วันศุกร์ที่ 19 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2551

>>BMW Z3

BMW Z3

BMW Z3
BMW Z3
Manufacturer BMW
Production 1996–2002
Assembly Spartanburg, South Carolina
Predecessor BMW Z1
Successor BMW Z4
Class Roadster
Body style(s) 2-door convertible
2-door coupé
Layout FR layout
Platform BMW E36
Engine(s) 1.8 L M43B18 I4
1.9 L M44B19 I4
2.0 L M52B20 T I6
2.2 L M54B22 I6
2.8 L M52B28 I6
3.2 L S52B32 I6
2.5 L M52B25 I6
2.5 L M54B25 I6
3.0 L M54B30 I6
3.2 L S54B32 I6
Transmission(s) 4-speed automatic
5-speed manual
Wheelbase 96.3 in (2446 mm)
Length 158.5 in (4026 mm)
Width 1996-98: 66.6 in (1692 mm)
1999-2002: 68.5 in (1740 mm)
Height 1996-98: 50.7 in (1288 mm)
1999-2002 Roadster: 50.9 in (1293 mm)
Coupe: 51.4 in (1306 mm)
Fuel capacity 13.5 US gal (51 L/11 imp gal)
Related BMW 3-Series

The BMW Z3 was the first modern mass-market roadster produced by BMW, as well as the first new BMW model assembled in the United States. (The very first BMW assembled in the US was the E36/4, 318i that rolled off the Plant Spartanburg assembly line beginning in October 1994.) The Z3 was introduced as a 1996 model year vehicle, shortly after being featured in the James Bond movie, GoldenEye. There were a few variants of the car before its production run ended in 2002, including a coupé version for 1999. It was manufactured and assembled in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The Z3 was replaced by the BMW Z4 introduced in late 2002 at the Paris Auto Show.

Overview

The Z3 was developed from the E36 platform of the 3 Series. The resulting platform is sometimes referred to as the E36/7(roadster) or E36/8(coupé). The rear semi-trailing arm suspension from the E30 was used rather than the more sophisticated multilink suspension from the E36. At first, only the 1.9 L M44B19 straight-4 engine was offered, but its 138 hp (103 kW) was not up to buyers' expectations. Interior appointments too were not up to the standard of other BMW models, and the plastic rear window looked poor compared to the glass unit found on the much less expensive 1999 Mazda MX5.

BMW Z3

In the North American market, the inline-4 engine was complemented by a larger straight-6 engine in 1997: the 2.8 L M52B28. This engine, similar to the BMW M52 in the 328i except with an all aluminum block and head, was especially desirable with its 189 hp (141 kW). The M Roadster (see below) appeared in 1998 with a 3.2 L S52B32 I6, just as the four was retired. In 1999, the 1.9 L 4-cylinder engine was replaced with a 2.5 L straight-6 M52TUB25, producing 170 hp (130 kW). Due to marketing, BMW wanted to differentiate the 2.8 L engine from the 2.5 L engine, so it was badged it 2.3 just like the 3-Series 323i, which also has a 2.5 L engine.

Outside of North America, the 1.9 L 4-cylinder was replaced with a 2.0 L straight-6 in 1999.

BMW Z3 Facelift in Dakar Yellow

All of the engines were replaced when the car was freshened for 2001. The range consisted of the 2.2 L M54B22 (available outside of North America), 2.5 L M54B25, 3.0 L M54B30, and (for the M Roadster) 3.2 L S54B32. All three of these straight-6 engines lasted through the end of the car's run in 2002. Also updated was the car's interior appointments, though the plastic window remained.

The Z3 proved quite reliable, with problems limited to bad oxygen sensors, a flimsy plastic water pump, and failing rear shock mounts. With time the most common problems were rocking seats and water leaks on the roof. With its popular retro styling, the Z3s have held their value fairly well in the resale market.

Year to year standard equipment changes

1997 - Traction control;
1998 - Rollover bars;
1999 - Side airbags;
2000 - Revised tail styling;
2001 - Dynamic Brake Control.

M Roadster

From 1998 to 2002, the Motorsports division of BMW produced the M Roadster which included suspension upgrades and the engine from the BMW M3. The 1998, 1999 and 2000 M roadster had the 3.2L S52 motor from the E36 M3 with quad exhaust. The 2001 and 2002 models had the S54 motor from the E46 M3. There were also interior upgrades with additional gauges in the center console, lighted "M" shift knob, various chrome bits throughout the cockpit and sport seats as standard equipment. Exterior changes were larger wheels spaced further apart and more aggressive fenders than were installed on the regular Z3. Hardtops were available as an option. The BMW Z3 M was succeeded by the BMW Z4 M.

Coupé

BMW Z3 Coupé

In addition to the roadster version of the Z3, BMW also released a coupé featuring a chassis-stiffening rear hatch area, though the Shooting-brake styling this gave was controversial. The coupé was available as the Z3 Coupé from 1999 to 2001 or as the BMW Motorsport-enhanced M Coupé from 1999 to 2002.

