BMW

2010 BMW M3 Coupe

Lots of cars have one outstanding feature but fall short on others like ride comfort, seating, trunk capacity, etc. Well not the BMW M3! This newest super-coupe from BMW really is the perfect blend of everything a coupe buyer is looking for. Drive it to the supermarket, on a long weekend trip or to participate at a track event; regardless of the destination, or the activity, the M3 is ready to handle almost any task you ask of it.
This latest iteration, of the famous M moniker, is the 4th generation of the M3. It’s also the fastest, most powerful and most capable to date.

The exterior is all BMW. There is no boy racer wing, or scandalous side fender flares, instead, there are subtle yet useful details that tell the discerning aficionado that this car is powerful, special and all business. There are the oversized air intakes flanking the front bumper; the useful side air vents that integrate marker lights as well as subtle M3 logos and the elegantly sculptured side mirrors that are not only beautiful to look at, but helpful in daily driving. Moving further back along the side of the M3, there is the famous Hofmeister kink on the rear side window frame, followed by the sculptured trunk lid with its angled shape and subdued rear lip spoiler. Another M signature item is the quad exhaust tips that let out a satisfying and glorious cacophony every time one judiciously presses the “go fast” pedal. The wheels are M car only design, housing large diameter brake rotors as well as high performance brake calipers.

Once inside, and ensconced in the driver’s seat, you can’t help but notice the nice “M” touches all throughout the cabin. From the multi-color stitching on the large grip steering wheel, The M logos are placed throughout the cabin, such as in the head rests, in addition to being centered within the instrument cluster. The switchgear, as well as materials used, are top-notch, providing that well known quality tactile feeling that is oh so prominent in every BMW. The power sports seats offer electric bolster adjustment, as well as pneumatic lumbar support. Our test car came equipped with the desirable “Technology Package” that offers M Drive, Comfort Access keyless system and Navigation system.

Press the start button and the awesome V8 fires up with a nice throaty sound that instantly tells you this is no typical 3 Series. Select 1st gear, on the M Double-clutch gear selector, and off you go! Of course, there are the myriad of combinations that let the driver control the speed at which the car up-shifts, as well as glorious rev-matching down-shifts, that make you feel like an F1 pro. If you order the Technology Package, a wonderful button on the steering wheel is offered, to most, it may be unnoticeable, but to the BMW M Series initiated, it’s the diabolically-delicious “M Button”. Press it and it firms up shifts, steering and engine response to a heightened level that brings a new dimension of sports motoring. Acceleration is simply breathtaking, made even more so by shifting effortlessly through the seven gears. Stomp on the brakes and the M3 Coupe feels as though someone threw out an aircraft carrier-sized anchor out of the back. It STOPS! Entering a turn the M3 feels balanced and oh so neutral in cornering, offering nary a squeal from the compliantly sticky rubber tires. Response from the steering and brakes is simply linear and palpable, giving the lucky driver plenty of excellent feedback in the process. Imagine, doing all of this with three of your favorite people in the car. Every time I found myself driving this car during my week’s caretaker duties, it was a delight… so much so that I did not want to give it back.

The 2010 BMW M3 Coupe; A masterful blend of performance, comfort and luxury, all combined into a sinuously sexy package.

The Essentials:

• MSRP: $58,400.00 MSRP (As tested): $68,925.00
• Fuel Economy (Observed): 16.4 MPG
• Engine: V8, 4.0 liter, 414 HP
• Popular Options: Cold Weather, Technology Packages, M Double-clutch transmission, carbon leather interior trim, Shadowline exterior trim.
• Visit: www.bmwusa.com

2010 BMW X6 M

By: Juan G. Robbin

Yes, it’s an M, and yes, it goes like a bat out of hell!

