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BMW

Country of Origin:
Germany
USA

Models:
1-Series
3-Series / M3
5-Series / M5
6-Series / M6
7-Series
X3
X5
X6
Z4 / Z4 M

Key:

*	Top speed electronically limited
2.5SC	2.5-litre supercharged engine
2.5TC	2.5-litre turbocharged engine
2.5D	2.5-litre diesel engine
2.5TD	2.5-litre turbocharged diesel engine
I4	4-cylinder engine in inline configuration
V6	6-cylinder engine in V-shaped configuration
FWD	Front-wheel-drive platform
RWD	Rear-wheel-drive platform
4WD	Four-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive platform
5M	5-speed manual
5A	5-speed automatic
5AM	5-speed automanual
CVT	Continuously variable auto transmission
l/100km	Litres of fuel consumed every 100 kms

BMW 1-Series

The 1-Series is the smallest range in BMW's arsenal. Built to compete in the same market segment as the Volkswagen Golf and the Peugeot 307, the 1-Series is the only vehicle in its class featuring rear-wheel-drive. The 1-Series was first offered to the market in 2004 as a 5-door hatchback using its own platform. It replaced the slow-selling 3-Series Compact range and is the most affordable BMW ever. The 1-Series shares many components with the E90 3 Series. These include MacPherson strut suspension in the front, and a trapezoidal-link rear axle. Petrol versions include the 116i, the 118i, the 120i and the 130i, while the unloved diesel versions include the 120d, and many other body styles are on the way, including a three-door hatchback and a two-door convertible. The 130i is one of the few hot hatches that offer a six-cylinder engine. The 1-Series is built in Regensburg, Germany, with some of the engines coming from the Hams Hall plant in Birmingham, England. Considering the price, the way it looks, and the number of these we've seen on the streets, we'll guess BMW is having trouble moving these out of showrooms in this region.

Premium Compact Hatchback

Road Tests & Articles:
2005 BMW 1-Series road test

Competitors:
Audi A3
Renault Megane
Peugeot 307

Price Range
Dhs 90000 - 170000 (US$ 24450 - 47200)

Body Styles
5-door hatchback

Weight (kg)
1320 - 1465

Version

Performance

Engine

Gearbox

Power (hp)

Torque (Nm)

Fuel Econ (l/100km)

0-100 kph (sec)

Top Speed (kph)

1.6 I4 RWD
2.0 I4 RWD
2.0 I4 RWD
2.0D I4 RWD
3.0 I6 RWD 6M/6A
6M/6A
6M/6A
6M/6A
6M/6A 115
129
150
163
265 150
180
200
340
315 7.5-7.9
7.8-8.2
7.9-8.3
6.6-7.0
9.0-9.4 10.9-11.3
10.1-10.5
9.2-9.7
8.2-8.7
5.9-6.3 200
204
213
217
250*

Good
Handling, interior quality, six-cylinder power

Bad
Price, slow base models, space

BMW 3-Series

The 3-Series is the king of compact entry-level luxury sedans, while also available in coupe and convertible body styles. Also available is the Touring wagon model, but it is not exactly made available here since no one wants one. Now in its fifth generation, models currently available in the Middle East include the 320i with 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, the 320d with a 2.0-litre diesel, the 325i with a 2.5-litre 6-cylinder, the 330d with a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder diesel and the amazing 330i with a 3.0-litre 6-cylinder as well as the all-wheel-drive versions of some the models, namely the 325xi, the 330xi and the 330xd. A new engine was introduced into the series with the new coupe and later the sedan, dubbed the 335i with a 3.0-litre twin turbo 6-cylinder motor. The new V8-powered M3 debuted for 2008, also in coupe, sedan and convertible styles, with features such as electronically-variable suspension and chassis adjustments. The iDrive computer option is available, and it is a pain to use, since BMW chooses to use a little joystick in the centre console instead of a simple touch screen. All cars get multiple front and side airbags, stability control, alloy wheels, ABS brakes and great rear-wheel-drive handling characteristics.

