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Fleetrates News 1-888-861-8080 — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:11:54 GMT

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The crossover SUV market has grown by leaps and bounds over the past couple of years. Along the way, a few vehicles have tipped the scales more toward car than SUV. The Infiniti EX35 comes to mind. Now, BMW is pushing the crossover idea further than ever by introducing the world's first crossover coupe. BMW calls it a Sports Activity Coupe. The 2008 BMW X6 is a high-riding, four-passenger, four-door coupe, a combination of sports car and SUV. The X6 is offered in two twin-turbocharged models, with inline-6 or V8 power. Both engines provide ample power for everyday use and even for towing. The V8 makes the X6 a hot rod, but we recommend the inline-6 because it has plenty of pep and is more fuel efficient. Shifter paddles on the steering wheel add to the sporty character of the X6. We found the X6 handles well on the road and on the track. It's better than any SUV but not as good as BMW's own sporty coupes and sport roadsters. It corners with little body lean, but the stiff suspension makes the ride somewhat harsh, especially with the Sport Package and optional 20-inch wheels. We recommend buyers test these options before they buy. Inside, the X6's ambience is upscale, with lots of leather and soft-touch surfaces. BMW's iDrive control system is standard. It can complicate some interior controls, but programmable buttons are provided to ease control of some of your favorite functions. Front-seat passengers have plenty of room, though visibility to the rear is restricted by a small, flat rear window. Two rear-seat occupants should be comfortable, too, provided they're not tall. The rear hatch lifts up and the rear seat folds down to give the X6 a nice amount of cargo storage space. It's on par with other hatchbacks but isn't as good as an SUV. Also, the liftover is higher, so you'll have to lift cargo higher when loading. It's hard to pigeonhole the X6. It rides high, so it doesn't handle as well as a sport coupe, and it doesn't have the cargo and people carrying capacity of an SUV. But overall it's a fine vehicle. Pricing is high, especially for the V8 model, so we'd recommend the six-cylinder model for anyone considering this vehicle.

Model Lineup
The 2008 BMW X6 is offered in two models, both with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive. The X6 xDrive35i uses BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that makes 300 horsepower. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission that can be controlled manually via the shifter or a pair of steering wheel paddles. xDrive is meant for street use and lacks low-range gearing. The X6 xDrive35i ($52,500) comes standard with leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, power tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control with brake function to maintain the set speed down hills, 10-way power-adjustable front seats, interior air filter, 60/40 split folding rear seat, power mirrors with tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, six-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 stereo, auxiliary input jack, outside-temperature indicator, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers with heated washer nozzles, rear cargo shade, bi-xenon adaptive automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, front cornering lights, fog lights, and P255/50R19 run-flat tires on alloy wheels. The X6 xDrive50i ($63,000) has a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that produces 400 horsepower. It uses the same six-speed automatic and comes with xDrive. Standard features include 20-way power multi-contour front seats, a navigation system with voice activation and real-time traffic, and a load-leveling suspension.Several option packages are available. A ventilated seat package ($1100) for the xdrive50i adds front ventilated seats and an active driver's seat that subtly changes the contours of its left and right halves periodically to reduce body fatigue. The same package for the xDrive35i ($2100) also has 20-way adjustable multi-contour seats. A Cold Weather package ($900) has a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, retractable headlight washers, and a ski bag for the rear seat passthrough. A Premium package ($1750) adds a universal garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror, power folding and auto-dimming exterior mirrors, four-way power adjustable lumbar support for the front seats, a digital compass for the rearview mirror, ambient lighting, a rear storage system, a Bluetooth cell phone link, and BMW Assist emergency and concierge service. The Premium Sound package ($2000) has a 600-watt audio system with 16 speakers and two subwoofers, digital equalizing for each seating position, a 6-disc CD/DVD changer, and an iPod and USB adapter. The Rear Climate package ($900) includes rear side window shades, four-zone automatic climate control, and privacy glass. A Technology package for the xDrive35i ($2000) adds a rearview camera and the navigation system. A Sport package is offered for each model. Three versions are offered for the xDrive35i. The basic package ($3600) comes with P255/50R19 run-flat tires on light alloy wheels, BMW's Adaptive Drive with Active Roll Stabilization and Electronic Damping Control with Sport and Comfort settings, 10-way power adjustable front sport seats, Shadowline exterior side window trim, an anthracite headliner, and a higher top speed limiter; P275/40R20 front and P315/35R20 rear tires on run-flat performance tires ($950) can be added and BMW's 20-way adjustable multi-contour seats are available ($1200). The xDrive50i has sport, multi-contour seats standard, but otherwise the Sport package ($3100) items are the same. Additional options: rear DVD entertainment ($1700), BMW's Active Steering ($1400), a power rear liftgate ($500), BMW's Comfort Access keyless entry and starting ($1000), soft-close automatic doors ($600), running boards ($300), a rearview camera ($400), heated front seats ($500), multi-contour front seats ($1200), heated rear seats ($350), a navigation system ($1900), a head-up display ($1200), BMW Assist ($750), HD radio ($350), Sirius satellite radio ($595), and upgraded perforated Nappa leather ($1000). Safety features include dual front airbags; front side-impact airbags; curtain side airbags with rollover deployment; tire-pressure monitor; front and rear park assist; traction control; electronic stability control with cornering brake control and Trailer Sway Control; Hill Descent Control; Hill Start Assist; and ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, brake drying and brake fade compensation. The only safety option is the rearview camera.
Walkaround
The BMW X6 is in a class by itself. That's not a value judgment. It really is in a class by itself. There are no other raised four-door coupe/SUVs on the market. The X6 shares its basic architecture with the X5 SUV (or SAV for Sports Activity Vehicle in BMW parlance), but it is modified for the X6. The wheelbase is the same, but the X6 is about two inches wider and the rear track is 2.2 inches wider. The X6's coupe-like body design also makes it three inches shorter than the X5. The X6's raised ride height (with a ground clearance of 8.5 inches) means it is classified as a truck. On the road, the X6 has a definite presence. For starters, there's the twin-kidney BMW grille. The X6 differs from the X5 and announces its performance character with lots of front end cooling. A small mesh grille is located beneath the twin kidney grilles and a larger lower air intake, also with a mesh grille, is found along the bottom of the front fascia. More noticeable are two massive air intakes that house round fog lights located beneath the cat's eye-style headlights. It's from the side that the X6 makes its biggest statement. If you would only see the X6 from the beltline down, you'd think it's an SUV. After all, the wheelwells house massive tires, yet the wheel openings are so massive that there is plenty of air around the tires. It's the greenhouse, however, that defines the vehicle. The roof reaches the peak of its height just behind the windshield and steadily slopes down to the rear end where it culminates in a built-in spoiler. When viewed from the rear, this spoiler is part of the hatchback and it resembles the high trunk that debuted on the 7 Series. The rear view shows a wide, rounded shape. It doesn't look quite like a sports car, though, because the rear end is fairly tall and chunky, not sleek and slim like a BMW 6 Series or Porsche 911. Nonetheless, like a sports car, the high rear end and sloped roof give the X6 the look of a predator hunched and ready to attack.