The Z3 coupés were only available with the largest 6-cylinder engine offered in the Z3 roadster: the 2.8 L in 1999 and 2000 and the 3.0 L in 2000 for Europe and 2001 for the US. The 1999 and 2000 M models were equipped with the 3.2 L S52 motor from the E36 BMW M3, while all the 2001 and 2002 models came with the S54 motor from the E46 BMW M3.

Notable owners

  • George O'Callaghan - Professional footballer
  • Linus Torvalds - Software engineer and designer of the Linux kernel
  • Kenny Herman - TV Producer and writer, semi-professional race car driver, entrepreneur
  • General Balfour - Chief of UK defense staff
  • Brett Lee - Professional cricketer (Australia)
  • Ken Thompson - Creator of the UNIX system

On film and television

  • James Bond, as played by Pierce Brosnan in the film GoldenEye, drove a BMW Z3. The car is described by Q as having stinger missiles mounted behind the headlights, all points radar system with display, a self destruct system and is shown to have a parachute Braking system. However, none of these gadgets are actually utilized in the film.
  • In the music video for the 'N Sync song "Bye Bye Bye" there is a scene where the girl is chasing the two men while driving. Her car was a Z3 while the other two were Dodge Vipers.
  • This car is also seen in the movie Scream 3.
  • Nina Oliver (Nana Osanai in the original Japanese version), a supermodel character in Case Closed: The Fourteenth Target, drives a right-hand-drive Z3 (quite recklessly). The car actually played an indirect role in the plot of the film; it was an accident caused by Nina's reckless driving that ultimately lead the murderer to his serial killings.
  • In the 2001 BMW series of short films called The Hire, Season 1 Episode 3 "The Follow", Adriana Lima is driving a BMW Z3 while being followed by the Driver (played by Clive Owen).
  • In the kent song Socker (Sugar) they mention a Z3 in the second verse. "Gäst ikväll är Jesus//Han har kickat heroin//Han läppjar på sitt glas//Och Ramlösa blir vin//Han berättar om sina vapen//Sin tid i San Tropez//Om att ge sig själv en chans//Om sin nya Z3//I en värld av idioter//Står han första han först i kön" (Translation: "Guest tonight is Jesus//He is high on heroin//He drinks from his glass//And Sparkling water turns to wine//He's talking about his guns//His time in San Tropez//About giving yourself a chance//About his new Z3//In a world of idiots//He stands first in line").
  • In the anime Ayashi no Ceres, Tooya drove a blue BMW Z3 when he worked for Mikage International. It appears that his car's radio has an integrated telephone--it was demonstrated in one occasion, when he received a call from his boss, Mr. Mikage, by pulling on a lever, and the call was played on the car's sound system. He was back then assigned to hunt down Aya Mikage, and two pieces of equipment were issued to him: one is the Z3, the other is a .45 pistol.

Racing

The Z3 is currently used in the KONI Challenge Series.

Awards


  • The BMW Z3 won the "Super Reggie" award for the best promotional marketing campaign of 1995. The campaign was co-sponsored by the United Artist unit of Credit Lyonnais and by BMW of North America. Efforts included James Bond Edition Z3's sold through the Neiman Marcus catalogue.
  • The BMW Z3 2.8 made Editor's Most Wanted Vehicle for 1999 Edmunds.com
  • The M Coupe/M Roadster made Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1999.
  • The BMW 2000 Z3 2.8 made one of the most exotic cars list on fantasycars.com
  • The BMW 2000 2.3 made "The Best Overall Value of the Year" - "Base Sport" category winner by Intellichoice
  • AUTOMOBILE Magazine awarded the BMW M coupe its 1999 Design of the Year.
เขียนโดย Unknown ที่ 00:24 1 ความคิดเห็น

>>BMW Z1

BMW Z1

BMW Z1
BMW Z1
Manufacturer BMW
Production March, 1989–June, 1991
Successor BMW Z3
Class Roadster
Platform BMW E30
Engine(s) 2.5 L BMW M20B25 I6
Wheelbase 2447 mm (96.3 in)
Length 3921 mm (154.4 in)
Width 1690 mm (66.5 in)
Height 1227 mm (48.3 in)
Curb weight 1250 kg (2755.8 lb) empty
1460 kg (3218.7 lb) fully loaded
Related BMW 3-Series

The BMW Z1 is a two-seat roadster developed by BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH and produced from March 1989 to June 1991. The Z1 featured unusual doors which, instead of opening outward or upward, dropped down into the door sills. Only 8,000 examples of the Z1 were produced.

History

The first example of a Z1 was released by BMW to the press in 1986 and later officially presented at the 1987 Frankfurt Motor Show. Initial demand was so fierce that BMW had 5,000 orders before production began. Unfortunately, demand dropped significantly around 1988 and BMW ended production in 1991. There is speculation that this drop in demand was due to the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz SL (Brossaud, 1) and the early inflated demand from speculative investors.In 1988, however, BMW was quoted as saying that they had 35,000 orders for Z1s.