Premium Compact Sedan / Coupe /
Convertible

Road Tests & Articles:
2007 BMW 335i Coupe road test
2006 BMW 330i road test
2006 BMW 3-Series first look

Competitors:
Audi A4
Infiniti G35
Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Price Range
Dhs 125000 - 331000 (US$ 33960 - 90000)

Body Styles
4-door sedan, 2-door coupe, 2-door convertible

Weight (kg)
1465 - 1725

Version

Performance

Engine

Gearbox

Power (hp)

Torque (Nm)

Fuel Econ (l/100km)

0-100 kph (sec)

Top Speed (kph)

2.0 I4 RWD
2.0D I4 RWD
2.5 I6 RWD/4WD
3.0 I6 RWD/4WD
3.0D I6 RWD/4WD
3.0TC I6 RWD
4.0 V8 RWD 6M/6A
6M/6A
6M/6A
6M/6A
6M/6A
6M/6A
6M/7AM 150
163
218
255
231
306
414 200
340
250
300
500
400
400 7.9-8.3
6.7-7.0
9.0-10.3
9.0-10.5
7.4-8.4
9.5-9.9
12.4-12.6 9.8-10.2
8.6-9.0
7.7-8.5
6.3-7.3
6.7-8.2
5.5-5.8
4.7-4.8 215
220
236-242
250*
250*
250*
250*

Good
Interior quality, ride, handling, powerful engine choices

Bad
Price, iDrive computer, increasing weight

BMW 5-Series

The new 5-Series reared its rakish head back in 2004. The extensive models available include the 523i, 525i, 520d, 530i, 530d, 530xi and, newly replacing the 545i are the 540i and the 550i, along with the ultra-exclusive M5. The 5-Series is available in both saloon and Touring wagon platforms, but the slow-selling wagons are not actively peddled in this region. The 530xi is the only all-wheel-drive model offered. The exterior design by Chris Bangle is controversial, especially the aptly-named "Bangle-butt" rear end. Its iDrive system has been simplified compared to the first-generation system that debuted in the 7-Series. It can be ordered with options such as Active Cruise Control, head-up display, active steering and a Harman Kardon Logic7 stereo system. The BMW M5 is the high performance version of the range, and is without question one of the best performance cars ever built, balancing superb handling and enormous power with a practical body and overall demeanour. Most of the 5-Series models are capable of high speeds but the electronic 250 kph limiter on all cars means that both the 530i and the M5 have the same top speed. Few cars can compare with the M5, but Mercedes-Benz is forever countering with its AMG machines.

Luxury Midsize Sedan

Road Tests & Articles:
none

Competitors:
Audi A6
Lexus GS
Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Price Range
Dhs 175000 - 405000 (US$ 47550 - 110000)

Body Styles
4-door sedan

Weight (kg)
1565 - 1830

Version

Performance

Engine

Gearbox

Power (hp)

Torque (Nm)

Fuel Econ (l/100km)

0-100 kph (sec)

Top Speed (kph)

2.0D I4 RWD
2.5 I6 RWD
2.5 I6 RWD
3.0 I6 RWD/4WD
3.0D I6 RWD
4.0 V8 RWD
4.8 V8 RWD
5.0 V10 RWD 6M/6A
6M/6A
6M/6A
6M/6A
6M/6A
6M/6A
6M/6A/6AM
7AM 163
177
215
255
272
302
360
500 340
230
250
300
500
390
490
520 6.9-7.3
9.3-9.7
9.4-9.8
9.3-9.7
7.5-7.9
10.4
10.8
14.8 8.7-9.2
9.3-9.7
7.9-8.3
6.7-7.5
6.8-7.3
6.3-6.7
5.6-6.0
4.8 223
232
242
248-250*
250*
250*
250*
250*