Interior Features
The overall ambience of the BMW X6 cabin is decidedly upscale. Just about every BMW has a nice, if somewhat staid, interior, but the X6 is more luxurious than most of the line. Soft-touch surfaces abound and the few plastics that are to be found are solid and tastefully finished. The dash is padded on the xDrive35i model, and is even nicer on the xDrive50i, as it is covered in leather. Real wood trim is used throughout. The driver grips a substantial steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles and looks upon a hooded instrument cluster that features a prominent speedometer and tachometer. Outlined in silver, the gauges feature black faces with white numbers and needles. Inset and shrouded, the gauges are easy to read, as is the digital trip computer information that is displayed between the two gauges. The trip computer information is accessed through a button on the turn signal stalk. To the driver's right is the center stack, which features an 8.8-inch screen that displays the navigation map (when navigation is ordered) and other functions of BMW's iDrive control system. Below the screen are two vents, a set of climate control buttons, and the radio controls. The radio controls are set low, and we had to momentarily take our eyes off the road to adjust the radio. Standard steering wheel controls help here, though. BMW also provided eight programmable buttons so specific radio stations, navigation destinations, and telephone numbers can be accessed instantly. iDrive is controlled via a round aluminum knob and Menu button that both fall easily to hand on the center console. This system controls navigation, communication, climate, and entertainment functions. The iDrive system can require several steps to perform various functions, making tasks like finding a new radio station overly complicated, but we've found that it becomes easier once you get used to it. The center console also features two cupholders covered by a shade in front of the shift knob, a small cubby to hold items such as change or a cell phone, and a deep console bin that is padded in leather on top. Knee pads on either side of the center console help keep passengers from banging their knees when the driver decides to charge hard into turns. The driver's seating position is high like that of an SUV. There is plenty of head and leg room and the multi-adjustable seats should allow anyone to find a comfortable driving position. The front passenger has good room, too, but a long-legged colleague noted that the footwell's limited leg room meant he had to put the seat farther back than usual. Visibility to the rear is blocked by the sloped roofline, but the large mirrors help make up for that with a good view to the sides and rear. The rear seat is fairly comfortable, though it only has seating for two, which leaves a lot of hip and shoulder room. Head room is generally good, though it starts to go away if you lean back or are quite tall. Leg room is good until the front seats are moved more than halfway back. Occupants in back have a handy center tray with two cupholders and a shallow tray with a rubberized bottom for holding small items. Getting in and out of the back is a little tough, as the door openings are small, requiring occupants to twist their ankles and turn sideways to slide in and out. Generally, the rear seat makes the X6 comfortable for four adults. For cargo, the rear seat folds down 60/40 to create a mostly flat load floor. A pass-through for skis and other long items can be loaded without restricting passenger capacity. With the seats up, there is 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space, about the same as your average hatchback. That's appropriate because the X6 really is a hatchback. With the seats down, there's 59.7 cubic feet of cargo room, which is about the same as a 5 Series wagon. The rear hatch lifts in one piece, but the load floor is rather high and the coupe-like roof limits the height of packages that can be loaded. Overall, the X6 has the cargo flexibility of a typical hatchback, which is good, but it is not as spacious as most small SUVs.

Driving Impressions
All BMW X6 models come standard with xDrive all-wheel drive, which varies the power between the front and rear axles electronically. The X6 marks the debut of Dynamic Performance Control. DPC uses two planetary gear sets and two clutch packs in the rear differential to multiply torque to individual rear wheels. Sending more power to an outside wheel helps steer the vehicle through turns. We couldn't feel system working, even when we drove the X6 on a racetrack, but we can say the X6 handled impressively. That statement is made with a caveat. While the X6 handles well, it doesn't feel like a sports car, due mostly to the high center of gravity. There's just no getting around mass, and the X6 weighs more than 5,200 pounds. A 5 Series sedan, by comparison, weighs less than 4,000 pounds. While we've driven V8 and six-cylinder models, all of them have been outfitted with the Sport Package, Active Roll Stabilization, and 20-inch wheels with run-flat tires. We found that both the xDrive35i and xDrive50i had stiff suspension settings that combined with Active Roll Stabilization to help them corner flatter than any SUV. However, even with the Sport Package, the X6 has more body lean and tire squeal than you'd get in a BMW 3 Series. So don't expect the X6 to match the handling of a sports sedan. We found the stiff suspension settings and short sidewalls on the X6s we drove can take their toll on rough roads. Even with the Electronic Damping Control in the Comfort setting, the X6 reacted harshly to sharp bumps and the ride was generally stiffer than many drivers would prefer for everyday use. We're guessing the standard 19-inch wheels and tires will help provide a softer ride, but they're run-flat tires with short, stiff sidewalls, so we recommend you test drive the X6 before you buy to make sure you can live with the ride. A new 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine comes in the X6 xDrive50i. It makes 400 horsepower from 5500 to 6400 rpm and 450 pound-feet of torque from 1750-4500 rpm. BMW says the V8 is capable of powering the X6 from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds. It certainly feels that quick. The 4.4-liter turbo doesn't have the immediate grunt from a stop of a larger V8, but after initial throttle application it makes power quickly and keeps it coming. Passing is a breeze, and the 4.4-liter V8 provides more power than you'll need for most purposes. Properly equipped, the xDrive50i can tow an impressive 7700 pounds. The six-cylinder engine in the X6 xdrive35i isn't too shabby, either. It's BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6, which produces 300 horsepower from 5800 to 6250 rpm and 300 pound-feet of torque from 1400-5000 rpm. According to BMW, this engine makes the X6 capable of a 6.5 second 0-60 mph time, which is quite quick for a vehicle of this size. The six-cylinder returns decent EPA fuel economy ratings of 15 mpg City and 20 mpg Highway. With the towing package, the xDrive35i can tow a substantial 5940 pounds. Given the $10,500 cost difference, we'd recommend the 3.0-liter six, as it makes as much power as we need and provides better mileage. Both engines work through a responsive six-speed automatic transmission. Drivers can shift manually via a pair of standard aluminum steering wheel shift paddles or through the gearshift. Tapping the paddles up or down shifts gears automatically; there is no need to put the gearshift in a sport mode. That gearshift, however, is a bit odd. Instead of the familiar gated PRNDL, it remains stationary and the driver hits a button and bumps it forward for Reverse or backward for Drive. Another button puts it in Park. It takes some time to get used to, but it takes up less space, which BMW uses for cupholders and small items storage. Active Steering varies the steering ratio based on speed. Active Steering makes the X6 easy to maneuver in tight quarters and keeps it stable at speed. We like it. We also like the X6's brakes. A racetrack is the best test of brakes, and we heated them up pretty good in several laps. They remained strong, with no fade or pulsing evident. In hard stops on the track and the road, the X6 remained composed and stable, even coming down from more than 100 mph.

Summary
Like most BMWs, the BMW X6 is a fine automobile. It rides high like an SUV; it's fast; it handles well; and it's comfortable inside. Ride quality is a bit harsh, the price of admission is high, and compared to an SUV it has limited space inside for passengers and cargo.

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2009 BMW M3 Convertible At Low Fleet Prices Worldwide Delivery 1-888-831-8080 1-888-861-8080

Fleetrates News 1-888-861-8080 — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 20:14:45 GMT

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The M3 Convertible is the droptop version of BMW's top-of-the-line 3 Series, the legendary M3. It takes the M3's coupe body style (which also comes as a four-door Convertible) and adds a retractable hardtop that lowers or raises in just 22 seconds. Besides the convertible top and some extra structural reinforcements, the convertible is largely the same as the fixed-roof version. Both use a lightweight 420-horsepower V8 engine that provides nearly 100 horsepower more than the six-cylinder engine in the last-generation M3. The M3 Convertible will be available with a traditional manual transmission or what BMW calls Drivelogic ? a twin-clutch transmission that requires no actual clutch pedal, but still lets drivers shift manually using paddles behind the steering wheel. (VW and Audi use similar twin-clutch transmissions.) Drivers can select among 11 electronically controlled shift modes, five of which are fully automatic, to match their driving style. The Drivelogic system lessens the time required for shifting and will trim the M3 Convertible's 0-60 mph time by a few ticks when compared to the traditional manual. Because of the space required to store their tops, convertibles are often stingy with cargo space, and the M3 Convertible holds true to form. It affords paltry storage space at its hind end, made even less useful by a tiny trunk opening.

New 2010 BMW X1 Revealed

Fleetrates News 1-888-861-8080 — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:23:40 GMT

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MUNICH, Germany - BMW has confirmed that the new X1, its smallest crossover yet, will be assembled at the sprawling Leipzig plant in Germany. In a statement Friday, the company said, "The exact time point of production start and the market launch of the X1 will be revealed at a later date." European suppliers told us the X1 is scheduled to begin production in Leipzig in fall 2009. The X1 will share its basic underpinnings, including powertrains, with the 1 Series compacts, which are also assembled at Leipzig. We have learned that a sister model, to be dubbed the X4, is also being readied for launch in spring 2010. While it may share some major mechanicals with the X1, its styling will be closer to that of the new X6, with a coupelike four-door body. While the X1 will be aimed at the same buyers Audi wants to cultivate with its upcoming Q3, the X4 may attempt to carve out a new niche in the ever-expanding and still fragmenting premium-crossover market, both in Europe and North America. What this means to you: Look for the premium Japanese brands to be well represented with new entry-luxury crossovers, too.

