The BMW 650i Coupe and Convertible receive the latest version of BMW's iDrive software and a hard-drive-based navigation system with 13 gigabytes of multimedia storage. For better or worse, the 2010 BMW 6 Series is a reminder of what happened on erstwhile BMW design chief Chris Bangle's watch.
Additional points in the 6 Series' favor include a choice of coupe and convertible body styles, a trick soft top with an independent power glass rear window on the convertible, and excellent ride and handling characteristics.Though you'll certainly want to check out Mercedes-Benz's new E-Class Coupe as well as the Jaguar XK-Series, this BMW continues to be a very appealing luxury sport coupe and convertible.Body Styles, Trim Levels, and OptionsThe 2010 BMW 650i is available in coupe and convertible body styles.
Options include a Sport package that adds 19-inch wheels, sport seats, a sport-tuned suspension, a body kit, different exhaust tuning, a unique hood design, an Alcantara headliner (coupe only) and exclusive color options. Standard safety equipment includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes with advanced standby and drying features, stability control, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags and active head restraints. The coupe features side curtain airbags while the convertible gets pop-up rollover hoops.
Both coupe and convertible have an easy-entry feature for accessing the rear quarters, but only the convertible's is power-operated. Driving ImpressionsThe 2010 BMW 650i isn't as sporting as some other BMW models, but its well-controlled body motions and firm-yet-supple ride are certainly up to BMW standards.
The 2010 BMW 328i loses its standard sunroof but gains standard HD radio. For unparalleled driving excellence, the 2010 BMW 3 Series is still where it's at.
For '09, the sedan and wagon's controversial taillight design was rectified, and a gloriously torquey and fuel-efficient turbodiesel inline-6 became available for the sedan.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 BMW 3 Series is available in sedan, wagon, coupe and hardtop-convertible body styles. The base model for all styles is the rear-wheel-drive 328i, while the coupe, sedan and wagon also come in all-wheel-drive 328i xDrive guise. The range-topping sedan model is the diesel-powered 335d.
Coupe and convertible versions come with slightly more equipment, including a sport-tuned suspension on the coupe and a power-retractable hardtop on the convertible. The Premium package adds leather upholstery (heat-reflective in the convertible), auto-dimming mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity, 2010 BMW 3-Series Assist telematics and, on 328i models, a sunroof and power seats with driver memory. The Sport package specifies a firmer suspension on convertibles, sedans and wagons (the coupe already has this as standard) and all get larger wheels, sport seats and steering wheel, and special "Shadowline" exterior trim. The Climate package adds heated front seats and steering wheel, retractable headlight washers and fold-down rear seats (though the latter are unavailable in the convertible).
Powertrains and Performance The 328i models are powered by a 3.0-liter inline-6 that produces 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. The 335i with the automatic achieves 17 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined, while the manual transmission and all-wheel drive lower those numbers slightly. The 335d is rated at an impressive 23 mpg city/36 mpg highway and 27 mpg combined.
Safety Standard safety equipment on the 2010 BMW 3 Series includes antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. The 3 Series also scored a "Good" for side crash protection except for the convertible, which received the second-lowest "Marginal" score. The 2010 BMW 3 Series interiors will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in a BMW product.
Driving Impressions Driving is what the 2010 BMW 3 Series does best. Sport package-equipped models can even keep pace with many genuine sports cars.
Not FAST, but Definitely FastAs it will complement the 2010 BMW 1-Series, we suspect it will be called the 1-series Gran Turismo, just as the Bavarians call their high-roof mid-size weirdness the 5-series GT. (The successors of the current 1-series coupe and convertible will be called 2-series and remain on a rear-drive platform shared with the 3-series.) The 1-series GT will spearhead BMW's move toward front-wheel drive, and it will likely be shown in late 2013 for a 2014 launch in Europe.
Eventually, though, front-drive BMWs will be common everywhere. BMW has hinted that it aims to reach an even production split between front-wheel-drive vehicles, including Mini, and rear-drivers. The 2010 BMW 128i loses its standard sunroof but gains HD radio. Alas, the 2010 BMW 1 Series is none of the above. If you're alright with its looks, the 2010 BMW 1 Series is a must-drive in this segment.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2010 BMW 1 Series is available as a compact coupe and a soft-top convertible. All convertibles also come with a power-operated soft top and an upgraded climate control system. Options on the 128i include a sunroof and a Sport package that features different 17-inch wheels, performance tires, the 135i's sport suspension and sport seats. The 135i Sport package includes the sport seats and an M Sport steering wheel.
