Know your Beemer

Red Dawg · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 9:08 am Post subject: Know your Beemer

The current BMW model lineup is split into what is referred to as "Series", traditionally identified by a single digit - e.g. the 3 Series.
In 2004 BMW announced plans to make odd-numbered series saloon/sedan and estate/wagon models (BMW calls its estates/wagons Touring models), while even-numbered series will be two-door coupes and cabriolets. This convention started informally in 1976 with the introduction of the 6 Series and later continued in 1989 with the 8 Series, but died off when the latter was discontinued in 1999. This practice was revived as the Z4 replaced the aging Z3 roadster in 2003 and continues as the new 6 Series augments the existing BMW 5 Series.

1 Series
The 1 Series was launched in fall 2004 and a 3-Door that was launched in July 2007 on the BMW International website. Because it is the only rear wheel drive vehicle in its class, it is considered the heir apparent to the original 2002 sport sedan from the 1960s. A Coupe has been announced for late 2007, and there are concepts for a convertible. U.S. introduction for the 1 series is expected in 2008 as a coupe and convertible, in the 128i and the 135i. The 135i is slated to receive the 300 horsepower (220 kW) twin turbo 6 cylinder engine from the 3 series. The 1 series pricing fits neatly between MINI and the current E90 3-series.

3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured since 1975. The E90 is the 5th generation 3 series. Available from 2006 to present, it is offered as the sport sedan (E90), sport wagon (E91), sport coupe (E92), and sport coupe convertible (E93). The E90 series is completely re-engineered from the E46, including changes to motor choices, transmission, the passenger compartment comfort, suspension technology, as well as a host of High-Tech features and options.
The 3 series is not only one of BMW's most important models, it also accounts for a majority of worldwide sales.

5 Series
A mid-size luxury car / executive car. For 2008, BMW has revised the 5 series with a slightly redesigned interior, subtle exterior details, and new motor options. The motors offered are BMW's N52 and N54 inline 6-cylinder motors, as well as diesel and V8 options.
The BMW 5 series has been one of BMW's "experimental" cars, in which they can explore newer ideas. They have inserted new technologies and new ideas into this model that may have seemed radical for its time. One such example of this "testing" approach is the new headlight design. These types of changes to the 5 Series have allowed BMW to assess the reaction of consumers to their new designs before expanding the changes to other model series. Consequently, it has at times led people to question BMW's approach to design.
The M5 is the motorsport division's version of the 5 Series. The new M5 (built on the E60 5 series chassis) is powered by a F1-inspired V10 engine, producing 507 hp (378 kW) and is mated with a 7-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) transmission, which is capable of a delimited top speed of about 330 km/h (production variants are restricted to 250 km/h, or 155 mph). BMW has also recently added a 6-speed manual transmission for newer 2007 models. The colour palette differs from its more modest 5 Series siblings.

6 Series
The 6 Series is BMW's grand touring luxury sport coupe. Currently available as the 650i in coupe and coupe convertible, the 6 series returned in 2004, after a 15 year absence from BMW's model lineup.
Although many spy photos were seen with the 6-Series having a half-life update, like the 5-Series, BMW released the updated 6-Series in July 2007. It is unknown when the M6 coupe & cabriolet update versions will be released, however both are expected soon.
M6: A high performance version of the 6 Series. Developed by BMW's M Division, it is powered by the same 5.0 L V10 507 hp (378 kW) engine seen in the BMW M5. It is currently available in Europe, North America and Australia.

7 Series
BMW's full-size flagship executive sedan. Typically, BMW introduces much of their innovations first in the vaunted 7 series. It has been deemed a "sports car at the helm and a limousine in the rear". Numerous landmark and breakthrough technologies for the entire automotive industry debut on the 7 series. For example, the groundbreaking and controversial iDrive, or the world's first Hydrogen powered production vehicle, has all debuted in the 7 series. The 7-Series Hydrogen, the world�s first luxury performance sedan with hydrogen drive, it runs on the most plentiful element in the world and emits virtually nothing but water vapor. And because the infrastructure for refueling a hydrogen internal combustion engine is not yet complete, the V12 engine also runs on gasoline, enabled via a push button system. Numerous engines power the 7 series worldwide. BMW offers diesel, V8 and V12 motors, as well as the Alpina tuned supercharged V8. Additionally, the 760Li is also made in a bulletproof version.

