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The BMW X5 is a mid-size luxury crossover SUV sold by BMW since 1999. It features all-wheel drive and is available with a range of petrol 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 an 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.
4.4L 315 hp V8
4.6L 347 hp V8
4.8L 360 hp V8
5-speed manual
6-speed automatic
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 SUV’s like as the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover offer–such as a low-range case, locking differentials, 8inch+ adjustable suspensions, and a waterproof intake just to name a few.
The X5, along with the BMW Z4 roadster, are currently manufactured only 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 2000, 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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
3.0L 235 hp Diesel I6
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.
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, and active damping.
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:
Diesel models include:
A 3.5sd 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 (N64B44O1 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.

3.2 L S54B32 I6 The BMW Z4 is a rear-wheel drive sports car by the German automaker BMW, known as the E85 in roadster form and E86 in coupe form. Production started in 2002, and thus replaced the BMW Z3. The design addresses many criticisms of the Z3; the Z4 is larger, and has a significantly stiffer chassis. It is built in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Initially, the Z4 was available only as a roadster, but in 2006 a coupé version was officially launched. The Z4 was designed by Chris Bangle and began the controversy over his “flame surfacing” design and aggressive styling choices, which can also be seen on most modern BMW cars, most noticeably the 7 Series and 5 Series. As of 2007, the entire BMW car line, including the BMW 3 Series and X5 SAV, had incorporated Chris Bangle’s design theme. The Z4 features a strut type front suspension like its predecessor, the Z3. The rear suspension, however is considerably different from that of the Z3, which was based on that of the E30 BMW 3 Series. Instead of a semi-trailing arm suspension, the Z4 uses a more advanced multi-link suspension. It is due to be dropped in 2009, and replaced by a new model, the Z2 The Z4 offered a choice of four straight-six engines: A 2.2 L, a 2.5 L, a 3.0 L, and a 3.2 L. All are variants of the BMW M54 engine. In the European market, a 2.0 L straight-4 is also offered. The 2.2 L, 120 kW (170 bhp) version can reach 100 km/h in 7.7 s, but is not sold in the United States. The 2.5 L engine produces 141 kW (192 bhp) at 6000 rpm. BMW claims a 6.8 s time to 100 km/h (62 mph) with a manual transmission. It weighs 1,335 kg (2,932 lb) with a manual transmission—30 kg (66 lb) lighter than the 3.0 L version, but still heavier than the 2.5 L Z3’s weight of 1315 kg (2899 lb). The 3.0 L, 170 kW (231 bhp) (at 5900 rpm) straight six has a claimed time to 100 km/h (62 mph) of 5.9 s. The 3.2 L motor produces 246 kW (330 bhp) at 7900 rpm and (262 ft·lbf) of torque at (4900 rpm) The most powerful car of the Z4 line-up is the Z4 M. It features a naturally aspirated, in-line six cylinder engine, used in the third generation of the BMW M3. It produces 340 bhp at 7900 rpm, and 365 nm (270 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h takes 5 seconds, and the top speed is limited to 250 km/h. Five-speed manual gearboxes are standard on all models except the 3.0 L and the M Roadster, which has a 6-speed Getrag. 5-speed or 6-speed automatic are available on all non M cars. The M Roadster shares its 6-speed Getrag 217 manual gearbox with the M3. A Sport package is also available, which adds stiffer and lower suspension, larger wheels with run-flat tires, and Dynamic Driving control, BMW’s Vehicle Stability Control system. In 2006, BMW updated the Z4 line by installing its new N52 I-6 engines. In the 3.0si, this engine makes 190 kW (255 bhp) and 220 lb·ft (298 N·m) of torque. The N52 features a magnesium block construction, which consists of an aluminum interior for the cylinders, and an outer magnesium block. This produces an engine block that weighs only 50+ pounds. The engine features BMW’s Valvetronic variable valve timing system for increased performance, are considerably more powerful through the middle of the rev range, and also improve fuel economy noticeably. A final benefit of the N52 engines is that they improve handling and turn-in due to the decreased weight over the nose of the car. This is particularly noticeable when compared to the Z4 M, which continues with the heavier S54 iron block engine. In addition to the powertrain updates, BMW made mild revisions to the styling of the Z4, added several electronic features, and increased the brake size on the 3.0si models. BMW unveiled a Bangle-designed concept coupe version of the Z4 at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2005. The company announced on November 22, 2005 that the coupe would be available for delivery in the US starting in June 2006, including the return of the M Coupe. Production began at the Spartanburg, South Carolina BMW plant on April 4, 2006, and the production cars were introduced at the New York Auto Show in April of 2006. Dieter Quester, Dirk Werner, Jamie Campell-Walter and Tim Mullen won the Silverstone Britcar 24 Hour Race with a BMW Z4 M Coupé. The unit of the racing version is modified and reinforced version of the S54B32 3.2-litre engine, delivering around 294 kW/400 hp. The car is made by BMW’s M Division and called the Z4 M Coupè Motorsport. The Z4 Coupè Motorsport version weighs 1200 kg/2643 lb with a driver and has a 120 liter/30 gallon fuel tank for endurance racing. The racing kit for the Z4 M Coupé is available for € 250,000 (plus VAT) in addition to the list price of the car. The Z4 roadster is currently used in the American KONI Challenge series, while the Coupe runs in the FIA GT4 European Cup.

