2009 BMW 5 Series

Introduction

We will probably never go so far as to declare any model "the perfect sports cars." There are always a few bones of contention, especially if the price is a factor. But if we had to choose a car to wear the mantle of perfection, the 2009 BMW 5-series would certainly be a candidate with good Vegas odds. It is a premium sedan (and wagon) with an arguably just-right size, which looks good and is beautifully constructed. It is quiet and pleasant, but handles better than just about anything else with four doors, and its engines are potent, but completely refined. In other words, if you have money to spend, it's hard to pass up to 5-Series.

The 5 undergoes no significant changes in 2009, although all-wheel models will have "xDrive" attached to their name / number. Otherwise, the 5 Series continues to consist of the 528i, 535i and 550i and 535i sports sedan for xDrive for the wagon. Of all these, the 535i is certainly our pick of the litter. The primary reason is BMW's now-familiar twin-turbocharged inline-6, which fitted the 535i with a nearly perfect blend of seamless power and respectable fuel efficiency. The torque-rich engine pulling hard from low in the rev range, with no problems piling on the speed of aggregation on the road or embarrassing Camaro-wielding wannabes street breeds. In fact, the 535i is just 0.4 seconds slower from zero to 60 km / h than the V8-powered 550i, but it returns only 1 combined mpg less than the 528i, which has 70 fewer horses. In addition, this power plant weighs less than the 550i's V8, and it makes the 535i feel better balanced and more responsive in the corners.

That said, all 5-Series model would be of value choices in medium-sized luxury sedan segment. It is certainly on the pricey side, and if it becomes more valuable per dollar is important, the Audi A6, Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M-series and even Hyundai Genesis is worth considering. Meanwhile, for about the same price as the 5, the stylish Jaguar XF and the prestigious Mercedes-Benz E-class to think about. But none of these are mentioned in the same sentence as "the perfect car" in their reviews. Although we probably never crown that particular master, the stellar 2009 BMW 5-Series is one of the few cars that make us wonder if we should.


Body style, trim levels, and Options

2009 BMW 5-Series is available in sedan and wagon body styles. Three engines are available in sedan, which correspond to the three trim levels (528i, 535i and 550i), with xDrive all-wheel drive available on the 528i and 535i sports sedan. Cart comes in the 535i xDrive trimester only.

The 528i comes standard with 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, automatic headlights and wipers, power front seats with driver memory and power headrests, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column cylinder, leather vinyl upholstery, automatic climate control, BMW Assist telematics, It Idriver electronics interface and a 10-speaker stereo system with CD player and an auxiliary input jack. The 535i adds adaptive xenon headlamps and lumbar support and 535i xDrive wagon adds a panoramic sunroof, fold-down rear seats and a power lift gate. The 550i adds parking assist, leather upholstery and automatic damping of mirrors.

Most of the features that are standard in top-level 5 Series models are optional on lower trim levels, as are many additional features. These include larger wheels, asset management, a lane departure warning system, front and rear parking assist, an infrared night vision display, active cruise control, shift work paddles for the automatic transmission, fold-down rear seats, rear sunshades, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel (package only), multicontour power seats, keyless ignition / entry, a navigation system, a head-up display (requiring navigation), satellite radio, HD radio, an iPod interface and a 13-speaker Logic7 surround-sound audio system. Sport package adds larger wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, active roll stabilization, multicontour seats, a sport steering wheel, and the 550i, an aerodynamic body kit.

Power Trains and Performance

BMW's model names and Swept used to respond to each other, but no longer. The 528i comes with a 3.0-liter inline-6 that produces 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. The 535i will have a different 3.0-liter inline-6, this double-turbocharged pumping out 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. The 550i will have a 4.8-liter V8 good for 360 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque. The sports sedan is rear-wheel drive as standard, but the 528i and 535i sports sedan can be equipped with all-wheel drive. All three engines come standard with a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic is optional.

The situation is satisfactory, even at the bottom 528i, but for those who are interested in moving quickly, an upgrade to at least 535i is in order. We clocked a 535i with manual transmission at 5.8 seconds from zero to 60 mph. The 550i is still fleet, completing the same sprint in 5.4 seconds with the stick shift. Fuel economy is very good in the 528i (18 mpg city/27 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined with the automatic) and almost the same in the 535i sedan (17/26/20 mpg), with only a minimal punishment if xDrive added. But the 535i xDrive wagon drops to 16/24/19 with automatic, and the 550 clocks at 15/23/18 mpg.


