2012 / 2013 BMW City / Project i - Car News

Having the right products in the right niches might be the key to sales success for automakers when the economy emerges from its stay in the ICU. BMW’s plan is to develop a super-efficient car family code-named “Project i.” The first car will be launched in 2012. It will be smaller and cost less than the next BMW 1-series or Mini Cooper, both of which will come to market in 2011.

BMW is no longer pursuing small-volume niche cars such as the near-six-figure SUV version of the 7-series, dubbed the X7; the SUV-like X4 coupe; the diminutive Z2 roadster; and the company’s Audi R8 competitor, the small mid-engine CS sports car.

BMW 7-series M Sport, xDrive, Hybrid, and Diesels Added for 2010 - Car News

We’ve thus far loved the slick new BMW 7-series, which is currently available in 750i and long-wheelbase 750Li forms, both powered by a 400-hp, twin-turbo V-8 that leaves little to be desired. Still, we welcome the news that BMW is spreading out 7-series goodness as if with a big, blue-and-white spatula, introducing several new model variants for the 2010 model year, most of which we will get here in the U.S.

First, the bad news: We will not be getting any 7-series with a six-cylinder gas or diesel motor, including the 300-hp twin-turbo 740i, the new 740d, which uses a 306-hp, 442-lb-ft twin-turbo-diesel inline-six, or the slightly less powerful 730d with its 245-hp turbo-diesel six.

The good news is that we get all the rest, starting with xDrive all-wheel-drive versions of the 750i and 750Li, about which we will have driving impressions very soon. Also coming for 2010 is the turbocharged 12-cylinder 760Li, into which BMW installs even more luxury accoutrements while positively dumping in the power, to the tune of 536 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. It will also mark the first application of BMW’s new eight-speed transmission, which will then be installed in the 5-series Gran Turismo. Expect the gearbox to spread across the entire BMW range after that, although the proliferation is likely to take years.

BMW 7 Series M Sport images arrive on web

BMW 7 Series M Sport

We're not sure where they came from, but official-looking images of the upcoming BMW 7 Series M Sport just popped up on the interwebs today. The car you see here is identical to the one we saw in spy photos just a few weeks ago. Since the M6 will reportedly remain the brand's top dog in terms of big performance cars, the 7 Series M Sport will be to the standard 7 Series what all M Sport models are. That is, it gets more aggressive fascias front and rear, unique wheels, an M steering wheel, M shifter and M footrest. Rumor also has it that the 7 Series M Sport will be powered by the brand's newly updated 3.0-liter, twin-turbo diesel engine producing 306 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. No, it's still not an M7, but if you want a lightning quick 7 Series, you can go buy an Alpina B7 Biturbo for now.

2010 BMW 1 Series gets two new engines abroad, additional trim levels

 

The BMW 1-Series is a much bigger deal in Europe than it is here in the States. In the US, we can choose among the 128 and 135, and both options come standard with a six-cylinder engine. Overseas, you can pick up the 1 with two, three, four or five doors, and with a wide variety of four cylinder gasoline and diesel powertrains.
To keep the good times rolling, team Bimmer is again expanding the 1-Series lineup for 2010. Two new models, the Lifestyle and Sport models, will offer RWD performance in a three- or five-door package beginning this September. The Lifestyle model offers special edition Marrakesh Brown Metallic paint, unique brown body color interior components, chrome-tipped exhaust and 17-inch light aluminum rims. The Sport model includes the M Sports Package, with a sports tuned suspension, unique dual spoke aluminum rims, stainless steel pedals, and an M steering wheel and gearshift lever.
On the engine front, a pair of 2.0-liter engines find their way under the bonnet of a 1-Series. The petrol engine utilizes direct injection tech and packs 170 ponies to go along with 155 lb-ft. With the gas-powered 2.0-liter engine, the 1-Series can hit 60 in 7.8 seconds, and it carries a top speed of 149 mph.
The diesel variant packs 143 hp and 221 lb-ft, helping to propel the 118d to 60 in nine seconds. The story of merit is fuel economy and CO2 emissions, where where it achieves 4.5 liters/100 kilometers (about 52 mpg US) and a CO2 emission rating of 119 grams per kilometer

BMW is not working on a M7, spy shots show M Sport Package for 7-Series

Earlier this month we saw a spy shot of what was said to be a 2010 BMW M7. Contrary to rumors and speculation, BMW’s M Division told CAR Magazine that it is not working on a M7 with a 547-hp twin-turbo V8. The spy shots you’re seeing are of a sportier 7-Series, otherwise known as the BMW M Sport 7-Series.

