2005 BMW 3 Series

What's New for 2005 BMW
A power moonroof and Myrtle wood trim are now standard on all models. Brushed aluminum column trim is available as a no-cost option. Front lumbar support has been added to the Premium Package for all 325 models; a power top is now standard on the 325Ci convertible; and new star-spoke wheels are standard on the 325Ci coupe and convertible. The 330Ci BMW convertible gets an auto-dimming rearview mirror, lumbar support and a universal garage door opener as standard. This year, the sequential manual gearbox (SMG) is available only on 3.0-liter models, and only in combination with the Sport Package. Buyers can now order both the Performance and Premium Packages together. Lastly, a flat tire warning and white indicator lights are now standard on all models.

Introduction:
The fifth-generation 3 Series was introduced in sedan form in 1999, followed by the coupes, the convertible and the wagon in the 2000 model year. All-wheel-drive versions of the sedan and wagon arrived in 2001. In 2002, BMW freshened the lineup with subtle styling revisions to the front and rear fascias (and if you're a serious enthusiast, you also know that the company tightened up the steering again after a misguided effort to appease the masses with a lighter setup in 2001). The Performance Package for the 330i arrived in 2003, which brought it a tad closer to the capability of the high-performance M3. In 2004, select 3 Series models became eligible for BMW's Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG), a sophisticated transmission that combines the control of a manual gearbox with the ease of an automatic. The 3 Series is BMW's top seller in the U.S., and for good reason - endowed with world-class suspension, steering and brake components, these cars have an ability to communicate with their drivers that is unmatched in the entry-level luxury class and, indeed, unmatched by most cars at any price. Lest you think this adroit handling comes at the expense of ride quality, rest assured that BMW still realizes the importance of comfortable cruising. Whether you choose the standard suspension or the optional sport-tuned setup, you'll be able to go about your weekday routine without feeling that you've sacrificed ride comfort for the sake of weekend thrills. Luxury inside the cabin is understated compared with peers like the Audi A4, but 3 Series BMW cockpits are dignified and laden with most of the requisite features (among others, automatic climate control, one-touch windows and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel). However, leather upholstery and power adjustments for the seats cost extra on all but the 330Ci BMW convertible. Moreover, on the whole, the 3 Series cars tend to cost more than the competition, but if you go easy on the options, we think you'll find that the price of admission is well worth it.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The lineup includes the 325i sedan and wagon, 330i BMW sedan, 325xi all-wheel-drive sedan and wagon, 330xi all-wheel-drive sedan, 325Ci coupe and convertible and 330Ci coupe and convertible. Standard features on 325 models include 16-inch wheels, automatic climate control, leatherette (vinyl, that is) upholstery, one-touch power windows, a power moonroof, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, a CD player and keyless entry. Additionally, coupes have a sport-tuned suspension, and coupes and wagons have a split-folding rear seat (optional on sedans). The 330 models add 17-inch wheels, a sport suspension (optional on the 330Ci BMW convertible and not available on the 330xi), and a Harman Kardon sound system. The 330Ci BMW convertible also gets power leather seats. You can get any of these features in one form or another on other models; a DVD-based navigation system, bi-xenon headlights and parking sensors are stand-alone extras for the entire lineup. There are also several wheel and tire upgrade packages. The 330i sedan is eligible for the Performance Package, which incorporates a few drivetrain modifications, even tighter suspension tuning, 18-inch wheels and suede upholstery.

Powertrains and Performance:
All 325 models are powered by a 2.5-liter inline six that makes 184 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. All 330s use a 3.0-liter engine that generates 225 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque. On 330i sedans with the Performance Package, output goes up to 235 hp and 222 lb-ft. Transmission choices include either a five-speed or six-speed manual, depending on the model, and a five-speed automatic. BMW's Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) is also available on 3.0-liter rear-drive models equipped with the Sport Package. Either engine is more than ample for everyday travel, though the 3.0-liter is by far our favorite as it's able to propel a manual-shift 330i BMW to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds.

Safety:
Included on every model are four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, dynamic brake control, front side-impact airbags and head curtain airbags (convertibles get rollover protection) for the front and rear; rear side-impact bags are optional. The 3 Series earned a "Good" rating (the highest) in IIHS frontal offset crash testing, as well as four stars for the driver and five stars for the front passenger in government frontal impact testing.