Security

Standard safety equipment includes stability control, anti-lock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags. Rear-seat side airbags are optional. The available lane departure warning system alerts the driver via vibrations in the steering wheel when the car starts to spin out of its lane, and a night vision system warns of possible dangers from the regular Headlight range. Both Hill start assist and hill descent control is standard on AWD models.

In government crash tests, the 2009 BMW 5-Series earned only three out of five stars for driver protection in a frontal crash test, but it did receive a full five stars for front passenger protection and front and rear protection. In crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the 5-Series achieved the highest score of "Good" in frontal-offset test. But the IIHS gave the second lowest rating of "Marginal" to hand security because of potential torso injury risk for front passengers.

Interior design and special features

2009-5-series boasts one of the most spacious and comfortable cabins in its class, especially when optioned with fantastic multicontour front seats that adjust in seemingly endless ways. Rear-seat head-and legroom are also satisfactory. In addition to accommodating cabin, the 14-cubic-foot trunk can hold a lot of things, and its opening is wide. The trailer has a maximum cargo volume of more than 58 Cubic.

The overall appearance of the interior is on the harsh side, although the materials quality is beyond criticism. The 5's standard Idriver electronics interface is still unnecessarily complicated, especially for ordinary simple tasks as going from a stereo mode to another, and its screen terminals are responsible for the unsightly hump in the middle of the dashboard. The automatic transmission's joystick-style gear selector is also in the Rube Goldberg page - an unnecessarily complicated and different way of doing a relatively simple thing.


Driving Impressions

2009 BMW 5-Series is a balanced machine that can handle aggressive driving on winding roads back just as easily as the shipments weekday commute on the crumbling Expressway. The 5's adeptness at both ride comfort and handling performance borders on the fantastic. Steering equipment is as sublime, with perfect weight and an almost telepathic feel. Opting for the Sport Package nets a sport-tuned suspension, larger wheels and an active roll stabilization, which makes it possible for 5 to cope with tight corners as qualified as some pure sports cars.

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BMW 3 Series Review

The BMW 3 Series is the company's top seller in the U.S. and a favorite in the marketplace for good reason: It's a well-built, premium compact vehicle endowed with world-class fit and finish, ample power and a comfortable ride and handling trade-off that is unmatched by most cars at any price. No matter what model you choose, our editors generally agree that you'll be able to go about your weekday routine without feeling that you've sacrificed ride comfort for the sake of weekend thrills.

Recently, the 3 Series has gone through a full redesign. The current model, which represents the fifth-generation 3 Series, is now slightly larger, heavier and faster than the previous model. An even better car overall, the latest BMW 3 Series has a bolder look, revised suspension and braking, more power and more interior space.

As positioned and appointed, the BMW 3 Series also tends to cost more than the competition -- but if you go easy on the optional equipment, we think you'll find that the price of admission is well worth it, as the BMW 3 Series remains the unequivocal "ultimate driving machine" and popular favorite in the entry-luxury category, whether new or used.

In BMW speak, the new "E90" sedan and wagon debuted in 2006 with a complete makeover, and the coupe followed suit in 2007. The newest 3 Series vehicles take the numerical stakes higher as well, with sedans and coupes now badged as either the twin-turbo-equipped 335i with 300 horsepower, or the 328i and 328xi all-wheel-drive sedans, coupes and wagons with 230 horsepower.

Because the updated sedan, wagon and uniquely swoopy coupe are all-new designs, there are variations between them and the carry-over convertible as well as differing standard/optional equipment levels; a new E90-based drop top is set to join the rest of the lineup probably later in the year. For those more concerned with all-weather performance and safety during fall and winter seasons, "x"-designated all-wheel-drive capability is a worthwhile, confidence-inspiring option on all new body styles.

All-new fifth-generation BMW 3 Series are powered by a familiar, well-balanced 3.0-liter inline-6. A normally aspirated version in the 328i and xi models makes 230 hp and 200 lb-ft of torque, and a higher-performance twin-turbocharged version in the 335i generates 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Most 3 Series models come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, with a six-speed automatic optional.