As with other M Sport packages, the BMW M Sport 7-Series will get a new front bumper, a slightly revised rear with relocated reflectors and a new set of wheels. BMW’s M Division will also add an upgraded suspension system. Inside, the M Spot 7-Series will feature a three-spoke M steering wheels, sport seats, aluminum trim and new kickplates.

Look out for the M Sport 7-Series at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor show in September. For those still wanting a hardcore 7-Series, check out the 507-hp 2009 BMW Alpina B7.

2010 BMW 7-Series gets 306-hp 740d diesel and M Sports Package

The current 2009 BMW 7-Series, known as the BMW F01, went into production in September 2008 so we don’t expect any changes coming to the model anytime soon. Nonetheless, there will be may additions and facelifts before BMW decided to completely redesign its flagship sedan. For the 2010 model year, the BMW 7-Series is getting a new diesel choice and an M Sports Package - a first for the 7-Series.

Later this autumn, the European market will get a BMW 740d featuring BMW’s new straight 6-cylinder diesel engine with TwinPower Turbo Technology that pumps out 306-hp and a peak torque of 422 lb-ft. 0 to 62 mph comes in just 6.3 seconds with a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.

For the first time ever, the BMW 7-Series is getting its own M Sports Package that provides the 7-Series with an Aerodynamics Package, additional chrome trim on the front and rear aprons, illuminated M entry trim and BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line. Other features include exclusive Carbon Black Metallic paintwork, 19 to 20-inch M light-alloy wheels, electronically controlled BMW Dynamic Drive, an M leather steering wheel and much more.

The BMW M Sports Package is available for all models in the BMW 7 Series with both normal and extended wheelbase.

BMW 7-Series M-Sport Package spotted uncovered

With these latest spy photos, we hope that auto media all over the web will stop with the BMW M7 predictions. We were the first one to say it and shutter everyone’s dreams: the 7 Series spotted, it’s simply a model featuring the upcoming M Sport Package, an aero kit that will give the 7 Series a sportier and more aggressive look.

While the new 7 Series was accepted fairly well by the media and consumers, there were still some voices expressing their concern that the 7er is not as aggressive as one would want. So nearly, so less than a year after the official launch, BMW will give everyone what they craved for: an M Sport Package.

So what’s the M Pack bringing new to the table? Obviously a  more aggressive front fascia with larger air intakes into the redesigned front bumper, some chrome parts still hiding underneath black tape and a what it seems to be a new set of wheels.

The changes might not be very overwhelming, but these new small additions are what turns the 7 Series into an even better looking car. We’re unclear if there will be any engine tuning done as part of the M Pack, but if that will happen, the new M Sport Package will be a even more successful addition to an already elegant and sporty high-end luxury sedan.

And as we always mention, we totally dig the dark colors on the 7 Series models…

[Source: Worldcarfans ]

2008 BMW 123d - Short Take Road Test

We imagine rampant chest thumping at BMW’s U.S. headquarters as its product planners finalized the scheme to sell the obscenely torquey 335d here. But BMW sells many powerful four-cylinder diesels in Europe. Wouldn’t the larger fuel-economy payoff of a smaller engine, and its lower price, be worth a sacrifice in the performance of the 3-series diesel?

Our friends at Robert Bosch Corporation loaned us a 123d, which houses the most powerful of BMW’s diesel fours. Surpassing the 100-hp-per-liter benchmark—virtually unheard of in the diesel world—this sequentially turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder produces 201 horsepower. Just as shocking is its 295 pound-feet of torque, equaling that of the M3’s V-8.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 4-passenger, 3-door hatchback

BASE PRICE (GERMANY): $40,900

ENGINE TYPE: twin-turbocharged and intercooled diesel DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, direct
fuel injection

Displacement: 122 cu in, 1995cc
Power (SAE net): 201 bhp @ 4400 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 104.7 in Length: 166.9 in Width: 68.8 in Height: 55.9 in
Curb weight: 3337 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 6.7 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 19.1 sec
Street start, 5–60 mph: 7.2 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.3 sec @ 92 mph

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA city/highway driving (C/D est): 31/42 mpg
C/D observed: 36 mpg

Keep Reading: 2008 BMW 123d - Short Take Road Test

NO, this is not the BMW M7, it’s a 7 Series with the M-Sport Package

We don’t usually get frustrated with BMW related news and we enjoy reading them from different sources as well, but when the same topic comes up twice in a week, we feel that we have to step in and clarify them.

