BMW goes into the model year 2009

BMW Group further extends its leading position in the reduction of fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels – 23 models with a CO2 level of maximum 140 grams/kilometre – 23 models fulfil the exhaust emissions norm EU5 as of autumn 2008, new BMW 330d with BMW BluePerformance Technology even at EU6 level.

Thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics, the BMW Group continues to extend its leadership position in the model year 2009 in terms of the reduction of fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels. As of August 2008 the number of vehicles fitted with the current BMW EfficientDynamics measures will exceed the mark of one million units sold. With the market launch of the new BMW 7 Series, efficiency-enhancing Technologies will be introduced to the segment of luxury sedans as of autumn 2008. In the model year 2009 the number of BMW models whose CO2 level is at a maximum of 140 grams per kilometre will increase to 23. At the same time, the number of BMW models which already meet the EU5 exhaust emissions norm will increase to 23.

What is more, the new BMW 330d with optional BMW BluePerformance Technology will be the first vehicle in the model year 2009 to fulfil the EU6 exhaust emissions norm, which does not come into force until 2014.
The number of one million vehicles sold is an impressive reflection of the unique breadth of the development strategy BMW EfficientDynamics. Unlike other manufacturers, BMW offers state-of-the-art measures to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions not just in individual series or special models.

BMW Efficient Dynamics (2009)

The technologies which provide increased driving pleasure in combination with reduced fuel consumption and exhaust emission levels is part of the standard fittings of every new BMW model – from the compact BMW 1 Series to the luxury sedans of the new BMW 7 Series, which fulfils the requirements of the EU5 exhaust emissions norm in all engine variations available at the market launch. With the BMW 520d the German premium manufacturer also offers the only vehicle in the medium category with a CO2 level of less than 140 grams per kilometre and an EU5 classification as standard.

In the BMW 3 Series, the Sedan and Touring versions of the BMW 318d and the models BMW 320d Sedan, BMW 320d Touring, BMW 320d Coupe and BMW 320d Convertible have CO2 levels of between 123 and 140 grams per kilometre. The choice of especially low-emissions models is even larger in the BMW 1 Series. The leader in the field is the BMW 118d, which in its 5-door and its 3-door version achieves a CO2 level of 119 grams. Other vehicles below 140 grams per kilometre are the new BMW 118d Convertible, the BMW 120d in the 5-door version, the 3-door Coupe and Convertible versions as well as the models BMW 123d 5-door, BMW 123d 3-door and BMW 123d Coupe. In addition there are the especially efficient petrol engine versions: both in the 5-door and in the 3-door version, the BMW 116i with 139 grams per kilometre and the BMW 118i with 140 grams per kilometre belong in the list of models with the lowest CO2 levels.

Overview of BMW automobiles which fulfil the EU5 exhaust norm as of the model year 2009:

Increased efficiency, greater dynamic performance: new 4-cylinder diesel engines for the BMW 118d Convertible and the BMW 123d Convertible.

The extension of the engine range for the BMW 1 Series Convertible creates new opportunities to combine open-top driving fun with exemplary efficiency. After the successful launch of the BMW 120d Convertible, the versions BMW 118d Convertible and BMW 123d Convertible are now also available in the model year 2009. The 2.0 litre 4-cylinder diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase and common rail direct injection of the third generation is thus available in three output levels for the BMW 1 Series Convertible

The basic version is powered by the 105 kW/143 bhp engine of the BMW 118d which was voted "World Green Car of the Year" in 2008, accelerates in 9.5 seconds from zero to 100 km/h and sets new efficiency standards for open-top four-seaters with an average fuel consumption of 4.9 litres per 100 kilometres in the EU test cycle and a CO2 level of 129 grams per kilometre. In the new BMW 123d Convertible, the world's first all-aluminium diesel engine, with a specific output of over 100 bhp per litre of capacity, combines brilliant pulling power with impressive economy. Piezo injectors channel the fuel into the four combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 2 000 bar. The Variable Twin Turbo Technology provides spontaneous power and long-lasting thrust, with an output of 150 kW/204 bhp and a maximum torque of 400 Nm. The BMW 123d Convertible accelerates in just 7.5 seconds from zero to 100 km/h. Its average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 5.4 litres per 100 kilometres, its CO2 level is 144 grams per kilometre.