The rear-wheel-drive 2010 BMW 128i is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-6 that produces 230 hp and 200 pound-feet of torque. Antilock disc brakes (with brake drying and standby feature), traction and stability control and start-off assist for manual-equipped cars are all standard on the 2010 BMW 1 Series. Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on the coupe; convertibles come equipped with front-seat side airbags that extend higher to protect occupants' heads.
From a 21st-century perspective, BMW 325 Series is about as slam-dunk-wonderful a car as there is available. In the mid 1970s, BMW faced the task of replacing its aging 2002 coupe. BMW picked a ripe moment in history to introduce the first 3 Series generation, internally designated E21. In 1974, BMW sold 184,330 cars, but bolstered by the European introduction of the 3 Series in 1975, worldwide sales reached 221,298.
The 3 Series hit North America as a 1977 model, and that pushed BMW production over 290,000 that year and beyond 320,000 in 1978.
The only E21 model available Stateside was the 320i. Basic elements like the MacPherson strut front and trailing arm rear suspension and front disc/rear drum power braking system differed in detail and specification, but were similar in overall design. The standard transmission remained a Getrag four-speed manual, while a ZF three-speed automatic was optional.
In 1980, the engine shrank to 1.8 liters (though the name remained 320i) and BMW 325 added a three-way catalytic converter to the emissions control system. Designated E30, the second-generation 3 Series was initially available only in two-door form.
While hardly sporting in character, its 121 hp was the most BMW 325 had offered to U.S. buyers since the long-ago 2002tii, and the car was decently quick, making it to 60 mph in 8.9 seconds and completing the quarter-mile in 16.6 seconds at 81.5 mph for Road & Track. The E30 really came of age in the 1987 model year with the appearance of the 325i and 325is models, which abandoned the "eta" reduced-rev/high-fuel-mileage engine concept, as well as the introduction of the 325iC convertible, the first pure convertible offered in the 3 Series. Car and Driver's 325is blasted to 60 mph in just 7.4 seconds and completed the quarter-mile in 15.6 seconds at 88 mph. So gratifying and ingratiating was the new 325i engine that most reviewers felt the car was worth its soaring price tag. Dropped into a modified 3 Series two-door body shell (the flared fenders, more steeply raked rear window and higher trunk lid meant only the hood was left untouched compared with more plebian 3 Series coupes), the Bosch fuel-injected "M Power" four was rated at 192 hp at a wailing 6,750 rpm when it finally got to North America.
Stirring the five-speed manual transmission, Car and Driver blasted that 2,857-pound M3 to 60 mph in just 6.9 seconds, blitzed the quarter-mile in just 15.2 seconds with a 92-mph trap speed and screamed to a 141-mph top speed. With an as-tested price of $34,810, the M3 was at that time (and remains for many purists) the ultimate BMW 3 Series.
Thanks to the E30, the two-door heritage of the 2002 and 320i had been transcended, and the 3 Series was now a full line of compact coupes, sedans and convertibles with serious sporting pretensions. At 106.3 inches, its wheelbase stretched 5.1 inches longer than the E30's, and the car was slightly more than 4 inches longer overall. While the E36's front suspension retained its traditional MacPherson strut design, engineers made the rear suspension more sophisticated than ever before. By the 1993 model year, the M50 engine would gain BMW's VANOS variable valve timing system, and consequently a sweeter, fatter torque curve.
The four-cylinder engine in the 318i also used a four-valve cylinder head to make 138 hp. But U.S. BMW 325 buyers were increasingly opting for six-cylinder engines in their cars, and throughout the E36's production cycle, fewer and fewer fours were sold. Unlike previous 3 Series two-doors, the E36 version wasn't an upright sedan with two fewer doors, but an altogether rakish coupe. Never fully accepted by many BMW enthusiasts, the 318ti would attract relatively few U.S. buyers before leaving production after the 1999 model year.
In 1998, a 168-hp 2.5-liter version of the inline-6 was offered in the coupe and convertible to create, counter-intuitively, the 323i convertible and 323is coupe. The M3 Evolution appeared as a 1996 model, and nominal engine displacement grew from 3.0 liters to 3.2.