X3
BMW's second SUV debuted in 2004 (called SAV or Sports Activity Vehicle by BMW) and is based on the E46 3 Series layout, but the exterior is quite unique. For 2007, the X3 is powered by the N52 inline 6 cylinder engine that debuted with the 2006 E90 3 Series. The X3 is a more functionally oriented vehicle that American buyers seem to prefer over a wagon; it is BMW's answer to the growing crossover segment of the market. It has performed quite well in sales, but in 2007 a face lift was given to the X3, including an X-drive update, suspension adjustments, an engine upgrade, and aesthetics inside and out.
Marketed in Europe as an off-roader, it benefits from an advanced all-wheel drive system. This, combined with its standard "Enhanced DSC" stability control, make the X3 a capable vehicle on and off road.

X5
The BMW X5 (E53) is a mid-size luxury SUV (SAV) sold by BMW since 2000. It features all-wheel drive and a line of straight-6 and V8 engines. For non-US models there is a 3.0 L diesel engine.
The BMW E70 automobile platform replaced the BMW E53 in November 2006. The E70-based X5 SUV features many new technological advancements including BMW's iDrive system as standard equipment and, for the first time in a BMW, an optional third row seat which has increased the seating capacity in the new X5 to 7 passengers.
The E53 model was rated the by IIHS in 2002 to be the safest vehicle that organization had ever tested. Since then, BMW has applied their craft to the current generation E70 to incorporate innovative "firsts" for the SUV/SAV industry, such as Run Flat Tires, complimentary BMW Assist, and a unique rear framing section to protect 3rd row occupants from injury due to an impact.

Z4
A 2-seater roadster and coupe which succeeded the Z3. From 2006 the Z4 Roadster is available as a 3.0i (3.0 L I6 with 215 hp), a 3.0si available with the new generation 3.0 L I6 with 255 hp (190 kW), a 2.5si with a 2.5 I6 with 218 bhp (163 kW) or a 2.0i with a 150 bhp (112 kW) 2.0 L I4. The Z4 Coupe is available only in the high-performance 3.0si trim powered by the 3.0 L 255 hp (190 kW) I6.
Z4 M The new Z4 M roadster has been released as a Z4 with an E46 M3 motor (3.2 L, 343 hp) and also features the M braking, suspension, and M characteristics. There is also an M coupe model available.
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Red Dawg · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 9:09 am Post subject:

BMW M

BMW M GmbH (previously: BMW Motorsport GmbH) is a subsidiary of German car manufacturer BMW AG established in May 1972 with just eight employees. BMW M, also known as M-Technik or just "M" (for Motorsport) was initially created to facilitate BMW�s racing program, which was very successful in the 1960s and 1970s. The first racing project was BMW�s 3.0 CSL; in the late 1970s the first modified street legal road cars were produced for the contracted racecar drivers as their personal vehicles. By 1988, the number of employees had risen to 400.

M3
Based on the 3 Series Coupe & Convertible, the M3 defined an entirely new market for BMW: a race ready production vehicle. Since its debut, the M3 is heralded in enthusiast circles, in large part due to its unique geometry and award winning power plants. As a testament to how well received this vehicle is, all retired models have quickly made it to "collector" status. 2008 marks the first time a Formula 1 inspired V8 will be offered producing 420 hp (313 kW) that can reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in about 4.5 seconds. The newest version (E92) will be available fall of 2007 in Europe, and second quarter of 2008 for the U.S. in Coupe, Cabrio, and Sedan variants

M5
Based on the 5 Series, the M5 is the M division's 500 hp (373 kW) V10-powered version of the E60 5 series which makes 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.1 seconds, impressive for a 4 door saloon car. The M5 was the first 4-door sedan to be considered a sports car, and is the fastest production sedan ever produced. There is also a modified twin turbo version that can reach 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 3.6 seconds, giving 810 bhp (604 kW) and 733 lb-ft (994 Nm) of torque, with a top speed of 240 mph (386 km/h). However this car is limited to 155 mph (249 km/h).

M6
The M6 is the M division's version of the E63. The M6 shares its drivetrain with the M5. The V10 produces 500 horsepower (370 kW) and 383 ft-lb (519 Nm) of torque. This new engine is mated to a seven-speed SMG transmission.

