2007 BMW Z4 Review

The 2007 BMW Z4 carries a price tag of roughly $50,000. For your money you're going to be driving a light-bodied little beauty producing 330 horsepower (from an inline six) that will leap from zero to sixty in under five seconds. If that doesn't get your blood pumping, what will?

Some reviewers write about the Z4 as if it were the "hail Mary" pass of BMW's stable. Why? Because four years ago the automaker staunchly denied the two-seater coupe (officially the Z4 M Roadster) even existed until strong competition and less than stellar sales forced them to put the Z4 out in the wild where it belongs.

Since that time the Z4, in spite of a design that has been both controversial and radical, has failed to win the kind of adherents enjoyed by its predecessor the Z3. The 2007 model just may change that. This is a more than respectable sports car with a completely reworked manual gearbox (six speeds) and much heftier acceleration. Traction is also greatly improved thanks to a variable locking differential as is handling courtesy of a hydraulic steering system, a conventional re-tooling that actually replaces the previous electrical assist version.

Essentially for the 2007 BMW Z4 BMW has gone back and adopted some more basic engineering to forge an overall solid sports car package. If you dismissed this one in previous model years, go drive the 2007. You may be more than pleasantly surprised.

2007 BMW X5 Review

The 2007 BMW X5 sport utility vehicle picked up 7.4 inches this year, most of it going toward more cabin room. Engine choices are a 4.8-liter V8 (350 horsepower) or a 3-liter inline 6 (260 horsepower.) Look for wishbone front suspension, rack-and-pinion steering, and the first use of a gear selector (controlled electronically) on an X5. Put it all together and you have an exceptionally deft handling SUV with excellent road hugging capability.

This is the seventh year BMW has fielded the X5 and frankly the overall appearance just hasn't changed that much. Most of the visible improvements are inside the cabin where both shoulder and leg room have made good gains (1.2 inches for your legs.) The driver enjoys power seats with ten levels of adjustment and the audio system plays over twelve speakers to keep your passengers happy on those long road trips.

Long story short, the X5 hit the market as a luxury SUV and it's still a luxury SUV, with all the safety and technology bells and whistles you'd expect from this automaker. The 2007 BMW X5 is a worthy next generation in a proven line of excellent performers. You'll drop between $45,900 and $54,500 depending on trim level, but you'll get top value for every dollar spent.

2007 BMW X3 Review

The 2007 BMW X3 is the smallest SUV in the automaker's stable. Receiving a long overdue makeover since its introduction in 2004, the X3 now sports a 3-liter inline V6 (the same engine used in the 3 series) and delivers an additional 35 horsepower over the old model taking the total to a pleasing 260 hp. Expect to pay around $38,000 for this sporty little performer that, when outfitted with the standard six-speed manual, jumps from zero to sixty in only 6.9 seconds.

The front bumper and spoiler on the X3 have received a make over although the 2007 looks like previous models when viewed from the side. (The rear lights have been re-tooled to accommodate more efficient LEDs, however.) Inside you'll find a steering wheel with three spokes and upgraded materials throughout in a two-toned color scheme.

The engineers didn't stint on the technology while enhancing the looks of the 2007 BMW X3. You'll get traction control with significantly enhanced performance and pre-tensioning on the brakes as well as a system for drying the brakes in wet conditions, assist for hill starts, and brake fade compensation. Roll it all together, and you have the best BMW offers in a well-appointed, top-performing sport utility package.

2007 BMW M Series Review

The 2007 BMW M or "Motorsport" series is a comprehensive line of luxury vehicles including a sedan, coupe, and convertible as well as the Z4 M Coupe and Z4 M Roadster. You'll find a range of MSRPs (depending on configuration) from $50,100 (for the Z4 coupe) to $104,900 (for the M6 convertible.)