The new BMW iDrive: even clearer and more intuitive to use.
Across the entire range of model series, BMW has added new touches in the further development of its pioneering display and operating concept iDrive in the model year 2009. The new generation of iDrive, characterised primarily by a newly designed Controller including optimised menu structure and innovative display technology, will be presented both in the new BMW 7 Series and in the new BMW 3 Series, as well as being introduced to the models of the BMW 6 Series, BMW 5 Series and BMW 1 Series as early as autumn 2008.

With the new generation of iDrive, the principle of clear separation between control elements and display will be consistently pursued, as introduced for the first time in the predecessor model of the new BMW 7 Series. Depending on the specific model and equipment features in question, the most important entertainment, communication, navigation and comfort functions are activated and controlled via iDrive. The new iDrive Controller is positioned for optimum ergonomics in the central console and enables convenient and intuitive selection and activation of functions by means of standardised tilt, rotation and pressure movements.
Another new feature is the seven direct selection buttons positioned near the Controller. These provide direct access to the most important menu options and can be operated without eye contact due to their varying haptic shape. The button MENU activates the main menu, and the buttons CD, RADIO, TEL and NAVI immediately switch to the first four options in the main menu. The OPTION button provides access to further functions within each menu, comparable to the right mouse button of computer mouse. The BACK button undoes the last operation performed.

In the models of the BMW 3 Series and BMW 1 Series, the operating system iDrive is offered in conjunction with optional navigation systems. For optimised display of the menu options, graphics and map views, the previous folding display will be replaced in the model year 2009 by a fixed Control Display – this also applies to the BMW 1 Series. The Control Display is placed at the same level as the instrument panel in all BMW models and is at perfect viewing distance for both the driver and the front passenger.

In conjunction with the navigation system Professional, a new display technology is also used including an optimised menu structure. With a very high resolution of 1280 x 480 pixels - four times that of the previous generation of iDrive – the display offers significantly improved display of detailed graphics. Menu lists appear in white against a black background, while striking symbols, modern graphics and a clear colour coding system define the style of image reproduction. Lean menu structures and a system of superimposed menu panels familiar from computer technology facilitate orientation and make for simple, swift access to the desired options. Visual operational aids such as a displayed image of the Controller itself showing the control options available ensure additional clarity. The spelling of place and street names and the entry of telephone numbers is undertaken by means of a circular instrument known as a speller.

The full-screen map display of the navigation system Professional provides an incomparably detailed overview of the surrounding region. Both travel maps and individual symbols for the so-called points of interest can be shown as three-dimensional graphics. For example, the realistic display of altitude maps when travelling through mountain landscapes ensures clarity in the recommendation of routes. With the small map scales up to 25 metres, the integrated three-dimensional display of surrounding buildings provides additional orientation in city areas in particular. When selecting a navigation destination based on a list of towns, a preview map also appears in the display for each suggested destination during selection. This enables different towns with the same name to be more easily distinguished based on geographical information.

Optimum travel comfort is also provided by the travel planner with guided tours function. The planner links a number of different destinations to create an individualised travel route, each destination being automatically retrieved in succession during the journey. With support from the virtual travel guide, the system selects the most attractive routes. What is more, the driver can also integrate his own interim stopping points within the route plan if so desired.

As an alternative to full-screen display, a support window can also be activated in the Control Display which provides other information independently of the main map. The content of the support window can be determined by the customer based on a predefined selection. The special map view under the menu item "Highlight traffic situation" offers a contemporary convenience which is useful not only in city traffic. In this view, current tailbacks are displayed as sections marked in red.