Good
Sharp looks, V8 power, handling, interior

Bad
Weak base engines, finicky iDrive computer

BMW 6-Series

The all-new 6-Series was introduced in 2003, filling the hole in the line-up left since the end of the 8-Series. The last actual 6-Series was around back in the 1980s. Based on the underpinnings of the 5-Series, the new 6-Series was introduced with a 4.4 L V8 engine for the 645Ci, but this has since been replaced by the 650Ci with a 4.8-litre V8. In 2004, a more affordable inline 6-cylinder engine was introduced in the 630i. This was soon followed by a convertible model. The range-topping M6 arrived for 2006, in coupe and convertible form, using the same V10 engine as the M5. Unlike that of the new 5 Series and 7 Series models, the styling of the new 6 Series has generally received a warm welcome from the public, for unknown reasons. The new 6-Series was designed to look like a shark, and really does remind you of one, but it is far from good-looking. The controversial "Bangle-butt" rear styling works somewhat better on the shapely 6-Series than on other BMW models though. The 6-Series has become the vehicle of choice for rich town-cruising yuppies, but it is actually an excellent performance car, available with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic, with an available six-speed SMG automanual in the V8 and a 7-speed SMG automanual in the M6.

Luxury Sports Coupe / Convertible

Road Tests & Articles:
none

Competitors:
Cadillac XLR
Lexus SC430
Mercedes SL-Class

Price Range
Dhs 290000 - 520000 (US$ 78800 - 141000)

Body Styles
2-door coupe, 2-door convertible

Weight (kg)
1785 - 1925

Version

Performance

Engine

Gearbox

Power (hp)

Torque (Nm)

Fuel Econ (l/100km)

0-100 kph (sec)

Top Speed (kph)

3.0 I6 RWD/4WD
4.8 V8 RWD
5.0 V10 RWD 6M/6A
6M/6A/6AM
7AM 255
360
500 300
490
520 9.9-10.3
11.7-12.1
14.8 7.2-7.7
5.8-6.4
4.6-4.8 250*
250*
250*

Good
Head-turning looks, power, interior, handling

Bad
Head-turning looks, expensive, complicated iDrive

BMW 7-Series

The 7-Series is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan with a more sporting nature than most of its rivals. Available in various trims, ranging from the 730i standard sedan to the 760Li long-wheelbase sedan. Other petrol models include the 730Li, the 750i and the 750Li. There are also two diesel models, namely the 730d and the 730Ld. The L simply designates models which have a slightly longer wheelbase, with all the extra space going to the rear passengers. The pick of the range is the 750i sedan equipped with a standard 4.8-litre V8 that achieves fuel economy numbers comparable to a big V6 rather than a reasonably-sized V8. The 760Li sedan equipped with a standard 6.0-litre V12 engine is only available in long-wheelbase trim, sadly. A 6-speed automatic transmission is standard on all trim levels. The 7-Series was freshened with a facelift for the 2006 model year because the older model that launched in 2002 was universally hated for its looks, while sending customers directly to rivals Mercedes-Benz. The iDrive computer is easier to use in these latest models than it was when it launched in 2002.

Luxury Large Sedan

Road Tests & Articles:
none

Competitors:
Audi A8
Lexus LS430
Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Price Range
Dhs 270000-495000 (US$ 73400 - 134500)

Body Styles
4-door sedan, 4-door long sedan

Weight (kg)
2390 - 2480

Version

Performance

Engine

Gearbox

Power (hp)

Torque (Nm)

Fuel Econ (l/100km)

0-100 kph (sec)

Top Speed (kph)

3.0 I6 RWD
3.0D I6 RWD
4.0 V8 RWD
4.8 V8 RWD
6.0 V12 RWD 6M/6A
6M/6A
6M/6A
6M/6A
6M/6A 255
272
302
360
500 300
500
390
490
520 10.1
8.2
11.2
11.4
13.6 7.8
7.8-7.9
6.8-6.9
5.9-6.0
5.6 244
250*
250*
250*
250*