Last week, some photos of the supposed BMW M7 made their way onto the web and everyone jumped to report that we are looking at the first Motorsport model based on the 7 Series. We obviously didn’t fall for it, for several reason and we immediately reported that we are looking at a 7 Series model featuring the M Sport Package which will be released later this year.

You might wonder what these reasons were, well, no worries, we’ll explain them to you right now.

First, there was never a solid report, rumor, that BMW is indeed actively looking at an M7 model. If they were, trust us, we would have heard about it.

Second, the photos posted today and last week, clearly show a prototype with very little to none camouflage. Knowing BMW and the way the protect their designs from spy photographers, they would have never released the M7 out in the open like that. The M7 would have been a “hot car” and it would have probably worn like 10 sheets of fake plastic on top of it.

Third, let’s examine the car closer. All we can see right now pointing to an M7 would be the front-bumper, BUT THAT”S ABOUT IT, and even the more aggressive bumper doesn’t fit the profile of an M car. There are no other M design elements on this car, not the famous M gills or the “fearful” hood.

Now, in our opinion, judging from the covered bulge on the hood, we believe we are looking at the 7 Series Hybrid which will be released later this year. That bulge has been a trademark on most of the hybrid spy photos we have seen so far, from the X5 Hybrid to the upcoming X6 ActiveHybrid.

So, can we please move on now? When there will be talks of an M7, we promise you that will be one of the first publications to report them.

P.S. Forgot to mention this: that front bumper looks amazing and it really turns the 7 Series into a stunning car.

[ More photos at MotorAuthority ]

BMW M7 prototype or 7 Series hybrid?

It seems like every 12 months rumors of an M variant of the BMW 7 Series surface, and this year things are no different. A decidedly aggressive looking 7 Series mule was caught testing in Germany with a slight power bulge tacked onto the hood and a new fascia sporting a set of gaping air intakes and a sculpted splitter. Peer passed the twin-kidney grille and you'll discover what appears to be a front-mount intercooler similar to the unit fitted on the X5M and X6M, and that could mean this 7er is packing the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, putting out 555 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque.
Although the wheels and brakes appear to be upgraded, the traditional quad exhaust found on all modern M cars is missing - something that even the M-fettled SAVs had when they were undergoing testing. That small point has KGP considering the possibility that the prototype is actually packing BMW's Active Hybrid system, which is due to arrive early next year. Either way, there's a good chance BMW will unveil whatever 7 Series is up its sleeve at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid

The first all-wheel-drive hybrid vehicle ever developed by BMW is in the final testing stage. The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid made another appearance, but this time on U.S. soil near the Spartanburg plant, South Carolina.

The BMW X6 Hybrid is a two-mode hybrid based on an 8-cylinder gasoline engine which has been custom-made to meet the requirements of an SAV.

The newer, greener X6 will utilize the dual-mode ActiveHybrid system, which has discrete modes for high-torque, low speed driving as well as for high-speed cruises.

The two-mode hybrid uses about 20 percent less fuel than than a comparable vehicle with combustion engine. BMW is using a nickel metal hydride battery for the initial applications and unlike the other car manufacturers, the BMW hybrid engine will not be using cylinder deactivation. The system is also rumored to feature regenerative braking and start/stop technology.

X6 ActiveHybrid has a nearly identical body as the high-end X50i model, one of the only distinctive elements is the slightly larger M3-style bonnet found on the hood.

The model will go on sale at the end of this year together with the BMW 7 Series Hybrid.

[Source: LeftLaneNews | Photo Credit: Palbay & Brenda Priddy ]

2011 BMW 6 Series

The 2011 BMW 6 Series was video spied by the folks at Edmunds Insideline.  A 6er prototype shows up at the Nurburgring track for more testing and for the first time, judging by the engine sound, we believe we’re looking at test mule powered by the powerful 4.4 liter V8 twin-turbo engine.

As we learned in the past, several powerplants will be available for the new 6 Series, starting with the the twin-turbo 6-cylinder 326 horsepower  engine, followed by a 6-cylinder diesel as well and as a surprise, the newly developed, but not yet released, Tri-Turbo 6-cylinder diesel which produces 354 horsepower.