Interior Design and Special Features:
The 3 Series' BMW interiors provide a restrained show of luxury, wherein the emphasis is on driver comfort and involvement (hence the supportive seats and clean analog gauges). Materials are high in quality and build quality is exceptional; indeed, even the standard vinyl upholstery looks and feels better than you would expect.

Driving Impressions:
The 3 Series BMW never fails to impress us. Its world-class suspension, steering and brakes provide hours of entertainment on twisty two-lane highways -- beyond simply feeling rock-solid when hustled around turns, this car communicates with the driver in a manner that inspires confidence no matter what kind of driving you're doing. And you don't have to give up a comfortable ride to get this kind of athleticism.

Review: 2006 BMW 3 Series

Improving upon the ultimate driving machine benchmark, BMW is unequivocally the best car in the entry-luxury category.

Pros
Still the standard when it comes to perfectly sorted vehicle dynamics, high-quality interior materials and outstanding handling.

Cons
Still costs more than most of its competitors, lacking in interior storage space.

What's New for 2006
The 3 Series BMW has been completely redesigned for 2006 (See 2005 Model)

Introduction:
The baby Bimmer has grown up for 2006. The sixth-generation 3 Series is slightly larger, heavier and faster than the previous BMW 3, which was introduced in sedan form in 1999, followed by the coupes, the convertible and the wagon in 2000. An even better car overall, the 2006 3 Series BMW has a bolder look, revised suspension and braking, more power and more interior space. BMW's infamous iDrive is now available in the 3 Series, but is thankfully optional (packaged with a navigation system), and the rest of the interior is a model of precision design. The new 3 will be sold initially as either the 325i or 330i, although both now use a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder. The 325i BMW is rated at 215 hp, while the 330 includes a three-stage induction system, different exhaust and powertrain software that results in 255 hp. The optional Active Steering system features a variable ratio that turns the front wheels to a greater degree relative to steering wheel movement at low speeds (such as parking lots and tight corners), and even countersteers if the stability control system senses a slide. BMW's Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG), a sophisticated transmission that combines the control of a manual gearbox with the ease of an automatic, is available on the BMW 330i. The 3 Series is BMW's top seller in the U.S., and for good reason -- endowed with world-class suspension, steering and brake components, these cars have an ability to communicate with their drivers that is unmatched in the entry-level luxury class and, indeed, unmatched by most cars at any price. Lest you think this adroit handling comes at the expense of ride quality, rest assured that BMW still realizes the importance of comfortable cruising. Whether you choose the standard suspension or the optional sport-tuned setup, you'll be able to go about your weekday routine without feeling that you've sacrificed ride comfort for the sake of weekend thrills. Overall, the 3 Series BMW cars tend to cost more than the competition, but if you go easy on the options, we think you'll find that the price of admission is well worth it.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The lineup includes the 325i BMW and 330i BMW sedans. Standard features on 325 models include automatic climate control, one-touch power windows, a power moonroof, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, a CD player and keyless entry. The BMW 330 model adds upgraded wheels, a sport suspension and a Logic 7 premium sound system. Various options include a DVD-based navigation system with iDrive, adaptive xenon headlights, parking sensors, active cruise control, leather seating and active steering. The optional Performance Package includes tighter suspension tuning, performance tires, a higher speed limiter and sport seats.

Powertrains and Performance:
The 325 BMW model is powered by a 3.0-liter inline six that makes 215 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque. Advanced features of the new engine include Valvetronic variable valve lift, double VANOS variable valve timing, and an aluminum and magnesium block. The 330 uses a higher-performance version of the same engine, which generates 255 hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices include a standard six-speed manual, and an optional six-speed automatic. BMW's Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) is also available on the 330i.

Safety:
Included on every model are four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, dynamic brake control, front side-impact airbags and head curtain airbags for the front and rear. The stability control system integrates several brake-related features, such as wiping the pads in the rain (wet brakes don't stop too well) and snugging the pads to the rotors when the driver lifts off the throttle, which increases brake responsiveness.

Interior Design and Special Features:
The 3 Series' BMW interiors provide a restrained show of luxury, wherein the emphasis is on driver comfort and involvement, hence the supportive seats and clean analog gauges. Materials are high in quality and build quality is exceptional; indeed, even the standard leatherette upholstery looks and feels better than you would expect. An additional pod sprouts from the dash when the navigation system is ordered, which also includes BMW's iDrive control system.