Many wondered how BMW 325 could possibly improve upon this iconic car.
1999-2005 The headlights now featured "cut outs" below the lenses, which emphasized the traditional BMW 325 quad headlight design. The E46 328i's 2.8-liter mill made 193 hp at 5,500 rpm and 206 lb-ft of torque at just 3,500 rpm, while the 2.5-liter produced 170 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque in the still confusingly named 323i.
For 2011, the BMW Z4 gets a range-topping, higher-performance model known as the sDrive35is. Many of that trim's enhanced handling features are available on the lower trims in a new M Sport package.
Trust us; it's a lot cooler than its clunky name sounds, boasting 35 additional horsepower from the 35i's twin-turbo inline-6, enhanced steering and an M Sport package that adds adaptive suspension dampers, 18-inch wheels, an aerodynamic exterior kit and sport seats.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 BMW Z4 is a two-seat retractable-hardtop luxury roadster available in three trim levels that correspond with engine choice: sDrive30i, sDrive35i and sDrive35is.
Standard equipment on the sDrive30i includes 17-inch wheels, adjustable sport driving settings (steering, throttle and automatic transmission if applicable), automatic adaptive xenon headlights, automatic wipers, a fully powered retractable hardtop, cruise control, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, six-way manually adjustable seats and a sound system that includes a single-CD player, auxiliary audio jack and HD radio. This package includes 18-inch wheels, adaptive suspension dampers, an aerodynamic body kit, increased top speed, a thicker M steering wheel and 10-way manually adjustable sport seats with power bolster adjustment.
The Cold Weather package adds to all models heated seats, a heated steering wheel, retractable headlight washers and a trunk pass-through. The Premium package adds auto-dimming mirrors, power-adjustable seats, 2011 BMW Z4 Assist telematics, Bluetooth and on the 30i, leather upholstery and automatic climate control. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a traditional six-speed automatic is optional. EPA-estimated fuel economy with both transmissions is 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a dual-clutch seven-speed automated manual is optional. The dual-clutch automated manual is standard. 2011 BMW Z4 estimates a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds. Estimated fuel economy is 17/24/19.
Side impact airbags, antilock brakes with brake assist and stability control are all standard on the 2011 BMW Z4. BMW Assist emergency telematics is optional.
The 2011 BMW Z4's cabin is sleek and upscale.
Case in point: the 2011 BMW X6. Even the odd BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo makes more practical sense.
The 2011 BMW X6 is a four-seat SUV available in two trim styles that correspond to engine: xDrive35i and xDrive50i. The term xDrive refers to its standard all-wheel-drive system. Standard equipment on the X6 xDrive35i includes 19-inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, a power tailgate, a sunroof, automatic and adaptive bi-xenon headlights, foglights, automatic wipers, cruise control, 10-way power front seats, driver memory functions, leather upholstery, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, the iDrive electronics interface and a 10-speaker sound system with CD player, auxiliary audio jack and HD radio. Aside from its twin-turbo V8, the xDrive50i adds 14-way "multicontour" front seats, BMW Assist emergency telematics, Bluetooth and a navigation system with voice controls and real-time traffic. The Cold Weather package adds heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and retractable headlight washers. The Active Ventilated Seat package adds automatically adjusting driver seat bolsters, ventilated seats and perforated leather upholstery. The Rear Climate package adds four-zone climate control, tinted glass and manual rear side window shades.
The xDrive50i can be further equipped with a multiview parking camera and sport seats.Powertrains and PerformanceThe 2011 BMW X6 xDrive35i is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that produces 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. As with the xDrive50i, an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 13 mpg city/18 mpg highway and 15 mpg combined.
Standard safety features on the 2011 BMW X6 include antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, hill descent control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.
Also included is BMW's advanced Dynamic Performance Control (DPC) that greatly enhances directional stability and traction by redirecting power to individual wheels. BMW Assist emergency telematics are optional.
The 2011 BMW X5 gets significant powertrain changes for 2011. The 2011 BMW X5 is a midsize luxury crossover SUV that comes standard with five-passenger seating. There are five trim levels available: xDrive35i, xDrive35i Premium, xDrive35i Sport Activity, xDrive35d and xDrive50i.