Accelerated access times are ensured due to the fact that navigation data is installed on an 80 GB hard drive installed in the vehicle. What is more, the latter can be used as a music archive with around 13 GB of memory. Music files can be transferred onto it from CDs, external MP3 players or USB sticks. The music files are then permanently available without the CD or other external storage media having to be kept in the vehicle.

The functional range of the popular bookmark buttons in the central console has also been extended. For the first time, these eight buttons can now be used to save and directly select any menu items accessible via iDrive, in addition to radio stations, telephone numbers and navigation destinations – for example map displays or the telephone address book.

World premiere of BMW ConnectedDrive: unlimited internet use inside the vehicle, Enhanced Emergency Call and new remote services.
In the model year 2009 there will be a further extension of the range of voice and internet-based services available under the umbrella of BMW ConnectedDrive. BMW is the first automobile manufacturer to provide unlimited internet access in the vehicle. BMW internet access is available for the BMW 7 Series, BMW 6 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW 3 Series and BMW 1 Series on the basis of BMW Assist at an attractive data flat-rate of 12.50 euros per month. The transfer of data is based on EDGE technology (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), which unlike UMTS provides full geographical coverage and is three to four times faster than the mobile phone standard GPRS.

The basis for internet use in the vehicle is provided by the further developed version of iDrive. Here, the Controller performs a similar function to that of a conventional computer mouse. Internet pages can be shown in the Control Display in high resolution. An additional function enables screen sections to be enlarged so as to focus on details. For safety reasons, the display of internet pages is only possible when the vehicle is stationary, as in BMW models with TV function. With the optional Rear Entertainment Professional facility, internet use is also possible on the rear seats during travel.

The BMW Assist service provided in conjunction with the navigation system Professional and mobile phone preparation with Bluetooth interface now includes the Advanced Emergency Call as part of BMW ConnectedDrive. This enables rescue teams to receive detailed information on the type of collision and risk of injury to vehicle occupants before they arrive at the scene of the accident, ensuring that the appropriate medical care for those involved in the accident can be prepared well in advance. This is because the information relayed to the BMW Call Centre includes not just the exact location of the vehicle with mobile phone number, chassis number and vehicle type but also the data collected by the vehicle sensors which includes details of the type and intensity of the collision. This means that head-on, rear-on and side impacts or even multiple collisions can be distinguished as well as roll-overs. In addition to automatic activation, the emergency call can also be activated manually. The driver or front passenger then has an immediate connection with the BMW Call Centre.

In future, BMW ConnectedDrive will provide direct assistance to customers through the BMW Call Centre even in situations which previously required a roadside rescue service. This is possible due to the new remote services. In Germany alone, BMW Service responds to roadside assistance calls up to 7 000 times a year to unlock vehicles which have been locked by mistake. If the vehicle key has been left in the luggage compartment or a child has locked the car from the inside, all that is needed in future is a call to the BMW Call Centre. After unambiguous identification, a staff member at the BMW Call Centre can remotely unlock the vehicle. In the same way, the vehicle can also be locked by a staff member at the BMW Call Centre. In this way a driver can be sure that his vehicle is locked after he has parked it in a hurry at the airport, for example. Another function of this new BMW ConnectedDrive service is the remote air conditioning, exclusively available for the BMW 7 Series. Here, a brief telephone call can be made before starting a journey to ensure that the vehicle interior is set to a pleasant temperature before setting out on a trip.

New snap-in adaptor with USB connection for Apple iPhone and other smartphones.
For the full integration of current smartphone models in the vehicle, a new snap-in adaptor is provided in the accessory program for the model year 2009, as well as a matching USB circuit board as an optional extra. With the option of extended connection of the music player in a mobile phone, it is possible to use both the communication and the entertainment functions of the phone and control them using the iDrive operating system. Telephone numbers and music titles stored in the smartphone are shown in the Control Display, and the driver has permanent access to both the telephone and the MP3 player functions of the external device. The power supply to the smartphone and reception via car aerial are also taken care of. The new interface can be used for the integration of the mobile phones Apple iPhone, Sony Ericsson K850i and Nokia 6500c.