Driving Impressions:
The 3 Series BMW never fails to impress us. Its world-class suspension, steering and brakes provide hours of entertainment on twisty two-lane highways -- beyond simply feeling rock-solid when hustled around turns, this car communicates with the driver in a manner that inspires confidence no matter what kind of driving you're doing. And you don't have to give up a comfortable ride to get this kind of athleticism.

Review: 2006 BMW 5 Series

Controversial styling and BMW's continued use of the confounding iDrive system are the only blemishes on this otherwise outstanding luxury sport sedan and wagon.

Pros
One of the most satisfying midsize sport sedans/wagons you can buy, ultrarefined engines, optional all-wheel drive, tastefully appointed cabin, exceptional build quality, strong resale value.

Cons
Styling may not appeal to 5 Series BMW loyalists, iDrive system still more hassle than it's worth, costs more than most competitors.

What's New for 2006
The BMW 525 and BMW 530 models receive an all-new 3.0-liter inline-six engine this year, and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is now available to serve those who need a little more bad-weather bite. BMW is also offering a versatile 5 Series wagon to U.S. customers once more, though only in BMW 530xi trim.

Introduction:
Originally introduced in 1972, the BMW 5 Series has spent the last three decades catering to those who desire a sedan that functions equally well as a prestigious luxury car and a thoroughbred performance sedan. The 5 Series has long been the benchmark by which other sport sedans are measured. This elevated position presents challenges when such a stellar car is due for an update. BMW accomplished its mission with a redesign in 1997 that gave it a look and feel that remained popular right up until the latest redesign. Although the 2004 BMW 5 Series was considered a complete redesign, the changes to the car's basic character seemed more like subtle refinements. It was already a comfortable, capable and highly dynamic machine. The latest version is still all of these things, just a bit more so. In terms of overall philosophy, the largest shift from the previous model came in the form of technology. Several items were pulled directly from the current-generation 7 Series, including iDrive, Active Roll Stabilization (ARS), Active Cruise Control (ACC) and a Harman Kardon Logic7 sound system. While much of the 7's technology has migrated down to the 5, several advanced technologies made their debut on BMW's midsize sport sedan. The most exciting of these is dubbed Active Front Steering (AFS), a system that is able to adjust both the steering ratio and the amount of power assist for optimum feel and control under varying driving conditions. Along with all the technology came an aggressive new body that most people either love or hate. For 2006, BMW has fitted the 525 and 530 BMW models with an all-new 3.0-liter inline six. The versatile wagon body style is also back in the lineup this year, as is an all-wheel-drive system dubbed xDrive. The system is electronically controlled and uses a multiplate clutch for infinite variation in the front/rear power ratio. It works with BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), using data taken from the yaw rate and steering angle sensors to adjust the distribution of power. Further, when DSC takes corrective braking action on a single wheel, xDrive automatically redirects torque to the wheel opposite it. This means the car can keep moving even if only one wheel has traction. With excellent power and sharp handling, the BMW 5 Series further builds on its reputation as a luxury sedan of unequaled athleticism. An endless array of technology and polarizing sheet metal may distinguish the current generation in the minds of consumers, but in the end, it's the 5's continued status as a true driver's car that will make the sale.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The 5 Series sedan comes in several flavors: 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi and 545i. The wagon is available in BMW 530xi trim only. Standard equipment includes automatic climate control, a CD player, one-touch power windows, rain-sensing windshield wipers and heated mirrors. Ten-way power front seats are also standard, with 12-way power front sport seats and 20-way power multifunction comfort front seats available as options. The iDrive vehicle management system is integrated into all 5 Series models, while a DVD-based navigation system with voice command and adaptive cruise control are optional. On the audio side, buyers will be able to get a glovebox-mounted CD/DVD changer, as well as a premium-grade Harman Kardon Logic 7 sound system. Other options to consider include adaptive bi-xenon headlights, and a sport package with various wheel/run-flat tire upgrades (up to 18 inches in diameter), firmer suspension tuning and Active Front Steering (AFS).

Powertrains and Performance:
BMW's new 3.0-liter six-cylinder generates 215 horsepower in 525 models, and 255 hp in 530 versions thanks to an upgraded intake manifold and software. The top-of-the-line 545i sedan features a 4.4-liter V8 rated at 325 hp. All models get a six-speed manual standard with a six-speed Steptronic automatic an available option. The rear-drive 530i and 545i can also be had with BMW's sequential manual gearbox (SMG), a sophisticated transmission that combines the control of a manual gearbox with the ease of an automatic. BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is available on BMW 525 and BMW 530 models, and standard on the wagon.