Standard equipment on the xDrive35i includes 18-inch wheels, foglights, automatic and adaptive xenon headlights, automatic wipers, cruise control, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 10-way power front seats, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery and a 12-speaker sound system with HD radio, a CD player and an auxiliary audio jack. The xDrive35i Premium adds to the 35d's extra content 19-inch wheels, roof rails, privacy glass, a power-adjustable steering wheel, leather upholstery and an iPod/USB audio interface (all optional on xDrive35d). The xDrive35i Sport Activity adds an upgraded suspension, 20-inch wheels, sport seats, a thicker steering wheel, darker exterior trim and an increased top speed.
The base xDrive35i has the fewest number of optional items available, with only a Convenience package (panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, 2011 BMW X5 Assist telematics and Bluetooth), heated front seats, satellite radio, the iPod interface and navigation system available.The M Sport package available on the xDrive35i Sport Activity and xDrive50i includes different 20-inch wheels, the adaptive suspension, parking sensors, a body kit and an M steering wheel.
Powertrains and PerformanceEvery 2011 BMW X5 is all-wheel drive (hence xDrive), but there are three engines available. The xDrive35i gets a 3.0-liter inline-6 turbocharged to produce 300 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque.
Both this engine and the xDrive50i come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine, which features so-called "clean diesel" technology returns estimated fuel economy of 19/26/22.SafetyStandard safety equipment for the 2011 BMW X5 includes antilock brakes, stability control, brake drying and standby features, a rollover sensor, front side airbags and side curtain airbags for the first and second rows.
In government crash tests, the X5 scored a perfect five stars for frontal-impact driver protection and four stars for frontal-impact passenger protection. The front seats are nicely shaped and adjust for a wide range of body types (the optional comfort seats offer even more adjustment).
The 2011 BMW X3 has been fully redesigned. Thankfully, BMW softened the suspension and upped the power in successive years. An optional adaptive suspension allows the driver to select from three different modes calibrating suspension, throttle, transmission and stability control settings.
The xDrive28i ostensibly replaces last year's xDrive30i, and offers slightly less power, but also a slimmer entry fee.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2011 BMW X3 is a five-passenger compact luxury crossover SUV available in two trim levels: the xDrive28i and the xDrive35i. Standard features on the 28i include 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, rain-sensing windshield wipers, eight-way power front seats, a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, leatherette (premium vinyl) upholstery, automatic climate control, cruise control, Bluetooth, BMW's iDrive electronics interface and a 12-speaker audio system with a CD player, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod interface.
The Sport Activity package varies slightly for each model, but includes 18-inch wheels, sport front seats, roof rails and a sport transmission with paddle shifters. Opting for the Dynamic Handling package gets you adaptive suspension dampers, variable-ratio steering and three driver-selectable drive modes. A Cold Weather package adds heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel.
A 3.0-liter inline-6 engine powers both 2011 BMW X3 models. BMW estimates the x35i's fuel economy at 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway.
Standard safety equipment includes antilock disc brakes, automatic brake drying (useful in rainy weather), front airbags, front-seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, active front-seat head restraints, stability control, and hill descent control.
There is a sports car that doesn't look like a sports car.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options The 2011 BMW M3 is available in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles. The coupe adds a carbon-fiber roof and split-folding rear seat, while the convertible adds a fully powered retractable hardtop and sun-reflective leather.
The Cold Weather package adds heated front seats and retractable headlight washers. The Premium package adds power-folding auto-dimming mirrors, 2011 BMW M3 Assist telematics, Bluetooth, leather upholstery and different interior trim.
The Technology package adds electronic damping control, M Drive adjustable settings, keyless ignition/entry, the iDrive electronics interface and a navigation system with voice controls and real-time traffic. Most of the above items are available as stand-alone options along with 19-inch wheels, a sunroof (deletes carbon-fiber roof on the coupe), rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, power rear sunshade (coupe and sedan), a split-folding rear seat (sedan), satellite radio, an iPod/USB adapter and a 16-speaker premium sound system.
The coupe and sedan can be equipped with the Competition package, which adds EDC (electronic damping control), 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires, a lowered suspension and different programming for EDC and stability control.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission (M DCT) is optional. The latter offers manual operation via steering-wheel paddles as well as a full automatic mode. All M3s feature a specialized locking rear differential. A manual-equipped convertible gets 13 mpg city.
Safety Standard safety features for the 2010 BMW M3 include front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests gave the 3 Series sedan "Good" ratings (the highest possible) in both frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing, although the convertible received a second-lowest "Marginal" score.