The great appeal of the M series is its obvious descent from racing vehicles. You're going to find some serious power under the hood, with the M5 and M6s sporting a five-liter V10 that produces 500 horsepower. Move into the Z4s and you'll get 330 horsepower from a 2.3-liter six cylinder. All the models have RWD.

It says something about the popularity of this BMW line that the company produces an MDriver Newsletter. Any time a model can generate that kind of interest and loyalty, its longevity is assured. Granted, as a top of the line luxury vehicle, a 2007 BMW M series isn't inexpensive, but it is an investment -- in both a proven name and a proven line. If you're after power, performance, and impressive blending of technology and luxury packed into one car, you won't go wrong shopping for an M.

2007 BMW Alpina Review

Technically the 2007 BMW Alpina is part of the flagship 7 series -- the B7 to be exact. Designed to go head-to-head with the Audi S8 and the Mercedes S63 AMG, the Alpina carries a suggested price tag of $115,000. For the money you get 500 horsepower pumping out of a 4.4-liter V8 configured with an automatic transmission with six speeds.

The Alpina first showed up at dealerships back in January but to get one you'll need to place a special order. Expect to wait approximately 4 months, but according to the German entity that has spiffed up other BMW models, they'll build as many as buyers want. (The only other Alpina to make it over the waves to the U.S. was the Roadster V8 modification of the Z8.)

If you put the B7 up beside the standard 7 Series you'll see differences in the bumpers and trim, a spoiler on the back, and wheels of 21 inches with twenty spokes. Inside, the front seats are both ventilated and heated (the rear seats also warm up). The sunshades for folks in the back and the headliner are made of Alcantara leather and if you don't happen to get the doors quite shut, they'll finish the job for you.

This 2007 BMW Alpina version of the well-loved 7 series is tricked out from stem to stern and takes the already distinctive BMW look and feel up several notches. They say good things come to those who wait and four months isn't too long to wait for a luxury vehicle of this premium quality finish and engineering.

2007 BMW 7 Series Review

The 2007 BMW 7 series has been praised as the world's best driving luxury sedan, a tradition more than upheld by the 2007 models. Both the 750i (from $75,800) and the 750Li (from $78,900) have a 360 hp, 4.8-liter V8. The 760Li (from $122,600) is powered by a 438 hp, 6-liter, 48-valve V12.

The 750i offers premium cow hide seating, American walnut interior, and a standard ten-speaker audio system. Acceleration from zero to 60 takes just 5.8 seconds with the vehicle's top speed at 150. Estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg city and 25 highway on both the 750i and the 750Li. An expanded 123.1 inch wheelbase on the 750Li equates to additional leg room in the already luxurious interior. The front seats have 20-way power adjust. The leather, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel offers both audio and phone controls (with one programmable control.) The 760Li features Ash wood interior and premium leather trim. Both rear climate control and a coolbox are among the available amenities. (Estimated fuel economy is 14/22.)

All vehicles in the 7 Series have dynamic stability control, anti-lock brakes, dynamic traction control, and dynamic brake control. Safety systems are deployed via an Intelligent Safety and Information System and include dual front-impact airbags and supplementary bags.

2007 BMW M6 Review

The 2007 BMW M6 is a standout -- even in a stable of cars as impressive as that of Bavarian Motor Works. The V10 under the hood (5 liter) churns out 500 horsepower allowing the driver to take full advantage of seven speeds from a manual sequential gearbox. Just hearing the engine turn over makes your heart race a little -- with good reason. The M6 makes the zero to sixty leap in just 4.6 seconds. An electronic governor stops the M6 at "only" 155 mph, but you get a sense this one would literally fly without that artificial limitation.

Whether you opt for the coupe or the convertible, you're buying into a fierce performer. Expect to pay around $99,100 for the coupe and $104,900 for the convertible. Both are marked by trademark BMW luxury for the interior detailing as well as by exterior lines that are both subtle and powerful. Trim out the cockpit in wood grain or carbon fiber, select merino leather for the seats, and tune into a premium audio system by Logic 7 feeding through thirteen speakers. There's no way you can drive an M6 and not feel at the top of your game -- really at the top of the world -- an exceptional BMW for exceptional drivers.