The BMW Z1 was designed over a three-year period by an in-house division of BMW Forschung und Technik GmbH. The development of the Z1 is attributed to Dr. Ulrich Bez, not to forget the core of his team at BMW Technik GmbH (Alexander Pregl, Rudolf Müller, Lutz Janssen, Wolf-Henryk Menke, Dieter Schaffner, Klaus Faust, Sabine Zemelka and Stephan Stark). Control of the project was turned over to Dr. Klaus Faust when Bez left for Porsche in October, 1988.

BMW considered building an all-wheel drive model but this was later scrapped.

The BMW Z1 was used to develop and debut several technologies. Z1 designer Harm Lagaay mentioned that Z1 production helped generate patents for BMW's high-intensity discharge lamp, integrated roll-bar, door mechanism, and underbody tray.

Z line

The Z in Z1 originally stood for Zukunft (German for future) and would later be used on other cars in the line: the Z3, Z4, and Z8). All of these vehicles (including the Z1) are two-door roadsters.

Construction

Chassis

BMW Z1

The chassis was specially designed for the Z1 and features a number of innovative features: removable body panels, continuously zinc welded seams, a composite undertray, and the unusual dropped doors. Parts of the car (including the engine, gearbox, and front suspension) were borrowed from the BMW E30 325i, but the Z1 remains largely original.

The body was reportedly made from three (or five, depending on the source) different types of plastic and could be removed completely from the chassis. The side panels and doors are made of General Electric's XENOY thermoplastic. The hood, trunk, and roof cover are GRP components made by Seger + Hoffman AG. The car is painted in a special flexible lacquer finish developed jointly by AKZO Coatings and BMW Technik GmbH.

During the Z1s launch, BMW suggested that owners purchase an additional set of body panels and change the color of the car from time to time. The car could actually be driven with all of the panels completely removed, similar to the Pontiac Fiero. BMW noted that the body could be completely replaced in 40 minutes, although Z1 owners have reported that this may be optimistic.

The entire vehicle was designed with aerodynamics in mind. In specific, the entire undertray is completely flat and the muffler and rear valance were designed as integral aerodynamic components to decrease turbulence and rear lift. The front end reportedly induces a high-pressure zone just forward of the front wheels to increase front-wheel traction. The Z1 has a drag coefficient of 0.36 Cd with the top up or 0.43 Cd with it down.

Doors

One of the most interesting features of the Z1 is its unusual doors. These doors retract vertically down into the car's body instead of swinging outward or upward. The inspiration for these doors came from more traditional roadsters which often feature removable metal or cloth doors. Because removable doors did not fit within BMW's design goals, the retractable doors were installed instead.

Because the body, with its high sills, offers crash protection independent of the doors, the vehicle may be legally and safely driven with the doors up or down, although they are not legal in the U.S.

The windows may be operated independently of the doors, although they do retract automatically if the door is lowered. Both the window and door are driven by electric motors through toothed rubber belts and may be moved manually in an emergency.

Driveline

As mentioned above, both the engine (the BMW M20B25) and the five-speed manual gearbox (the Getrag 260/5) were sourced from the E30 325i. The 2.5 L (2494 cc) 12-valve SOHC engine sits tilted 20 degrees to the right to accommodate the low hoodline. The engine produces 170 hp (127 kW) at 5800 rpm and 222 N·m (164 ft·lbf) of torque in its original form, although several tuners have programs for increasing the performance of the Z1 by either upgrading or replacing the engine (see modification, below). A common complaint is that the gearbox isn't well-matched to the engine or the car's sportiness.

Suspension

The rear suspension, called the Z Axle, was specially designed for the Z1. It was one of the first BMWs to feature a multi-link design.

The Z1 was outfitted with 15 in (381 mm) diameter by 7 in (178 mm) wide wheels on both the front and rear, shod with 205/55VR-15 tires.

Technical data

Interior

Although the unique doors are innovative, larger customers have commented that the high door sills make exits and entries difficult. Additionally, the interior is hand-assembled and may suffer rips and tears after years of use.

The instruments on the Z1 are styled like motorcycle gauges, and the tachometer on the Z1 has a red needle, whereas all other gauges have a white needle.

Production

As mentioned above, BMW only produced 8,000 Z1s. The vast majority of these (6,443) were sold in BMW's native German market.The country to receive the second-greatest number of Z1s, Italy, received less than 7% of the total sold domestically. BMW was reportedly unable to build more than 10–20 Z1s each day. None were initially sold in North America, although examples have been independently imported since the car's launch.

There are reports that BMW built 12 Z1s during 1986 and 1987, bringing the total to 8,012 vehicles. However, most sources report the 8,000 figure.

