Categories: Car Brands

BMW Headlights

BMW  is another Bayern based German car manufacturer that also makes motorcycles. While it is not the largest producer of high-end vehicles, it is certainly one of the best known. Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) manufactures other luxury car brands as well, like Mini and Rolls-Royce.

The company was the first one to use Halo headlights (or Corona rings as they were called) in its 2001 model (BMW 5 Series). Today the halo rings are included in the bi-xenon headlights.

BMW 1-series Headlights

The baby Bimmer is destined to be replaced in 2013 with an evolution of the current model. We were surprised to see the 1 Series M introduced late in 2011 as a 2011 model, with no 2012 model to speak of. The incredibly spry 1 Series M with 335 bhp has come and gone too quickly. We’re left with the last naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 in the 128i; the engine will be replaced by a new 2-liter turbo four in the next generation. Updated last year with an optional 7-speed dual-clutch DCT transmission and single-turbo 3-liter I-6 N55 engine, the top-of-the-line 135i is still plenty of fun on the back roads. The 1 remains available as a coupe or convertible with a power-retractable cloth top, and there is hope the next generation will bring a 5-door to the U.S.

BMW 3-series Headlights

At press time, BMW hadn’t yet shown the 3 Series replacement, but we’ve seen spy photos of it for over a year. Not surprisingly, the current generation has received little change for 2012, as all development is ongoing for the new car. The coupe, retractable hardtop convertible and sedan versions of the 328, 335 and M3 continue as they are with some package changes and the standard inclusion of Bluetooth. Gone for 2012, however, is the M3 sedan and turbodiesel engine option. A 328i Wagon remains the least expensive variant of the 3 Series. The M3 Convertible will receive a new $5000 Individual Composition Package option with four unique paint colors and interior trim choices to help make it more distinct.

BMW 5-series Headlights

One year after the new 5 was introduced, it gets the M treatment. Gone is the visceral naturally aspirated 500-bhp V-10 and in its place is a high-output version of the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 that makes a Cadillac CTS-V-besting 560 bhp. The Über sports sedan remains rear-wheel drive, although the 5 Series shares its architecture with the larger 7 Series, and thus is available with allwheel drive on the xDrive 535i and 550i. The M5 (photo) is being introduced with a 7-speed twin-clutch transmission; a 6-speed manual is only available on the 535i. For improved performance and efficiency, the 3.0-liter inline-6 of the 528i has been phased out in favor of a twinturbo four that is mated to an 8-speed automatic. A hybrid 5, based on the 535i, arrives in March.

BMW 6-series Headlights

After a short hiatus, the 6 Series has returned. It is introduced with only the 400-bhp V-8 engine, fitted with a proper 6-speed manual or an optional quick-shifting 8-speed automatic—a sublime combination that easily outdoes its predecessor in many ways. Where the last car was a little challenging to see out of and felt large on the road (and in parking spaces), this iteration feels small and lithe, although dimensionally slightly larger. Options abound for the sports coupe, and it is easy to inflate the price of the 650i to over $100,000, putting the car in some fancy company. The convertible retains reasonably sized rear seats for two passengers, and the top can be operated up to 25 mph.

BMW 7-series Headlights

With so many configurations of the 7, it’s no surprise that BMW is leaving it as is this year and focusing more on other models. This luxury sports sedan carries the enthusiast torch with the factory- tuned Alpina B7 whose twin-turbo V-8 has an increased output of 500 bhp, which is enough to rival the straight-line performance of the V-12-powered 760Li. The Alpina, of course, takes to corners far more readily. At the other end of the fuel consumption spectrum is the 740i with its 315 bhp turbocharged inline-6, and twin-turbo V-8 hybrid that’s consumption of 17/24 mpg is about equal. This year, the ActiveHybrid 7 can be fitted with an M Sport Package giving it good looks, performance and economy.

BMW M3 Headlights

At press time, BMW hadn’t yet shown the 3 Series replacement, but we’ve seen spy photos of it for over a year. Not surprisingly, the current generation has received little change for 2012, as all development is ongoing for the new car. The coupe, retractable hardtop convertible and sedan versions of the 328, 335 and M3 continue as they are with some package changes and the standard inclusion of Bluetooth. Gone for 2012, however, is the M3 sedan and turbodiesel engine option. A 328i Wagon remains the least expensive variant of the 3 Series. The M3 Convertible will receive a new $5000 Individual Composition Package option with four unique paint colors and interior trim choices to help make it more distinct.