Safety:
Standard safety equipment includes a head protection system and side-impact airbags for both the front and rear seats. Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and four-wheel disc brakes with electronic brake proportioning, cornering and stability enhancements are standard across the model line. Active front head restraints and Advanced Safety Electronics (ASE) that govern the deployment of safety systems are optional. Both Hill-Start Assist and Hill Descent Control are standard with xDrive, in case your extra-steep driveway ever gets slippery. The BMW 5 Series was named a "Best Pick" in IIHS frontal offset crash testing.

Interior Design and Special Features:
The driver-oriented 5 Series BMW cockpit greets passengers with a dignified show of luxury. As in the 7 Series BMW , the multifunction iDrive interface integrates the audio, climate and navigation systems, but basic functions can be accomplished without going through iDrive. Build and materials quality is outstanding. Supportive seating is provided in both the front and rear, and even adults won't mind sitting in the backseat.

Driving Impressions:
The 5 Series BMW is an extremely balanced machine that can handle aggressive driving maneuvers as well as it does dilapidated highways. The active steering system hasn't dulled BMW's trademark steering feel, and even vehicles equipped with the optional run-flat tires maintain a livable ride quality. Equipped with the V8, this is a true enthusiast's sedan that will outpace many sports cars.

2006 BMW 6 Series review

The 6 Series BMW may not have the sleek, sexy sheet metal of its Mercedes-Benz rivals, but its satisfying combination of performance, luxury and technology will put you on top of the world.

Pros
Nimble handling, smooth and quiet ride, endless power from ultrasmooth V8, elegant interior design, supportive seats, large trunk in coupe.

Cons
Fussy iDrive control requires practice to operate, small backseat.

What's New for 2006
The 6 Series BMW receives an engine upgrade in 2006 and now boasts a 4.8-liter V8 with 360 horsepower. As a result, nomenclature changes slightly, and the car is referred to as the BMW 650i.

Introduction:
Big coupes have always occupied an awkward place in most manufacturers' lineups. As expensive as their sedan counterparts yet considerably less practical, luxury coupes target the narrow range of buyers who are willing to forego functional concerns to get a leg up in the style department. BMW has had mixed success with this formula. Its original 6 Series coupe that ran from 1977 to 1989 was known for its distinctive shape and was one of the few high-end coupes of that time to effectively blend high-performance and conspicuous luxury. But its successor, the technologically advanced but flabby 8 Series coupe, was a disappointment. Since 2004, BMW has been at it again with its latest 6 Series coupe BMW.

The 650i's underpinnings are similar to those of BMW's 5 Series midsize luxury sedan, and it's powered by the same 360-horsepower, 4.8-liter V8 used in the 550i. Unlike most other luxury coupes, however, the 6 Series offers more than just your average automatic transmission. For those who truly enjoy maximum involvement, a six-speed manual and a Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) are also offered.

More than just raw power, the 6 Series BMW incorporates numerous high-tech materials to keep its weight down. A composite trunk, aluminum suspension components, aluminum doors and thermoplastic front fenders all contribute to the effort, while the remaining bulk is perfectly balanced 50/50 front to rear. In addition, the 650i offers BMW's revolutionary Active Steering system that can adjust the steering ratio for maximum maneuverability whether you're at speed on the highway or inching into a parking space. Along with Active Steering, the 6 Series also incorporates Active Roll Stabilization, which helps suppress body roll during aggressive cornering.

Inside the 6 Series, BMW's improved but still challenging iDrive system controls the car's various functions while classic analog gauges provide the more pertinent information. All 6 Series coupes have a standard panorama glass roof that gives the car a more open-air feeling, while true sun worshippers can opt for the full-fledged convertible version. Thanks to its generous dimensions (it's bigger all around than a Mercedes CLK coupe), the 6 Series is spacious for two but like most coupes, it's very tight for four. The convertible's top drops in just under 30 seconds. With the side windows down, the BMW 650i convertible remains placid at up to 50 mph. Power up the side windows and that placidity remains at speeds above 75 mph. For those seeking a "sunroof effect" from their convertible, BMW allows the BMW 650's rear glass to rise, even with the top tucked away.

