Vehicle: 2008 BMW M3 Coupe with Executive Pkg, M Drive Pkg and high gloss shadow line
Price as tested: CDN$81695
Performance: After a decade with the lengendary straight-6 powertrain in E36 and E46 generations of M3s, BMW decided its time to opt for V8 to challenge the best compact supersedans which have the similar powertrain layout. The [...]
Vehicle: 2008 BMW X6 xDrive35i with Rear Climate Pkg, Premium Sound Pkg, Sport Pkg, Activity Pkg, Premium Pkg and Technology Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$75900
Performance: Because of X6’s performance sport utility “coupe” status, BMW has to offer it 2 different twin-turbo engines to match its billing. But during the initial launch, BMW only introduces the [...]
Vehicle: 2008 BMW 128i Convertible with 6-speed Steptronic w/paddle shifters, Sports Pkg and Premium Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$48400
Performance: Just like the 1-Series coupe, its convertible silibing is powered by similar powertrains. We were impressed enough with its twin-turbo straight-6 in 135i coupe. Because we tend to enjoy convertible in lesser power, we have chosen the [...]
Vehicle: 2008 BMW 135i Coupe with M Sport Pkg, Premium Pkg and Comfort Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$49800
Performance: The 1-Series, as with its 3-Series silibings, is powered by both normally aspirated 3.0 liter DOHC 24-valve straight-6 and the same powertrain with twin turbos. Hence the 128i and 135i designations. We will reviewed the 128i in future [...]
Short review of BMW 528i/535i
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Price as tested: CDN$65700 (528i) CDN$83000
5-Series, just like its smaller 3-Series silibings, receives engine upgrades this year. 528i receives similar engine upgrade as 328i. The sweet 3.0 liter straight-6 increases horsepower from 215 and torque from 218 lb/ft to 230 and 200, respectively. This engine upgrade feels more significant in 5 [...]
Short review of 2007 BMW 323i/328i
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Price as tested: CDN$37200 (323i) CDN$49700 (328i)
BMW has upgraded their successful 3-Series with more powerful straight-6s this year. Other than the astounishing 335i, which features a wonderful 300hp 3 liter biturbo engine. Its entry-level silibing, 323i has upgraded to 200hp, up from 174hp and 180 lb/ft of torque, jump from [...]
Vehicle: 2007 BMW 335i Convertible with Sport Pkg, 6-speed auto with Steptronic paddle shifters and comfort access
Price as tested: CDN$72050
Handling: 3-Series has always been known for its handling dynamics. Its no difference when BMW ditched the soft-top offering for the retractable hardtop in the latest generation. Not only does this retractable hardtop makes the 3-Series [...]
Vehicle: BMW 130i with Steptronic and sports package
Price as tested: HK$418000
Handling: 1-Series is the only front-engine rear-wheel drive hot hatch in the scene right now. With its close to perfect 50/50 front/rear balance, a very well-tuned suspension and rear-drive configuration, 130i is simply a blast-to-drive in any situation. The steering is typical BMW precise with [...]
Vehicle: 2007 BMW X5 4.8i with Rear Climate Pkg, Activity Pkg, Sport Pkg, Premium Pkg, Technology Pkg and 3rd row seats
Price as tested: CDN$87400
Handling: With the introduction of new X5, BMW has brought the already excellent dynamic package into a new height. The X5 got both the ingredients and cooking formula right without messing the [...]
Vehicle: 2007 BMW X3 3.0SI with Activity Pkg, Comfort Pkg, M Sport Pkg and Premium Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$63400
Performance: When the original X3 introduced, it was being criticized as sluggish and rough-on-the-edges. This facelifted version finally got the powerplant it needed. In the past, 2.5L I-6 with 174hp was simply a dog while the 3.0L [...]
Vehicle: 2007 BMW 335i Coupe with Sports Pkg, Premium Pkg and Comfort Access
Price as tested: CDN$58550
Performance: The codenamed E92 3-Series Coupe is powered by one normally aspirated straight-6 and the highlight of this review, an advanced twin-turbocharged 3.0 liter straight-6 with Double VANOS variable valve timing technology. While the entry-level 328i “only” has 230 hp, [...]
Vehicle: 2007 BMW M Coupe with Premium Pkg
Price as tested: CDN$71600
Performance: The M Coupe, as it stands, is powered by BMW’s world-renowed M-tuned straight-6 engine. This DOHC 24-valver straight 6 3.2L with Double VANOS is identical to the one available in the awe-inspiring M Roadster, as well as in current M3 variants. Its good for [...]
Vehicle: 2006 BMW 650i with Executive Pkg and 6-speed Steptronic
Price as tested: CDN$107900
Performance: Just like 5-Series which 6-Series it based on, its 4.5L V8 has been upgraded to 4.8Lfor 2006. This engine is everything a BMW. As its refinement and smoothness are simply superb. It got entertaining engine note which is very Teutonic. Not to [...]
Short review of 2006 BMW 525Xi/550i
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Price as tested: CDN$ 66700 (525Xi) CDN$93500 (550i)
For 2006, BMW not only added 530Xi Touring sportswagon and V10 M5 into the 5-Series range. They also added X-Drive into entry-level 525i and replaced the 545i with 550i.
The horsepower jumps to 360 from 325, while torque increases from 330 lb/ft to 360 [...]
Vehicle: 2006 BMW 530Xi Touring with M Sport Package and Premium Package
Price as tested: CDN$85700
Performance: No one has ever doubt BMW builds the world’s best straight-6 engine. The same goes for the sweet-sounding 3.0L DOHC straight 6 24-valver with Double VANOS in our tester. Regardless of which engine rpm, this engine provides plenty of power [...]
Vehicle: 2006 BMW M Roadster with Premium Package
Price as tested: CDN$72800
Performance: BMW has taken their famous straight-6 powerplant into another new height with the introduction of new M Roadster. This 3.2L 24-valver DOHC straight-6 with Double VANOS is good for 333 horses and 262 lb/ft of torque. Regardless of which rpm, this engine is responsive [...]
Short review of 2006 BMW 323i
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Price as tested: CDN$37400
Unlike any other 3-Series I have test driven before, this is a 3-Series with a twist. First, this is the Canadian-only 323i with a 2.5L straight6 engine. And secondly, it doesn’t come with any sorts of luxury features you normally associate with luxury brand called BMW.
Since Mercedes [...]
Vehicle: 2006 BMW 325Xi Touring with 6-speed Steptronic, Sport and Premium Pkgs
Price as tested: CDN$54700
Performance: Under 3-Series Touring’s bonnet lies BMW’s legendary straight 6 technology. A detuned 3.0L straight 6 that is good for 215 ponies and 185 lb/ft of torque. While BMW straight 6’s entertaining engine note and refinment remain intact, the performance [...]
Short review of 2006 BMW 525i
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Price as tested: CDN$62690
With the introduction of entry-level 525i, BMW has lowered the admission to 5-Series. The latest iteration of 525i uses the same magnesium-made 3.0L straight 6 Double VANOS DOHC engine as new 325i. Considered 525i’s weight is at a high 1565 kg with its 215 ponies and 185 [...]
Vehicle(s): 2006 BMW 325i with 6-speed Steptronic, Premium Pkg, Dakota Leather, glass sunroof, Active Steering and adaptive headlights
330i with 6-speed manual transmission, Premium Pkg, Sport Pkg, burled walnut wood trim and Harmon/Kardon LOGIC-7 sound system
Price as tested: CDN$51490 (325i) CDN$55700 (330i)
Performance: Both the 325i and 330i are powered by the same 3.0L straight 6 [...]