BMW M5 Headlights

One year after the new 5 was introduced, it gets the M treatment. Gone is the visceral naturally aspirated 500-bhp V-10 and in its place is a high-output version of the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 that makes a Cadillac CTS-V-besting 560 bhp. The Über sports sedan remains rear-wheel drive, although the 5 Series shares its architecture with the larger 7 Series, and thus is available with allwheel drive on the xDrive 535i and 550i. The M5 (photo) is being introduced with a 7-speed twin-clutch transmission; a 6-speed manual is only available on the 535i. For improved performance and efficiency, the 3.0-liter inline-6 of the 528i has been phased out in favor of a twinturbo four that is mated to an 8-speed automatic. A hybrid 5, based on the 535i, arrives in March.

BMW M6 Headlights

If you’re looking for a sport-touring machine with great driving dynamics and high style, look no further than BMW’s 4-seat 6 Series. True, not everyone finds the trunk of the coupe particularly graceful. Same goes for the lines of the convertible top in its up position. Aside from those minor faults, the 6 Series is fantastic, from the 650i and its 4.8-liter 360-bhp V-8 to the M6’s mighty 5.0-liter 500-bhp V-10. Both 650i and M6 come in coupe or convertible form, along with your choice of transmission at no extra charge: the 650i with either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic and the M6 with a 6-speed manual or a single-clutch 7-speed SMG paddle-shift. Other than an updated iDrive system, the 6 Series carries on unchanged.

BMW X1 Headlights

BMW’s diminutive X1 has been on sale in Europe since late 2009, and it will finally arrive on our shores in the second quarter of 2011. As with all of BMW’s “X” models, the X1 comes standard with all-wheel drive. Two models will be available: an X1 xDrive28i with a new normally aspirated inline-6, and an X1 xDrive35i with BMW’s new N55 turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 with 300 bhp. We’re expecting BMW to offer the X1 with both a 6-speed manual and an 8-speed automatic. At 175.4 in. long, the X1 is a full 7.9 in. shorter than the all-new X3. We also expect the X1 will bring a level of driving excitement previously unseen in the small SUV segment. One downside is that the X1 looks like little more than a shrunken first-generation X3.

BMW X3 Headlights

Those waiting for BMW’s little X1 sport-activity vehicle may want to consider the U.S.-built X3, as the X1 has been delayed until mid-2013. The X3 was all new just last year, and little has changed to this midsize all-wheel-drive crossover, but the options of a manual transmission and diesel power are gone. The smooth but dated naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 isn’t being replaced with the new turbo 4 yet. Mated to the standard 8-speed automatic, the 6 is a compelling reason to buy now rather than wait for the X1, which is considerably smaller, less capable and not much more efficient. The turbo X3 xDrive 35i is our pick for its plentiful power and surprisingly good fuel economy that bests that of the xDrive 28i with 19/26 mpg.

BMW X5 Headlights

The big BMW off-roader that drives like a sports sedan won’t see any real changes for the 2012 model year. Those changes came last year when the engine options went all turbo and were mated to an 8-speed automatic rather than the six. The 6-speed remains only on the staggeringly quick X5 M. We expect a midyear update of the X5 to focus mostly on styling and technology, but little on drivetrain. However, the X5 M could get the new M5’s slightly revised and more potent twin-turbo V-8. We think most owners will be quite happy toting 6 passengers with the turbodiesel X5 xDrive35d’s 425 lb.-ft. of torque, although the $1700 optional third-row seating is a tad expensive and only for use by children.

BMW X6 Headlights

Like its big brother the X5, the raked-roof X6 enters 2012 with little change, but the expectation of a freshening for 2013. Separating itself from the slightly less expensive X5, the X6 gives up practicality for its swoopy styling. This unfortunately, limits rear seating to only two, making the X6 positively inefficient. The X5 gets identical fuel economy numbers and is larger. What’s more, the X6 doesn’t offer a diesel. Instead, there’s an ActiveHyrbid model that combines its twin-turbo V-8 with dual-electric motors to produce 575 lb.-ft. of torque while still retaining a respectable 17/19 mpg. When it comes to sitting behind the wheel of a sporting behemoth, no vehicle defies physics as well as the X6 M.

BMW Z4 Headlights

While we dislike BMW’s complex naming of the 2012 Z4 (Z4 sDrive28i), we appreciate its new 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that replaces the slightly more powerful naturally aspirated inline-6. Why? Because it improves fuel efficiency and offers more torque. Combined with a new 8-speed automatic and start/stop, the N20 engine provides the retractable-hardtop Z4 with excellent economy and performance. For those who want more performance, the sDrive 35i models with their forced-induction sixes are still available. These cars squirt out of corners and can hit 60 mph in under 5 seconds. A few options packages will change for 2012, and those who were looking at the Ivory White Package of last year will want to check out the Canyon Brown of 2012.

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I am Derek Patrowsky, editor of AutoSportCatalog.com. I have over 17 years of experience in the automotive service industry and am part owner of a service facility in his hometown. Together with other writers, I hope this website will help you with your auto repair needs making better decisions when it comes to your vehicle.

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