Overall, BMW's latest luxury coupe and convertible have impressed us. They may not be the high-dollar coupe and drop top on the market, but get behind the wheel and either one will make you feel on top of the world. All the while, you'll get to enjoy a luxurious cockpit that conveniently doesn't have much room in back for annoying friends or co-workers. And if you like technology, the 6 Series has plenty of it, but for the most part, it doesn't get in the way of the most important activity of all: Driving.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
Available as a two-door coupe or a convertible, the 650i BMW comes standard with items like 18-inch wheels with run-flat tires, premium leather upholstery, wood trim, dual-zone automatic climate control, an MP3-compatible CD player, Bluetooth wireless capability, a full set of one-touch power windows, heated power mirrors and a power top for the convertible. The front seats feature multiple power adjustments, driver memory and electric heaters for a perfect fit and a warm backside. The iDrive vehicle management system is integrated into the console, while a DVD-based navigation system with voice command and park distance control also comes standard. Active cruise control is optional. On the audio side, buyers can opt for a glovebox-mounted CD changer, as well as a premium-grade Harman Kardon Logic 7 sound system. An optional sport package adds BMW's unique Active Steering system along with sport seats and larger wheel and tires.

Powertrains and Performance:
All 6 Series BMW coupes and convertibles come with a 4.8-liter V8 rated to produce 360 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque. Shared with the 5 and 7 Series sedans, the eight-cylinder uses the latest in engine technology to produce a broad band of power while remaining remarkably smooth and silent. Three different transmissions allow you to choose varying levels of performance and driving effort. There's a six-speed manual for do-it-yourself enthusiasts, a six-speed automatic for those who don't really care how the shifts get done and a six-speed paddle-shifted Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) that offers a combination of both.

Safety:
Four-wheel antilock disc brakes fortified with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution are standard along with stability and traction control (BMW's DSC). Run-flat tires are optional along with adaptive headlights for better visibility. Other safety features include front side-impact in both cars, full-length side curtain airbags (coupe only) and a rollover protection system (convertible only).

Interior Design and Special Features:
Utilization of BMW's iDrive control system reduces button clutter to a minimum, making for a clean dash design but confusing operation of some controls. BMW's trademark analog gauges stare out from behind the steering wheel, while an optional head-up display offers to project pertinent vehicle info onto the windshield for less distraction. Thanks to its generous dimensions and standard panorama roof (coupes only) the 6 Series is spacious for two, but four adults make for a tight fit.

Driving Impressions:
Although it's not quite as nimble as BMW's smaller 3 Series coupe, the 650i is a very capable performer when driven hard. Its combination of modest weight and ample power make for quick acceleration from any speed. The Active Roll Stabilization system keeps the big coupe flat around corners, and the lightweight suspension does its part to maintain traction and soak up the bumps. The wide range of transmissions allows you to tailor the 6 Series to your particular driving style, so consider the options carefully.

2006 BMW 7 Series review

A brilliant luxury sedan BMW scarred by senselessly complicated interior controls. However, toned-down styling and an extra dose of power make it easier to enjoy this year.

Pros
Superb driving dynamics, world-class drivetrains, highly advanced safety systems, dizzying array of features, sumptuous furnishings.

Cons
High-tech toys distract from the task at hand, confusing secondary controls, odd styling details.

What's New for 2006
With the 2006 BMW 7 Series, the company has toned down the car's styling and shifted the emphasis back to performance. After a five-year absence, the BMW 750 badge is back for 2006, but this time it carries a big V8, not a V12. A 4.8-liter V8 replaces last year's 4.4-liter and provides a generous increase in power. The 745 model is history. Walnut wood trim replaces last year's cherry; Bluetooth is now standard; all interior knobs have chrome trim and the CD changer is now MP3-compatible.

