Cars Service

A rolling stone gathers no moss. Trite, but true, especially when it comes to BMW. Just two years after launching the redesigned BMW 5-Series, Germanys purveyor of ultimate driving machines debuts new inline six-cylinder engines, a new all-wheel-drive system, and a new station wagon variant of the 5-Series for 2005.

BMWs new family of inline six-cylinder engines supplies more power, greater efficiency, and lower mass than ever before. BMW 525i models receive a new 218-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline six that cranks out 184 lb.-ft. of torque between 2,750 and 4,250 rpm. BMW 530i models get a 258-horse motor displacing 3.0 liters and developing 221 lb.-ft. of torque between 2,500 and 4,000 rpm. Thanks to engine blocks constructed of aluminum and magnesium, these new engines are also lighter than before, helping to reduce curb weight. In fact, BMW claims that they are the lightest vehicles in their class.



Patented, Devine Handling, How Do They Do That?

Hey this is a BMW dude, who cares about recalls or minor glitches with the iDrive. Fix it and go drive. I dont understand people who complain about reliability when we are talking about THE BMW. Its all about the joy of driving. Feeling that perfectly tuned suspension through your tactile senses in your fingure tips. When I drive this car I can practically sense the tires scrubbing the tarmac and that gives me so much confidence.

I just know that this suspension so finely tuned that I can go fast around corners. Bad driver? No worries mate. Its got stability control, so if you make a misstake the vehicle will automatically throttle back, brake, and even counter steer for you. Howzat? But if you are a good driver like I am, I suggest you get the stability control turned off.

Reason being, the stability control is tuned for bad drivers and so it is very conservative in the speed it will let you attain. And so if you are good, with the stability control off you can truely experience the handling limits of this vehicle. In other words, with stability control on, it will simply not let you go fast. That explains why I see so many other BMW drivers driving so slow. Oh, and make sure you get the 3.0 liter engine. 2.5 is just pathetic. 3.o is still kinda small for its class and heft but, as explained the handing is so good you can make up for that in corner speed. And I mean even in rain or snow.

THE ULTIMATE HANDLING MACHINE

Not sure why, but ever since the rear end got redesigned all the CAR magazines think that my beLUVed Beamer is no longer the "ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE." I cannot understand. Maybe its the active steering, that helps bad drivers counter steer when they dont know how. Kinda scarry to think that a machine could steer for you. How does it know which way to REALLY steer? Maybe its the cost cutting iDrive. Perhaps the styling? Wait, cant be, that has nothing to do with HANDLING nor PERFORMANCE. Well the small outdated engine could be the problem. Anyway, I dont care what anybody says, I LOVE my BMW, it is no question the "Ulitmate Driving Machine." I think. Yeah, even my friends who know nothing about cars know that BMW is the "ULTIMATE HANDLING MACHINE." There you go. The proof.


Precise Steering at High Speeds, Even in Rain

You cannot begin a conversation about a BMW with out mentioning its sharp European handling. No other car can match its cornering ability. A few other German cars come close, but thats about it. It really bothers me to hear people complain about the new styling. The handling is still pure BMW and thats all that matters. And those who whine about the iDrive simply dont get it. This is the ultimate handling machine and nothing else matters. One minor gripe would be that the engine lags technologically. Horse power and torque is kinda low compared to comparable displacement engines. But I digress, this car is not about the engine, it is all about suspension tuning.

Speed around corners, speed in lane changes is what counts. I can change lanes on a crowded highway super fast and the handling is so sharp that I dont need to use the turning signals. No need to bother because by the time you signal the lane change is over. Why bother? The weight balance is precisely 50 percent front and rear so you get extreme grip even in rain at high speeds. I can make lightning fast lane changes, cut and thrust, if you get my drift in crowded wet freeways.

2006 BMW 5-Series Preview

The new all-wheel-drive system that BMW is offering on both the 525xi and 530xi sedans and on the 530xi Touring wagon is an adaptation of the xDrive technology currently installed in the X3 and X5 sport-utes. BMW claims that xDrive is unlike any other all-wheel-drive system on the market because it redistributes engine power before the wheels begin to spin to foster traction, stability and agility. Weve had the chance to try several X3 and X5 models equipped with xDrive, and the system does react quickly.