And since we’re moving towards more fuel efficient luxury sport cars, BMW will offer a model under the 655 naming convention which is powered by the hybrid powertrain from the X6 and 7 Series hybrids.

A 6 Series rendering created together with Promotor.ro

The 2011 BMW 6 Series will use the latest 8-speed transmission as well as the 7-speed DCT one. To make the new 6er appeal eve more to car enthusiasts, a new damping system will offer four different sport settings from Comfort right through to Performance , including an option for efficient performance.

As far as the overall design, sources close to BMW confirm that the 2011 6 Series is slightly longer and wider than the current generation and that overall appearance will carry over, based on the idea of an evolutionary design which keeps the premium sport car image. As signaled by BMW’s new CS concept, the automaker will be abandoning its awkward trunk design features in favor of a more streamlined design. It will have shorter overhangs and a lower roofline which implicitly gives the car a more muscular look.

The 2011 BMW 6 Series will launch in the first half of 2010, but more revealing test mules will be seen this summer.

And the Youtube version for those of you outside the U.S.

Hamann does its thing to the new BMW 7 Series

The arrival of the new F01 BMW 7 Series means that aftermarket companies have a new toy upon which to apply their talents. Enter Hamann, the German tuner with a penchant for Lambo-dooring, among other things. Thankfully, the firm's workup of the all-new 7 Series leaves the factory door hinges intact, but that's about it. A new aero kit makes the big sedan less vanilla-looking with updated fascias, skirts and spoilers on both the rear decklid and roof. Naturally, a lowered suspension is offered, which, when combined with a selection of new wheels and the aforementioned bodywork, gives the über-Bimmer a nastier stance. Inside, Hamann will fully customize the cabin appointments to your taste, or lack thereof. The Hamann 7 Series isn't necessarily all show, either -- an available sport exhaust upgrade for the 730d bumps power by 45 horses for a total of 290. Hamann's unlikely to stop with this batch of initial offerings, so more extreme modifications are probably inevitable. Just resist that primal urge on the butterfly doors, okay guys?

BMW 7 Series with the M Sport Package

While the initial plan was to build a Gran Turismo car based on the new 7 Series, BMW had to scratch that model off their “approved list”. But to satisfy the 7 Series owners who are looking to add even more sportiness to their cars, BMW decided to build an Aerodynamic Package, basically an M Sport Package that will visually enhance the image of the new 7.

So, the first test mule fitted with the M package was spotted by the never sleeping spy photographers. And judging from the photo below, the less exciting front bumper will be replaced by a far more aggressive, “M-ish” type of bumper. While we don’t have any confirmation, we speculate that the large grille will also be modified in the aerodynamic package, making it easier to differentiate itself from the regular 7 model.

Caption: Not the actual car, for the spy photos, see this link

In the near future, we also expect to see the corona-rings headlights coming to the 7 Series models, but once again, we can’t confirm at this time if the M Sport Package will include them as well.

No release date has been announced at this time, but we will most likely see the package available for the MY2010 models, so….late fall.

Update: Scott27 states that the new Tri-Turbo Diesel engine (354 horsepower) will be available for the 7 Series.

[Source: 7Post ]

Cool photos of the new BMW 7 Series

It has been a while since we have posted some cool photos of the recently released BMW 7 Series. Since its unveiling at the L.A Auto Show, there have been numerous articles posted by us, including an extensive photo gallery.

One of the most exciting photos of the new 7 that we have seen so far, are the ones showing the Individual options available for the flagship sedan.

 

Without further ado, let me share with you some new great shots of the BMW 740i, the 3.0 liter six-cylinder twin-turbo engine which outputs 326 horsepower.

If the next generation 2012 BMW M5 looks like this….

I have no choice but to cut off all the extra spending, entertainment, showgirls, gadgets, you name it, so I can start saving money before the next generation BMW M5 will come out in 2012. No seriously, not even kidding this time…….

I don’t often get super excited about new models, it usually takes a while for a new bimmer to sink in and be accepted by me, but the moment I saw this rendering of the F10 BMW M5, I just fell in love. The design lines are just rights, very masculine and muscular, a wide body, extremely aggressive but yet still appealing even to the most conservative BMW fans - yes, I’m one of them.