New 2008 BMW 1-Series Full Test Drive Get Your New 128i or 135i from FleetRates.com and save $$ on your BMW Lease Payments 1-888-861-8080

Fleetrates News 1-888-861-8080 — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:19:21 GMT

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When the BMW 1 Series first looked like it would be brought to the U.S. from its successful home in the European market, we had visions of a return to the BMW 2002, the car that really invented the BMW brand in America back in the late 1960s. It would be a return to form, an expression of the true BMW spirit. You know, something small, light, nimble and affordable. We even dared to dream of a reborn BMW 2002 tii.But then the specifications hit our desk with a thump. It turned out the BMW 1 Series would be heavier than we expected, not to mention more expensive. Fortunately it would be more powerful, too. It became clear to us that the 1 Series was not so much a continuation of the beloved 2002, but rather a rebirth of the 3 Series.If you haven't noticed, the BMW 3 Series has, well, expanded. Those who hit the upper-middle-class running in the go-go 1980s bought a far different 3 Series from the one we enjoy today. It was small, light, nimble and affordable. It was a gateway car, an introduction to the brand — a broker's first BMW, you could say. BMW hoped as its new customers climbed the corporate ladder, they would steadily upgrade their BMW to suit. Have a family, buy a 5 Series; make partner, buy an M6. Retirement imminent? You, sir, need a 7 Series.But then the BMW 3 Series became a mass-market success and soon it acquired a mass-market identity, morphing into a vehicle that is all things for all people. It's a coupe, sedan, convertible, wagon and even a sport-utility if you count the X3, and there are gasoline engines, diesel engines, four-cylinders, a twin-turbo inline-6 and now even a V8. Once you're behind the wheel of a BMW 3 Series, there's very little need to move up.Which brings us back to our newest long-term test car, a 2008 BMW 135i. When you compare the specifications, the 1 Series is not so different from the 3 Series: a fraction shorter, a fraction lighter and really only a fraction less expensive. It's smooth, sophisticated and as carefully optioned with consumer-friendly convenience features as a 3 Series.If we wanted a 1 Series more like a BMW 2002 tii — something in the spirit of cheap and cheerful, only with terrific speed — it was clear we would have to build our own. What We Bought At $28,600 the 2008 BMW 128i is the least expensive new BMW you can buy in the USA, but it's missing something for us. Something with a little more kick. Something with a pair of turbochargers. Something, oh, like the twin-turbo, 300-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-6 that currently resides in the latest BMW 335i and BMW 535i. This is an engine so sweet that it seduces us no matter where BMW puts it. And we're not alone, as this engine has been awarded top honors in the 2008 International Engine of the Year competition.Of course, as soon as you tick this box on the order sheet for a 1 Series, you take a $6,300 hit to the wallet. But don't think you're paying $6 grand for the engine alone, as the upgrade to a 135i includes a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels with summer-only performance tires, and six-piston fixed calipers for the front brakes. The 135i also includes an aerodynamic body kit inspired by BMW's high-performance M-cars.

So we spent the money
And even though we were already cheating on our plan to create a modern 2002, we still wanted to remain true to a pure spirit of performance, so we kept the options to a minimum. Only Porsche makes this process tougher than BMW, however. Days and then weeks slipped by as we called and e-mailed and called again, looking for a stripper 135i. None to be had, no matter where we looked in the country. At one point, it looked like our best alternative would be a 135i with an automatic transmission and enough dealer-installed accessories to bust the $45K barrier.But then we found the right car right in our own neighborhood. Rusnak Westlake BMW (Buy a car there? Rate it!) in Thousand Oaks, California, had a 2008 BMW 135i equipped with a six-speed manual transmission right on its lot (true believers in the 2002 tii!). No premium package and only one indulgence: power front seats.Unfortunately this item added $995 to the tally and kept us from the 1 Series sport seats that had captured our attention in our full test of the 135i. As Director of Vehicle Testing Dan Edmunds says, "The package also includes terrific eight-way manually adjustable seats that adjust quickly, hold on tight in corners and look great. Why spend the money for optional power seats?"Well, you buy them because you have to. It was that or wait months for a custom-built 1 Series to be shipped from Germany.

What Kind of BMW Is This?
Did you catch our recent all-BMW comparison? We pitted our long-term 2002 BMW M3 against a 2008 BMW 335i and a 2008 BMW 135i in daily life, on back roads and at the track to see which would come out on top. The winner?No, not the 335i — too big, too expensive and too slow. Instead, the numbers on the scoring sheet recorded a tie between the 2008 BMW 135i and the aging yet still potent E46 M3. A tie! A hopped-up version of BMW's cheapest car not only keeps up with one of the finest BMW performance cars ever built, but also outpaces it in several respects.And so we're persuaded that we have the right 1 Series in our long-term test fleet. Apart from storage space, is there a downside to the basement BMW with such compelling performance credentials? Is this the BMW 2002 tii we long for, or just a BMW 3 Series in disguise? How about that styling? We have 12 months and 20,000 miles to find out.

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Fleetrates News 1-888-861-8080 — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:09:21 GMT

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It looks awkward in pictures and some find it hideous, but the 2008 BMW X6 50i isn't nearly as warped when you see it in person. It's kind of a supermodel from behind, with a slim, narrow roof at the top and curvaceous hips at the bottom. Designers call this sort of thing tumblehome, and an SUV without it looks like a refrigerator. The front is all BMW with a big twin kidney grille and fighter-jet-size intakes at each corner. The roof line goes on forever in profile, giving the X6 a hatchback-style look that's unique at best, a little too forced at worst. The designers at BMW say it's "coupelike," so they ? and they alone ? call the X6 a Sports Activity Coupe. It gets better from behind the wheel. Fire up the new 400-horsepower, 4.4-liter V8 and it sounds more like a carbureted big block than a sophisticated twin-turbo engine with direct injection. We don't remember an X5 sounding this burly. So far this much is clear ? pictures don't do the all-wheel-drive 2008 BMW X6 justice.

Lots of Power, Lots of Weight
On the road in North Carolina to drive the 2008 BMW X6 for the first time, we're fully expecting the X6 to smack us silly with its 450 pound-feet of torque. But this never quite happens. Instead, the six-speed automatic transmission shifts tentatively, as if it's worried that unleashing too much force at one time might eat a driveshaft or two. Which may be the case, but it makes us doubt BMW's claimed 0-to-60-mph time of 5.3 seconds for the X6. That's only 0.3 second slower than the last 135i we tested, and the tiny coupe weighs 1,906 pounds less. Yeah, that's no typo. The xDrive50i, as it's known in BMW-speak, weighs in at 5,269 pounds. That's 319 pounds more than the Porsche Cayenne S, an SUV that has never once been called light on its feet. Porsche claims a 0-to-60-mph time of 6.4 seconds for the 385-hp Cayenne S, so BMW's estimate of the X6's ability seems a bit optimistic. That said, the power of the new twin-turbo BMW V8 is hardly the problem. The torque peak arrives early at 1,750 rpm and doesn't waver until 4,500 rpm. Throttle lag from the two turbos buried between the cylinder banks is minimal and the all-aluminum engine spins up to its 6,500-rpm redline without a noticeable hesitation in thrust. And the sounds this BMW V8 makes are unmatched by any SUV on the road. Whether it's burbling at idle or headed for redline, the X6 makes you want to drive with the windows open to hear it do its work.

We Want More for Our $8,500
Once we discover the 2008 BMW X6 isn't the rocket we expected, we figure maybe the handling will convince us that the X6 is worth its $8,500 premium over the BMW X5 4.8i. But after 20 miles of wet switchbacks in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, we're still not buying it. Don't get the wrong impression; the X6 is shockingly agile. The quick steering makes it easy to arc into bends, and there's so little body roll that you feel like you're barely pushing the vehicle's limits. The massive 14.4-inch brake rotors up front burn off the speed in an instant and the fat tires are gripping the pavement like it's bone dry. Unless you drive it back-to-back with the X5, however, you'd be unlikely to notice any particular improvement over the 2008 BMW X5. Compared to the X5, a slightly revised front suspension helps the X6 track better over rough surfaces while a 2-inch-wider rear track adds some stability. Our test vehicle also has the optional Sport package, which adds an impressive set of 20-inch wheels wrapped in 275/40R20 tires up front and 315/35R20 rubber in back, a combination that's also available for the X5.