Z4 M
BMW�s two-seater is powered by the same prize-winning 3.2-liter straight-six M engine also featured in the BMW M3 (E46) and the BMW Z4 Roadster. The engine�s performance figures are: 3,246 cc displacement, 343 bhp (256 kW) maximum output at an engine speed of 7,900 rpm, maximum engine speed of 8,000 rpm. No less than 80 per cent of the engine�s maximum torque of 262 ft-lb (355 Nm) is available at the driver�s request from just 2,000 rpm. Output per liter is 103 bhp (77 kW), giving the Z4 M Coupe a power-to-weight ratio of just 9.9 lb/bhp. Acceleration to 60 mph (100 km/h) comes in 4.8 seconds and top speed is limited electronically to 155 mph (249 km/h).
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Red Dawg · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 9:13 am Post subject:

Things to come

Z10: A supercar to succeed the Z8, to be produced in 2008 ( The new BMW supercar may in fact be called the Z9, and not the Z10, it may even be called the M10 since by late September 2007 BMW Group has registered "M10" as a brand)

BMW V/F3: An MPV (Sports Tourer) based on the BMW 3-Series/X3 to compete with Mercedes-Benz B-Class. This vehicle could also possibly be the rumored X1, or called the F3.

BMW V/F5: A MPV (Grand Sports Tourer) based on the BMW 5-Series/X5 to compete with Mercedes-Benz R-Class. This vehicle could also possibly be called the F5.

BMW Z2 : A Roadster and Coupe positioned under the Z4 as an entry level sports car, more than likely powered by a 4 cylinder engine. This model may come out in 2009; however it is still an unconfirmed rumor.

BMW F01/F02 7-Series: The F01 and F02 will be the replacement for the 7-Series for either 2008 or 2009. The F02 is the longer wheelbase version. In addition there will be a "Baby Roller" or mini Rolls Royce that will be under 200,000 that will compete with the Bentley Continental and S65 AMG.

BMW X6: A coupe-based SUV. The X6 has been spotted testing. It should come out Mid-2008.

BMW 8-Series: Unrelated to the original; a four-door grand tourer car to be based on the BMW CS Concept, competing against Mercedes-Benz CLS Class.

BMW 1 Series (in America) - BMW has created an affordable 1 Series, which is inspired by the 2002 models. The 128i and 135i, featuring BMW's twin-turbocharged six cylinder engine will be released in America in the spring of 2008. Later in 2008, the convertible version will be on lots across America.
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Red Dawg · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 9:15 am Post subject:

Prototypes

1990 BMW M8 Prototype: A prototype designed as a "Ferrari killer". It was never put into production because of the lack of a market for such a car.

1999 Z9: a concept car designed by Adrian van Hooydonk marked a departure from BMW's traditional conservative style, and has caused some controversy among BMW enthusiasts.

BMW 750hL showcased at Expo 2000 at the BMW World exhibit. As one of the world's first autos to use an engine propelled by liquid hydrogen, the 750hL produces 2 by products: electricity and water. There are as of March 2007, 100 750hL vehicles in the USA for testing purposes.

2001 BMW XCoupe

2007 BMW CS Concept- BMW has expressed interest in producing the vehicle under the 8 Series name.
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Red Dawg · Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2007 9:17 am Post subject:

Out of production

M1: a 1970s mid-engine sports car, designed in conjunction with Lamborghini. As Lamborghini went into bankruptcy the production was shifted to the German Karmanwerke.

Z3: a 2-seater roadster.

M coupe and roadster: high-performance hard-top and soft-top versions of the Z3, very popular among enthusiasts. The Z3 was first shown on the big screen in the James Bond film Golden Eye, marking the first time Pierce Brosnan played Bond and the first time the MI6 agent's gadget-laden car wasn't British.

8 Series: a fast, high-technology coupe of the 1990s. Unconfirmed rumors suggest that this may be revived, see BMW CS Concept, to compete against the globally acclaimed Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.

Z1: a late 1980s two-seater with innovative modular construction; only 8,000 were made. Best known for the feature of the vertically sliding doors.

Z8: a roadster with design based on the classic 507 roadster from the 1950s. Debuted in the James Bond film The World Is Not Enough, marking the last time Bond would drive a BMW. Only 5000 were built, the last 500 being a special edition built by Alpina but sold directly from BMW. This exciting halo car was built on an aluminium space frame design.
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