Before mid-2008, the German automaker will offer no less than 38 models on their showroom floors. The big news for 2008 are the introductions of the redesigned M3 coupe and sedan as well as coupe and cabriolet variants of the new 1-Series. All these vehicles will be on sale next spring.
As mentioned previously, both versions of the M3 will be powered by a 4.0-liter V8 that produces 414 horsepower at 8,300 rpm, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with a dual-plate clutch. Pricing will be announced later.
The 1-Series will be available in two trims for both body styles. The 128i sports a 3.0-liter inline-6 that develops 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. 135i models will get the 300-hp and 300 lb-ft, twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6. These variants also get an M aerodynamics package and a sport suspension as standard equipment. Optional equipment includes Active Steering, a navigation system and Comfort Access.
The 1-Series cabriolet will feature a power soft top that retracts in 22 seconds, and can even be operated up to 40 km/h. Like the M3, pricing and final specifications will be available at a later date.
The 3-Series will continue to offer a wide range of body styles: coupe, sedan, wagon and cabriolet. The base 323i sedan gets standard fog lights, heated outside mirrors and cruise control. A 335xi coupe is added, which is the 11th model in BMW's product lineup to offer xDrive all-wheel drive. The rest of the 3-Series models are unchanged.
Introduced last spring, the 2008 5-Series sedan and wagon models continue without significant changes. 535i, 535xi and 535xi Touring models now get an available 6-speed manual transmission. Active headrests are now standard on all 5-Series cars, including the M5 which gets a standard-equipment heated steering wheel.
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| M3's V8 engine |
As mentioned previously, both versions of the M3 will be powered by a 4.0-liter V8 that produces 414 horsepower at 8,300 rpm, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with a dual-plate clutch. Pricing will be announced later.
The 1-Series will be available in two trims for both body styles. The 128i sports a 3.0-liter inline-6 that develops 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. 135i models will get the 300-hp and 300 lb-ft, twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6. These variants also get an M aerodynamics package and a sport suspension as standard equipment. Optional equipment includes Active Steering, a navigation system and Comfort Access.
The 1-Series cabriolet will feature a power soft top that retracts in 22 seconds, and can even be operated up to 40 km/h. Like the M3, pricing and final specifications will be available at a later date.
The 3-Series will continue to offer a wide range of body styles: coupe, sedan, wagon and cabriolet. The base 323i sedan gets standard fog lights, heated outside mirrors and cruise control. A 335xi coupe is added, which is the 11th model in BMW's product lineup to offer xDrive all-wheel drive. The rest of the 3-Series models are unchanged.
Introduced last spring, the 2008 5-Series sedan and wagon models continue without significant changes. 535i, 535xi and 535xi Touring models now get an available 6-speed manual transmission. Active headrests are now standard on all 5-Series cars, including the M5 which gets a standard-equipment heated steering wheel.
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| BMW 5-Series sedan |