Inside 328i, 328xi and 335i models, drivers will find a restrained show of luxury, with an emphasis on driver comfort and involvement -- supportive seats underneath and a clean, clear analog gauge cluster dead ahead. Materials and build quality are exceptional in keeping with its price point; even the standard leatherette upholstery looks and feels better than one might expect.

The BMW 3 Series never fails to impress us as a top choice in its segment. In addition to its other outstanding qualities, Edmunds editors report that "the 3 Series' world-class suspension, steering and brakes provide hours of entertainment on twisty two-lane highways. Beyond simply feeling rock solid when hustled around turns, this car communicates with the driver in a manner that inspires confidence no matter what kind of driving you're doing. And you don't have to give up a comfortable ride to get this kind of athleticism."

If you can ante up the considerable bottom line, the 3 Series is still the standard-bearer of the compact luxury-sport class -- especially when it comes to perfectly sorted and balanced vehicle dynamics, abundant and smooth power, a wide range of configurations to suit any style and available all-wheel drive for those who can't afford to let a little inclement weather stand between them and their well-appointed journeys.

From 1992-'98, the evolutionary third-generation E36 replacement grabbed the BMW 3 Series baton and never looked back, with a handsome, spirited new sedan and unique, more rakishly styled coupe and convertible. A new DOHC 24-valve aluminum head bumped the 325i to a robust 189 hp.

For five years starting in 1995, BMW added an even more compact two-door hatchback called the 318ti to the 3 Series lineup, with a chopped-off tail and the less-sophisticated semi-trailing arm rear suspension of the previous-generation car. With only138 horses under the hood and rather austere interior trimmings, we can only recommend it to the most budget-conscious/entry-level used shoppers.

In 1996 BMW introduced a new 2.8-liter inline-6 to the 3 Series with 190 hp and substantially more torque for improved acceleration, vented rear disc brakes to handle its higher limits and a new 328i designation. Premium and Sport option packages debuted to simplify things, and a year after that in 1997 all models received minor styling revisions in the front grille and rear fascia areas, as well as in the cockpit. In '98, another engine and model update again raised the bar and kept things fresh -- the base 318i coupe and convertible became the 323is coupe and convertible by ditching the aging four-banger in favor of a smoother, more powerful 168-hp 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder power plant. In general, any 3 Series from this generation that's been well maintained and has low mileage should be an excellent value for shoppers of "previously owned" entry-luxury vehicles.

Also widely available for the used BMW 3 Series shopper in search of a great entry-luxury car, the fourth-generation "E46" 3 Series debuted as a sedan for the 1999 model year. The coupe, convertible and wagon models fell in line a year later in 2000, while the entry-level 318ti hatchback was finally axed. In 2001, feature content and engine displacement/technology was boosted -- and all-wheel drive made available -- keeping the 3 Series at the head of a very competitive pack. Detail improvements like DVD-based navigation, bi-xenon headlights, rain-sensing wipers and an SMG transmission -- with an exterior face-lift for sedans and wagons in 2002, and coupes and convertibles following in 2004 -- helped carry the baby 325i and 330i BMWs through the remaining few years of the ever-popular previous 3 Series generation.

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BMW 5 Series Review

It's not an overstatement to say that the BMW 5 Series sets the standard for premium sport sedans and, in recent years, wagons, too. Introduced in the U.S. for 1972, the midsize 5 Series has long offered a near-perfect blend of performance, luxury and interior room.

2008 BMW 5 Series 530i Sedan, European Model Shown

Most BMW 5 Series models you'll come across new or used are rear-wheel drive; however, the current-generation lineup includes all-wheel-drive variants. Most 5s also have an inline six-cylinder engine, though BMW has offered V8 versions since 1994. Model names are numeric, with the first number identifying the car as a 5 Series and the last two usually, but not always, denoting engine size. Today's BMW 530i, for instance, has a 3.0-liter inline six, yet the BMW 550i, paradoxically, has a 4.8-liter V8. The final "i" originally distinguished 5 Series cars with fuel injection; these days, it only has significance in Europe where diesel models (that carry a "d") are also offered.