The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 carries over unchanged for 2011.
The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 wants to be a kind of hybrid vehicle with personality, a crossover utility executed with coupe-style character and hybrid-style fuel efficiency.
Together with the turbocharged V8 from the BMW X6 xDrive50i, the ActiveHybrid system produces a total of 480 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque. Well, thanks to all that power and weight, the ActiveHybrid manages to only better the 300-hp X6 xDrive35i by 1 mpg in EPA combined driving.
In comparison, the diesel-powered BMW X5 is more practical, costs less and delivers 4 mpg more on the EPA's combined cycle.
The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is a four-passenger SUV available in a single trim level.
The Cold Weather package adds a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, retractable headlight washers and a rear seat pass-through ski bag. Other options include automatic high beams, 19-inch wheels, sport seats, ventilated and massaging front seats, rear manual window shades, a rear seat entertainment system, an enhanced sound system and satellite radio.
Powertrains and Performance Powering the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is the combination of a traditional gasoline engine and two electric motors that are integrated with the transmission. In performance testing, the ActiveHybrid X6 went from zero to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds -- the same performance as the regular V8-powered X6. The fuel economy according to EPA estimates is 17 mpg city/19 mpg highway and 18 mpg combined.
Standard safety features on the 2010 ActiveHybrid X6 include antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, trailer stability control, hill descent control, adaptive headlights, front-seat side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and BMW Assist emergency telematics.
The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is a new hybrid variant of the 7 Series sedan.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and OptionsThe 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is a large luxury sedan available in 750i and extended-wheelbase 750Li trims. The base 750i comes with a wealth of standard features, including 19-inch alloy wheels, exclusive hybrid badging, a power-closing trunk, soft-close doors, automatic adaptive xenon headlights, an adaptive adjustable suspension, front and rear parking sensors, a sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, power-folding and auto-dimming heated mirrors and keyless entry/ignition.
The Driver Assistance package adds a blind-spot warning system, a lane-departure warning system and automatic high beams. In addition to the options listed above, the 750Li is eligible for a Luxury Rear Seating package, which includes power rear seats with cooling and massaging functions.The hybrid 7 Series features a gasoline/electric hybrid power plant.
The electric motor (powered by a trunk-mounted lithium-ion battery) adds 20 hp and 155 lb-ft to the mix. Like all 7 Series models, the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 also features the Driving Dynamics Control system, which has four driver-selectable settings for shift response, throttle response, shock absorber firmness, power-steering assist and stability control.SafetyStandard safety features include antilock brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.
Notably, the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 includes some standard features that are options on the regular 750, including the premium 16-speaker sound system and keyless ignition/entry.Available rear seat heating and even a massage feature should satisfy the most demanding of passengers.
Driving ImpressionsThe 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 7's fuel economy gains are not insignificant, but this super-luxury sedan is most impressive when your foot's on the floor. Compared to other luxury hybrid sedans like the LS 600h and S400 Hybrid, the ActiveHybrid 7 has a firmer ride quality, even in Comfort mode.
Found in the new 740i and 740Li, it's an uprated version of BMW's twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6.
As for the driving experience, the 7 Series is one of the most engaging vehicles to drive in the class. The 2011 BMW 7 Series is available in 740i, 740Li, 750i, 750Li and 760Li trims. The Li indicates the extended-wheelbase body style, while the 750 models can be equipped with xDrive all-wheel drive.
The Cold Weather package adds a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats and heated front seats on the 740i (they are standard on all other models). The Driver Assistance package adds automatic high beams, a lane departure warning system and a blind spot warning system.The Camera package adds a rearview camera, a top-view parking camera and sideview cameras.
The Luxury Seating package includes ventilated front seats, active front seat side bolsters and power rear and side sunshades. The Luxury Rear Seating package available on Li models adds rear seats that are power-adjustable and ventilated.
The M Sport package adds active roll stabilization, 19-inch wheels (20-inch upgrade available), a sport steering wheel, an aerodynamic body kit and darkened "Shadowline" exterior trim.Additional stand-alone items available on all 2011 BMW 7-Series models include a rear seat entertainment system, a head-up display, active cruise control, an infrared night vision system, extended leather trim, special interior color/trim schemes and ceramic-lined controls.The 2011 BMW 740i and 740Li are powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 that produces 315 hp and 330 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard.
