New mid-size 645Ci models conform to two styles as a hardtop coupe or fully automated canvas-top convertible. High-tech hardware aboard includes Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) to reduce body roll when the car rips around corners, and optional Active Steering Control (ASC), a device that can vary the steering ratio to match a driver's style as well as pavement conditions.
Its muscle comes from a 4.4-liter V8 pumping 325 hp. Both the coupe and convertible provide three shifter choices. For sport drivers there's a ZF six-speed manual. For fans of automatic transmissions, BMW adds a ZF electronic automatic with six forward gears and Steptronic manual mode.
The third choice combines traits of manual and automatic shifters -- BMW's electro-hydraulic six-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG) with both automatic and manual shift programs.

A plush cockpit features articulated bucket seats and trimmings in leathers and hardwoods. There are luxurious appointments and power controls with memory settings, plus electronic tools like BMW's computerized iDrive controller. The coupe carries a vast panoramic glass moon roof but the convertible gets a one-button automatic mechanism to fold the lid into a slot behind the cabin and seal it with a rigid metal tonneau cover.

Anchoring BMW's line, the extensive 3 Series string of compact cars includes a four-door sedan, five-door wagon and two-door coupe or convertible. Model nomenclature amounts to alphanumeric designations to describe the body style and displacement of an engine. Two in-line-six aluminum-block engines -- measuring to 2.5 liters and 3.0 liters -- power the class, earning 184 hp and 225 hp, respectively.

Sedans and wagons with the 2.5-liter engine are labeled 325i for rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and 325xi for all-wheel-drive (AWD); for the 3.0-liter plant, they are 330i (RWD) and 330xi (AWD). Coupes and convertibles carry similar designations as 325Ci and 330Ci, each with rear-wheel driveline. This year's crop shows a six-speed SMG transmission optional for models with the 3.0-liter engine in conjunction with a sport package. In addition, a power-operated moonroof applies to all 2005 coupes and sedans, and wood trim goes into all 3 Series cars with aluminum trim listed as a no-cost option.

BMW's two-seat sports car - Z4 - carries angular sheet metal styling that looks edgy and quick. It can be quick to act too, thanks to two different engine options. The Z4 2.5i gets BMW's 2.5-liter in-line-six tuned to 184 hp. The Z4 3.0i packs a larger straight-six at 3.0 liters with dual overhead cams and BMW's infinitely variable valve timing system. Output reaches 225 hp. A Getrag five-speed manual ties to the 2.5-liter plant, while the heavy-duty ZF six-speed manual works with the 3.0-liter version. Both offer a ZF five-speed automatic with Steptronic mode, and that six-speed SMG is available with the larger engine.

Passive standard safety systems extend from frontal and side-impact air bags to BMW's knee protection system (KPS). The cockpit for two stocks bolstered bucket seats, a three-spoke steering wheel and twin binnacles on the dash housing an analog speedometer and tachometer. The Z4's soft-top contains a glass rear window and heat element. It folds back quickly by manual means, but power to fold the top automatically is available. For 2005, foglamps and cruise control are now on the Z4 2.5i and the Z4 3.0i features automatic climate controls. (CONTINUED...)