Yes, Another Acronym
One advantage the X6 has over the X5 ? and just about any other SUV save the Acura MDX ? is a new torque distribution system known as Dynamic Performance Control (DPC). In simplest terms, DPC is able to redirect power to each of the four wheels in varying degrees. And it's not just for traction control either, as DPC actively intervenes to help control the directional stability of the X6 as well. (The 2008 Saab 9-3 Aero XWD recently gave us a taste of much the same thing in a sedan package.) Powering out of tight hairpins, we feel only the slightest hints of the system working, but there's no doubt that the X6 is firing out of wet corners with impressive drive. Still, BMW figured the X6 might need some help demonstrating the new system, so it arranged for us to drive a road course at Michelin's Laurens proving grounds that had been soaked by sprinklers. Flat-footing the X6 out of soaked hairpins here makes the benefit of DPC far more obvious. In most SUVs, such a maneuver would initiate the intervention of so many various stability control systems that the gas pedal would be rendered useless. With DPC, you still get power, but it jumps from one wheel to the other as each one struggles to grab the pavement. The forward bite is a little jerky when you're hard on the throttle, and we have to remind ourselves that even DPC has its limits and we should be wary of pedaling the X6 right into the grass. We get some time on a dry course as well and here again the X6 is solid and precise where most other SUVs would be flailing with understeer. There's so much grip from the massive tires we wonder if we could go much faster with a proper sports car. Yes, it's that good. Still, the X5 remains stuck in our heads. Would we be going much slower and with any less confidence in a 4.8i? Not by much.

The Utility of a Coupe
With all the fun stuff out of the way, we're left to consider the X6's cabin. The low roof makes it obvious that there's less space inside, but does it matter much? Depends what you consider important. Up front, we don't notice a thing. Without looking at the impossibly small hatch opening in the rearview mirror, we can't tell the difference between the X6 and the bigger X5.Nearly all the design elements are the same. There are simple analog gauges, high-quality interior trim and an overly complex yet space-saving console-mounted shift lever. All X6s get a sport steering wheel as standard as well as cushions on the center console to help brace you while you're cornering hard. The rear seats in the X6 are designed to hold only two passengers, so there's a big center console back there, too. The seats prove far more comfortable than your standard three-person bench seat, although the low roof shaves nearly 2 inches of headroom from the X5's numbers. There's plenty of legroom and decent foot room under the front seats, but we quickly determine that with two adults in back, the overall rearseat space feels cramped. Maybe it's the fact that if you're over 6 feet you can rest your head on the roof, or the slightly reduced shoulder room. Either way, it's tighter and less comfortable than an X5. It's the same story when it comes to cargo room. The X6 has a respectable 59.7 cubic feet of cargo space with the second-row seats folded, but the X5 offers up to 75 cubic feet in the same configuration.

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Fleetrates News 1-888-861-8080 — Fri, 23 May 2008 11:20:06 GMT

The peerless BMW 335i has earned endless praise from us for its solid construction, balanced handling and stonking twin-turbo engine. So far it's batting a thousand when it comes to victories in our comparison tests. But in becoming more refined, the E92 (that's BMW techspeak for 2007 and later 3 Series coupes) has gained size and weight, so its communicative responses have been muted. Well, that's what BMW fanboys will say, anyway. That's where the 2008 BMW 135i Coupe (a.k.a. E82) comes in. Sure, when the 1 Series comes in the guise of the 2008 BMW 128i, we'd call it an entry-level Bimmer. But the inclusion of "the Engine" (as we find ourselves saying) is proof positive that BMW knows what its core enthusiasts really want.

Anti Super-Size Me
How much smaller than a 2008 BMW 335i is the new 2008 BMW 135i Coupe? At 172.2 inches, the U.S.-spec 1 Series gives up 8.1 inches of length. It's even 3 inches shorter than the E30 3 Series of the 1980s and only 0.7 inch longer than the E21 3 Series of the 1970s. The greenhouse of the 1 Series coupe is something of a bubble, resulting in a 55.4-inch height, ample headroom and general proportions that fall between the E30 and E36 coupes. Notable deviations from the vintage BMW formula for sport sedan proportions include a higher beltline and a wider stance. Interior space is suitably ample up front, but unless the front seat occupants are of below-average height, the rear seats are a kids-only proposition. This 6-foot-2 editor was able to travel with his 9-year-old daughter seated behind, but only just. So the 1 Series coupe clearly doesn't share the "too big" problem of the 3 Series. As compact as it is, the new 135i is no lightweight. It's still a full-featured premium piece, and it shows evidence of the mass that comes from 20 years of safety advances plus the "must-have" thinking about convenience features that shapes the thinking of product planners everywhere. Our test car tips the scales to the tune of 3,399 pounds, some 172 pounds less than a 335i, but still 200 or so pounds heavier than the similar-size E36 BMW M3 of the 1990s.

Cue the Bigger Hammer
But the 135i has a not-so-secret weapon that those lighter, earlier BMWs didn't have: a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected straight-6 engine that not only produces 300 hp but also packs a 300 pound-feet wallop of torque from 1,400 through 5,000 rpm. On the road, the power delivery of the turbo six is so smooth and relentless that it makes the 1 Series fast — very fast — but never furious. This engine simply grunts it out and pulls hard from the bottom of the tach to its redline at 7,000 rpm. And the thrill quotient goes up because all this is happening in a car that's almost 200 pounds lighter than the engine's customary 3 Series package. So the 1 Series coupe doesn't share the "too fat" problem of the 3 Series. At the track, the twin-turbo big hammer drove our 135i down the quarter-mile in 13.3 seconds at 104 mph. The 2008 Subaru WRX STI with 5 more hp and 48 fewer pounds does the same time in the quarter-mile, but with a slower 102.4-mph trap speed. While the STI edges the 135i's 5.0-second acceleration to 60 mph by a fraction thanks to the launch traction afforded by the Subie's all-wheel drive, the BMW ultimately has the legs at the top end and catches the STI at the finish line. This performance does nothing to dispel our continuing suspicion that the 300-hp rating of the twin-turbo inline-6 is conservative at best.

Sometimes the Small Numbers Are Best
A shorter wheelbase gives the 1 Series a dimension of agility that the 3 Series lacks, and it measures 104.7 inches, some 4 inches less. The suspension layout of the E82 is similar to that of the larger 3 Series. It still carries front struts with split lower arms and dual lower ball joints, while the rear retains the latest multilink layout. But both ends have been recalibrated for the 1 Series application. Our 135i coupe came with standard 18-inch Bridgestone Potenza RE-050A run-flat summer tires: 215/40R18s up front and 245/35R18s in the back. We're still deeply skeptical about the performance of run-flats, even after the latest improvements. The mega-stiff sidewalls of the 050As disrupted an otherwise tame ride whenever we encountered abrupt, sharp-edged breaks in the pavement or even pronounced ripples. We wish BMW would offer us the option of conventional tires or space for a spare. But since the battery resides in the trunk to help achieve a weight distribution of 52 percent front/48 percent rear, a spare has no place to live.

Ultimately, We Drive the Machine
Spirited back-road driving proves the 2008 BMW 135i Coupe can deliver the goods, as it dispatched corners with crisp turn-in, an eager willingness to change direction and impeccable grip, without sacrificing the road-worthy poise of the 335i that we love. On our test track, this translates to a blistering 72.4-mph run in the slalom, easily outpacing the last 335i we tested (69.5 mph) and edging the 2008 STI (72.0 mph). Skid pad figures are a wash, as both BMWs generate 0.89g and the STI makes 0.90g. Understeer has been rumored to lurk within the 135i, but it didn't rear its head until we hit the road-racing track, where high-speed sweepers at the limit work the outside front Bridgestone mighty hard. Track-day junkies might want to make changes, but we think most everyone else will have no complaints. Our 135i came with six-piston fixed-caliper brakes and 13.3-inch rotors. These calipers (something we'll see more of, our BMW sources tell us) seem like overkill when the heavier 335i and faster M3 do quite well with rather pedestrian single-piston sliding calipers. But the advantage might come in the form of consistently firm pedal feel over several days of determined street driving and extended track testing. This 1 Series comes to a stop from 60 mph in 109 feet.

It's Nice in Here
Inside the cabin, our 135i includes the Sport package, a $1,000 option consisting of an M-sport steering wheel and Shadowline trim, plus an elevated limiter for top speed. The package also includes terrific eight-way manually adjustable seats that adjust quickly, hold on tight in corners and look great. Why spend the money for optional power seats? Handsome textured aluminum accents are applied with strategic restraint in the interior. BMW is one of a few carmakers that have figured out that accents that have the dull sheen of hand-worn metal look more upscale than any sort of chrome. And no sunlight gets reflected back into the eyes of the driver, either.

