports Wagon is pure driving pleasure, whether carrying cargo on long journeys or on a daily drive. And thanks to xDrive, all-wheel-drive system and Dynamic Stability Control technologies, it’s ready to put the fun in function regardless of weather conditions.


• 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): 27 and EPA city (mpg): 19
• Multi-point injection fuel system
• 18.5 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank
• Power: 190 kW , 255 HP SAE @ 6,600 rpm; 220 ft lb , 298 Nm @ 2,750 rpm


550I Sedan
This completely loaded 2007 550i comes equipped with the sport package, cold weather package, Comfort Access keyless ignition/locking, adaptive xenon headlights, park distance control, multicountour Comfort Seats, heated rear seats, navigation system, and rare Night Vision infrared camera system!


• 4,800 cc 4.8 liters V 8 front engine with 93 mm bore, 88.4 mm stroke, 10.5 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder
• Premium unleaded fuel 91
• Fuel economy EPA highway (mpg): 23 and EPA city (mpg): 15
• Multi-point injection fuel system
• 18.5 gallon main premium unleaded fuel tank
• Power: 268 kW , 360 HP SAE @ 6,300 rpm; 360 ft lb , 488 Nm @ 3,400 rpm

BMW 3 Series Coupé

BMW 3 Series Coupé Named

"Best Real World" Sports Car By MSN Website

BERKSHIRE, England - March 12, 2007: In its annual poll, nearly a quarter of MSN's website readers voted the sleek new coupé Car of the Year 2007, placing it ahead of supercar rivals such as the Ferrari 599 GTB and the Lamborghini Murcielago LP640.

The online poll conducted on MSN Cars saw the BMW 3 Series Coupé drive into poll position with 23 per cent of the votes – nearly double that of the second placed car. Readers rated the 3 Series Coupé above the Ferrari 599GTB because of its looks, drivability and its unbeatable brand-image.

Tom Evans, manager of MSN Cars, said: “After two years where the winners were the brilliant but somewhat inaccessible Aston Martin DB9 and Bugatti Veyron, it’s great that our users chose the BMW 3 Series Coupé – a car that many may end up driving sooner or later. It’s a cracking looking car, and great to drive too, making it a worthy winner.”

News of the award comes as the BMW 335i has been shortlisted for the title of 2007 World Performance Car and the BMW Hydrogen 7 for the title of 2007 World Green Car. Both models have made the cut from an initial entry list of 28 vehicles to a shortlist of three vehicles per category. The brace of BMWs have been chosen and voted on by an international jury comprising 44 of the world’s leading automotive journalists from 22 countries. The results of the 2007 World Car of the Year awards will be announced at the New York International Auto Show on 5 April, 2007.

http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2007/03/12/040002.html