When people ask us to recommend luxury cars, the BMW 5 Series is invariably high on the list. Wealthier shoppers may gravitate toward the newer models loaded with technology, but older 5 Series cars can be just as satisfying to drive and own.

Introduced for 2004, the current BMW 5 Series is by far the most radical. On the surface, it incorporates bold styling cues that depart from BMW's traditional styling language established over the preceding four generations. Inside, a system called iDrive corrals audio, climate, navigation and communication functions using a central LCD screen and console-mounted control dial. We've found iDrive cumbersome to use, although it is more sophisticated than the button-heavy layout in older 5 Series cars.

The driving experience hasn't changed much, as the 5 Series still has sharper reflexes and more road feel than any other car in its class. There's still a choice of inline six or V8 power, and you can still get a manual or automatic transmission on whichever model you choose. But there's a lot more technology working behind the scenes, including a stability control system that can do everything from helping you avoid skids to drying off the brakes when it's raining. An optional active steering system can vary the steering ratio to reduce effort in tight turns.

If you like the styling and aren't intimidated by its hefty dose of electronics, the current-generation BMW 5 Series is an excellent choice for a midsize luxury car. The only significant drawback is high pricing.

For 2004 and 2005, the 5 Series was offered only in sedan form and only with rear-wheel drive. There were two six-cylinder models, the 184-horsepower 525i and 225-hp 530i, along with a top-line V8 version, the 325-hp 545i. Buyers looking at six-cylinder models would be wise to focus on 2006 and newer models, as the '06 model year brought a new pair of 3.0-liter sixes, resulting in a more spirited 215-hp 525i and a 255-hp 530i. The V8 sedan was already quick, but it, too, received a new engine, a 360-hp 4.8-liter, and became the 550i. The 5 Series wagon also arrived for 2006. It's offered in a single 530xi model and all-wheel drive is standard. Additionally, all-wheel drive became optional for the 530 sedan.

Shoppers will have little difficulty finding representatives from the fourth generation (1997-2003). Many purists consider this the finest era for the BMW 5 Series, as exceptional on-road dynamics, premium furnishings and unparalleled refinement came together in one classically styled package. Resale value has always been high for this generation, so expect to spend more than you would for competitors of similar age. Reliability has been strong as well.

Provided it's well-maintained, any car from this generation is worth your consideration. For 1997 and 1998, only sedans were offered: a 528i with a 190-hp, 2.8-liter inline six and a 540i with a 282-hp, 4.4-liter V8. The wagon joined the lineup in 1999 and was available with either engine, both of which gained variable valve timing that year. In 2001, the 528i sedan got a new 225-hp 3.0-liter six and became the 530i; the 528 wagon was dropped. BMW also added an entry-level, 184-hp 525i sedan and wagon to the lineup.

Third-generation 5 Series cars (1989-'95) are still common as well. Although not as perfectly balanced as its successor, this luxury car was highly regarded in its day. If you find one in good condition, you'll almost certainly find it enjoyable to own. The best years were 1994 and '95 when BMW offered V8 power in two 5 Series with the 530i sedan and wagon (215 hp), and the 540i sedan (282 hp).

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BMW 7 Series Review

2008 BMW 7 Series 750i Sedan

Since its introduction for the 1978 model year, the BMW 7 Series luxury sedan has remained true to its original character. It's the BMW flagship, and this full-size, rear-wheel-drive sedan has always represented the pinnacle of technology and luxury accoutrements in the German automaker's lineup. As such, it's an obvious choice for wealthy car buyers seeking a spacious and elegant sedan with a high level of curbside prestige.

There's a fair amount of competition even in this elite vehicle class, but the 7 Series sedan's athletic handling dynamics have long set it apart, starting with the early 733s and carrying through to the present-day BMW 750i, 750Li and 760Li. While other manufacturers have been content to build high-end sedans with soft, serene rides, BMW engineers its 7s to engage their drivers on an emotional level. For that reason, the BMW 7 Series is the definitive super luxury sedan for people who like to drive.


Current BMW 7 Series

The most recent 7 Series redesign came in 2002, and this was by far the most radical overhaul the nameplate has ever received. Traditional exterior styling cues from the previous 25 years were largely abandoned in favor of a more aggressive, avant-garde design. The car was still recognizable as a BMW 7 Series, but many purists found the look abrasive. A refresh for 2006 smoothed out some of the harsher elements, but it's still a stretch to call the car beautiful, whether in standard-wheelbase 750i form or long-wheelbase 750Li and 760Li form.