Wagon variants are sold only as the 530xi Touring, meaning that they come standard with xDrive and the new 258-horsepower engine. Other goodies include Hill Descent Control, which automatically limits vehicle speed when traveling down steep and slippery hills, and adaptive headlights, which swivel with the steering to help illuminate around curves. A panoramic sunroof and a head-up display are also BMW 530xi hallmarks. Wider, longer, and taller than the 5-Series sedan, the new 5-Series Touring wagon adds a significant amount of cargo toting capability, able to schlep up to 56.5 cubic feet of stuff with the rear seat folded down.
Luxury car buyers always want the latest and greatest gadgets. With the new six-cylinder engines, xDrive all-wheel-drive, and Touring model that have been added to the 5-Series lineup for 2006, BMW clearly understands the mindset of the wealthy American consumer.

As the slogan says "The Ultimate Driving Machine"!

The reveiws that I have read DO NOT decribe the same 2006 BMW 5 Series that I am driving! Because this car is just plainly "SHARP"! The engine is small but what size engine are you looking for? This is partly why you get better gas miliage with this car then it previous model years. The inside is very nice and I have driven some top of the line cars. If the car was so bad then you are the fool! Because why would you spend that much money on a crappy car? I say it its a very much satisfying car all the way round!

In the closely fought compact executive market, one model stands out from the rest: the BMW 3-Series. It has history stretching back to the 1980s and has built a solid reputation, and is the car of choice for every young middle manager.

Its not that 3-Series lacks any serious rivals: the Mercedes-Benz C-Class is as prestigious; the Lexus IS will push it on reliability, while a fully loaded Ford Mondeo is better value. But it’s only the 3-Series, with its purposeful yet conservative styling, which has struck a chord with the British. Its popularity has not weakened residuals; even with plenty of used ones about, prices are remarkably stable.




Other automakers are envious of the 3 Series for another reason: It exemplifies consistency in product character and values. BMWs 3 Series cars have been the benchmark for entry luxury cars for some time, and we do not see this changing soon.

The competition may be gaining, but BMW is hardly sitting still. For 2004, the 3 Series gets an extensive array of updates. The coupe and convertible are mildy restyled, front and rear, and theres more of just about everything: More technology, more standard equipment, more wheel design choices. 330 models now come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, and BMWs trick Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) is offered on all rear-drive models. Theres a new Performance Package for the 330i sedan that makes it a virtual four-door M3. All 3 Series are offered with a BMW Assist telematics package that no longer requires the optional navigation system.

The coupe and convertible prices increase several hundred dollars, but all 3 Series cars come with the same full-maintenance included for the duration of the four- year, 50,000-mile warranty. For entry luxury market shoppers who put a premium on driving satisfaction, the BMW 3 Series remains the place to start.

Passengers

BMW clearly acknowledged criticisms over passenger space in the previous 3 Series and although not a class leader, the new car easily accommodates four adults with good legroom in the rear. However, a raised central cushion in the rear will make for an uncomfortable journey for a fifth passenger. The new 3 Series has a slightly harder ride than its predecessor. Wind and road noise are very low and engine noise from the diesels is minimal, even at motorway speeds, the six cylinder petrol engines give out a muscular note when pressed.

Drivers

The bmw 3 series has a choice of six engines; the 2.0 litre petrol and diesel engines having recently been updated now deliver significant improvements in performance and economy. With a sportier reputation than most of its rivals the 3 Series has a lot to live up to, it doesnt disappoint, BMW has tuned the chassis to make the 3 Series even more responsive and to improve driver feedback.

Apart from the 316i, which is underpowered, all of the BMW engines excel; the six cylinder engines are silky smooth and the diesels are awesome, in particular the 330d. On the flipside of the BMWs sportier pedigree is a firmer suspension, resulting in a slightly harder ride than its rivals. The BMW 3 Series has an excellent driving position with two-way adjustable steering and height adjustable seats, which provide good support. The gear change can be a little harsh at low speeds. The steering wheel mounted SMG sequential semi-automatic transmission is also worthy of consideration. As you would expect the cabin is well laid out with controls logically placed and within reach.

Equipment

Base spec doesnt offer very much. SE and Sport are much better served but there’s still plenty of options to consider.