But what I love the most about this new rendering is the fact that it does NOT resemble in any way the new 7 Series. I honestly got tired of seeing all those photoshops of the next 5er being based on the bodystyle of the 7 Series. As many people close to BMW have said, the cars are absolutely different and the only slightly similar design element are the headlights.

The details on the next M5 are sketchy and the secret is well guarded behind metal doors in Munich, but what we can tell you at this time is that the BMW M5 will drop the famous naturally aspirated V10 engine in favor of a twin-turbo V8 similar to the one offered in the X5 M/X6 M. If that will be the case, the M5 will have a little bit over 550 horsepower under the hood and will be going after the Audi RS6 and its 572 horsepower.

As far as the release date, historically the M model of the 5 Series, is expected a year later after the launch of the regular 5 Series sedan, so we should expect the new M5 in the first half of 2011.

As usual, as soon as we hear more, you’ll be the first to know.

Photo credit WildSpeed2009

BMW X1 Interior revealed for the first time

The German fellows at Auto-News.de had the opportunity to test drive the BMW X1 xDrive23d in Mallorca, Spain. As expected, plenty of photos were taken, but the most interesting one to us is the interior design shot.

There were many speculations around the interior design of the X1, many believe that it will be a combination between the 1 Series design with the navigation part from the 3 Series. Well, judging from these photos, while it share some common elements with the other models, the interior of the X1 is unique in its own way.

It features similar controls, but with the buttons arranged differently, also inside air vents have a more angular shape and the navigation screen is built into the dashboard. Overall, a simple, but stylish layout.

In the same article, Auto-News confirmed our previous statements, there will be three different engines at the X1 launch, followed by other powerplants in the near future:

• BMW X1 xDrive20d - 177 horsepower - 8.4 seconds 0-60 mph - Max Speed 132 mph (213 km/h) - 40.5 mph (5.8 liters / 100 km)
• BMW X1 xDrive23d - 204 horsepower - 7,3 seconds 0-60 mph - Max Speed 138 mph (223 km/h) - 37 mpg (6,3 Liter / 100 km)
• BMW X1 xDrive28i - 6.7 seconds 0-100 - Max Speed 142 mph(230 km/h)

As part of the BMW EfficiencyDynamics program, next Spring, two new entry models are expected, BMW X1 xDrive18i and xDrive18d, which will offer improved fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions. The rumor mill says that a rear-wheel-drive model is expected in the future.

BMW X1 will be available this Fall in Europe.

Source: Auto-News

BMW Golf Cartbag - Stylish and Practical

Let’s break away from the monotony of our usual posting and allow us to show you something different: the latest BMW……Golf Cartbag designed together with the sports bag specialists OGIO. Now we know that many of you are golf players, so we thought it will be interesting to show you what you can buy from the bmw-shop.com website.

So next time you show up at the golf course in your Z4 or even better, the new 7 Series, sporting a BMW Golf Cartbag might win you some extra points…….okay, we made up this last part and it’s kinda cheesy but you get the point.

Sporty elegance, plenty of room and sophisticated details are guaranteed to make the new BMW Golf Cartbag - with its generous stowage space and numerous compartments - even more fun to have on the course. BMW has partnered with the renowned US sports bag specialists OGIO, to launch this 9-Inch bag in trendy white. Thanks to multiple compartments and a soft rubberized edge, it ensures optimum transport of your clubs. With eleven special pockets that make searching for purse, cell phone and scorecard a thing of the past, this bag is destined to quickly become a golfer’s favorite.

A Favorite Place for Golf Equipment.
The spacious outside pocket offers plenty of room for balls, tees and scorecard. Ten other compartments do away with the painstaking search for pitch mark and glove on the course. These include the fleece-lined, weatherproof compartment for valuables, the inside cell phone pocket and the spacious, soft rubber coated club compartment with seven partitions.

Quality - Right Down to the Last Detail.
As always, details make all the difference: The zippered rain cover is quickly attached when needed and golf gloves are fastened to the bag by means of Velcro, while a special tee holder and the insulated 0.5 l beverage compartment make this bag a comfortable companion on the course. Then there’s a lift grip for convenient handling and attachments to hold a caddy towel and umbrella. The bag comes with a shoulder strap, a practical adjustable foot and a patented, ergonomic 3-point plastic handle. The 3-ball dispenser makes sure your golf balls are always ready at hand. Thanks to the zipperless ball pocket, reserve balls and tees are quickly and easily accessed. The BMW Golf Cartbag is complemented by a fine selection of equipment and apparel, such as functional polo shirts made of breathable fast-drying fabrics.