The 2011 BMW 750i and 750Li are powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. EPA-estimated fuel economy stands at 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway and 17 mpg combined. An eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive are standard. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 13/19/15.
Standard safety features include antilock brakes (with brake assist, brake fade compensation, brake drying and a brake standby feature), stability and traction control, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints. As BMW's flagship, the 2011 BMW 7-Series represents the company's pinnacle of luxury, comfort and cutting-edge technology.
The 2011 BMW 5 Series has been completely redesigned. Few models have sustained such a high level of excellence as the BMW 5 Series. BMW has also introduced a new eight-speed automatic transmission that boosts fuel economy and acceleration compared to last year's six-speed auto.
New feature highlights include the latest (and greatly improved) iDrive system, an automated parallel parking system, a head-up display, top-view and sideview cameras and a blind-spot monitoring system.
The 2011 BMW 5 Series sedan is offered with three available engines that correspond to three trim levels: 528i, 535i and 550i. On the inside you'll find leatherette upholstery, eight-way power front seats, driver memory functions, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, the iDrive control interface, Bluetooth, BMW Assist emergency telematics and a 12-speaker CD audio system with HD radio.
Opting for the Dynamic Handling package equips the 5 Series with an adaptive suspension. Other major options, which may or may not be grouped into other packages, include keyless ignition/entry, a night-vision camera, automatic high-beam headlights, active cruise control, active four-wheel steering (535i and 550i), an automatic parallel-parking system, sideview and top-view cameras, a rearview camera, a premium audio system, an iPod/USB adapter, satellite radio, a rear sunshade, heated and ventilated front seats, rear climate control, a rear-seat entertainment system, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel and smartphone integration.
Powertrains and Performance
The entry-level 528i comes with a 3.0-liter straight-6 engine that's rated at 240 hp and 230 pound feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with xDrive all-wheel drive being optional on the 535i and 550i.
Power is directed through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic with manual-shift control. The 528i earns 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined.
Safety
Standard safety equipment for the 2011 BMW 5 Series includes stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and the BMW Assist emergency communications system. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the 5 Series earned a top rating of "Good" in both frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests.
Driving Impressions
If equipped with the optional adaptive suspension and active steering, the 2011 BMW 5Series does an excellent job of providing both a comfortable ride and capable handling.
All 335i models receive a new, more fuel-efficient turbocharged engine. The old twin-turbo inline-6 lives on, however, in the new 335is coupe and convertible.
This sport-tuned version produces 320 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, with an overboost function that can briefly bump torque up to 370 lb-ft. The 2011 BMW 3 Series is available in sedan, wagon, coupe and hardtop-convertible body styles. The base model for all styles is the rear-wheel-drive 328i, while the coupe, sedan and wagon also come in all-wheel-drive 328i xDrive guise.
The coupe and convertible are available as the sport-oriented 335is. The coupe comes with a sport-tuned suspension, while the convertible gets a power-retractable hardtop, an upgraded stereo and power front seats with driver memory. In addition to their different engines, the 335i and 335d add 17-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights (sedan and wagon), a sunroof (not convertible) and power front seats with driver memory.
The 335is coupe and convertible get a more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, a special body kit, sport seats and a sport steering wheel.The Premium package adds leather upholstery (heat-reflective in the convertible), auto-dimming mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity, BMW Assist telematics and, on 328i models, a sunroof and power seats with driver memory.
The Sport package (all but 335is) specifies the sport-tuned suspension for convertibles, sedans and wagons (the coupe already has this as standard) and all get larger wheels, the sport seats and steering wheel, and special "Shadowline" exterior trim. The Convenience package adds adaptive xenon headlights (328i), front and rear parking sensors, power rear sunshade (not convertible or wagon), keyless ignition/entry and manual side window shades (sedan and wagon).
The 2011 BMW 3 Series comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but all models but the convertible, 335d and 335is can be equipped with xDrive all-wheel drive.According to the EPA, fuel economy is an estimated 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. The 335i features a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that produces 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. BMW's estimated fuel economy is 18/26/21 with the manual and 17/24/19 with DCT.A six-speed automatic is standard.
SafetyStandard safety equipment on the 2011 BMW 3 Series includes antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.
Interior Design and Special FeaturesThe 2011 BMW 3 Series interiors will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in a BMW product.