More than half of all Z1s (specifically, 4,091) were produced for the 1990 model year. Seventy-eight Z1s were reportedly used as test mules, although most were later sold without a warranty and, presumably, at a lower price.

The Z1 was available in six exterior colors and four interior colors, although the vast majority (6,177) were red, black, or green with a dark grey interior. Light yellow exterior (fun-gelb in German or fun yellow in English; 133 examples made) or red interior (38 examples made) are the rarest Z1 colors. The colors swimming pool blue and oh-so-orange were reserved for the car's designers, Bez and Lagaay.

Reportedly, some 1,101 Z1s were delivered without a factory radio installed. In these vehicles, BMWS AG installed an aftermarket SONY radio in its place.

None of the Z1s were sold with air conditioning. The vehicle's dashboard is very small and there was no room for both heat and cooling units. Some Z1's were converted using BMW E30 parts to have air conditioning, but reportedly the heater elements had to be removed.

BMW Z1s officially imported to France for sale there have yellow headlights instead of the clear ones found elsewhere.

Price

New Z1s reportedly sold new for 83,000–89,000 DM[19][20] or between €42,000 and €45,500. As of 2001, used BMW Z1s were selling for between FF125,000 and 250,000 (between €19,000 and €38,000) in France including a 19.6% VAT. One example fetched just over £20,000 at Bonham's 2004 Olympia auction. In 2006, cars could be bought in France for a price between €25,000 and €30,000 the upper being reach for cars in perfect condition with low mileage.

Modification

German motor tuners Alpina, Hamann-Motorsport, Schnitzer and Kelleners reportedly had programs for the enhancement of the Z1. The Hamann program included a 220 hp 2.7 L or a turbocharged 245 hp 2.5 L engine. Schnitzer did the 2.7 conversion with 200 bhp (150 kW), delivered a 5 stud conversion with bigger brakes and lower suspension in combination with their rennsport wheels. Kelleners' included a 286–330 hp 3.0 L engine.

Alpina had a special arrangement with BMWS AG to modify BMW Z1s into RLEs, or Roadster Limited Edition. Alpina reports having built 66 of these, although BMW notes that 82 can be tracked through Alpina. The RLE featured an upgraded 200 hp 2.7 L engine, sport muffler, tires, and assorted plaques and stripes. The 0–100 km/h time dropped from 8.4 s to 7.1 s, top speed increased from 219 km/h (136 mph) to 228 km/h (142 mph), and price increased to 116,000 DM.

At least one Z1 has been modified with a 330 PS (325 hp/243 kW) E34 M5 engine.

Paraphernalia and other information

It is reported that Minichamps, Schabak, Revell, and Herpa have made die-cast and plastic models of the Z1. Additionally, 16,000 phone cards (10,000 in February 1992 and 6,000 in November 1997) featuring pictures of the Z1 were issued in France.

The BMW Z1 also had a very small part in the Jackie Chan film, Armour of God II: Operation Condor.

BMW World reports that Z1s can be imported to the United States for show or display purposes

เขียนโดย Unknown ที่ 00:24 0 ความคิดเห็น

>>BMW X6

BMW X6

BMW X6
2008 BMW X6
Manufacturer BMW
Production 2008-present
Assembly Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
Class Mid-size crossover SUV
Body style(s) 4-door SUV
Layout Front engine / four-wheel drive
Platform BMW E71
Engine(s) 3.0 L 306 hp I6 TT
4.4 L 407 hp V8 TT
3.0 L 235 hp I6 diesel
3.0 L 286 hp I6 diesel TT
Transmission(s) 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase 2933 mm (115.5 in)
Length 4877 mm (192 in)
Width 1979 mm (77.9 in)
Height 1696 mm (66.8 in)
Related BMW X5
2007 BMW Concept X6

The BMW X6 is a mid-size crossover SUV released for sale in the second quarter of 2008 by German automaker BMW. The X6 combines the attributes of an SUV (high ground clearance, all wheel drive and all-weather ability, large wheels and tires) with the stance of a coupé (bold styling, dramatic sloping roof).

Origins

It is built in BMW's North American plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina alongside the BMW X5 whose platform it shares. It is dubbed a "Sports Activity Coupé" by BMW, and while slightly longer and wider than the X5, it is significantly lower and seats only four people.The concept model debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show. The production X6 officially debuted at the 2008 Detroit International Auto Show. A hybrid version, the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, which will be the first such vehicle from BMW, was also announced.

Model Range

Petrol-Engines

Initially, the BMW X6 is available in North America (Soon to be released in the UK) in two variants. Both use twin-turbocharged engines. The top-of-the-line model is the xDrive50i which uses an all-new 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. It produces 408 metric horsepower (300 kW) between 5,500 and 6,400 rpm, and 600 N·m (443 ft·lbf) of torque over a wide range of between 1,800 and 4,500 rpm. It is the first production turbocharged V8 engine in the world to feature its turbochargers between the V section in the middle of the two banks of cylinders.