Facts & Figures:
BMW Golfsport Collection: Golf Cartbag
Weight: 4.1 kg (9 lbs.)
Size: 40 x 35 x 94 cm (15.7″ x 13.8″ x 37″)
Material: Leatherette, nylon
Color: White

The complete BMW Lifestyle Collection is available at selected BMW dealers and on the Internet at www.bmw-shop.com.

BMW 7 series HARTGE anthracite CLASSIC wheel set

HERBERT HARTGE GmbH & Co. KG are delightful to present the new HARTGE anthracite CLASSIC wheel set and the HARTGE sports spring set for BMW 7 series. HARTGE anthracite CLASSIC wheel set: 9.5 x 22″ offset 25 with 265 / 30 ZR 22 front ; 10.5 x 22″ offset 28 with 295 / 25 ZR 22 [...]

The latest BMW engine: N55 - found in the BMW 5 Series GT

The launch of the BMW 5 Series GT also coincides with the introduction of a new BMW engine, internal codename: N55. The new BMW TwinPower Turbo uses a single twin scroll turbo instead of twin turbochargers as the N54 engine. The 2,979cc six-cylinder powerplant features for the first time High Precision Injection and variable VALVETRONIC valve management combined with the single twin-scroll turbocharger.

Even though BMW has not yet confirmed our suspicions, we believe the single turbocharger used in the 5 Series GT is the same as those fitted to the new 4.4 liter V8 engine in the X5M/X6M. Power and torque is similar to the twin turbo engine - 225 kW/306 hp at a speed of 5,800 rpm- but the 400Nm/295 lb-ft peak torque kicks in 1,000 rpm earlier at 1,200 rpm.

N54 Engine Featured Here

Compared to the BMW turbo engine already well-known in the 335i, 535i and other models, the N55 engine offers even greater fuel economy combined with optimized CO2 management. The power unit of the BMW 535i Gran Turismo is the first turbocharged engine to feature a map-controlled oil pump which, taking up less energy, makes a further contribution to motoring efficiency.

We’ve also done some snooping around and asked some people, and the rumor is that in the near future, BMW will offer a twin-turbo engine with VALVETRONIC and Direct-Injection, which might produce close to 360 horsepower. Since we can’t confirm it 100%, take this with a grain of salt, but we’ll let you know as soon as we hear more.

Press Release

World debut:
TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC in a new straight-six gasoline engine.

The new model is entering the market with a choice of two gasoline engines and one diesel power unit. In the process BMW’s newly developed straight-six gasoline engine for the fi rst time featuring turbocharger technology, High Precision Injection and variable VALVETRONIC valve management all together is making its world debut. Indeed, the intelligent combination of these three technologies gives this power unit the best and most direct response ever offered by a straight-six turbocharged engine from BMW.
The new BMW TwinPower Turbo develops 225 kW/306 hp at a speed of 5,800 rpm, maintaining its maximum torque of 400 Newton-metres/295 lb-ft over a wide speed range from 1,200–5,000 rpm and, in comparison with the BMW turbo engine already well-known in other model series, offering even greater fuel economy combined with optimised CO2 management.

The history of BMW’s modern turbo engines going back to the year 2006 is characterised by spectacular power and exemplary efficiency. And now BMW is opening up a new chapter in this history, the straight-six gasoline engine powering the BMW 535i Gran Turismo consistently continuing the process of optimising engine power while at the same time reducing both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions on an engine of this calibre.
The 3.0-litre power unit, for example, is yet a further result of the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, offering a range of highlights in technology never seen before on any other engine – highlights created in the context of BMW EfficientDynamics and now ideally matched for optimum driving dynamics and economy all in one.
The new straight-six is the world’s first engine to combine turbocharging, direct gasoline injection and fully variable VALVETRONIC valve management developed by BMW. The turbocharging process follows the twin-scroll principle already applied successfully by the BMW Group and now further enhanced consistently for use in a particularly powerful and sporting straight-six.
The combination of this turbocharger technology with High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC exclusive to BMW exceeds even the response and efficiency of the BMW Twin Turbo power unit launched back in 2006.