Sometimes things just don’t make sense but yet, we love them. Jumbo Shrimp, eating cold pizza in the morning, and now, BMW’s newest SAV offering, the scrumptious X6 M. This time it comes in the form of what BMW calls an SAV “Sports Activity Vehicle,” of course this newest version is the sportiest, fastest and most expensive of the X6 line. Yes, you can do a “mano-a-mano” with almost any sports car, not only in the zero-60 MPH sprint but also in any corner you care to throw the X6 M into. Remarkably, this SAV will most likely beat or at least stay even with the best of them. The tenacity and predictability of the X6 M is simply amazing. With the all-wheel drive torque vectoring system the X6 M simply feels like a svelte ballerina doing pirouettes in most corners and a rocket sled if you really want to go fast on the straights. One cannot believe this is a 5,000 + monster!

To the passing glance, it looks like an X6, so much so, that when it was delivered I saw it from my window and thought it was a regular X6. Not until I walked outside to have a closer look did I see the tell tale Motorsports colored M moniker on the side gills. Well boys and girls, it is a present from Santa in March! My face lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. Looking at the X6 M closer, you immediately notice the front bumper with large corner air intakes, the M-only wheels are finished in a steel grey color, followed by the trademark M quadruple tail exhaust pipes in the back. There is no need for boy-racer flares and wings, BMW believes in subtlety and understatement for the current crop of M cars.

Inside, you are greeted with sumptuous deep-bolstered sports seats and that oh so delicious thick-grip M double stitched leather steering wheel, which is simply a delight to hold. Dash is typical restrained elegance as accustomed to BMW, yet every needed item or gauge is there. There is a cool “gee-whiz” HUD (Heads-up Display) that you can use to show in your peripheral sight indication of RPM’s, gear and speed. Center dash has a large multi-function display that is operated by the much-improved third generation I-Drive system that is finally, easy to figure out intuitively.

Driving the X6 M is a delight. Albeit, a dangerous one. I kept second guessing myself if the speedo was really telling the truth. Driving this fast should not be this effortless, I kept repeating. Acceleration is time warp sensational, even more so when you stop to think it’s hauling more than 5,300 lbs. of mass.  Zero to 60 MPH happens in just 4.5 speedy seconds. Without a doubt this is one of the most sure footed and comfortable long distance vehicles ever. Of course, the joy is only dampened by the voracious appetite for fuel if one chooses to go at it aggressively with the throttle, regardless; I was totally giddy playing with this car during my oh to short of a week’s sojourn.

Does anyone really need a twin-turbo, all-wheel drive, 550 HP V8 SAV? No, not really. Do we want one? Absolutely!

The Essentials

MSRP:  $89,000.00   MSRP (As tested): $93,413.00
Fuel Economy (Observed):   15.5 MPG
Engine: V8 twin-turbo, 4.4 liters, 555 HP
Popular Options: Rear entertainment, comfort access & soft close doors. Premium sound, and driver assistance packages.
visit: www.bmwusa.com

2009 BMW 335d

By: Juan G. Robbin

The Gold Standard of Sports Sedans
BMW 335d (2009)

In a world full of clutter, few can say they can stand out in the crowd. Cartier, Harry Winston and almost anything that comes from Savile Row in London most definitely can. These are just a few of the well known names that have stood the test of time, signifying quality, craftsmanship and enduring design. BMW’s 3 Series can definitely be included in this rarefied club. Since the introduction of the successor to the iconic 2002 in 1977, the 320i and all of the subsequent 3 Series models that have come after it have had a tireless evolution into what we see in the showroom today.

It had been a while since I last drove a 3 Series four door sedan, and recently I had the chance to spend a week with one. Not just a regular 3 Series mind you, but their newest offering, a clean air, advanced diesel version no less. Forget all of the enduring myths one hears of a diesel vehicle. Its dirty, it smokes, it smells, its loud, it’s slow. The new 335d is absolutely none of the above. Now you can have your cake and eat it too with this latest model from BMW! This is a phenomenal car, giving up almost nothing on the gasoline powered brethren, yet getting much better fuel economy, longevity and torque response in the process.

