2008 BMW NEW CAR MODEL GUIDE

German automaker BMW — charges into 2008 with a vast collection of sedans, coupes, station wagons and sport utility wagons. The company also brings several drop-tops and a slick two-seat roadster. The 2008 line spotlights the new 3 Series convertibles and coupes, a re-make of the mid-size 5 Series sedans and wagons and the ultra-performance M Series models rigged with massive powertrains. A subcompact 1 Series hatchback coupe is also on BMW's horizon.

3 Series Coupes and Convertibles
Compact-class coupes and convertibles from BMW present fresh designs riding on an expanded rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform. Models are badged as the 328i and 335i RWD for coupes and convertibles plus two AWD (all wheel drive) coupes — the 328xi and 335xi — which feature BMW's xDrive computer-controlled AWD equipment. The 328i and 328xi stock a 3.0-liter, in-line-six with 230 horsepower through a manual six-speed or six-speed electronic automatic with Steptronic manual shift control. BMW's 335i and 335xi use the in-line-six with twin turbo-chargers and direct fuel injection. They zip with 300 horsepower through the six-speed manual or Steptronic automatic.

3 Series Sedans and Wagons
The 3 Series string of compact cars from BMW extends to four-door sedans and five-door sport wagons with RWD and AWD variations. Sedans include the 328i (RWD) and 328xi (AWD), plus the 335i (RWD) and 335xi (AWD). Wagons are the 328i (RWD) and 328xi (AWD). All 328 models employ the 3.0-liter, six-in-line with 230 horsepower, while the 335 carries the twin-turbo version that delivers 300 horsepower. BMW's compacts also carry a load of sophisticated electronic vehicle controls such as BMW's Head Protection System (HPS) air bags. Additionally, new 16-inch wheels are mounted on 328 models.

5 Series
BMW's mid-size cars are new with RWD and AWD models. The RWD sedans include the 528i, 535i and 550i. For AWD sedans there is the 528xi and 535xi, along with a five-door AWD sport wagon named 535xi. For the 528i, the in-line-six delivers 230 horsepower, but for the 535i and 535xi, the output climbs to 300 horsepower. The deluxe 550i with BMW's 4.8-liter V8 creates 360 horsepower. All versions provide the spectrum of BMW mechanical systems for performance and safety, including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), which corrects lateral skidding. BMW's Night Vision, Active Cruise Control and xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlights are also available.

6 Series
The mid-size 650i models — hardtop coupes or soft top convertibles — stock a 4.8-liter V8 reaching 360 horsepower with a Sport Automatic Transmission and paddle shifters. High-tech hardware aboard includes Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) to reduce body roll and optional Active Steering Control (ASC), which varies the steering ratio to match a driver's style and the pavement conditions. 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 and new Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system.

7 Series
These sedans roll with powerful engines. There's a V8 for the 750i and stretched 750Li, or a V12 in the 760Li. The V8 employed by the 750i and 750Li displaces 4.8 liters and delivers 360 horsepower. The 12-cylinder engine for the 760Li is a 6.0-liter aluminum plant that creates 408 horsepower and features BMW's Valvetronic system plus fully variable bi-VANOS camshaft controls. Both engines tie to a six-speed automatic with shift-by-wire technology. The line-capper Alpina B7 totes a 4.4-liter V8 tuned by Alpina for 500 horsepower with paddle shifters tied to the six-speed automatic.

Z Series
BMW's two-seat Z4 roadster convertible and hardtop coupe come from a BMW plant in South Carolina. The coupe — looking long, low and quick — features a curvy hardtop covering the cockpit and a spoiler integrated into the tail. For juice, the Z4 3.0si Coupe and Roadster draw from BMW's 3.0-liter, in-line-six engine that delivers 255 horsepower with a six-speed Getrag manual stick or optional six-speed ZF Steptronic automatic. The Sport Package on the Z4 3.0i Roadster upgrades to 18-inch wheels and adds taut sport suspension settings and the Sport Driving Mode gear.

M Series
The line of ultra-performance cars from BMW expands in 2008 for the new M3 coupe and M5 sedan, while continuing with the M6 coupe and convertible and Z4 M roadster and coupe. Thrust for the M5 stems from a 5.0-liter V10 that blows the doors off with 500 horsepower through a seven-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG) charting automatic and manual shift programs. For the M6, M5's V10 with the SMG also works. The new M3 spits out 414 horsepower from a 4.0-liter V8. The Z4 M roadster or coupe holds the 3.2-liter, in-line-six, creating 343 horsepower with a six-speed manual gearbox.

X3 Series
The compact-class SUV from BMW seems like a raucous sports car packing a wagon's boxy utility bay. BMW calls it a SAV, meaning sport activity vehicle. The sole model is the X3 3.0si with crisp exterior styling, luxurious appointments in the five-seat passenger compartment and a healthy powertrain aboard with the xDrive AWD traction device. BMW's 3.0-liter, six-in-line plant delivers 260 horsepower and links to a standard six-speed manual shifter or no-load six-speed Steptronic automatic. Options available include a new Sport Activity Package that installs privacy glass, running boards and 18-inch wheels, plus a unique leather-wrapped steering wheel.

X5 Series
The two versions of the mid-size sport activity vehicle from BMW are labeled as the X5 3.0si and X5 4.8i. Both look like a big BMW sports sedan, only jacked up with a wagon's cargo box in back. Both also contain BMW's smart xDrive AWD system. Adjustable and variable, the device directs engine power to whichever axle, front or rear, has the best traction bite. It works with BMW's four-wheel Dynamic Stability Control (DSC-X) mechanism and a traction control system (TCS-X) that corrects potentially dangerous skid movements. The X5 3.0si pumps 260 horsepower while the X5 4.8i hits 350 horsepower.

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