The modernist motif continues in the cabin, where BMW's typically button-heavy control layout has given way to an all-in-one system called iDrive that governs climate, audio and navigation functions via a single console-mounted dial and a central display. Although iDrive assures the 7's place in the information age, its steep learning curve has proven bewildering for many a 7 Series driver in spite of BMW's efforts to simplify it over the years.

Even though it tends toward the esoteric, the current BMW 7 Series has proven quite popular, largely because of its superb driving experience. Here BMW has applied its arsenal of technology to great advantage, as features like self-stiffening antiroll bars, self-leveling air springs and adaptive shock absorbers work together to keep the big sedan stable when driven hard. In addition, all 7s have BMW's trademark steering feel, such that the driver feels an unquantifiable connection to the car.

With the exception of 2002 when only a V8 was offered, the fourth-generation 7 Series lineup has always included sophisticated eight- and 12-cylinder engines paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The 745i and 745Li sold from 2002-'05 were equipped with a 325-horsepower 4.4-liter V8, while the 750i and 750Li that succeeded them have a 360-hp 4.8-liter V8. The 750s are slightly heavier, so performance is about the same as the 745s.

Offered continuously since '03, the 760Li has a direct-injection 6.0-liter V12 capable of 438 hp. Unlike the V8s, which are eager to rev, the V12 delivers a massive wave of thrust as soon as you nudge the accelerator pedal. BMW offered a short-wheelbase 760i from 2004-'06.


Past BMW 7 Series Models

There have been three previous generations of the BMW 7 Series. Most of the examples you're likely to come across on the used car market will be from the third generation, sold from 1995-2001. Bimmer enthusiasts generally regard this as the finest era for the 7 Series. It was a true driver's car just like today's 7, but there was less in-car technology to distract from the task at hand. And most people agree that its sleek, classically styled body was easier on the eyes.

Provided the car is in good condition, any 7 Series from this generation would make a fine purchase. Quality was generally excellent on these cars, but like most high-end German products, repair costs can be hefty as they age. The main advantage to choosing a car from later in the model cycle is added standard feature content. BMW's Dynamic Stability Control system, for example, debuted across the line for 1998.

The model lineup included the regular-wheelbase 740i sedan, which was offered every year except '96, and the long-wheelbase 740iL and 750iL, which had an uninterrupted run. The BMW 740s were powered by a 282-hp 4.4-liter (4.0-liter in '95) V8, while the 750iL had a 5.4-liter V12 good for 326 hp. All 7s came with a five-speed automatic transmission. Either setup provided strong acceleration, but fuel economy was poor by today's standards.

Similar in style and focus to its successor, the second-generation BMW 7 Series was on sale from 1988-'94. This was the first 7 Series to include both regular- and long-wheelbase models, the advantage to the latter being increased rear legroom. For most of the cycle, the base engine was a 208-hp 3.4-liter inline six-cylinder offered in 735i and 735iL models. A four-speed automatic transmission was standard, but a five-speed manual was offered as well. The 282-hp 4.0-liter V8 replaced the inline-6 in 1993, yielding the 740i and 740iL, both of which took a five-speed automatic only. The BMW 750iL was offered throughout the run. The first V12-equipped BMW, it had a 296-hp 5.0-liter engine and a four-speed automatic.

The first-generation BMW 7 Series enjoyed a long run from 1978-'87. It was the largest sedan the company had ever built and directly targeted the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. All 7s of this era were powered by an inline six-cylinder engine. Sold from 1978-'84, the BMW 733i had a 177-hp 3.2-liter inline-6. Initially, transmission choices consisted of a four-speed manual or a three-speed automatic. A five-speed manual with overdrive replaced the four-speed for 1981, and a four-speed automatic finally became available in '84. BMW swapped in a larger, 182-hp 3.4-liter engine in 1985, prompting a name change to 735i.

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BMW M5 Review

2008 BMW M5 Sedan

There are sport sedans, and then there's the BMW M5. No other car in recent memory has been able to represent the ideal for this segment as strongly as the Bimmer. For each of its four generations, the M5 has impressively blended sports car performance, sedan utility and luxury ambiance.