The BMW 1 Series (code name E87) is a small-luxury car / small family car produced by the German automaker BMW since 2004. The 1 Series is the only vehicle in its class featuring rear-wheel drive and a longitudinally-mounted engine.
The 1 Series was first offered to the market in 2004 as a five-door hatchback and is the only rear-wheel drive in its class. It replaced the BMW 3 Series Compact range and is currently the smallest and most affordable vehicle (depending on the engine model) in the BMW range. Unlike its predecessor, the new vehicle is built on its own platform (E87); however, it shares many components with the E90 3 Series. Shared parts include MacPherson struts in the front of the car and a trapezoidal-link rear axle. BMW has stated that it shares over 60% of components with the current E90 BMW 3 Series.
The 1 Series is built in Regensburg and Leipzig, Germany, with the 4 cylinder petrol/gas engines coming from the Hams Hall plant in Coleshill north east of Birmingham, England.
During its first full year on the market in 2005, it became one of BMW’s most successful products. 149,493 units were sold, leading to a third-place finish in total numbers sold by model. Only the 3 and 5 Series sold better.
For the 2008 MY, the coupe (code named E82) and coupe convertible (code named E88) variant have been introduced by BMW. U.S. introduction is scheduled for second quarter of 2008.
BMW upgraded the 1 Series for 2007 and introduced a 3-door sports hatch variant (code named E81). Changes to the model were minor headlight and taillight revisions, new front/rear bumpers and minor revisions to the interior. The dashboard has been updated, and a recommended gear indicator is now present on models with manual transmissions.
New technologies include auto start/stop, Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering, an electric water pump, and a host of drivetrain modifications designed for fuel economy, increased performance, and lower emissions. BMW marketing has named this combination of technologies EfficientDynamics, which will also be implemented in other BMW models.
The 1 Series is effectively the first in the world to have mild hybrid technology as standard equipment, although BMW is careful in its marketing not to label it as a hybrid vehicle, as this brings market expectation of electrically assisted drive.
The engines available for E81 and E87 are basically the same as found in the E90/E91, with exception for the 3.0 L inline-6, which is slightly modified to produce more power. For the 2008 model year, the 135i is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower (220 kW) and 300 ft·lbf (410 N·m) of torque from 1,400 rpm. For the 135i Coupe, acceleration from 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) is 5.3 seconds, and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h). Fuel efficiency is increased to 30.7 mpg (US) (7.66 L/100 km/36.9 mpg imp), an increase of 18% compared to its predecessor.
The engines below are preceded by their model year introduction.
In early 2006 the 5-speed manual transmission in the 116i and 118i was phased out in favor of the 6-speed all 2006 and newer models with the manual transmission carry.
Sales statistics according to BMW’s annual reports.
CAR Magazine has asserted that there will be an M version of the 1 series, although BMW denies that the M1 nameplate will be resurrected in respect for the M1 supercar of the late 1970s. Instead, at the 40th Tokyo Motor Show in October 2007, BMW showed a concept version with the series designation “tii”, a tribute to the famed vehicle of the 1970s.. Elements of this concept have appeared in an accessory line from BMW that has been premiered at the Geneva Motor Show (March 2008). This “tii” model is seen in the recently released Grand turismo 5 Prologue. As well as the standard 1 series.
3.0 L 230 hp (170 kW) I6
BMW will be launching the latest addition to the 1 Series line-up, the 1 Series Coupé (E82), at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) 2007. The car goes on sale on 24 November 2007. The flagship of the range will be the 135i with a 3-litre twin-turbo petrol engine, generating 225 kW/306 hp (DIN) with its six cylinders. This model also comes with a modified M sports package as standard. The 123d (150 kW/204 hp(DIN)) heads up the range of diesels and is the first ever 4-cylinder diesel engine to come with variable twin-turbo technology. In terms of fuel consumption, the 123d and 120d rate between 4.8 L/100 km (59 mpg imp/49 mpg US) and 5.2 L/100 km (54 mpg imp/45 mpg US).