The other model is the X6 xDrive35i powered by the N54 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six gasoline engine, producing 306 metric horsepower (225 kW) between 5,800 and 6,250 rpm, and a peak torque of 400 N·m (295 ft·lbf) between 1,400 and 5,000 rpm. This engine also sees duty in the 1, 3 and 5 Series BMW cars.

Diesel Engines

Two diesel variants have been announced, and are expected to constitute as much as 90% of sales volume in European markets. The models are called the xDrive30d and xDrive 35d, respectively. They are powered by BMW's 3.0-liter turbodiesel engine (in its sequential twin-turbocharged variant for the xDrive35d), and produce 235 PS (173 kW) in the xDrive30d and 286 PS (210 kW) in the xDrive 35d version. The second of these power units will form the basis of BMW's Diesel launch in all 50 states in late-2008.

Chassis Technology

Dynamic Performance Control

The X6 marks BMW's first use of its new Dynamic Performance Control system, which works in unison with xDrive all-wheel drive (both are standard on the X6). DPC is a drivetrain and chassis control system that works to regulate traction and especially correct over- and understeer by actively spreading out drive forces across the rear axle. Torque is split not only between the front and rear wheels (xDrive) but also from side to side at the rear for improved agility and added stability (through the DPC rear axle).

The DPC differential features clutch packs on both output sides that are actuated by an electric motor. The clutch pack activates a planetary gearset which causes one wheel to be overdriven. A conventional control system will use the brakes to reduce the speed of the faster moving wheel (which is the one with less traction)and reduce engine power. This leads to increased brake wear and slower than optimal progress. The DPC system speeds up the slower moving wheel (the one with the most traction) in order to maintain stability when needed. For example; while turning, the outer wheel is overdriven to provide greater acceleration using the traction advantage through the dynamic loading of the outboard wheel in cornering. In an oversteer situation, the inner wheel is overdriven to regain traction balance.

Dynamic Performance Control is currently unique in that it is effective when the X6 is both accelerating and decelerating, so at any speed and under any road condition. (Simpler active differential systems that react under power have been available in various -generally sporting- Japanese models for some time, for example Subaru Impreza WRX and the USA Honda Legend).

เขียนโดย Unknown ที่ 00:23 0 ความคิดเห็น

>>BMW X5

BMW X5

BMW X5
2004-2006 BMW X5
Manufacturer BMW
Production 1999-present
Assembly Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA
Class Mid-size crossover SUV
Body style(s) 5-door SUV
Layout Front engine, four wheel drive

The BMW X5 is a mid-size crossover SUV sold by BMW since 1999. It features all-wheel drive and is available with a range of gasoline inline-6s and V8 engines. Diesels are an option for models sold outside of North America. All X5s worldwide are manufactured in Spartanburg, South Carolina. BMW described it as a SAV (Sport Activity Vehicle) rather than an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle), to emphasize its on-road ability despite its size. Like the Lexus RX 300 and Mercedes M-Class, the X5 heralded the shift from truck-based body-on-frame SUVs to sedan-based crossovers that would come to fruition in the late 2000s.

4 years later, the BMW X3 was released, which used the "X" prefix applied to the BMW SUVs which were derivatives of the BMW number-series models.

E53

First generation
2000-2003 BMW X5
Production 1999-2006
Platform BMW E53
Engine(s) 3.0L 225 hp I6

4.4L 282 HP (00-03) 315 HP (04-06) hp V8
4.6L 347 hp V8
4.8L 350 hp V8

3.0L 193/218 hp I6 Diesel
Transmission(s) 5-speed automatic

5-speed manual
6-speed automatic

6-speed manual
Wheelbase 111.0 in (2819 mm)
Length 183.7 in (4666 mm)
Width 73.7 in (1872 mm)
Height 2000-03 V8: 67.2 in (1707 mm)
2001-03 V6: 67.5 in (1715 mm)
2004-06 V8: 69.0 in (1753 mm)
2004-06 V6: 69.3 in (1760 mm)
Fuel capacity 24.6 gal (93 L)
Related BMW 5 Series
BMW M5 BMW X6
BMW X-Coupe

The history of the X5 begins in the late 1990s, when Chris Bangle drew the first sketches from his Designworks studio in California. In many ways, the current car closely resembles these initial sketches.

The takeover of Rover proved to be very beneficial for BMW in the development of the X5. BMW engineers were able to look at and use Range Rover technology and parts in the development of the X5 - one such example would be hill-descent control. In many respects, the design of the X5 was influenced by its British counterpart; for example, the X5 got the two-piece tailgate straight from the Range Rover. Many parts and electronics were also taken directly from the E39 5 Series parts bin to save costs.

In contrast to the Range Rover models, the X5 was designed as a sporting road car: its off-road capabilities are significantly less than those of Land Rover. BMW reportedly worked hard to ensure it was referred to as an SAV (Sports Activity Vehicle) instead of an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle).