The M5 is a product of BMW's performance-tuning M Division. It's based on the 5 Series sedan and historical calling cards include a unique and more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension, more powerful brakes, special wheels and tires and aerodynamics-enhancing bodywork. Though the current BMW M5 is the best of the group, a used third-generation car still represents a fantastic choice for a luxury sport sedan. M5s from the 1980s and '90s were also significant performers for their day but are much harder to find because of their rarity.

The current BMW M5 is a five-passenger luxury sport sedan that debuted for the 2006 model year. It's designed to offer more performance than the regular 5 Series sedan on which it's based. The car's most significant change lies under the hood. BMW has shoehorned in a 5.0-liter V10 capable of 500 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque.

This normally aspirated and high-revving engine is connected to a seven-speed sequential-shift manual transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. Drivers can place the transmission into automatic mode or perform exceptionally quick manual gearshifts by using steering-wheel-mounted paddles. There is no clutch pedal and no other transmission is currently offered.

While BMW chose to incorporate plenty of advanced technology into the M5's drivetrain, the car's suspension has been treated to a more back-to-basics approach. Unlike the standard-issue 5 Series, the M5 lacks active steering, active roll bars or run-flat tires. What the car does have is an exceptionally well-tuned suspension setup, electronically controlled dampers, lightweight 19-inch wheels, performance tires and massive brakes.

As with previous M5s, the car doesn't sacrifice much comfort to achieve its high-performance abilities. Just about every luxury feature comes standard, and whether it's used for daily commuting, impressing clients or blasts on empty canyon roads, the BMW M5 is up to the task.

For some BMW enthusiasts, the third-generation M5 is still the best. The 5 Series on which it was based (the fourth-generation 5) was an excellent platform and highly regarded in terms of styling, size, handling and amenities. Offered from 2000-'03, this M5 featured a 4.9-liter V8 good for 394 horsepower. At the time of the car's debut, the engine's output was considered quite outrageous for a modern midsize sedan. The sole transmission choice was a six-speed manual. Eighteen-inch wheels and the requisite suspension and braking upgrades were part of the package. It will no doubt be a future classic.

Previous to this there were two M5 generations, and both are rare sights on U.S. roads today. The original BMW M5 was available for the 1988 model year only and was based on the second-generation 535i. For power, it had a version of the 3.5-liter straight six-cylinder found in the legendary M1 exotic sports car. In the U.S., it made 256 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. The sole transmission was a five-speed manual and the cars were offered with a black paint job only. Highly collectible now, it's said that only 500 were brought to the U.S.

The second-generation M5 was available from 1991 to 1993. It again had a straight six engine; this time it displaced 3.6 liters and made 310 hp. Even today, that's a figure most automakers would be very proud to boast about. European-spec cars from this period had an even more powerful version good for 340 hp. At the time, the only sedan capable of matching the BMW M5 was the Mercedes-Benz E500, which had a V8 engine.

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BMW M6 Review

2007 BMW M6 Convertible Shown

BMW is known for building cars and SUVs that combine everyday practicality with enhanced performance. Its series of M-badged high-performance variants, in particular, are often regarded as some of the best performance cars in the world. It therefore stands to reason that the BMW M6, as the company's flagship performance coupe (and convertible) is something truly special.

Though there have been two generations of the M6, it is the more recent one that people are most familiar with. Though not a true sports car, the M6, thanks to its 500-horsepower V10 engine, versatile suspension and powerful brakes, can challenge the world's best on just about any road. At the same time, it offers all the comfort and luxury one would expect from BMW's premier coupe and convertible.

Current BMW M6

The BMW M6 is available in coupe and convertible body styles. Both versions employ a 5.0-liter V10 engine that produces 500 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. Transmission choices are a standard seven-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG) or a traditional six-speed manual. Compared to the M5 sedan, the M6 offers greater performance due to a slightly lighter curb weight and a lower center of gravity.

The look of the M6 takes the low-slung style of the mainstream 6 Series coupe and convertible and adds unique front and rear fascias. These not only contribute to a more sporting look, but also serve to enhance performance and aerodynamic efficiency. The exterior is further differentiated by unique trim, mirrors, wheels, colors and a quad-outlet exhaust.