Driving ImpressionsDriving is what the 2011 BMW 3 Series does best. Sport package-equipped models can even keep pace with many genuine sports cars.
For 2012, the 2012 BMW X6 gains an optional rear center seat that increases passenger capacity to five.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and OptionsThe 2012 BMW X6 is a four-passenger SUV (an optional center seat for the rear increases capacity to five) available in two trim styles that correspond to engine choice: the xDrive35i and xDrive50i. The term xDrive refers to an all-wheel-drive system as standard equipment. Standard equipment on the X6 xDrive35i includes 19-inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, power tailgate, sunroof, automatic and adaptive bi-xenon headlights, foglights, automatic wipers, cruise control, 10-way power front seats, heated front seats, driver memory functions, leather upholstery, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, the iDrive electronics interface and a 10-speaker sound system with CD player, iPod/USB adapter and HD radio.
Aside from its twin-turbo V8, the xDrive50i adds 14-way-adjustable front seats, BMW Assist emergency telematics, Bluetooth and a navigation system with voice controls and real-time traffic. The Cold Weather package adds heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel and retractable headlight washers.
The Active Ventilated Seat package adds automatically adjusting driver seat bolsters, ventilated seats and perforated leather upholstery. The version of this package known as Sport Activity deletes Active Drive. As with the xDrive50i, an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are standard.
EPA fuel economy estimates stand at 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined.Standard safety features on the 2012 BMW X6 include antilock disc brakes, stability control, traction control, hill descent control, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags and active front head restraints.
BMW Assist emergency telematics are optional.In standard form, the rear seat accommodates just two passengers, since the large rear center console is not removable.
The 2011 BMW 135i coupe and convertible get a new turbocharged inline-6. It would be easy to dismiss the 2011 BMW 1 Series as the baby BMW that people buy because they can't pony up for a 3 Series. Despite being the entry-level BMW, the 1 Series is available with the same inline-6 gasoline engines as the BMW 3 Series.
Also new for the 2011 version of the 135i is an optional dual-clutch automated manual transmission BMW calls DCT. Truth be told, the 2011 BMW 1 Series is rather expensive, but given its powerful engines, sports car-style handling and the dearth of other small, rear-wheel-drive models with which to compare, it's hard to say the 1 is too expensive. The 2011 BMW 1 Series comes in coupe and convertible body styles, both of which are available in 128i and 135i configurations.
The 128i convertible adds a fully lined power-folding automatic soft top and a special convertible mode for the climate control. The convertible's available leather upholstery features a sun-reflective treatment.
The 128i Sport package adds a sport-tuned suspension, different 17-inch wheels, sport seats, dark "Shadowline" exterior trim and an increased top speed. The 135i Sport package adds sport seats, an M Sport steering wheel, Shadowline trim and increased top speed. The rear-wheel-drive BMW 1 Series offers a choice of two different 3.0-liter inline-6 engines. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic transmission is optional. The convertible posted a 6.7-second time. The automatic convertible gets 18/27/21, however.
A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a seven-speed automated manual transmission (known as DCT) is optional. The manual-equipped convertible gets 19/28/22. Antilock disc brakes (with brake drying and standby feature), traction and stability control and hill start-off assist for manual-equipped cars are all standard on the 2011 BMW 1 Series. Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on the coupe; convertibles come equipped with front-seat side airbags that extend higher to protect occupants' heads.
Driving Impressions It'll take a real purpose-built sporting machine to outrun the 2011 BMW 1 Series on a winding road.
The 2012 BMW 6 Series has been fully redesigned. Taken all together, the 2012 BMW 6 Series shapes up to be a very impressive grand touring coupe and convertible. The 2012 BMW 6 Series is currently offered as a 650i coupe and convertible only. Standard equipment includes 19-inch alloy wheels, an adaptive suspension, adaptive xenon headlights, LED foglights, parking sensors, power-folding mirrors, a large tilt-only sunroof, 16-way power front seats, driver and passenger memory functions, leather upholstery, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, auto-dimming mirrors, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control and a rearview camera.
The convertible has a power soft top with a glass rear window that can be raised and lowered independently.The Luxury Seating package adds a power rear sunshade and ventilated front seat with adjustable bolsters and a massage feature. Other options include 20-inch wheels, LED headlights, active steering, active roll stabilization, an infrared night vision display, BMW Apps enhanced smartphone integration, extended leather upholstery and enhanced interior trim materials.