Response even better than before, fuel consumption even lower.
VALVETRONIC has already proven its qualities in numerous BMW engines the world over as a particularly effective technology providing even greater efficiency. The big advantage of VALVETRONIC is the infinite control and adjustment of valve stroke on the intake valves, making the throttle butterfly used in former times superfl uous. VALVETRONIC reduces throttle losses in the charge cycle process to an absolute minimum and optimises engine response since the air mass required to control the combustion process is masterminded in the engine itself and not outside the power unit with the usual “dead” volume. This ensures particularly efficient use of the energy contained in the fuel, developing a very muscular torque curve and giving the engine optimum response. In particular, the better response of a VALVETRONIC engine results from the fact that underpressure under part load is only approximately 50 millibar, while on a conventional engine up to 800 millibar of underpressure has to be set off.
On the BMW 535i Gran Turismo the VALVETRONIC functions have been optimised again by a new adjuster complete with a fully integrated sensor serving above all to make the adjustment process even faster than before. Indeed, the inertia factor on the new adjuster is only one-tenth the figure on the former model, serving to further improve engine response. Responding smoothly, directly and immediately to the gas pedal, the new straight-six is clearly the leader in its class also in this discipline. Maximum torque of 400 Newton-metres/295 lb-ft, for example, comes at just 1,200 rpm.
Apart from the optimised VALVETRONIC control unit, the newly developed turbocharger also contributes to this superiority, ensuring a particularly spontaneous build-up of power since the ducts of three cylinders at a time are separated from one another both in the exhaust manifold and the turbocharger.
In practice, this means particularly low exhaust gas counter-pressure at low engine speeds, the double ducts then enabling the fl ow of gas to build up greater dynamism in the exhaust manifold and powerfully drive the turbocharger blades even at low engine speeds. Twin-scroll technology thus combines the benefits of two turbochargers within one system. And now this principle adapted to the BMW straight-six with its high standard of technology marks the ongoing, consistent development of BMW’s turbocharged engines.

High Precision Injection with new injector nozzles.
The VALVETRONIC system is fully integrated in the cylinder head. This intelligent and extremely compact arrangement allows a direct combination with High Precision Injection with its injection nozzles placed in the middle between the valves and, therefore, in the immediate vicinity of the spark plug in the cylinder head.
High Precision Injection in the new six-cylinder delivers fuel through innovative multi-hole valves at an injection pressure increased once again in large areas all the way to 200 bar. This ensures extremely precise dosage if the fuel injected as well as a particularly clean combustion process. And last but not least in this context, the direct injection of fuel serves to cool the fuel/air mixture and increase the compression ratio to a higher level than in a turbocharged engine with manifold injection – an advantage contributing once again to the greater power of the straight-six.
Displacing 2,979 cc, the new power unit delivers maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp. It therefore offers all the torque and muscle of a significantly
larger eight-cylinder, but comes with much lower weight and significantly lower fuel consumption and emissions. It is indeed far lighter than a comparably powerful eight-cylinder and remains even 4 kilos lighter than the straight-six turbocharged engine already well-established in the market.
The BMW 535i Gran Turismo accelerates from a standstill to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h or 155 mph. The unusually good balance of performance and fuel consumption is clearly expressed by average fuel consumption in the combined EU cycle of just 8.9 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 31.7 mpg imp. And the CO2 rating of the BMW 535i Gran Turismo is just 209 grams per kilometre.
The BMW 535i Gran Turismo, like the other two model variants, comes as standard with a wide range of BMW Eff cientDynamics technology. Supplementing the excellent effi ciency of the respective engine and the eight-speed automatic transmission, features such as Brake Energy regeneration, on-demand management and operation of ancillary units including the electrical coolant pump, the electrical power assistance pump and the detachable a/c compressor, as well as consistent lightweight engineering, optimised aerodynamics including active management of air flaps, and tyres with reduced roll resistance, ensure optimum fuel economy and emission management at all times.

The power unit of the BMW 535i Gran Turismo is the fi rst turbocharged engine to feature a map-controlled oil pump which, taking up less energy, makes a further contribution to motoring effi ciency. Yet a further point is that the new straight-six power unit with turbocharger, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC, does not require sulphur-free fuel and may therefore be used without problems the world over. The final point is that the engine naturally fulfils both the EU5 emission standard in Europe and the ULEV II standard in the USA.