2008 BMW 5 Series Sedan Review

The 2008 BMW 5 Series Sedan is a group of 4-door sports sedans which come in the following trim levels: 528i, 528xi, 535i, 353xi, 550i. The BMW 328i is powered by a 3.0 liter, 230 hp, I-6 with 6-speed manual or automatic RWD. Add AWD for the 328xi, and a twin turbo to the 3.0 liter, 300 hp I-6 plus RWD for the 535i. Add AWD and you have the 535xi, while the 550i weighs in with a 4.8 liter 360 hp V8.

The power credentials are only the start for this squadron of land raptors, with key features being added to make each model resonate at a different quantum level. The 6-speed Steptronic automatic offers three driving modes, each one being suited for a particular driving style and traffic condition. "Drive" is perfect for city, stop and go traffic when a fully automatic transmission reduces the tedium of repeated up and down shifting. "Sport" level automatic offers the driver control and choice for more active driving. "Steptronic" mode allows manual shifting without the need for a clutch.

The interior of the 5 Series sedans are perfectly matched to the temperament of each model, with cowhide surfaces on the console plus chrome accented controls, making each 5 Series sedan more luxurious than ever. The exteriors of the 5 Series are more aggressive with a high beltline that makes the vehicles appear more tough and mean. The cant rail runs seamlessly from the "A" pillar back to find support at the rear cheater and C pillar producing a seductively sweeping curve.

Whether you prefer an all wheel drive option, like XDrive, or rear-wheel drive, the suspension and steering characteristics of the 5 Series are a perfect match of luxury and performance. There are innumerable driving and weather conditions where Dynamic Stability Control can come into play and help you steer clear of danger due to loss of traction. Whether you encounter slippery areas on the road, changeable weather, or unpredictable traffic, chances are Dynamic Stability Control will negotiate the hazard safely.

The engineers at BMW added a few new talents to the 2008 BMW 5 Series, including Night Vision, for all of your covert operations. Driving at night becomes more comfortable and worry-free with the ability to see objects that are otherwise hidden by darkness. Using an infrared-sensing camera in the front of the vehicle, hazards and other objects are easily seen and identified.

The 2008 BMW 5 Series offers a full compliment of airbags in its passenger safety system, now augmented by the new Head Protection System, which adds protection to the head from a side impact accident. Fuel economy is worthy of mention as the Series 5 Sedans are impressive for a luxury line of vehicles at 17-18 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. When it comes to uniting performance and luxury, the 2008 BMW 5 Series sedans are in a class by themselves.

2007 BMW 6 Series Review

The 2007 BMW 6 series includes the 650i Coupe (from $74,700) and the 650i Convertible (from $81,700). Both build on the BMW heritage with the coupe offering aggressive lines and a long-slung kidney-grille. The result is a compelling and dynamic sense of style and a driving experience that's pure passion. The coupe makes the zero to 60 leap in 5.3 seconds thanks to a 4.8-liter V8 and a choice of three six-speed transmissions.

The convertible capitalizes on the same good looks with a refined styling that is still bold and pleasing to the eye. The same muscular power plant pumps out 360 hp with the zero to 60 benchmark at 5.6 seconds. Active Roll Stabilization ensures dynamic and safe performance with level cornering on even the tightest curves. The top glides gracefully in place with the push of a button, mirroring the elegant lines of the 6 series coupe.

Inside look for the trademark BMW touch of luxury with Dakota leather upholstery and door trim and Ruthenium pearl-gloss interior trim in both vehicles. Front seats are eight-way power adjustable with four-way lumbar support. BMW on-board navigation with voice feedback, voice activation, and real time traffic information is an option.