Upon pressing the start button you do notice a slight hint of valve clatter, this quickly dissipates into a smooth idle. The engine sound is only marginally louder than the gasoline version, offering a hint of things to come capability wise. Shifting into drive and driving off, one instantly notices the smooth and effortless feel from BMW’s new generation advanced “Blue-Performance” diesel engine. The usable torque band is glorious, and so is the engine sound at full power. BMW did a superb job with the engine exhaust note, as most diesels end up sounding like a mix between a blender and a band saw. We did notice a hint of disconnect as you accelerate from a stand still. This happens in a split second while the automatic transmission decides the best gear to start off on.

There are some subtle design updates for 2009, namely the hood and trunk design, headlights and taillights have been reshaped, a re-sculptured front fender, new rear lower fender valance and attractive wheels that are unique for the 3 Series diesel. On the left rear fender, there is a discrete round access port used for fill ups to the over 5 gallons urea fluid tanks, this is only for the diesel version models. This ensures enough fluid so additional maintenance intervals for fluid replenishing are not needed.

Inside the 3 Series, its all as one would expect from BMW’s most popular model. Top notch fit and finish, excellent appointments and a much improved I Drive, offering additional buttons around the rotating main dial giving direct access to menus. We are impressed with the quality of the navigation map presentation, giving crisp, bright and eye pleasing details. Additionally, there is a noticeable quickness of the delivery of information among all of the available sub-menus. There are some additional luxury touches, such as the subtle metal trim on the cup holders as well as a reshaped headlight switch. Seats are simply perfect! Adjustments, regardless of one’s height or size, can be accomplished with minimum effort and fuss in order to find the perfect driving position. There is a subtle yet noticeable tactile positive feedback one gets by using the features of the interior of a BMW. These become readily apparent when you have to drive another brand of vehicles.
Acceleration is slightly slower zero-60 MPH in the diesel (6.0 seconds) than the gasoline version. Steering is direct and positive, yet light and responsive at slow speeds. Brakes are excellent, offering precise control and feedback even under hard braking. We loved the perfect control we got with the precise pedal feel, especially in stop and go traffic. In fact, both the throttle and brake pedals where some of the smoothest we’ve ever felt, giving us minute modulation, offering satisfyingly suave stops and silky smooth starts.
Is the diesel worth the extra 3K over a regular 3 Series gasoline powered version? The answer is yes. Why? Easy; Lower fuel consumption, longer engine life, less fill ups and in most areas, lower fuel prices.

The Essentials

The BMW 335 diesel sedan; simply worth its weight in gold.
The essentials:
MSRP: $43,900.00 MSRP (As tested): $55,445.00
Fuel Economy (Observed): 25.5 MPG
Engine: 3.0 liter, inline 6 cylinder with sequential turbo, 265 HP
Popular Options: Sport and Premium packages, comfort access, Park distance control, Navigation, Sat radio, fold down rear seats.

2008 BMW X6 xDrive 50i Sports Activity Coupe

By: Juan G. Robbin

A crossover coupe that offers the best of all worlds
BMW X6 xDrive 50i Sports Activity Coupe (2008)

X6 recipe: Take a sporty SUV, add a dash of sedan, then a pinch of coupe finished off by a superbly capable choice of V6 or V8 turbo engines and you have BMW’s newest result!

I recently had the chance to drive both the V8 and V6 powered X6 at the press launch in Greenville, SC and came away pleasantly surprised. Prior to arrival at the event I was downright skeptical about this new BMW family member; I kept wondering what it was and why we need it. After a day driving the X6 on the street and on the proving grounds test track I was amazed by what BMW’s techno-wizards had done with the engine, intelligent all wheel drive, suspension and transmission in order to make the X6 a perfect all around vehicle.