The Bottom Line
The base price for the 2008 BMW 135i is $35,675. After adding the options (including the $1,450 Boston leather upholstery) plus a $400 iPod and USB adapter and the $600 Cold Weather Package, our car's as-tested price is $39,125. And beware, because many high-cost options lurking on the options sheet can drive the price much, much higher. It's hard to pin down the competition for the 2008 BMW 135i. On price and track performance, this test car matches up quite well with the 2008 Subaru WRX STI we tested, which costs $39,440. It matches up on performance, too. That's not bad company to be in, but at the end of the day, the Subie is no BMW. Is the 2008 BMW 135i Coupe worth it? It depends. It's easy to go overboard with the options and jack up the price of the 135i so it no longer makes sense. If you value a high level of steering and handling refinement and outright twin-turbo nirvana in a package that's small enough to toss around, and you can live with limited backseat space, the 2008 BMW 135i is like nothing else. And it doesn't matter that the pot-bellied BMW 135i isn't the most beautiful car in the world. If you're doing it right, you'll be on the inside, working the steering, pedals and shifter with a huge grin on your face, happier than a pig in, well, you know.

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Fleetrates News 1-888-861-8080 — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 14:34:10 GMT

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When BMW introduced the X5 seven years ago, many viewed it as a betrayal of the company's spirit. "BMW," those many asked, "the company that invented the sport sedan, is building a truck? That can't be good." Today the only question is whether or not the second-generation X5 is at least as good as the first. All evidence points to the new 2008 BMW X5 being significantly better in almost all categories. This second-generation crossover SUV is 7.4 inches longer than the original and rides on a 4.5-inch longer (115.5-inch) wheelbase. That's enough room for BMW to shove in a third-row seat -- albeit one that's strictly for small children only. The steel unibody chassis is all-new and features a robust new front suspension with aluminum upper and lower wishbones rather than BMW's traditional MacPherson struts. The payoff is increased handling agility, says BMW. For power, the X5 is once again equipped with a six- or eight-cylinder engine. The inline six-cylinder is BMW's latest magnesium-and-aluminum 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve engine, and it's rated at 260 horsepower. The 350-hp, 4.8-liter V8 is largely a carryover from last year's 4.8is model. As wonderfully as the first X5 drove, this new one drives even better. There's more suspension compliance over bumps and harsh pavement, yet the vehicle is still quite agile and responsive when driven aggressively on curvy roads. The interior is also larger and even better-looking. Overall, we're impressed with the new 2008 BMW X5. For Bimmer-philes and driving enthusiasts needing a midsize luxury SUV, it's the obvious choice. But other SUV shoppers will want to consider all their options. When the original X5 debuted, it was pretty much the only game in town if you wanted an SUV that felt even remotely sporty when driven on pavement. Now the crossover SUV segment is full of impressive machines, including the new Acura MDX, Audi Q7, Cadillac SRX, Infiniti FX35/FX45 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. Many of them cost less and offer better utility.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options
A midsize luxury SUV, the 2008 BMW X5 is offered in two trim levels: the 3.0si with the six-cylinder engine and the 4.8i with the V8. Both models come standard with 18-inch wheels, adaptive xenon HID headlights, rain-sensing wipers with heated washer jets, power front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, the iDrive system control interface and a glove-box-mounted CD player. The 4.8i also has leather seating and burl walnut wood trim as standard. Additional equipment is offered through a variety of option packages. The Sport Package adds an active suspension system, 19-inch wheels and sport front seats. The Premium Package includes a panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity and the BMW Assist emergency communications system; on the 3.0si, it also includes leather upholstery. The Technology Package features park distance control, a rearview camera and a navigation system with real-time traffic updates. Other significant options include 20-inch wheels, a power liftgate (late availability), upgraded front seating, a separate rear climate control system, active steering, a premium audio system, a rear entertainment system and the third-row seat.

Powertrains and Performance
The 2008 BMW X5 3.0si is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine good for 260 hp. It's backed by a six-speed automatic transmission (with a manual-shift mode) feeding BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The X5 4.8i uses a 4.8-liter V8 rated at 350 hp and features the same transmission and AWD system. BMW claims the 3.0si will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 7.8 seconds, while the 4.8i will do the same trick in 6.4 seconds.

Safety
All 2008 X5s come equipped with front seat-mounted side airbags and head-protecting side-curtain airbags for the first and second rows. Antilock disc brakes and a stability control system with a rollover sensor are also standard. Front and rear parking sensors are optional on all BMW X5s.

Interior Design and Special Features
The new X5's interior is one of the most elegant BMW has ever built. The dash is gently curved, with elegant wood inlays, generously sized air vents, oversized instrumentation and a truly gorgeous soft-feeling top that unifies the whole design. The only sour notes are the all-in-one iDrive controller and the optional third-row seat. Despite recent improvements, the iDrive system still annoys many drivers with its complexity, and the third-row seat is acutely lacking in spaciousness, even compared with those in other midsize crossover SUVs. With the second- and third-row seats folded, the X5 has 75 cubic feet of cargo space available, which is about average for this class of vehicle.

Driving Impressions
The 2008 BMW X5 is simply one of the best-handling midsize luxury SUVs you can buy. Some competitors offer more utility and many are more adept off-road, but the X5 does an amazing job of taking the sensations and talents of BMW's legendary sport sedans and translating them over to the SUV world.

What's New
A second-generation X5 finally appears after a seven-year run by the original. The new model is larger and benefits from a more sophisticated chassis design, sleeker exterior styling and an optional third-row seat that ups the total passenger count -- at least theoretically -- to seven.

Pro
Nimble on-road handling for this class of vehicle, powerful engines, interior's premium look and design.

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Fleetrates News 1-888-861-8080 — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 14:49:25 GMT

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If you're shopping for a smaller luxury sedan that puts a premium on driving satisfaction, the BMW 3 Series remains the place to start. It's one of the world's best sports sedans. For 2008, 3 Series sedans and wagons come with powerful new engines, a couple of new colors and some minor interior tweaks. The 3 Series is expanding for 2008 with the introduction of an all-new, two-door 3 Series coupe and an all-new 3 Series convertible. (The 2008 3 Series Coupe is evaluated in a separate review.) The 2008 BMW 328i and BMW 335i accelerate more quickly, stop shorter and turn with more lateral grip than any of their predecessors. The current 3 Series sedans are the roomiest ever, with more standard and optional equipment and more sophisticated electronic controls. BMW's x-Drive all-wheel drive system is available on the 328i. Yet what characterizes the current 3 Series sedans as much as anything is its high-technology. We presume the car-buying public expects the latest technology in BMW products, and the 3 Series delivers in spades. It's everywhere in this compact sedan, some of it first in class and some not previously applied in any BMW. The 2008 BMW 3 Series cars offer Active Steering that actually turns the front wheels without driver intervention, not to mention 150-mile run-flat tires, turning Bi-Xenon headlights, and an optional i-Drive interface. It was the first car in its class to offer radar-managed active cruise control, and even the standard cruise control will automatically apply the brakes if you get too close to a car ahead. None of this is necessarily a bad thing, but owners of older 3 Series models may wonder where their purist sports sedan went, or at what point all the gizmos start detracting from that sporting character. Rest assured, this remains a true sports sedan, but its sporting heart is a little more difficult to find under all the stuff. Any 3 Series model still delivers a special mix of performance, practicality and European luxury in a compact package. This car defines sports sedan, and it's the benchmark every luxury car maker from Acura to Volvo aims at. The 3 Series embodies consistent product character and values, defining what has made BMW one of the most respected brands among car enthusiasts. Above all, the 3 Series is a driver's car: accelerating, turning and stopping with remarkable agility and balance, without seriously compromising comfort or common sense.What's New for 2008: The sedans and wagons get new engines, and a corresponding change in nomenclature. The 325i is replaced by the 328i. The new models have a more powerful version of BMW's 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder, generating 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque, for an increase of 15 hp and 15 lb-ft over the previous models. The 2006 330i sedan is replaced by the 2008 BMW 335i, featuring BMW's new 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 producing 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. That's an increase of 45 hp and 80 lb-ft for the 2008 335i sedans and wagons.

