BMW

BMW 3 SERIES
The E46 BMW 3 Series first launched back in 1998. Since 2002 facelift, it gave a slimmer and shaper looking headlamps, reprofiled front fenders and bumpers, new tail lamps, etc… The base model 318i also get a new engine – 2-litre engine utilizes BMW’s Valvetronic technology to get 143bhp. The 318i’s engine is probably one of the smoothest and sweet sounding 4-cylinder engine compared with Alfa Romeo’s Twin Spark and Honda’s VTEC.


BMW 3 SERIES COUPE / CONVERTIBLE
The 3 Series coupe and convertible has undergone a mild facelift. The pick of the 3 Series coupe range has to be the 330Ci. It is powered by BMW’s 3-litre straight six. The 231bhp engine propels the coupe to 100km/h in 7 seconds. An option of the 330Ci is the clutchless manual transmission. It is a truly practical topless car.



BMW M3
The most desirable model of the 3 Series is definitely the M3, which is available as a coupe and a convertible. The M3 is powered by in-line 6 that churns 343bhp. Performance is on par with some Porsche 911 models, 5.2 seconds to hit 0-100km/h and top speed is limited to 250km/h. A more powerful and raw M3 is the CSL model. The CSL is lighter and more powerful version of the standard M3.


BMW 5 SERIES
The most radical and revolutionary executive BMW car to date has got to be the latest E60 5 Series. The controversial styling by Chris Bangle for the 5 Series means that you will either love or hate its looks. The 5 Series features Active Front Steering (AFS). AFS is steer-by-wire steering systems that gives the drivers’ unparalleled response, feedback and feel in comparison to standard steering systems. BMW in-line 6 engines power the 5 Series. All models come with 6-speed automatic gearbox as standard.

BMW 6 SERIES
The 6 Series was unveiled in the late 2003. It features many typical Chris Bangle styling elements. Shares the 7 Series’ raised boot line and the Z4’s small headlamps. The underpinnings are actually based on the 5 Series’ platform. The 645Ci is powered by 4.4-litre Valvetronic V8 engine that is also found in the 7 Series and the X5. Its 333bhp ensures that the large coupe will perform as well as it looks.

BMW 7 SERIES
The styling elements and the car’s awkward lines divided opinions. Although there were doubts about its looks, the 7 Series can never be questioned about its drive. The car’s dynamics are good and the engines deliver superb performance. The other controversial feature is the iDrive system inside. The first generation iDrive was a little too complicated for some and BMW has actually eradicated this fault by making it less complex for use in newer 5 Series models.

BMW X3
BMW’s 3 Series SUV seems like it has the formula to be a strong seller in the medium size premium SUV class. The X3 is controversially styled like most other recent models from the German carmaker. The X3 promises excellent on-road dynamics while offering decent off-road performance just like the X5. Performance and power comes in the form of the 325i’s 2.5-litre in-line 6. Hits 0-100km/h in just over 9 seconds and a 210km/h top speed.

BMW X5
The BMW X5 luxury SUV has gone through a minor facelift and receives slightly tweaked nose. The X5 is probably one of the best handling SUVs ever and its handling feels even more sorted than some saloon or sporting cars. The 3.0i retains the 231bhp in-line 6 but the V8 models are all new. The 4.4i gets the 7 Series’ 333bhp Valvetronic engine, while the range-topping 4.6iS gets a more powerful engine to become the 4.8iS.


BMW Z4
BMW’s replacement to the Z3 is the Z4. The Z4 shows off the designer’s unique ‘flame surfacing’ design cues with its irregular contours and unmistakable lines. The Z4’s fully automated soft-top roof is one of the fastest retracting convertible roofs out there and BMW’s peerless dynamics mean that it is able to tackle the corners and bends with aplomb. Both the 2.5-litre and the 3-litre engines are available. The 3-litre Z4 is able to hit 0-100km/h in under 6 seconds.

MINI ONE/COOPER
The One and Cooper allow the average man-in-the-street to own a piece of the automotive ‘history’, transforms into a modern timeless classic. The One is a specc’d down version of the MINI, with the pricelist ticking on more options. The Cooper is powered by an adequate 115bhp version of the 1.6-litre engine which proves to be a sweet-revving unit, especially when joined to the manual transmission. The build quality looks better and the interior designs are refreshing. Convertibles variants of the One, Cooper and S should be soon available.

MINI COOPER S
The familiar silhouette of this lovable mini classic is instantly recognizable by both young and old. The Cooper S holds a supercharger kit that serves a 163bhp punch that should catch the attention on the bonnet scoop and larger alloys. Addition conversion kit is available at S$10k-odd above the standard S to increased power to 200bhp. Although the MINI offers razor sharp, go-kart steering reflexes, engine refinement could be improved as the engine starts to sound stressed as it climbs the rev-band.