Driving the V8 powered X6 around the Michelin Tire proving grounds test track, I had to remind myself I was in a 5,000 pound sports activity coupe and not in a sports sedan. The brakes are excellent, even after repeated number of fast laps that required hard braking. Steering feedback is direct and strong, especially with the optional active steering package. One of the exercises we did was the sudden lane change and a slalom course. The compliance, quickness and poise of the X6 during these two tough challenges was simply amazing.

The design is clearly current BMW architecture. There is a hint of the Concept CS with the large frontal corner air inlets, as well as deep under bumper air intakes. The sloping roof from the B pillar back makes a strong design statement, ending at the rear with a dramatically sloping rear window and hatch. The twin corner-through-bumper exhaust tips are either round for the 6 cylinder or rounded-rectangle for the 8 cylinder version.

Inside you are greeted to a cockpit that is similar to the recently revamped X5, with several sporty touches, such as center console knee pads, redesigned steering wheel and a multi-function display that is no longer recessed in an oval tunnel in the mid dash area.

Rear seating is strictly for two people, with a nicely finished center console with cup-holders and storage area. There is a recessed area in the headliner giving additional headroom to rear seat passengers. Entry into the rear seat can be a bit awkward due to the low opening that follows the sloping roof line. The cargo area has an electric hatch with exquisitely finished cargo area that is big enough for most things you may want to carry.

Most people like an SUV or crossover because of the height it gives when driving and not necessarily for the cargo carrying capability, the new BMW X6 fits that bill perfectly. Add the feel and agility of a sports sedan and you have a recipe for a spectacular all around vehicle regardless of your type of lifestyle.
The all new BMW X6, it’s the ultimate driving Sport Activity Coupe.

The Essentials

Base MSRP X6 xdrive 35i : $53,275.00
Base MSRP X6 xdrive 50i : $63,775.00
Fuel Economy range: 13-20 MPG
Engine 35i: Inline 6 cylinder twin turbo 3.5 liter 300 HP
Engine 50i: V8 twin turbo, 4.4 liter 400 HP
Popular Options: Active steering, comfort access, Nav. System, rear-view cam.
Visit: www.bmwusa.com

2007 BMW 650i Convertible

By: Juan G. Robbin

The BMW 650i convertible is an elegant yet sporty coupe that is safe, comfortable and fun to drive.
BMW 650i Convertible (2007)

When most manufacturers are going with a hard top convertible design BMW has elected to keep the traditional soft top system with a twist. There is an upright glass rear window in between two “flying buttresses” that create a flowing, curved design making the top look similar to its 650i hardtop coupe sibling.

Inside you are greeted with BMW’s current, clean, simple design that is unobtrusive, yet engaging to the driver and passenger. There is a center, high dash mounted multi-function screen that has the sound, navigation, and trip/car data. The optional Night vision is another, Oh-Wow feature shown on the multi-function display that is excellent when there is poor forward visibility or the road ahead is dark. This is managed by the center console mounted i-drive that has become only slightly easier to use in its current iteration. There is a head-up display reflecting in the driver’s field of vision showing the speed digitally, a nice touch.

Driving the 650i convertible is a delight. There is a nice throaty sound from the engine, and direct, sporty feedback from the suspension, brakes and steering. We would have liked to have steering wheel shift paddles though, as shifting gears while in the sports mode using the gear selector is not quite the same.

Rear seat is tight but usable, because of the top design this also feels a bit dark, it’s ok though, I’m sure that most people will want to have the top down if the day is sunny and mild. Trunk space is less than the coupe due to the folding top mechanism but still adequate.

BMW has done it again, producing a great car that balances performance and luxury. There is a wonderful blend of comfort, style, elegance and refinement all into one car – the 650i convertible.

The Essentials

Base MSRP: $81,700.00 As tested: $91,720.00
Fuel consumption (observed): 17.5 MPG
Engine: 4.8 liter V8 with 360 HP
Popular options: Sport Pkg. night vision, head-up display, comfort access system.
Visit: www.bmwusa.com