Model Lineup
BMW's line of 3 Series sport sedans and wagons includes five distinct models. True to BMW tradition, all are powered by a variant of the company's inline six-cylinder engine, with a standard six-speed manual transmission. All-wheel drive is offered on both sedan and wagon, and BMW's six-speed Steptronic automatic ($1,275) is optional on all models. The BMW 328i ($32,400) and 328xi ($34,300) sedans are powered by a 225-hp 3.0-liter six. This high-tech engine is the first in mass production with a magnesium alloy engine block, to trim weight. It's light, powerful for its size and fuel efficient. The 328xi comes with BMW's x-Drive permanent all-wheel drive system. The 328s comes well equipped, with automatic climate and headlight control, a climate-controlled center console, heated washer nozzles, rain-sensing wipers, a power moonroof, 10-speaker AM/FM/CD and BMW's self-braking Dynamic Cruise Control. Burr walnut trim is also standard, with BMW's Leatherette vinyl upholstery. Lighter poplar trim and aluminum are available as no-charge options. The 328i Sports Wagon ($34,300) and 328xi Sports Wagon ($36,100) are equipped comparably to the sedans, with the 225-hp engine and all-wheel drive for the xi model. The big difference, of course, lies behind rear roof pillars and seats, where the wagons offer more load-carrying potential and versatility than the sedan, with a rear tailgate and rear window that can be opened separately. The 335i sedan ($38,700) features a twin-turbocharged six-cylinder the generates 300 horsepower. The 335i also adds standard equipment, including eight-way power seats with memory, xenon adaptive headlights that turn into a curve with the car, and BMW's 13-speaker Logic 7 stereo, with two subwoofers and surround-style digital sound processing. Beyond the 6-speed automatic transmission, there are three major option groupings. The Premium Package ($2,450 of the 335i, $3150 all other models) adds Dakota leather upholstery and a number of conveniences, including Bluetooth cellular phone interface, power folding side mirrors, a digital compass in the rear-view mirror and hardware for BMW Assist, the telemetric package that provides safety, convenience and concierge services. After the first year, you'll pay for the subscription. The Sport Package ($1,500) includes sporting suspension calibrations tuned by BMW's M performance division, more heavily bolstered sports seats and a wheel/tire upgrade: 17-inch alloys with W-rated performance tires for the 328s; 18-inch for the 335i. Finally, the Cold Weather Package ($600-$1000, depending on model) adds electrically heated seats, high-intensity headlight washers and a split-folding rear seat with ski sack. BMW's Active Steering system ($1,250) and radar-managed Active Cruise Control ($2,200) are available as stand-alone options on the 3 Series, as is a DVD-based navigation system ($2,100). Sirius satellite radio hardware ($595), the Logic 7 stereo ($1,200) and power rear-window and manual side rear-window sunshades ($575) are also available as standalone options, as are most of the individual components of the three packages, including the split-folding rear seat ($475) and BMW Assist ($750). BMW also offers various dealer installed accessories. In all, there are more than 600 choices in equipping the 3 Series sedans. Safety features include dual stage front-impact airbags that deploy at different rates depending on the severity of impact, front side-impact airbags and full-cabin head protection airbags. BMW no longer offers rear side-impact airbags on the 3 Series, on the basis that few buyers took the option, and that the protective benefit does not exceed the risk of airbag related injuries. Active safety features, designed to help the driver avoid collisions, include Dynamic Stability Control and the latest generation antilock brakes. The ABS preloads the brake pedal when the driver suddenly lifts off the gas pedal, and includes a feature that lightly sweeps the brake discs dry every 1.5 seconds when it's raining.

Walkaround
The 2008 BMW 328i and 335i sedans are recognizable as BMWs in an evolutionary way, but they are substantially different from the more familiar, previous-generation models. For starters, they are the largest 3 Series cars ever. They're more than two inches longer and three inches wider, and wheelbase has increased 1.4 inches. Most of the increased exterior dimensions translate into more interior space, particularly in the back seat. The 3 Series shares many of its design features with BMW's other sedans. Some critics claim the 3 Series has been spared: that it has not suffered from some of the styling excess in BMW's current 5 and 7 Series. Certainly the approach with the 3 Series has been more conservative, and it's easy to understand why. This car accounts for nearly half of BMW's income. Nonetheless, spared is not a word we'd use. The 3 Series has BMW's traditional double beam headlights, now under clear covers that wrap around the corners and taper to a point to emphasize the car's width. In profile, the sedan's front and rear overhangs seem even shorter than before. The hood line continues past the windshield pillars all the way to the rear, while the roof line is rounder than before. Design is the most subjective of all automotive traits, and clearly the 328i and 335i retain some basic BMW qualities or character. Yet in certain respects they also look more generic than their predecessors. The sides are basically flat planes with a single crease below the door pulls and above the wheel wells, but the ends of the car are busier, and we've yet to discover cohesion to the design. Particularly in rear view there are lots of lines, and in this aspect the 3 looks as if it might have been designed in Asia rather than Munich. In short, we're still getting used it. One thing is certain. Larger wheels and tires filling the wheel wells are almost always a good thing for appearance's sake, and we like the 328i and 335i better with the wheel upgrades (to 17-inch on the 328i and 18-inch on the 335i). The 335i can be distinguished from the 328i by more than its wheels. The 335i's windows and grille slats are trimmed with chrome, while that slats across its lower front air intakes are body colored rather than black. The high-tech theme that permeates the 3 Series sedans is even visible from the outside. The 335i comes standard with adaptive bi-xenon headlights that turn with the steering wheel to aim into a curve. All models have BMW's adaptive brake lights, which are based on the idea that drivers in the cars following a 3 Series will know when the 3 is attempting a panic stop just by the brake lights. The LED lights illuminate more intensely, over a larger area, when the driver applies the brakes full-lock or when the ABS operates. The trunk is larger than ever. With 12 cubic feet of space, it gives the 3 Series sedan a trunk that's more competitive, if not best in class. Moreover, the trunk opening is considerably larger, making it easier to get things inside, and the additional trunk volume does not count a new divided storage bin under the load floor (where a spare might have gone, if not for the 3 Series' run-flat tires). There's also a drawer hanging under the rear interior shelf to take better advantage of what is often useless space. The sedan is also available with a split-folding rear seat and ski sack, which expands cargo space into the rear of the cabin. Redesigned for the 2006 model year, the 3 Series Sport Wagon is identical to the sedan from the center roof pillar forward. Rearward, its roofline tapers slightly all the way to the rear of the car, while the bottom line of the rear windows tapers upward slightly, creating something a of teardrop shape. Roof rails are standard. The wagon's rear gate opens electrically, with a switch on the key fob or dashboard, and swings high for easy access to the load floor. A reflector on the bottom of the gate adds an element of safety in darkness. The glass rear window opens separately, which is convenient for quickly loading a lightweight items.