Even though the X5 was a four-wheel drive vehicle, BMW chose from the start to route 62% of the engine's torque to the rear wheels, making it feel as close as possible to the company's rear-wheel drive sedans. Many reviewers commented on its road and track "feeling" chiefly because this is essentially a jacked up 5-series with 4WD. As a result, its offroad prowess is limited to grass and gravel only. Because it's missing essential offroad components that upmarket SUVs like as the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover offer--such as a low-range case, locking differentials, 8-inch+ adjustable suspensions, and a waterproof intake just to name a few.

The X5, along with the BMW Z4 roadster, BMW X6, and soon BMW X3 are currently manufactured in BMW's South Carolina plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

A one-off version known as the X5 LM was equipped with the M70 S70B56 V12 engine from the Le Mans winning BMW V12 LMR. It was used by Hans Joachim Stuck to set a lap record at the Nürburgring in 2000.

A sporty model called 4.6is was released in 2002, having both exterior and interior decorations, including 20-inch wheels. The 4.6L V8 engine was derived from the 4.4L V8, tuned by M GmbH.

2004 Refresh

For 2004 the X5 was refreshed with new headlights, a few new exterior colors, a new four-wheel drive system and upgraded engines. The exterior touches gave the X5 a more aggressive look. The grilles were enlarged, as well as their actual slats being modified in a 'flame surfaced' style. In keeping with the E39 refresh of 2001, the 2004 X5's headlights got "angel-eyes" (rings or halos around all front headlamps). The taillights also received a refresh treatment similar to the BMW E39, and the exterior glass went from a "dotted" pattern to a cleaner "line" pattern. BMW invented a new four-wheel drive system dubbed xDrive shared both in the X5 and X3 in 2004. Instead of using the previous X5 system which consisted of power being split 62-38 (rear wheels-front wheels) and DSC to brake wheels losing traction, xDrive could vary power to the front or rear axles in milliseconds, transferring up to 100% of engine power to either axle, thus allowing the vehicle to regain traction quickly.

In terms of engines, the X5 got the new 4.4i engine which debuted in the 2002 7-Series; engine output rose from 290 to 315 hp (242 kW). Also from April production onwards, a new X5 4.8is was offered (see below), giving the driver 265 kW (355 hp) and making it the third fastest SUV.

Several new extras were added to the 2004 X5 such as:

  • Soft-boot close feature (the top part of the trunk pulls itself closed)
  • Trailer Stability Program (making it an ideal tow vehicle)
  • Adaptive Headlights (available only with xenon HID headlamps; these swivel with the direction of travel of the car)

Originally announced in the end of 2003 along with the rest of the X5 refresh, the X5 4.8is first started shipping in April 2004. In had a new larger 4.8 L engine (which replaced the 4.6 L engine), and was also later used in the 2005 750i/Li. It also included a slightly modified bodykit (parts of the bottom bumper became painted the body color), 20" wheels, and along with the 4.6is, were the only X5's ever to have a large chrome-tipped exhaust which hid the quad pipes.

2005

Along with the rest of the BMW lineup (apart from the 7 E65 series), the X5 got Bluetooth kits straight from the factory if ordered with the Premium Package.

Specifically, the 4.4i & 4.8is models got xenon HID headlamps as standard equipment in the United States.

2006

The X5 was not fitted with the new BMW R6 engine, which increased power for both the 2.5i and 3.0i versions of the 2006 X3 and Z4 significantly. It is rumored that BMW held back deploying the engine in the 2006 X5 so as not to waste development costs in retooling the assembly line, and to make way for a more dramatic unveiling of the all new 2007 BMW X5. In fact, 2006 also marks the end of the E53 X5 as well.

E70

Second generation
2007 BMW X5 3.0
Production 2007-present
Platform BMW E70
Engine(s) 3.0L 260 hp I6

3.0L 235 hp Diesel I6

4.8L 350 hp V8
Transmission(s) 6-speed automatic
Wheelbase 2933 mm (115.5 in)
Length 4854 mm (191.1 in)
Width 1933 mm (76.1 in)
Height 1766 mm (69.5 in)

The BMW E70 automobile platform is the development name for the current X5 SAV/SUV. It replaced the BMW E53 in November 2006. The new generation BMW X5 is 60 mm (2.4 in) wider, 165 mm (6.5 in) longer; with a 110 mm (4.3 in) longer wheelbase, but remains at the height of the previous generation X5 at 1766 mm (69.5 in). It is manufactured alongside the new, 2008 BMW X6 at BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina plant in the USA. The xDrive AWD system updates previewed in the facelifted X3 have continued with further detail improvements for the E70. It uses a double wishbone suspension at the front.

The E70 features many new technological advancements for this class as standard equipment including BMW's iDrive system, electronic 'joystick' gearshift (no mechanical connection to the gearbox to win space in the console), LED taillamps, and options such as head-up display HUD, active steering, active damping, and Dynamic Drive which uses active anti-roll bars which use a motor in the middle to actively counteract body roll.