Introduction:
As BMW's flagship sedan, the 7 Series offers supreme levels of luxury and performance. The 7 Series is available in four models -- the regular-wheelbase BMW 750i and BMW 760i, and the long-wheelbase BMW 750Li and BMW 760Li. Powering each 750 model is a 4.8-liter V8 with bi-VANOS dual variable valve timing, Valvetronic technology that infinitely adjusts valve lift and a two-stage intake system that matches intake manifold length to engine speed. Thusly equipped, this V8 makes 360 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque. The BMW 760 models sport a 6.0-liter V12 with 438 hp and 444 lb-ft of torque. Abundant power for sure, but still far below what Mercedes-Benz offers in its most powerful sedans. Still, the BMW 760 is the greater technological marvel, as it employs direct gasoline-injection technology, which along with Valvetronic and Double VANOS, allows it to maximize power, torque and fuel economy simultaneously. Once you step up to the super-luxury sedan segment, you expect prospective cars to amaze you with their fabulous levels of luxury and safety, and the 7 Series BMW does not disappoint in these areas: The front seats offer up to 20-way power adjustments and the rear seats give you 14-way adjustment. And you can heat or cool just about any surface inside the car. This BMW also offers a high level of competence when pushed hard on twisty roads -- something that can't be said of most of its competitors. The most important innovation contained in the 7 is also the one that gives us the most pause: the iDrive system. While able to manage a lot of functions -- onboard telematics, including GPS navigation, Internet access and the BMW Assist system (for emergencies), as well as climate and stereo functions -- iDrive has a steep learning curve. Basic adjustments can be made rather easily, but more complex functions require time with the owner's manual and patience to learn -- and we know of more than one driver who has accidentally drifted out of his lane while fiddling with the system. If you're wealthy, love technology like this (and don't mind the frustration that comes with it) and have always wanted to own a large, luxurious sedan, the 7 Series BMW is likely the car for you. But if you seek a more straightforward experience, one of its many competitors may prove to be a more rewarding daily driver.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
Four versions of the 7 Series sedan are offered: the standard-wheelbase 750i and 760i, and the long-wheelbase BMW 750Li and BMW 760Li. Standard fare on the 750i includes 18-inch wheels, bi-HID headlights, park distance control, adaptive headlights, leather upholstery, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, walnut wood interior trim, a 14-way power driver seat and 12-way front-passenger seat, a navigation system, a 10-speaker sound system with a CD player, dual-zone climate control, one-touch windows and a moonroof. The BMW 750Li adds 20-way adjustable front seats and dynamic front headrests (both optional on the 750i). Both cars are eligible for a long list of options -- the only difference is that the 750Li can be had with power rear seats to complement the extra legroom in the back. Otherwise, options include 19-inch wheels, Active Cruise Control, an adaptive ride package with a self-leveling rear suspension and Electronic Damping Control, "soft-close" doors and trunk lid, heating and cooling for the front seats and a premium sound system with an in-dash CD changer. Almost all of the above items come standard on the BMW 760i and BMW 760Li. A rear DVD entertainment package is also available, and features a rear-seat iDrive controller and screen, along with a trunk-mounted six-disc DVD changer.

Powertrains and Performance:
The BMW 750i and BMW 750Li are powered by a 4.8-liter V8 with 360 horsepower and 360 pound-feet of torque, along with impressive mileage ratings of 18 city/26 highway. The 760i and 760Li offer a 6.0-liter V12 with direct-injection technology -- the first V12 production engine to use this. Mileage numbers are lower than the BMW 750i at 15 city/22 highway, but power is impressive at 438 hp and 444 lb-ft of torque.

Safety:
Included on every model are four-wheel antilock disc brakes with proportioning, cornering and stability enhancements, BMW's Dynamic Stability Control system, front side-impact airbags, head protection airbags for front and rear occupants, and active knee protection.

Interior Design and Special Features:
Inside, the cabin has a clean appearance, thanks to the minimal center stack controls. The iDrive system was designed to consolidate the vehicle's control systems into one easy-to-use interface, but even with this year's usability upgrades, the learning curve is steep. Backseat passengers will be just as comfortable as those in front, as the rear seatback contours perfectly to support your lower back and shoulders, while headroom and legroom are abundant. Go for the BMW 750Li or BMW 760Li and you'll get 5.6 inches of increased wheelbase, most of it going into rear-seat legroom.

Driving Impressions:
Even at high speeds, the 7 Series cabin is devoid of engine and wind noise. Steering feel is typical BMW with relatively high weighting and excellent feedback. Body roll is held in check during cornering via the standard Active Roll Stabilization system. While it may be a stretch to call such a large car nimble, it's easy to confuse for a sport sedan on the open road.

BMW Z4 Review

BMW’s next big thing is the 1-Series coupe and convertible. Propellerheads are positively dizzy at the prospect of a new, small-ish, rear wheel-drive BMW offering a modicum of practicality, brand-faithful weight distribution and one of the company’s legendary in-line six-cylinder engines. Why it’s the 2002 reborn! Hello? Has the entire enthusiast community been neuralized? They seem to have forgotten the fact that BMW already sells a model answering to this description: the Z4 Coupe. Or, in fact, doesn’t, much. And for good reason: the Z4 is a rolling condemnation of BMW’s evolutionary commitment to ultimate driving, a four-wheeled cautionary tale for anyone blinded by the BMW badge.