Interior Features
What's New for 2008: Climate control knobs in the 3 Series sedan are now trimmed with the same Galvanic Silver plastic that surrounds the start button. The three-spoke steering wheel with the Sport Package is finished with the same material. The 3 Series cabin takes the best of several ideas introduced in the larger BMW 5 Series and 7 Series sedans, synthesizes them for a smaller car and improves them in the process. We aren't completely enamored with everything inside, but we have few real gripes. The 3 Series sedans no longer have a keyed ignition switch, relying instead on a slot-type key fob and a starter button. We don't love it. It sometimes seems balkier than a regular key. The fob slides into a slot next to the steering column, and you push the button to fire up. The benefit of this design? We're not sure. The Comfort Access option makes everything automatic: With fob in pocket, the doors unlock automatically as the driver approaches, and the seats are waiting in their proper position. The driver just pushes the start button, and pushes it again when it's time to get out. These systems are not our favorite feature and sometimes seem like the answer to a question no one is asking. Seats have long been 3 Series strength, and the new ones are better than ever. Even the standard-trim front buckets provide excellent support without feeling too hard. The manual adjustments work great, though we recommend using them when the car is parked. The 335i gets power adjustments with three memory positions and they are coded to the key. The power seats that come with the Sport Package are outstanding. Additional back and bottom bolstering make them a bit harder to slide into, but we'd rather have them during a spirited drive. The instrument panels have a pronounced horizontal format, with more community and less driver orientation than before. There are actually two: The standard setup has a single bubble, or hood, over the instrument cluster, while the optional navigation system has a dash that accommodates the system with a second hood. The front door panels are different on each side, as well. The passenger side has a sloped, vertical door pull, while the driver's door lays the door pull horizontally in the arm rest. Moreover, the new doors address one of our biggest gripes with previous 3 Series cars. Window switches are now clustered near the driver's arm rest, where they're easier to locate without glancing, rather than spread around the shifter on the center console. The soft vinyls and plastics in the 3 Series sedans are an improvement in both touch and appearance compared to previous generations, and they put the car more closely in line with the best cars in this class. Burr walnut trim is now standard, and there's a lot of it on the dash and doors. BMW's Leatherette vinyl is not the least bit tacky. The optional leather is soft and thick. The new 3 Series follows BMW's tradition of soft orange backlighting for the instruments. Some will like it, some won't. The automatic climate control that comes standard features separate temperature adjustments for driver and front passenger. A mist sensor measures moisture on the windshield and automatically adjusts the defroster, while a heat-at-rest feature keeps the cabin heating on for a time after the car is turned off. The standard in-dash single-CD player is easy to operate and sounds good, with 10 speakers and separate subwoofers under the front seats. The orange readout on it is almost invisible when wearing polarized sunglasses on a sunny day, even though similar orange readouts for the climate control are perfectly readable. Switching between AM and FM and other modes is difficult and complicated while driving. The 335i comes with an upgraded system called Logic 7. This system adds wattage and three speakers, with the latest digital sound processing and surround technology. Audio controls on the steering wheel work well, once they're mastered. BMW's multi-layer, mouse-style iDrive interface is optional in the 3 Series sedans, but if you want the DVD-based GPS navigation system, you'll have to take iDrive. We'd probably do without the navigation system just to avoid iDrive. We hate it, and have encountered few people who remotely like iDrive. We cannot to figure out how to perform simple tasks on iDrive such as calling up a map of the area on the navigation system or pre-setting radio stations without consulting the owners manual. We would not opt for iDrive on a 3 Series car and we would consider not purchasing a BMW 6 Series or 7 Series car just to avoid iDrive. However, in certain respects the 3 Series cabin is more user-friendly than ever. There are more storage pockets and nooks than before, and those in the doors are much larger. The new climate-controlled center console is a huge improvement, in both function and appearance. So are the cupholders. Rear-seat accommodations are substantially improved over pre-2006 models, as well. For starters, the rear air vents can be separately adjusted for both temperature and air volume. There's more space, particularly in front of the knees. Remember: this is still a compact car, and rear passengers with long torsos will still feel hair rubbing on the headliner. The center position is still best left to children. Nonetheless, the rear seat feels more spacious than before, and puts the 3 Series on better footing with the roomiest cars in the class. Compared with a mid-size car, though, rear-seat accommodations are not a strength. With improved cargo capability, the 328i Sports Wagon is an alternative to a small SUV. From the handling, accelerating or braking standpoints, it gives up nothing the 328i sedan, and it adds a dimension of utility. Cargo volume increases from 12 cubic feet in the sedan's trunk to 24.8 cubic feet, floor to ceiling, with the rear seat in place. With the rear seat folded forward, the 3 Series wagon can swallow 60.9 cubic feet of stuff, or more than the typical small SUV and slightly more than the larger BMW 5 Series wagon. The load area is flat, too, which is good for dogs and cargo. The cargo area in the wagon is fully lined with thick, soft carpet, and it's full of convenient features, including separate enclosed bins, cargo straps, bag holders, a power point, a cargo cover at seat height and a roll-out cargo net. The wagon is available with all-wheel drive, giving it good winter-weather capability.

Driving Impressions
BMW's 3 Series has always been about the driving. It has many of the attributes of a sports car with the practicality of a sedan. It offers rear-wheel drive and manual transmissions in a class increasingly dominated by front-wheel drive and automatics. Driving has never been much better than the 3 Series, or at least not with seating for five, decent mileage and a high level of all-season comfort. BMW's x-Drive permanent all-wheel-drive system greatly enhances all-season capability, not a traditional strength of these cars. The x-Drive delivers most of the power to the rear wheels most of the time, maintaining the sporting feel associated with rear-wheel drive. The 2008 3 Series sedans are true to their predecessors, with a couple of caveats, in our view. The typical BMW buyer will likely appreciate the technology built into the new 3, and particularly the electronic skid-control wizardry. Enthusiasts, however, may pine that the 3 Series' purity has been lost. The heart of any BMW is its engine, and those in the new 3 Series are first rate. They remain true to BMW's commitment to straight or inline six-cylinders, as other manufacturers have switched almost exclusively to V6s. The straight six presents more packaging challenges, but its unique performance characteristics and smoothness make it a favorite among enthusiast drivers. In both the 328i and 335i sedans, the engine is fantastic. No one will feel short-changed on performance if they make the more economical choice of the 328i. Either engine delivers quick acceleration by any standard: 0-60 mph times of 6.3 seconds for the 328i and 5.4 seconds for the 335i when equipped with manual transmissions, according to BMW. We found the 328i fun to drive, with good throttle response that made us feel a class above other cars in traffic. Our bright red 328i sedan had the manual, which was smooth and precise, easy and enjoyable to flick between gears. It was also quick and easy shifting from first to reverse and back when parking. Clutch pedal effort made taking off easy, without having to think about it. Shifting was so easy that the clutch didn't need to be fully depressed. The 335i is, however, particularly enjoyable, with an engine that's stronger than any 3 Series engine before, short of the limited production M3s. What's best is its linear quality, or the steady supply of acceleration-producing torque at any speed. There's more torque down low than before, but the new engine pulls like a sprinter all the way to its 6800-rpm redline and never misses a step. Moreover, the joy of a straight six isn't hidden under the high tech. It sounds great, with an emphasis on clean mechanical noise from the engine bay rather than the tone of the muffler. The manual transmission is great, too. The shifter seems to have slightly shorter throws between the gears than before, and its operation is appropriate to a world-class sports sedan. The sixth gear adds even more flexibility to the 335i's power band and lowers engine revs at cruising speeds. The automatic we liked a bit less, but it's hardly disappointing. With six speeds, the same advantages apply here as with the manual. The automatic can be a bit slow to react with an appropriate gear change in Normal mode, but leaving it Sport mode pretty much solves the problem, with a slight payback in more abrupt shifting. Then there is the Steptronic manual mode, which allows manual gear selection by toggling the shift lever to the left. No problem with shift response when you do it yourself. The other half of the 3 Series equation has always been ride and handling. This is the prototypical sports sedan, or about as close as you can get to sports car driving dynamics in a practical sedan. For 40 years, the 3 Series had defined that mix: rear-wheel drive, great steering feel and balance between the front and rear axles. Moreover, the 3 had always delivered an impressive balance between ride and handling. The fun never comes at the expense of beating up the passengers inside. The 328i and 335i sedans ultimately hold true to this heritage, as we first discovered on a slick race track in rural Spain. The perfect balance front to rear, the right touch of suspension compliance, the smooth torque delivery is all there, and for the better part of an afternoon we clipped apexes and managed power slides and just had a ball. We had to turn off all the gizmos to do it, however. The 3 Series suspension layout is borrowed from the larger 5 Series sedan, with double-joint aluminum control arms in front and a five-link fully independent system in the rear. This is trick stuff, but it's nothing compared to the electronics that manage everything. The 3 has BMW's most advanced Dynamic Stability Control chassis electronics yet, with more sensors measuring more things than ever before. It also more aggressively integrates BMW's Active Steering into the skid-control scheme. Active Steering is designed to eliminate the compromises inherent in conventional fixed-ratio rack-and-pinion steering. Active Steering speeds the steering up to reduce steering input, or sawing on the wheel, at low speeds, and slows it down at high speeds so a sneeze or twitch doesn't dramatically turn the wheels and send the car drifting toward a concrete abutment. BMW's active system has an electrically operated transmission on the steering shaft. It reduces steering wheel movement from three turns lock-to-lock in the old 3 Series sedan to 1.66 turns in the new one. But there's more to the active steering story. The motor that varies the steering ratio is wired into DSC, which measures a bunch of things, including road speed, wheel rotational speed, steering angle, yaw rate and lateral acceleration, as it thinks about what it should do. If something is amiss, say if DSC senses that a particular wheel is losing traction, it will react by applying the brake at that wheel or reducing engine power in an effort to keep the car going in the intended direction. With Active Steering in the new 3 Series, DSC also can change the steering angle. Not only does it make it easier to park at Macy's or help manage the risks of an arm twitch at autobahn speed. It also helps drive the car by making fairly significant steering corrections without driver input, or even driver awareness, or perceptible feedback on the steering wheel. All that understood, we still would not check the Active Steering option ($1,250), even if we didn't have to pay for it. For starters, the standard DSC without active steering is more than aggressive enough to help diligent drivers manage a skid. On dry pavement, it's not easy for a reasonably skilled driver to deliberately loop the car. On the road the Active Steering mutes the great steering feel that has ensconced the 3 Series so firmly in enthusiast drivers' hearts. The 3 Series is best at high speed, where it feels pretty much like a BMW. Going slower, on twisting back roads, it doesn't feel like a BMW. The steering has a lot of weight at moderate speeds, but not much feel, and at times it feels too quick. Compared to the previous 3 Series sedans, it can be more difficult to place the front tires exactly where you want them, and it can be harder to go smoothly. Braking is excellent. The stopping capability and fade resistance are as magnificent as they've ever been. The 3 Series sedans have even larger brake rotors than those built before 2006. Now, however, the brake pads move within a hair of the rotors if the driver suddenly releases the gas pedal, even if the driver hasn't yet considered slamming on the brakes. The pads also lightly sweep the rotors every few seconds if it's raining, just to be sure there is no significant moisture build up. Bottom line, the 3 Series sedans are great performers, impressive cars and technological tours de force. If price is remotely an issue, don't have a second thought about choosing the 328i. It has as much power as most drivers will ever need, and it delivers the same inherent goodness as the 335i, without much less really useful stuff. Indeed, we wouldn't recommend options such as Active Steering or Active Cruise Control except to die-hard fanatics for the latest technology.