Edmunds editors have found the performance of the BMW M6 to be simply intoxicating. The sounds emanating from the V10 power plant are like nothing else available to consumers. The M6 convertible only adds to the aural pleasure. With the sun and sky overhead, the song of an F1-inspired V10 in your ear and 500 hp underfoot, life just doesn't get much better for an automotive enthusiast.

With an F1-racing-inspired engine and transmission, it seems only logical that a fully programmable driving experience be included. Owners can choose among three different engine programs that vary horsepower between 400 and 500, along with throttle response, at the push of a button.

Unfortunately, because the M6 is a BMW, it comes equipped with BMW's iDrive. Designed to help simplify the interface between the driver and the vehicle's various electronic systems, iDrive has been vilified by most of the automotive media, including Edmunds' editors and many owners. What was supposed to help simplify has only served to complicate and frustrate.

Past BMW M6 Models

The BMW M6 was introduced as a coupe only for the 2006 model year. For 2007, BMW introduced the convertible model and, later that year, the traditional six-speed manual transmission.

The first generation of the M6 was imported briefly to the U.S. market starting in 1988. Based on the 6 Series coupe of the time, the M6 was powered by a 3.5 liter inline-6 engine that produced 256 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque. Production ended in 1989.

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BMW Z4 Review

2008 BMW Z4 3.0si Convertible Shown

The BMW Z4 is one of the more intriguing sports cars currently available. It's known for its engaging handling and steering, thrilling inline six-cylinder engine and distinctive styling. Although its stated horsepower ratings are equaled or surpassed by those of some less expensive machinery, the Z4 counters with a lighter curb weight and, in most cases, a more rewarding driving experience. Recent improvements have made the latest Z4 the best yet, and older models are still a very viable choice for a used sports car.

The BMW Z4 is built at the company's Spartanburg, South Carolina, facility, and has been in production since the 2003 model year. It's a successor to the original Z3 and is the company's only two-seat sports car. It features traditional characteristics such as a front-engine/rear-drive layout, a hunkered-down stance, a long hood and rearward positioning of driver and passenger. Another notable element is the car's chiseled exterior design, which BMW says is used to add tension to the car's shape.

The BMW Z4 is available as a roadster with a convertible top or a fixed-roof coupe. For the roadster, there are two trim levels: 3.0i and 3.0si. The Z4 3.0i comes with features such as 17-inch wheels, stability control, antilock brakes, power mirrors and windows, manually operated seats and vinyl upholstery. A 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine rated at 215 horsepower is standard, as is a six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed automatic is optional.

The Z4 3.0si features 18-inch wheels, a few upgraded interior features and a 255-hp 3.0-liter inline six. A few options are also available for both trim levels, including a Premium package with a power-operated top and a Sport package designed to improve the vehicle's handling capabilities. The Z4 Coupe is offered in the 3.0si trim only.

Even without the Sport package, the Z4 rewards drivers with an engaging driving experience. In Edmunds.com reviews of the BMW Z4, editors have praised the car's sharp reflexes and quick acceleration. The Coupe possesses a slight advantage in terms of handling due to its added body rigidity. For shoppers desiring even more performance, there's also an M-powered version of the Z4.

Because of a major update for 2006, Z4 models from this year and onwards are a better choice than earlier models, if price is no object. This update included the mid-year release of the coupe body style, the 215-hp and 255-hp engines, and the six-speed automatic. Other changes to the BMW sports car included a retuned standard suspension for better ride quality, a higher final-drive ratio for improved acceleration, new wheel designs, additional braking functionality for the stability control system, updated front and rear styling and minor interior trim updates.

From 2003-'05, BMW Z4 models were identified as either 2.5i or 3.0i. The 2.5i has a 2.5-liter, inline six-cylinder engine that makes 184 hp, while the 3.0i uses a 3.0-liter straight six that generates 225 hp. For transmissions, there is a five-speed manual (standard on the 2.5), a six-speed manual (standard on the 3.0), a five-speed automatic or, as on the M3, a six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG). There were a few minor changes made during this period in terms of feature content, but none of them were significant enough to make one model year more desirable than another.

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