If you think the new BMW 1-Series is a bit awkward looking, behold the BMW Z4 Coupe. What's with that droopy line across the car’s doors? Perhaps the designer fell asleep at the table whilst his pencil trailed off into eternity. The diagonal slashes across the BMW Z4’s flanks and face are positively maniacal. At the back, the coupe’s sloping roofline hits the Banglized trunk lid at the same place the rear haunches finish their… haunching. It's hard to say what happened here, but it's not good. It reminds me of the time I asked my four-year old cousin to get ready for bed and discovered him wearing his PJ pants as a shirt.

Mssrs. Style and Panache are MIA. The BMW Z4’s front fascia looks as though a regular front end was mercilessly stretched over the frame. The headlights and grille are so far swept back they seem moments away from bursting, with the rest of the car popping out from behind. Ladies and gentlemen, that’s taking the phallic design shtick a little too far.

That said, BMW nailed the layout and proportions: ginormous hood, cabin out back and a rear deck so small it's a fast back. We’re talking classic sports car shape, in the great tradition of the Jaguar E-Type and Mercedes Gullwing. But so much of the Z4’s exterior is so wrong you wonder how in the world BMW managed to snatch hideousness from the jaws of classicism.

Things get better indoors. Ish. The BMW Z4 offers a narrow, confining cockpit with all the space of a Manhattan condo. Build upwards! The BMW Z4’s extremely comfortable, bolstered seats are screwed so close to the floorboards you wonder if Bimmer’s ergonomic engineers were anticipating the return of the fedora. This average Joe also found reaching the dash knobs a bit of a stretch. Not that you feel any aesthetic or tactile compulsion to do so…

Contemplating the BMW Z4’s monolithic, any-color-as-long-as-it’s black dashboard is like setting your claustrophobia on broil. The obligatory aluminum or strangely colored wood accents lighten the cabin’s atmosphere about as effectively as a drug store flashlight in a darkened amphitheater. Rear visibility is conspicuous by its absence.

Nor do the details delight. The BMW Z4’s component radio header is plopped into an abyss of plastic and sheets of metal/lumber, looking a bit like the face of the Jetsons’ robotic maid. Your hands will be thrilled though, for the BMW Z4’s the steering wheel is the appropriate size, shape and diameter for what lies ahead.

The BMW Z4’s inline six delivers exactly the sort of performance you'd expect from an engine with a well-stocked trophy case. The 3.0-liter engine is neither peaky (a la Honda) nor rpm challenged (as in GM's 3.6). In fact, it's as smooth as Marvin Gaye on a glass stage. Spinning the mill with the BMW Z4's six-speed manual provides genuine joy, while the Steptronic auto (sourced from GM, thank you) is snappy and slick enough to tempt purists to try the commuter solution. Either way, you're playing with 255 horsepower– enough oomph to propel the 3108lbs. two-door from rest to 60mph in a hair under six seconds.

The BMW Z4’s handling dynamics are the car's Achilles' heel, calf and thigh. The car is completely hamstrung by wide, overly stiff run-flat tires and needlessly-aggressive chassis tuning. Like the ill-fated Pontiac Solstice, grip exceeds power to the point of pointlessness. The Bimmer is so completely buttoned down you can practically hear it crying out for catharsis. The Si variant adds welcome feedback and the BMW Z4M adds obscene power, but the standard car lacks any of the low speed or on-the-limit fun enjoyed by Mazda Miata drivers– never mind Boxster bashers.

Considering the BMW Z4’s fundamentals– rear wheel drive, two seats, straight six– this car should be, at the least, a grand grand touring car. The engine and transmission are up to the job, but the car’s tires and suspension are stuck in egg-beater mode. Even worse, the BMW Z4 is even uglier now than it was when the tennis shoe design first tempted sports car lovers. Rather than fix the Z4, BMW has opted to go back to square 1. I have no doubt the new 1-Series will be the better driver’s car, but a moment of silence please for a bold Bimmer that deserved better.

BMW 328xi Review

Four wheel-drive sedans are divisive devices. Their buyers tend to split into two camps: snow scared drivers (who would no more cane their car in the dry than leave home without their wallet) and pistonheads (intent on boldly hooning where no front or rear wheel-driver would hoon before). Of course, pistonheads like the extra snow-and-go seating, but fear the four wheel-drive gubbins will add extra weight and sap steering feel. So, does the BMW 328xi coupe cater to both groups, dodging the dynamic bullet even as it pampers the paranoid?