The interior of the new, larger, X5 is completely new. It has a large center-mounted display screen and the simplified iDrive, a man-machine interface system also found in the rest of the BMW model range. The E70 further incorporates many comfort options such as a glass panorama-roof, and, for the first time in a BMW, an optional third row seat which has increased the seating capacity in E70 to 7 passengers, addressing criticism of the E53 model which had been regarded as being slightly too small for this market segment.

The E70 is also the first production vehicle to use FlexRay, a new extremely fast electrical bus system; it is only used for the control of the chassis damping system. The new 'joy-stick'-style electronic space-saving shifter has since been adopted in the new 2008 BMW 5 Series.

There was disappointment that neither the BMW night-vision system nor the radar-controlled cruise-control were offered at job-1.

The E70 has also incorporated two new engines to the X5 lineup. BMW has begun a shift of replacing engines from the 2006 7-Series. The E70 will adopt the powertrains that were launched with the X6 coming in spring 2008.

Petrol models currently include:

  • X5 3.0si 3.0 L 272 hp (200 kW) N52B30 inline-6 62mph (100 km/h) in 8.0sec
  • X5 4.8i 4.8 L 355 hp (261 kW) N62B48 V8 62mph (100 km/h) in 6.5sec

Diesel models include:

A 3.0sd model based on the award-winning M57 3.0 liter twin turbo diesel engine has been available outside the USA since autumn 2007. A 50-State Diesel version of this power unit will form the basis of BMW's late 2008 diesel introduction into the USA as it seeks to reduce fuel consumption of this large (for BMW) SUV as fuel prices rise, while offering an attractive performance-economy compromise. It is contended by BMW and Mercedes Benz that in most (i.e. extra-urban) conditions, such modern diesel engines will offer better mileage than full-hybrid vehicles in the same vehicle weight/performance category.

It is speculated that another future "M-Sport" Model, due in 2009, will have a 4.4L Twin Turbo V8 (N63B44 engine) that will produce about 430 horsepower (320 kW). Transmission choices differ from that offered today - 6-speed Steptronic automatic will be offered as a standard option.

On November 15, 2007, the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) announced that the current X5 and X3 models were the top safety picks for all mid-size SUV models.

X5 Security

It is a variant with safety glass, heavy-duty material and ballistics-resistant steel.It was debuted in 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Awards

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>>BMW X3

BMW X3

BMW X3
2006-present BMW X3 3.0si (US)
Manufacturer Magna Steyr
BMW
Production 2003–present
Assembly Graz, Austria
Class Compact crossover SUV
Body style(s) 4-door SUV
Layout Front engine, four-wheel drive
Platform BMW E83
Engine(s) 3.0L 260 hp I6
Transmission(s) 6-speed automatic and manual
Wheelbase 2795 mm (110.1 in)
Length 2004-07: 179.7 in (4564 mm)
4570 mm (179.9 in)
Width 1855 mm (73.0 in)
Height 2006-present: 1675 mm (66.0 in)
2004-05: 1673 mm (65.9 in)
Fuel capacity 67 L (17.7 US gal)
Related BMW 3-Series

The BMW X3 is a compact crossover SUV (BMW advertises it as an SAV, or Sport Activity Vehicle) produced by the German automaker BMW. It is based on the BMW 3-Series E46 automobile platform. The X3 3.0i won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Sport Utility Vehicle award for 2005.

History and development

Along the heels of a successful and ongoing production run of the BMW X5, BMW decided in the early millennium that it wanted to compete with the likes of the Land Rover Freelander and other small SUVs just as the X5 had previously done so well in its respective classes. Thus the X3 (internally known as E83), was born.

What thus emerged was a concept unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in 2003. Dubbed the xActivity, BMW previewed to the public for the first time what a smaller SAV based on a 3 Series platform would look like. The concept had no windows, for the most part no roof, and a sleek futuristic interior. Only the basic shape of the car would emerge as the BMW X3.

Just as BMW used many parts from the E39 5 Series parts bin in the making of the X5, the same occurred in the X3's development, whereby BMW engineers reused 3 Series parts. In fact, complete sets of parts came straight out of the E46 330xi unchanged in the X3 (e.g. rear suspension).

Austrian automotive contractor Magna Steyr of Graz, Austria performed additional development work and has been contracted to manufacture all first-generation X3s.

xDrive

When the BMW X3 premiered in late 2003, BMW announced that it would be using a new 4 wheel drive system to power it and its bigger brother - The (refreshed) X5. The two key things about xDrive are, first, it being one of the first technologies used to intervene before the driver was ever aware that the car could be unstable, and second, it being transparent (i.e. unknown) to the driver.