Good
Space, interior, gadgets

Bad
Looks, confounded iDrive, price

BMW X3

The smallest 4WD in BMW's lineup got a major facelift for 2007. The X3 slots in below the more expensive X5. The X3 seats five passengers, has a liftgate with a fixed glass window, and includes BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive. Engines for the new version includes a weak carryover 2.0-litre 4-cylinder for the 2.0i, an upgraded 2.5-litre 6-cylinder for the 2.5si, and an upgraded 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder for the 3.0si. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on all models, while a 5-speed automatic with manual shift gate is an option. The ground clearance is far from impressive, so the X3 is only good for light-duty off-roading. The all-wheel-drive system lacks low-range gearing, but includes a hill descent control that automatically limits speed down steep grades. ABS and traction/antiskid control are standard. Standard wheels are 17-inch, but 18-inch are available in a Sport Package that also includes firmer suspension and sport front seats. A sunroof and rear glass skylight are optional. Leather upholstery is available, while other options include a crude navigation system, steering-linked xenon headlamps, and front and rear parking sensors.

Premium Compact 4WD

Road Tests & Articles:
2006 BMW X3 3.0i road test

Competitors:
Land Rover LR2
Lexus RX350
Nissan Murano

Price Range
Dhs 110000 - 190000 (US$ 29900 - 51600)

Body Styles
5-door wagon

Weight (kg)
1730 - 1840

Version

Performance

Engine

Gearbox

Power (hp)

Torque (Nm)

Fuel Econ (l/100km)

0-100 kph (sec)

Top Speed (kph)

2.0 I4 4WD
2.5 I6 4WD
3.0 I6 4WD 6M
6M/5A
6M/5A 150
218
272 200
250
315 9.3
9.9-10.1
10.1-10.3 11.5
8.5-8.9
7.2-7.5 198
210*
210*

Good
Utility, six-cylinder power, handling

Bad
Price, navigation usage, off-road ability

BMW X5

BMW's American-built 4WD has been completely redesigned for the 2007 model year, and comes in two models in this region, namely the 3.0si with a 6-cylinder engine, and the 4.8i with a V8, with trim levels such as Business, Sports and Exclusive. The X5 has all-wheel drive without low-range gearing, but does come with ABS and traction control. The new X5 mates the two engines to a revised chassis and a more responsive 6-speed automatic transmission. Redesigned to be longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, the X5 now offers available 7-passenger seating, increased interior room and a host of new features, including standard 18-inch wheels, a tyre-pressure monitor, new occupant-detection sensor in front passenger seat and a new rear differential.. The all-new interior features include more space, 10-way power front seats, new leather colour schemes and improved cargo area. Options include active steering, automatic tailgate, aluminium stepping boards, third-row seating, and rims all the way to 21-inch alloys. The X5 is far from an off-roader, but it has built up a reputation for excellent on-road driving dynamics, and has become popular with rich people who like to terrorise other road users. However, the improved xDrive all-wheel-drive system is supposed to offer better off-road capability.

Luxury Midsize 4WD

Road Tests & Articles:
2007 BMW X5 4.8i road test
2007 BMW X5 first look

Competitors:
Infiniti FX35
Land Rover Range Rover Sport
Mercedes-Benz M-Class

Price Range
Dhs 260000 - 335000 (US$ 70900 - 91000)

Body Styles
5-door wagon

Weight (kg)
2125 - 2425

Version

Performance

Engine

Gearbox

Power (hp)

Torque (Nm)

Fuel Econ (l/100km)

0-100 kph (sec)

Top Speed (kph)

