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What Changed in 2008 for BMW

  • 2009 BMW 1-Series Convertible

    2008 BMW 1-Series Convertible

    The BMW 1-Series is an entry-level product for the BMW brand. The 1-Series convertible is about 9 inches shorter and 2 inches narrower than the 3-Series convertible, however powertrain options are the same. BMW 128i models are equipped with a 230hp, inline-six and 135i models are equipped with a 300 hp, twin-turbocharged inline-six. The 1-Series convertible features a power-operated soft top.

  • 2009 BMW 1 Series

    2008 BMW 1-Series Coupe

    The BMW 1-Series is an entry-level product for the BMW brand. Having been sold in hatchback configurations around the world, the new coupe model is the first to be sold in the U.S. market. The 1-Series coupe is about 9 inches shorter and 2 inches narrower than the 3-Series coupe, however powertrain options are the same. BMW 128i models are equipped with a 230hp, inline-six and 135i models are equipped with a 300 hp, twin-turbocharged inline-six.

  • 2009 BMW X6

    2008 BMW X6

    The X6 is an new take on the SUV by BMW. The X6 features a roofline that sharply tapers in the rear and two rows of seats accommodate only four passengers. The X6 xDrive35i model includes a 300-bhp 3.0L inline-six cylinder and a 4.4L V8 rated at 400-bhp powers the X6 xDrive50i. All-wheel-drive is standard. The X6 features one of the first implementations of torque vectoring.

  • 2008 BMW 5-Series Sedan

    The 2008 5 Series features mild exterior and interior updates. The six-cylinder models switch to the latest generation of normally aspirated and turbocharged engines. This results in new 528 and 535 models.

  • 2008 BMW 5-Series Sport Wagon

    The 2008 5 Series features mild exterior and interior updates. The six-cylinder models switch to the latest generation of normally aspirated and turbocharged engines. This in a new 535 model designation.

BMW has enjoyed success with its performance-oriented image. Iconic BMW vehicles have stayed at the forefront of the market by including large doses of advanced engine and driving control technologies. In spite of heavy criticism, the new styling of BMW vehicles has connected with buyers, and sales of the 3-series, 5-series and 6-series automobiles have steadily increased.

In 2008, two of BMW's most iconic models will return to the US market. The M3 is BMW's factory-tuned high-performance variant of the 3-Series. To separate the M3 from the 3.0L twin-turbo 335i, BMW will equip it with a 4.0L V8 under the hood. Rated at over 400-bhp, the all-aluminum engine is the first V8 installed in a 3-Series. The M3 will be unmistakable, with more aggressive bodywork and large 18-inch wheels and tires. Both coupe and sedan variants of the M3 will be offered.

As the 3-Series has increased in size and price, an opening has emerged at the bottom of the BMW lineup. Enter the 1-Series. Billed as the spiritual successor to the classic 2002 BMWs of the 60s/70s, the 1-Series will appear in coupe and convertible forms during 2008. The smaller and lighter 1-Series combined with BMWs inline six could make the 128i and 135i models some of the most appealing products BMW sells.

Also for the 2008 model year, all 5-Series and 6-Series models receive updated styling to the front and rear fascias. 5-Series sedan models switch to the newer, more powerful 3.0-liter inline-sixes found in the 3-Series, resulting in new 528i and 535i models.

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