Summary
The BMW 3 Series sedans and wagons remain the benchmark for the class, particularly for those who derive satisfaction from the driving experience. These cars are loaded with technical wizardry. But all this technology can be a double-edged sword, at least to old-time 3 Series buyers. Yet rear-wheel drive and manual transmissions remain crucial components of the 3 Series experience, and BMW's commitment to the combination says something about its priorities as a car company. By virtually every objective measure, from space to horsepower to performance, these are the best 3 Series sedans ever.

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There are few cars that achieve such a perfect mix of comfort and fun like the 2008 BMW 5 Series. It is a wolf in a flamboyant sheep's clothing: a comfortable midsize sedan that handles and performs like a sports car. And for a real surprise, a wagon model offers the same wolf but in utilitarian pack mule clothing. While other carmakers relentlessly pursue this automotive pinnacle, BMW consistently raises the bar to keep itself on top of the heap. For 2008, the current-generation BMW 5 Series receives its most important update since the car's 2004 introduction. Most significantly, there are two new six-cylinder engines in the 5's lineup. Last year's 215-hp 525i model has been replaced by the 230-hp 528i. Even more significant is the mid-level 2008 535i. Replacing the 530i, the 535i comes with an all-new 300-hp, twin-turbo engine. Along with the V8-powered 550i, the new engine lineup makes the 5 Series an even more attractive performance sedan. With new, innovative technologies coming at a mile-a-minute pace in this premium midsize luxury segment, BMW has introduced several standard and optional features for the 2008 5 Series. Six-cylinder models now offer Brake Energy Regeneration, which takes a page from hybrid powertrains by capturing excess braking energy and using it to power the car's many electronic systems. There's also an upgraded cruise control system this year. Optional on automatic-transmission 5 Series, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go works much like Mercedes-Benz's Distronic Plus by maintaining vehicle distance at highways speeds and in stop-and-go traffic. For safety, a new Lane Departure Warning system option alerts the driver through vibrations in the steering wheel when the car starts to drift out of its lane. The 2008 BMW 5 Series remains one of our favorite midsize luxury cars, even if its endless technology can seem a tad reminiscent of HAL 9000. Its deep options list can also raise the 5's price tag into the ionosphere, with the 550i easily reaching $70,000. Nevertheless, for those with deep enough pockets, the 5 Series offers a level of driver involvement unmatched by its competitors.

Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options
The 2008 BMW 5 Series is available in sedan and wagon body styles. There are three engines available on the sedan, which boils down to three individual rear-wheel-drive models: 528i, 535i and 550i. The 528xi and 535xi sedans come with all-wheel drive. The wagon is only available as a 535xi. The 528i and 528xi come standard with 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, power front seats, leatherette upholstery, automatic headlights and wipers, automatic climate control, BMW Assist telematics and iDrive control interface. The 535i and 535xi add xenon headlamps and lumbar support, while the 535xi wagon adds a panoramic sunroof, fold-down rear seats and a power tailgate. The 550i throws in parking assist, leather upholstery and auto-dimming mirrors. Most of the features that are standard on upper-level 5 Series models are optional on the lower-level models. The options list is exceptionally long on the 5 Series and it got even longer for 2008. High-tech features include Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go, a lane-departure warning system, active steering, a head-up display, infrared night vision, keyless ignition, high-definition radio, the next generation of iPod integration and a navigation system with updated iDrive and real-time traffic. Other options include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and rear side airbags. A Cold Weather package adds heated front seats, heated steering wheel and retractable headlight jets. A Sport Package on rear-wheel-drive models includes 18- or 19-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, active roll stabilization, a sport steering wheel and multicontour seats.

Powertrains and Performance
The BMW 5 Series' engine lineup is more powerful than ever, but more confusing with model names that no longer correspond with engine displacement. The 528i comes equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 that produces 230 hp and 200 pound-feet of torque. The 535i has BMW's impressive new twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-6, capable of 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The 550i is the lone power plant to carry over untouched, still pumping out its ample 360 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque. This engine motivates the 550i from zero to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. All three engines come standard with a six-speed manual, while a six-speed automatic is a no-cost option. This is good news for consumers since most 5 Series are sold with the autobox. In summer 2007, a new Sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters will be optional on Sport Package-equipped 535i and 550i sedans, replacing the previous car's SMG gearbox. BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is optional on the two six-cylinder sedans (they become 528xi and 535xi), and standard on the 535xi wagon.

Safety
Standard safety equipment includes stability control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags and front-and-rear side-curtain airbags. Rear-seat side airbags are optional and, due to safety concerns, you must specifically request that your dealer activate the bags if you order this option. A new optional lane departure system alerts the driver via a shaking steering wheel if the car starts to veer out of its lane, while a night vision system illuminates possible hazards out of regular headlight range. Both Hill-Start Assist and Hill Descent Control are standard on AWD models, in case your extra-steep driveway ever gets slippery. In IIHS testing, the 2008 BMW 5 Series earned a top score of "Good" for its protection of occupants in frontal-offset crashes.

Interior Design and Special Features
Although the interior looks unchanged, there were a few key updates made. The window switches have been relocated to lower on the driver door and on Steptronic automatic-transmission models, an electronic gear selector like the one found in the X5 now resides on the center console. It's certainly interesting looking, but this odd little gizmo is largely an unnecessarily different and complex way of doing a fairly straightforward thing. The same can be said of iDrive, the mouse and LCD screen control system standard on all 5 Series, even those without a navigation system. It now has six programmable memory buttons that can control everything from a radio preset to a frequently traveled destination. Slow and steady progress perhaps, but iDrive is still as user-friendly as a shift knob made of razor wire. Build quality and materials inside the 5 Series are still outstanding, although competitors offer more stylish and less austere environments. Supportive seating is provided in both the front and rear, and even adults won't mind sitting in the commodious backseat. The sedan has 14 cubic feet of trunk capacity, while the wagon has a 34-cubic-foot cargo bay behind its fold-down rear seats, along with standard roof rails.

Driving Impressions
The 2008 BMW 5 Series is an extremely balanced machine that can handle aggressive driving maneuvers on winding back roads as well as it dispatches weekday commutes on crumbling expressways. The optional active steering system hasn't dulled BMW's trademark steering feel, though driving purists will prefer the standard setup. Likewise, the standard suspension tuning gives the 5 Series plenty of capability in the corners. The new six-cylinder engines shared with the 3 Series offer more power than the outgoing units, especially the 300-hp 535i that exhibits virtually no turbo lag. Equipping the 5 Series with the V8 turns it into a seriously fast sedan that will outpace many sports cars.

What's New
The 2008 BMW 5 Series receives a number of significant changes, most notably a pair of new six-cylinder engines. The base 5 Series is now the 528i and features a 230-horsepower inline-6, while the 535i is powered by the same twin-turbo 300-hp inline-6 found in the 3 Series. There are a number of high-tech standard and optional additions to the 5 Series that allow it to keep pace and, in a few instances, surpass the rapidly advancing competition. To spot the updated 5 Series, look for a barely noticeable redesigned front airdam, new headlight lenses and LED taillights.

Pro
Exceptional ride and handling dynamics, smooth and vigorous engines, premium cabin furnishings, precision build quality, strong resale value.