BMW X3 in the model year 2009: new editions highlight the premium character of the SAV model which has been sold 500 000 times.

Both a trend-setter and a best-seller – that is the BMW X3. The figure of 500 000 units sold bears witness to the popularity of this highly agile Sports Activity Vehicle as does its class victory in the J.D. Power study "Customer Satisfaction Index" in 2008. In the model year 2009 its appeal will be further enhanced with new equipment options as well as two high-quality editions. From the model year 2009 the BMW X3 will be available in six engine versions with an output range from 110 kW/150 bhp to 210 kW/286 bhp, also offering a further refined selection of materials for the interior, an extended storage package and new options for exterior paint finishes, interior strips and light alloy rims.

The modern charisma and sporty agility of the BMW X3 is especially highlighted in the Edition Lifestyle. For the exterior finish, the new Space Grey metallic is available along with nine other colours. The vehicle's striking visual appearance is also enhanced by the 18-inch light alloy rims in double spoke design in the BMW X3 xDrive 35d and the V-spoke wheels in 17-inch format for all other model variations. In the interior a leather steering wheel, seat covers in the fabric/leather combination Pearlpoint/Pearl and the black gear lever and handbrake gaits add a touch of sporty elegance. The ambience is rounded off with interior strips in Space Grey metallic, with four alternative versions available. At an additional price, upholstery in Nevada leather trim is available for the BMW X3 Edition Lifestyle as well as other light alloy wheels from the equipment and accessory range for the SAV model.

In the Edition Exclusive, the BMW X3 combines high-quality equipment features with an especially stylish appearance. On the outside, the new colour Mineral Green metallic – created exclusively for this edition – perfectly represents these qualities. Nine other exterior paint finishes are alternatively available. In addition there are 18-inch light alloy wheels in high-quality Y-spoke design which provide an effective visual reflection of the supreme character of this SAV. The dynamic qualities of the BMW X3 can be enjoyed in an especially luxurious ambience in the Edition Exclusive. This is due to such features as the Basic, Sport and Comfort seats in Nevada leather trim, the leather steering wheel, the front armrest and the interior strips in light walnut wood trim. To increase safety and comfort, the Edition Exclusive also comprises xenon headlamps, a headlamp washer system, a rain sensor and a lighting package.

In conjunction with the two editions, the 4-cylinder versions of the BMW X3 also feature kidney grille rods in Graphite metallic as well as an oval chrome tailpipe for the exhaust system. As an optional extra, both editions can also be supplemented with a Comfort Package Plus from 1,950.- euros as well as BMW Individual special equipment features for the interior design.

BMW X models and all-wheel drive versions of the BMW 5 Series and BMW 3 Series: new structure of model designations lends greater emphasis to BMW xDrive.

For the most successful Sports Activity Vehicle, the BMW X5, and the world's first Sports Activity Coupe, the BMW X6, there are also new exterior paint finishes, upholstery, interior strips and rim versions to choose from in the model year 2009, allowing for more specific individualisation of each model. For the BMW X6 a new BMW Individual equipment composition is also available.

From autumn 2008 a uniform structure will be introduced for the model designations of all members of the BMW X family. Here, the naming system already in use for the BMW X6 will be applied to the BMW X5 and the BMW X3 too, structured according to engine output and specifically referring to the intelligent all-wheel drive system BMW xDrive. The most powerful version of the large SAV will bear the designation BMW X5 xDrive48i as of autumn 2008, with the addition of the models BMW X5 xDrive30i, BMW X5 xDrive35d and BMW X5 xDrive30d. With the second Sports Activity Vehicle, the petrol engine models will bear the designations BMW X3 xDrive30i, BMW X3 xDrive25i and BMW X3 xDrive20i. The diesel versions will be called
BMW X3 xDrive35d, BMW X3 xDrive30d and BMW X3 xDrive20d.