2008 BMW 5 Series Sports Wagon Review

While the 2008 5 Series Sports Wagon only comes as a single trim level, the 528xi, BMW has never built a more luxurious, better-equipped, or more powerful mid-size wagon. Bumped up to a 300 horsepower inline six-cylinder engine, the 528xi can be outfitted with a standard six-speed manual or optional automatic transmission. BMW has engineered a mechanically superior, esthetically breathtaking, yet practical benchmark for all other wagons to aspire to.

With fully adjustable seating, generous storage compartments, and simulated leather upholstery, the 528xi provides a livable interior with a bounty of ergonomic touches. The driver is treated to numerous programmable features and monitoring systems that are visible at a glance and within fingertip reach. Included in this array are a tire inflation sensor, sub-zero temperature alert, and a cowhide ensconced tiller with multi-function controls.

Drivers will especially like the small touches in their wagon, like the rechargeable flashlight that can be removed, map lights, moonroof, filtered ventilation system, and cargo sub-storage area. The 2008 BMW Series 3 Sports Wagon lives up to its sports designation with the availability of accessory ski, bike, and surfboard rack rails, aerodynamic styling and aggressively enhanced power plant. Enjoyment on the way up to the slopes will be further heightened with your favorite soundtrack played through a 10-speaker audio system, including CD, AM/FM, SIRIUS Satellite Radio capability.

The 2008 BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon is aerodynamically designed to minimize noise and drag, with a beautiful chrome bezel sweeping around the entire side window array. To unify the design, the Sports Wagon has external mirrors that are body-colored to keep the distinctive body lines clean and smooth. For convenience, the rear tailgate window opens separately from the lift-up gate. As expected with such a luxury-laden vehicle, the fuel economy is not especially impressive, with 16 mpg city / 24 mpg hwy.

Engineered with BMW's mythical safety features, the 2008 BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon comes standard with brake lights that intensify with added foot pressure, detectors and sensors for motion, security, and fuel disconnect. Airbags come in full dress uniform in the Sports Wagon, with passenger side and side-curtain airbags, as well as a upper body and head cushioning system. All the safety you expect for yourself is provided for the child passengers as well, with anchors for child-restraint seats.

With all-wheel drive and a battery of technological features, the 2008 5 Series Sports Wagon is a fun-to-drive, practical car that handles well, and performs exquisitely. No other mid-size wagon can compare with the twin-turbo performance characteristics and luxury of the 2008 5 Series Sports Wagon.

2008 BMW 3 Series Review

The base model 328i sedan of the 2008 BMW 3-series comes with a 3.0 liter, 230 horsepower, 6-cylinder engine with electronic throttle control, and a six-speed manual transmission. Its smooth ride is provided by a "Dynamic Stability Control" system that includes a start-off assistant, brake fade compensation, a brake stand-by feature, and dynamic traction control. As well, much of suspension components are constructed from forged aluminum, and there are front and rear anti-roll bars, in addition to variable-assist power steering that is engine-speed sensitive. The 335 series has a similar engine, but 300 horsepower, while the 325 convertible sacrifices sturdiness for style, and offers a 184 hp engine.

In addition to the braking systems mentioned above, the safety features of the 3-series vehicles include front SRS airbags for the driver and front passengers, with a sensor for the passenger seat, and front side-impact airbags as well. Safety features also include a front and rear head protection system, a crash sensor that engages lights, and unlocks the doors, a LATCH child-seat system, and programmable daytime running lights.

The interior of the 3-series cars are brim-full of comfort and convenience features, like a 10-speaker AM/FM radio CD/MP3 player audio system that is set for a Sirius satellite radio and a6-disc changer, a computerized "check control" system that gives constant information on fluid and fuel levels, among other settings, and an engine start/stop button. As well, there are power doors and windows, a power moon roof, and center consoles in the front and rear (front console has cooled storage, back has cup holders), and air cooling control that includes a fog-proof windshield.

All this and the smooth ride BMW is known for make the 3-series automobiles an excellent choice for the discerning driver.