3.0 I6 4WD
4.8 V8 4WD 6M/5A
6A 260
355 305
475 11.7
13.1 8.3
6.8 225
240*

Good
Looks, power, handling, optional third-row, gadgetry

Bad
High price, third-row room, fuel economy, off-road ability

BMW X6

The X6 is what you get when you chop the top off an X5. It is dubbed the world's first "Sport Activity Coupe," which unfortunately abbreviates down to "SAC." While still technically a 4WD, the new-for-2009 X6 comes in two models, namely the XDrive35i and the XDrive50i, both being powerful high-end models, in keeping with its exclusive nature. It is therefore powered by either a 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-6 or a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8, both mated to 6-speed manually-shiftable automatics. The X6 gets a new all-wheel drive system, without low-range gearing, but improving on-road handling. Redesigned to be shorter in height than its practical sibling, the X6 offers seating for only four in its chop-top cabin. A whole host of features include standard bi-xenon headlights, BMW's controversial iDrive computer, 19-inch alloy wheels, run-flat tyres, tyre-pressure monitor, 10-way power front seats, and new leather colour schemes. Other available features include active steering, automatic tailgate, adaptive headlights, rear-mounted DVD system, reverse-view camera, satellite-navigation, four-zone air-conditioning, and bigger rims. Standard safety features include front, side and side head airbags, and crash-activated front-seat headrests, as well as stability control, ABS and a fancy new driving aid called Dynamic Performance Control.

Luxury Midsize Crossover 4WD

Road Tests & Articles:
none

Competitors:
Infiniti FX35
Lexus RX 350
Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Price Range
Dhs 340000 - 400000 (US$ 92600 - 109000)

Body Styles
5-door wagon

Weight (kg)
2145 - 2265

Version

Performance

Engine

Gearbox

Power (hp)

Torque (Nm)

Fuel Econ (l/100km)

0-100 kph (sec)

Top Speed (kph)

3.0TC I6 4WD
4.4TC V8 4WD 6A
6A 306
407 400
600 10.9
12.5 6.7
5.4 240*
240*

Good
Looks, power, handling, gadgetry, exclusivity

Bad
High price, rear headroom, fuel economy, off-road ability

BMW Z4

Fresh styling, M models and the introduction of a hatchback coupe marked major changes in 2006 for BMW's little sports car. The convertible Z4 has a fabric top with heated glass rear window, while the new hatchback coupe has a fixed top. The Z4 can be had with the base 2.0-litre four-cylinder in the 2.0i, two versions of the 2.5-litre six-cylinder in the 2.5i and the 2.5si respectively, and a 3.0-litre six-cylinder in the 3.0si, all in convertible and coupe form. The high-performance Z4 M convertible and coupe get the 3.2-litre six-cylinder from the outgoing M3. All come with a 6-speed manual transmission. Optional is a 6-speed automatic with steering wheel paddles for manual operation. ABS and traction control. The M convertibles have a power top that is otherwise optional. A navigation system is optional. BMW revives the hatchback coupe style with their fixed-top Z4, and unlike their ugly Z3 predecessors, the new Z4s have a sloped rear roofline. In most other respects, they are identical with the roadsters, except for a more rigid body. The M Roadster and M Coupe are some of the most hardcore sports cars in the current market. The SMG clutchless manual is seemingly not offered in this region.

Premium Sports Coupe / Convertible

Road Tests & Articles:
2007 BMW Z4 3.0si Coupe road test

Competitors:
Honda S2000
Mercedes Benz SLK-Class
Porsche Cayman

Price Range
Dhs 135000 - 230000 (US$ 36800 - 62500)

Body Styles
2-door coupe, 2-door convertible

Weight (kg)
1385 - 1495

Version

Performance

Engine

Gearbox

Power (hp)

Torque (Nm)

Fuel Econ (l/100km)

0-100 kph (sec)

Top Speed (kph)

2.0 I4 RWD
2.5 I6 RWD
2.5 I6 RWD
3.0 I6 RWD
3.2 I6 RWD 6M/6A
6M/6A
6M/6A
6M/6A
6M 150
174
218
262
330 200
230
250
315
355 7.5-7.9
8.2-8.6
8.4-8.8
8.6-9.0
11.0 8.2-8.6
7.1-7.5
6.5-6.9
5.7-6.1
4.8 220
229
240
250*
250*

Good
Quick, handling, extrovert styling

Bad
Impractical, luggage room, price

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