On June 27, 2007, BMW released official information about the new upcoming 1-series Coupé. In Europe, the Coupé would be available fall 2007 in 3 engine specifications: the known 120d and the new 204 hp 123d and 306 hp 135i, both twin-turbo engines.
On 30 June, 2007, BMW of North America officially announced the 1-Series Coupe as a 2008 model (code named E82) and that will be the first 1 Series to go on sale in the USA. Two models are initially to be offered: the 128i and the 135i. The 128i will be powered by a 3.0 liter, 230 horsepower (170 kW) inline six cylinder engine. The 135i Coupe will be propelled by a 300 horsepower (220 kW), twin turbocharged 3.0 liter inline six cylinder engine. Both engines are shared with 3-series models 328i and 335i.
Like the three- and five-door BMW 1 Series models, the E82 also features various BMW EfficientDynamics components to reduce fuel consumption (see below). The Coupé is 133 mm (5.2 in) longer than the hatch, creating 20 litres of extra boot space. It is 220 mm (8.7 in) shorter than 3-series Coupé (E92). 120d, 123d and 135i Coupés’ announced unladen weights (EU) are 1450, 1495, and 1,560 kg (3,400 lb), respectively (corresponding to approx. 3,285 lb (1,490 kg) curb weight for the 135i - a 90 lb (41 kg) reduction from the 335i Coupé).
The 1 Series Coupé is marketed in the US as a spiritual successor to the legendary BMW New Class with its long bonnet, slim cabin and short rear. Apart from slight modifications, it uses the same nose design as the rest of the 1 Series so as to ensure some visual consistency within the range.
In July 2007, BMW announced they would be exporting the 128i and 135i Coupés to the United States in Spring 2008. The 135i is priced about $6,000 less than the 335i Coupé .
It has been said that the BMW 1 envokes memories of the E36 BMW, as stated in both Road and Track and Car and Driver Magazines.
The 1 Series convertible officially debuted on September 29, 2007. The new 1-Series Cabriolet offers four petrol models ranging from the 118i’s 143 hp 2.0-litre unit to the 306 hp 3.0-litre six-cylinder 135i, while a 177 hp (132 kW) four-cylinder turbodiesel will also be available.
The convertible will be available with a fabric top, to differentiate it further from the now steel-roofed 3-series convertible E93. It is now in size and spirit very close to the original 3-series convertible.
The vehicle is currently promoted by Kermit from the Muppet Show. There is a commercial in which Kermit drives a BMW 1 Series around in a desert making figure eights, showcasing the car’s agile nature and playful handling.
BMW is showing a 3-episode web movie promo (filmed in Hamburg with a New York cast) that looks almost like a film noir and feels more like a mini–TV movie or film, with the main focus on the actors and more subtle appearances of the car itself. These episodes were made for viewing in Japanese movie theaters, but can be viewed via the internet.
BMW is also advertising the car using comparisons to its classic 2002, an iconic two-door from the 1970s known for its light weight and high level of performance (relative to the era).
The 1 Series has gotten decidedly mixed reviews in the automotive press. Both Car and Driver and The Truth About Cars praised the car’s powerful engines, especially the turbocharged 135. However both publications noted that for a supposed entry-level car the 1 Series is overpriced, with a loaded 135 easily topping $40,000. The car has also come under fire for being overweight and for having poor styling, especially compared to the E46 Compact styling.
In 1998, a BMW E36 320d had won the 24 Hours Nürburgring, being able to drive very long stints. In 2006, a BMW 120d modified with a BMW customer racing kit available for 95,000 Euros, entered by “Schubert Motors” repeated a similar if not better result. It scored 5th in a field of 220 cars, many of them (Porsche 911 GT3, BMW M3, Lamborghini Gallardo, Aston Martin, Maserati) much more powerful than the 245 PS (180 kW) of the 120d, thus a significantly stronger field of competitors than in 1998. The racing version of 120d is called BMW 120d Motorsport and it weighs only 1,135 kg (2,500 lb) with a driver. It includes a 100-litre (26 US gal/22 imp gal) diesel tank for endurance racing and has a maximum torque of 450 N·m (330 ft·lbf) at 3000 rpm - the maximum power, 245 bhp (183 kW) is at 4200 rpm and the redline is only at 5000 rpm.