Driving Impressions

Driving doesnt get much better than the BMW 3 Series, at least not with room for five, a high-level of all-season comfort and good mileage. Yes, some of its competitors offer a stronger price/equipment equation and comparable objective performance. But if you take off in a 3 Series and immediately realize the gap to the rest of the pack is wider than the price differential, then you can consider yourself an enthusiast driver and that your money was well spent.
If price is an issue, dont hesitate to choose the 325i. For a price less than the typical mid-size SUV, and nearly $7,000 less than the 330i, you get a true European sports sedan. You may never miss the extra power of the 330i, and you certainly wont miss the increase in monthly payments. The 2.5-liter engine doesnt develop the urgent thrust of the 3.0-liter, but it has plenty of power and its delivered in smooth, linear fashion with no significant dead spots or rushes. Just strong, steady propulsion. Its so smooth that its easy to rev past the redline to where the rev limiter cuts back on the throttle.

BMW uses inline six-cylinder engines instead of V6s. Though it takes up more space, an inline-6 is has its strengths in terms of operational performance. Indeed, BMW believes that six pistons lined up in a row run more smoothly than two banks of three pistons arranged in a V, and we agree. Both 3 Series engines feature the latest high-output technology, including fully electronic throttle control and a dual-resonance intake system.

The throttle feels light, responsive and linear in its power delivery. BMWs double VANOS variable-valve timing helps both engines provide plenty of torque (the force that makes a car jump when you hit the gas) throughout the rev range. Both engine meet new ULEV2 emissions standards in California and the Northeast.

The 330is 3.0-liter engine delivers most of its gusto at the top of the rev range, yet is surprisingly strong at lower engine speeds, too. BMW claims a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds for the 330s with the manual transmission, versus 7.1 seconds for the 325i. Both top out at an electronically limited 128 mph, unless you order the Performance Package.

The new Performance Package for the 330i sedan adds 10 horsepower and 8 pounds-feet of torque to the 3.0-liter engine. Moreover, it includes an integrated package of performance upgrades, including a sport suspension tuned by BMWs elite M division, and a manual shifter that reduces shift throws 0.4 inch (the Performance Package is also offered with the automatic transmission). So equipped, the 330i sedan goes like a virtual four-door M3, with a similarly aggressive appearance for at least $7,000 less than the M3 coupe. This package trims another second from the 330is 0-60 times: 5.4 seconds is fast for any sedan, much less one with a six-cylinder engine. The top speed extends to 155 mph, which is the voluntary limit adopted by most German automakers. We should note that this increase in speed is not solely because of the engine. The performance package includes Z-rated tires that are certified to operate safely at 155 mph. (That doesnt mean the driver will operate safely at this speed, however.)


Safety & Security

Driver, passenger, head and side-impact airbags with crash sensitive inflation rates are standard on all BMW 3 Series. Also standard are anti-lock brakes traction control and Dynamic Skid Control (DSC).

Quality & Reliability

The BMW 3 Series has a well-earned reputation for durability; hard-wearing engines and the use of high-quality materials in the interior make these cars resilient to daily wear and tear.

Owning

The BMW 3 Series has class leading running costs due to low depreciation; expect to recover around 60% after 3 years, and low servicing costs. Servicing intervals vary depending on how the car is driven; maximum intervals are at 15000 miles.

Description: Full-Size Luxury Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $71,800 - $118,900
Invoice Price Range: $65,520 - $108,380
Where built: Germany


A face-lift marks BMWs full-size 7-Series luxury/performance sedans and with it comes two powerful engines. Models include the V8-powered 750i and stretched 750Li, plus V12 versions of 760i and 760Li.



These line-topping cars bring sophisticated electronics governing power production and vehicle stability, and dazzling interactive voice commands for operating navigation, climate and communication equipment. Updated 7-Series models project a new kidney grille with revised fascias fore and aft plus xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps. Also evident on the body are refined lines and more chrome highlights.

The V8 engine employed by 750i and 750Li expands in displacement from 4.4 to 4.8 liters to deliver 360 hp. The 12-cylinder engine for 760i and 760Li carries forward with a 6.0-liter aluminum plant that develops 408 hp and features BMWs Valvetronic system plus fully variable bi-VANOS camshaft controls. Both engines mate with a six-speed automatic with shift-by-wire technology.
source: womanmotorist.com