In order to visually reflect the high status of the intelligent all-wheel drive system as a trademark for driving dynamics, traction and ride stability, all models will bear the newly designed "xDrive" lettering on the front side panels. In the all-wheel drive models of the BMW 5 Series and BMW 3 Series, this lettering will serve to provide clear differentiation from vehicles with rear-wheel drive. The model designations of the all-wheel drive vehicles in these series will also be adapted accordingly. The most powerful all-wheel drive model of the BMW 5 Series will in future be known as BMW 530i xDrive. The first 4-cylinder model of the BMW 3 Series with all-wheel drive available from autumn 2008 will be called BMW 320d xDrive.

BMW 6 Series: exclusive dynamic performance with a new sports package.
The exclusive driving pleasure offered by the models of the BMW 6 Series will be further enhanced in the model year 2009 with the addition of standard features such as high-quality exterior paint finishes, upholsteries and interior strips as well as an expansion of the range of optionally available light alloy rims and BMW Individual equipment features. In addition, the dynamic character of these vehicles can be displayed more intensively with an attractive sports package which is available for both the BMW 6 Series

Coupe and the BMW 6 Series Convertible.
The sports package includes an M sports chassis, 19-inch light alloy rims, an exhaust system with a distinctive sound character for the BMW 650i and tailpipes in dark chrome, as well as a newly contoured engine compartment lid with arrow-shaped character lines. There are seven colours available for the exterior paint finish, and the overall exterior visual impression is rounded off with the option of BMW Individual High Gloss Satin Chrome for the B column, the window shaft covers and the side window surrounds. Sport seats in three choices of leather trim, an M leather steering wheel, interior strips in brushed aluminium, an anthracite-coloured BMW Individual roof liner and a lighting package define the sporty character of the interior.

BMW 5 Series: reduced emissions, increased exclusivity.
In the model year 2009, the BMW 5 Series consolidates its position as the epitome of efficient driving fun in the upper medium category. More impressively than any other vehicle in its segment, the BMW 5 Series combines dynamic qualities with exemplary economy and a further optimised emissions response. In particular the BMW 520d shows itself to be unsurpassed in its segment with an EU test cycle average fuel consumption of 5.1 litres to 100 kilometres and a CO2 level of 136 grams per kilometre (BMW 520d Touring: 5.3 litres, 140 grams). It is the only vehicle in its category with a CO2 level below 140 grams per kilometre while also fulfilling the EU5 exhaust emissions norm as early as autumn 2008. No matter what the engine type, all versions of the BMW 5 Series further increase their appeal with a range of new equipment features. With upholsteries, interior strips and an optionally available composition from the BMW Individual program it is possible give further emphasis to the modern and exclusive style of both the Sedan and the Touring models.

BMW 1 Series: more innovative, more high-quality.
Its dynamically oriented powertrain concept, its premium character and its numerous equipment features based on state-of-the-art technology drawn from higher segments and unique in this vehicle category make the BMW 1 Series an exceptional phenomenon within its segment. This applies to the 5-door and the 3-door model as it does to the Coupe and Convertible. In the model year 2009 the appeal of the series will be increased further not just with new engine types for the BMW 1 Series Convertible and the new generation of the optional BMW iDrive but also with innovative equipment options. As standard, the 5-door and 3-door models will be fitted with crash-optimised seatbacks and headrests for the front seats from autumn 2008. As an optional extra, the BMW High Beam Assistant will be available for the first time for all models of the BMW 1 Series. The list of special equipment features also includes steering wheel heating and mobile phone preparation with Bluetooth interface. The selection of exterior paint finishes now includes the colour Space Grey metallic, and another new addition is the interior strips in Satin Silver.