Powertrains and PerformanceEPA-estimated fuel economy for an automatic-equipped convertible stands at 16 mpg city/24 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. Standard safety equipment includes four-wheel antilock brakes with advanced standby and drying features, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags, active head restraints and BMW Assist.
Interior Design and Special FeaturesIt's not as elegant as the Jaguar XK's streamlined design, but the 2012 BMW 650i interior offers top-shelf materials and craftsmanship in a fitting, cockpit-centric design. The convertible's heated rear window retracts independently of the soft top, doubling as a wind deflector when the top is dropped.
Driving ImpressionsOptional Active Steering also uses rear-wheel steering for low-speed maneuverability and high-speed stability.
Entry-level BMW.Under the hood there is more proof that this is no poseur, as the 1 Series is available with the same superb inline-6 engines as the BMW 3 Series. True, the 2012 BMW 1 Series is rather expensive for a compact car, especially when one doesn't exercise restraint while perusing the various option packages. The 2012 BMW 1 Series comes in coupe and convertible body styles, both of which are available in 128i and 135i configurations.
The 128i comes standard with 17-inch wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, automatic wipers, cruise control, eight-way manual front seats, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, premium vinyl upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control and a 10-speaker stereo with a CD player, HD radio and iPod connectivity.
The convertible's available leather upholstery features a sun-reflective treatment.The 128i Sport package adds a sport-tuned suspension, different 17-inch wheels, sport seats, dark "Shadowline" exterior trim and an increased top speed.
The 135i Sport package adds sport seats, an M Sport steering wheel, Shadowline trim and increased top speed. The rear-wheel-drive 2012 BMW 1-Series offers a choice of two different 3.0-liter inline-6 engines. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic transmission is optional.
EPA-estimated fuel economy is 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined regardless of transmission. The automatic convertible gets 18/27/21, however.A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a seven-speed automated manual transmission (known as DCT) is optional.
The manual-equipped convertible gets 19/28/22.Antilock disc brakes (with brake drying and standby feature), traction and stability control and hill-start assist for manual-equipped cars are all standard on the 2012 BMW 1 Series.
Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are standard on the coupe; convertibles come equipped with front-seat side airbags that extend higher to protect occupants' heads. Driving ImpressionsIt'll take a real purpose-built sporting machine to outrun the 2012 BMW 1 Series on a winding road.
Almost 1,000 clean-diesel versions of the 2012 BMW X5 crossover will be recalled to replace a part that could cause the power steering to fail. All BMW X5 models are built in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Affinia and NAPA Auto Parts are recalling certain aftermarket Acura TL suspension parts for incorrect labeling and sizing. BMW is recalling all 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d models for issues with welds in the belt tensioner.
Aftermarket Suspension Ball Joints for 2004-2008 Acura TL Recalled for Improper Sizing, Labeling Owners can also contact Affinia at 1-815-759-7757. Only extends to 2004-2008 Acura TLs with aftermarket suspension parts purchased through NAPA. "2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d" Recalled for Belt Tensioner Issues Customers can contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417. Number of Vehicles Potentially Affected: 923 2012 X5 xDrive35d models, manufactured between March 31 and M
Reports indicate that the 2012 BMW 7 Series will be available in the standard length and Li models. The Li orexecutive saloon model has a slightly wheelbase.
Models In addition to the Li several other models of the BMW 7 series should hit the showrooms in 2012. The Alpina are higher performance models of the 7 series that are slightly more polished and sporty.
The turbocharged 3.0 liter six cylinder should provide drivers with 315 horsepower and 330 pounds of torque. The 4.4 liter V-8 should give drivers 400 horsepower and 450 pounds of torque. All series 7 models will be available in rear wheel drive. Most Series 7 models will have BMW’s xDrive all wheel drive available as an option. This feature won’t be available on this years Series 750 and Alipina B7 models.
Features As usual BMW will be offering a wide range of features in this years’ Series 7. • Xenon Headlights • Keyless push button ignition system. Price Unfortunately the sticker price for this year’s BMW 7 series hasn’t been announced
The BMW 650i Coupe and Convertible receive the latest version of BMW's iDrive software and a hard-drive-based navigation system with 13 gigabytes of multimedia storage. For better or worse, the 2010 BMW 6 Series is a reminder of what happened on erstwhile BMW design chief Chris Bangle's watch.