Reaction

2004-2005 BMW X3 3.0i (US)

The BMW X3 was initially criticized for its harsh ride, an austere, minimalist interior that relied heavily on obviously plastic components, and limited off-road usage, through its heavily road-biased chassis set-up. Critics also felt the car was overpriced; a basic 2.5i, which lacked cruise control or automatic headlights and had vinyl upholstery, exceeded $30,000 in the U.S. (Vinyl has never been offered in other markets). BMW sought to rectify these complaints in 2005, with various upgrades (see below). The X3 also disappointed some BMW purists by not being assembled at a BMW factory; instead, the car's production was outsourced to Magna Steyr, based in Graz, Austria. However, Magna Steyr has won numerous awards for quality and has been the highest rated car assembly factory in Europe. It has also manufactured - amongst others - European market Chrysler/Jeep products, the 4-Matic Mercedes E Class derivatives, and even Saab 9-3 convertibles.

The automotive press has provided mixed views of the X3. Jeremy Clarkson even said that the X3 was for people who are clinically insane after his road test of it. He also criticized it for its harsh ride, and showed the poor off-road ability in reality when he took one into a "not very tough" off-road trail. He got stuck multiple times, although he has admitted that he is not a very good off-road driver, but the trail didn't provide options for going from somewhere else, as it was basically a road with off-road trail obstacles in it.

The car-like handling, economical entry-level diesels and BMW-typical range of options allowed the X3 to establish itself in the rapidly expanding market for small-medium sized SUV's to the extent that it was market leader in Germany for 3 years, outselling even cheaper models such as Toyota's RAV4. Total worldwide sales in peak year have reached ca. 105.000 units per annum.

2005 model year changes

  • Bluetooth could actually be ordered straight from the factory (part of the Premium Package) and functioned without dealer intervention. (Although the BMW X3 was originally offered and promised with Bluetooth support in 2004, none of the cars that shipped from the factory actually had it installed. Few were able to get it to work with a little bit of tinkering from their dealer.)
  • The interior was upgraded with more consistent plastic panels. Also instead of having grey carpeting which was present on all 2004 X3s, the 2005 X3 came with carpeting that matched the leather ordered (with the exception of the Terracotta interior with black carpeting).
  • Slightly softer suspension.
  • Front fenders are one piece, as opposed to the two piece found on 2004 models.
  • A 2.0d engine became available in some markets - joining the 2.5i and 3.0i engines (found stateside) as well as the 3.0d engine sold elsewhere in the world.
  • An 'Open-Door' indicator was added on the 2004 models.

Revised BMW X3 (2006-current)

  • The new BMW R6 engines available across the rest of the BMW lineup were, as with the 2006 X5 & 2006 Z4, curiously absent from the 2006 X3. It is rumored that the X3 will not get the R6 until the all-new BMW X5 is released in 2007 which will include the R6 engine amongst other newer engines. The X3 will receive, however, redesigned monochromatic front and rear fascias to replace the flat black bumpers.
    2006-present BMW X3 3.0si (US)
2007 BMW X3 (facelift)
  • U.S. bound 2006 X3's were all equipped with a special version of the 'M' technik bodykit as standard. The difference being in that the U.S. cars had unpainted door sills and wheel arches. U.S. spec Sport Package 2006 X3's got the full 'M' bodykit (with painted front, side and rear plastic) available in the rest of the world as a BMW accessory.
  • 2.5i was removed for sale from the U.S. market as this market tended to go more for the 3.0i model.
  • The new changes to the 2007 BMW X3 are now listed on the BMWUSA home page. The 3.0si engine produces 260 horsepower and 225 lbft torque, at a lower engine speed (2500 RPM). The front and rear fascia are changed, more closely resembling the X5 SUV. New LED lights and interior upgrades have also been introduced. The Cold Weather package includes heated seats in the front and the rear. Adaptive headlamps and a panoramic sunroof are available, as well as upgraded dashboard components and leather seating.
  • The 2007 X3 with the automatic transmission has received owner compliants for poor shifting and lack of throttle response. Search the web for X3 and transmission to find compliants posted on several websites and also check the concerns filed with the NHTSA.
  • Outside the North American markets, diesel sales dominate the X3 model mix. In Europe, the range starts with a 2.0 litre 4 cylinder petrol, a 4cyl. turbodiesel (the most successful derivative) and continues with 6 cylinder turbo & bi-turbo diesels. The range topper is the sport diesel with 286bhp. The X3 was in 2006 and 7 the best-selling AWD vehicle in the German market, an example of the reduced significance of off road capability in the segment. In the European markets, 'all-weather' capability has assumed far more significance than traditional wilderness hero Jeep/Land-Rover sense of SUV in the expansion of the X3 and its rival's sales.

X3 Cross Country

X3 CC in the 2007 Dakar Rally

The X3 Cross Country, also known as the X3 CC is an X3 prepared for rally raid competition.[1][2] It features a 2.9 liter, twin turbocharged diesel engine.

Notes

The BMW X3 is the first BMW produced that has been cosmetically changed for every model year in production. For example the 2005 and 2006 BMW X5 models are identical, as opposed to the X3 which is visibly different for 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007.

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