2009
BMW New Car Model Guide
 German automaker Bayerische Motoren Werke – known in the automotive world by the initials of BMW – moves into the 2009 model-year with a vast collection of sedans and coupes, station wagons and sport utility wagons, plus several drop-tops and a slick two-seat roadster. The 2009 line spotlights new flagship 7 Series sedans, fresh designs for 3 Series sedans and wagons, the debut of compact-class 1 Series coupes and convertibles, and the world's first SAC (sports activity coupe) under the badge of X6.
 3
Series Coupes and Convertibles
Compact-class coupes and convertibles from BMW ride on an expanded rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform. Models are badged as 330i and 335i RWD for coupe/convertible, plus two AWD (all wheel drive) coupes – 330xi and 335xi – featuring BMW's xDrive computer-controlled AWD equipment. The 330i and 330xi use a 3.0-liter in-line-six with 230 hp through a manual six-speed or new seven-speed electronic automatic. BMW 335i and 335xi get the in-line-six with twin turbo-chargers and direct fuel injection. It zips with 300 hp through the six-speed manual or new seven-speed automatic.
 3
Series Sedans and Wagons
The 3 Series string of compact cars from BMW extends to new designs for the four-door sedans and five-door sport wagons with RWD and AWD variations. Sedans include the 328i (RWD) and 328xi (AWD) plus 335i (RWD) and 335xi (AWD). Wagons are the 328i (RWD) and 328xi (AWD). The 328 models employ the 3.0-liter six-in-line with 230 hp, while 335 issues carry the twin-turbo version that delivers 300 hp. Further, a new 335d sedan scores BMW's new 3.0-liter in-line-six twin-turbo BluePerformance diesel engine pumping 265 hp.
 5
Series
BMW's mid-size cars list RWD and AWD models. RWD sedans include 528i, 535i and 550i. AWD sedans are the 528xi and 535xi, while a five-door AWD sport wagon is the 535xi. For 528i the in-line-six delivers 230 hp, but for 535i and 535xi, output climbs to 300 hp. Deluxe 550i with BMW's 4.8-liter V8 makes 360 hp. All versions provide the spectrum of BMW mechanical systems for performance and safety, including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) which corrects lateral skidding. BMW's Night Vision, Active Cruise Control and xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlights are also available.
 6
Series
Mid-size 650i models – hardtop coupe or soft top convertible – stock a 4.8-liter V8 reaching 360 hp with a Sport Automatic Transmission adding paddle shifters. High-tech hardware aboard includes Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) to reduce body roll and optional Active Steering Control (ASC) that varies the steering ratio to match a driver's style and pavement conditions. A plush cockpit features articulated bucket seats and trimmings in leathers and hardwoods. There are luxurious appointments and power controls with memory settings, plus electronic tools like BMW's computerized iDrive controller and optional Lane Departure Warning (LDW) system.
 7
Series
BMW's full-size 7 Series flagship luxury/performance sedans mark the new fifth generation of models for 2009. Power for 7-Series sedans stems from a new 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, which makes 400 hp with a six-speed automatic transmission. Technical highlights include a new suspension with BMW's DDC (dynamic damping control) system, which allows the driver to choose from four progressively sporty driving programs with the touch of a button, and the new Integral Active Steering (IAS) featuring variable-ratio front steering plus new rear-wheel steering. Then the 7-Series optional Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system adds new stop-and-go capability.
 1
Series
A compact-class hardtop coupe and soft top convertible are new to BMW and present two powertrain choices. The 128i coupe and convertible employ BMW's 3.0-liter in-line-six with Valvetronic valvetrain management and aluminum/magnesium cylinder block construction for the output of 230 hp. The 135i coupe and convertible use BMW's twin-turbo 3.0-liter in-line-six that hits 300 hp. Standard electronic vehicle controls for the 1 Series cars include DSC and DTC (dynamic traction control). All 1 Series models show aggressive styling for the tail section, with the trunklid holding an integrated spoiler.
 Z
Series
BMW's two-seat Z4 roadster convertible and hardtop coupe pop out of a BMW plant in South Carolina. The coupe, looking long and low and quick, features a curvy hardtop covering the cockpit and a spoiler integrated into the tail. For juice, Z4 3.0si Coupe or Roadster draws from BMW's 3.0-liter in-line-six engine which delivers 255 hp with a six-speed Getrag manual stick or optional six-speed ZF Steptronic automatic. The Sport Package on Z4 3.0i Roadster bumps up to 18-inch wheels and adds taut sport suspension settings and the Sport Driving Mode gear.
 M
Series
The line of ultra-performance cars from BMW includes the M3 coupe and M5 sedan, plus M6 coupe and convertible, and Z4 M roadster and coupe. Thrust for M5 stems from a 5.0-liter V10 that blows the doors off with 500 hp through a seven-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG) charting automatic and manual shift programs. For M6, M5's V10 with the SMG also works. M3 delivers 414 hp from a 4.0-liter V8. And for Z4 M roadster or coupe, the 3.2-liter in-line-six kicks up 343 hp with a six-speed manual gearbox.
 X3
Series
The compact-class SUV from BMW seems like a raucous sports car packing a wagon's boxy utility bay. BMW calls it a SAV, meaning sport activity vehicle. Sole model is X3 3.0si with crisp exterior styling, luxurious appointments in the five-seat passenger compartment and a healthy powertrain aboard, plus the xDrive AWD traction device. BMW's 3.0-liter six-in-line plant makes 260 hp and links to a standard six-speed manual shifter or six-speed Steptronic automatic. Options include a Sport Activity Package, which installs privacy glass, running boards and 18-inch wheels, plus a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
 X5
Series
Two versions of the mid-size sport activity vehicle from BMW are labeled as X5 3.0si and X5 4.8i. Both look like a big BMW sports sedans, only jacked up with a wagon's cargo box in back. Both also contain BMW's smart xDrive AWD system. Adjustable and variable, the device directs engine power to whichever axle, front or rear, has the best traction bite. It works with BMW's four-wheel Dynamic Stability Control (DSC-X) mechanism and a traction control system (TCS-X) that corrects potentially dangerous skid movements. X5 3.0si pumps 260 hp and X5 4.8i hits 350 hp.
 X6
Series
BMW's clever mingling of models creates a SAC (sports activity coupe) dubbed BMW X6. The concept merges the sporty lines of a large BMW two-door coupe with the go-anywhere attributes of a sport activity vehicle rigged with xDrive AWD traction. For performance, X6 offers two twin-turbo engine variants — the X6 xDrive50i gets the 4.4-liter V8 with 400 hp, while the X6 xDrive35i has BMW's 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder plant that makes 300 hp. Featured on each X6 is BMW's Dynamic Performance Control (DPC) with variable distribution of drive forces between the two rear wheels.
Detailed BMW pricing and ownership information.
For
more information, visit the BMW website. |