As you’d expect, the BMW 328xi two door looks no different from the regular 3er coupe. Despite all the kvetching about Chris Bangle's flame broiled designs, the 3 coupe marks a welcome return to blandsome Bimmers. This isn’t just a car you could take home to mother; it’s your mother’s fortieth anniversary present.

That said, the BMW 328xi's front is busier than Dick Cheney's cardiologist, with grilles below air dams beneath the bumpers. While it’s not a completely incoherent design, I wonder how all that low-hanging plastic will fare in snow-covered Neiman Marcus parking lots. And Ladies Who Lunch better be careful opening that door; the swage line running the coupe’s length is sharp enough to draw blood.

The BMW 328xi’s profile is gorgeous, but if you've seen the 6-Series, you've been there, propeller-badged that. At the back, the 3's ghetto fabulous booty is suitably capacious for lifestyle load luggers. It easily swallows a set of weekend bags for empty nesters visiting their progeny at parents' weekend. Options miser BMW even throws in the hinges for folding rear seats gratis with the coupe, so all your oddly shaped possessions can protrude into the cabin. Safe! Or not.

The BMW 328xi coupe’s trunk could (and should) fit the body of the engineer who designed its seats. In the Ultimate Driving Machine, you’d expect to sit on something a bit more sporting than leatherette-draped pizza boxes. Even worse, the standard-issue seating material combines the "freeze or burn" delights of leather with cloth's stain-holding powers. Unless you spring for the four-digit sport package's sexy, supportive chairs, slathered in Dakota leather, the BMW 328xi’s thrones are a medium-sized flaw that literally gets on your ass.

Otherwise, the BMW 328xi coupe’s interior is a motorized museum of modern art. The wood is as finely crafted as a Sam Maloof rocking chair. The fit and finish is befitting of a Dale Chihuly chandelier. And the steering wheel designers somehow found middle ground between "chocolate donut" and "hula hoop" (I did say modern art). Best of all, the electronic Rubik’s cube known as iDrive– the wheel controlled multi-media interface carefully designed to drive technophobes mad– is optional. Unfold the map, honey…

Hey! Let's play the BMW reviewer adjective challenge! Silky smooth, quiet and quick, balanced and slick, responsive, tactile, perfectly judged, telepathic and entertaining. Feel free to place the words “engine, transmission, brakes, steering and suspension” after any of these modifiers. Those of you who’ve played before know it’s the way Bimmer’s boffins weave these elements into a coherent narrative that makes the BMW a perennial best seller.

The BMW 328xi’s engine is the title character. Although the powerplant serves up a 'mere' 230hp (versus the 335i’s 300hp), winding out the straight six is no chore (as in an infinite pleasure). And you’re never far from the mill's big, fat power band– with one exception. When accelerating from 50-70 mph, downshifting isn't just a sport, it's a way of life. Luckily, the BMW 328xi's manual stick and Steptronic auto (with semi-manual function) both offer six-gears of slick shifting joy.

I didn’t get a chance to test the BMW 328xi coupe in inclement weather. In theory, BMW´s brainy xDrive system transfers up to 100% of the brawn to the wheels that need it. While this extra level of confidence qualifies the car for the overly sensible, no one escapes the 328xi’s hoon-inducing siren song. Normally, when I’m driving a ride that’s not mine, I’m as gentle as Johnson & Johnson´s baby shampoo. But saying no to this car is like turning down an invite to the champagne room. From Lindsay Lohan.

Lots of cars go where you point them, but the 3er does it on point. With finesse. And a Ginsu knife. Thanks to the linearity and predictability of its athletic responses, the BMW 328xi dispatches twisty roads and late turns with extreme prejudice. I'm not sure the 328xi adds any measure of confidence in the wet (slowing down tends to work for me), but it doesn't weigh the coupe down or numb the tiller in the dry. So, well, why not?

For less money, you could buy the more useful BMW 328xi sedan or the cheaper rear wheel-drive coupe with a set of good snow tires. Even more annoying, for $3500 more than the BMW 328xi Coupe, you can own the superb BMW 335i sedan. But hey, if you value style and security over massive thrust, the BMW 328xi is the ultimate no excuses compromise.