Despite its controversial styling turn a few years ago and its consistently disliked iDrive system, BMW remains one of the world's most respected automakers, renowned for crafting luxury cars and SUVs that offer superior levels of driving enjoyment.
For 2009, the German-based company stands pat on many models, but also introduces all-new versions of its flagship 7 Series and its Z4 sports car. Even the 3 Series, the company's best seller, gets some love, including a new look and a diesel engine option.
BMW has also changed the naming of its all-wheel-drive models. First used on the new X6, the term "xDrive" will now be used on all BMW models equipped with all-wheel drive. Also first seen on the X6 were the "35i" and "50i" model designations. This naming convention will be used on all X Series SUVs like the X3 and X5, and the X6 Sports Activity Coupe.
On the all-wheel-drive 3 Series and 5 Series models, this change occurs on the trunk lid, where the "x" is removed and the xDrive badge will be shown on the side behind the front wheels.
2009 BMW 1 Series: A heated steering wheel has been added to the Cold Weather package on the 128i coupes and convertibles. The option is also available as a stand-alone option on 135i coupes and convertibles, and requires the Cold Weather package.
Optional active steering is no longer available on 128i models, but the optional navigation system with real-time traffic information features BMW's fourth generation of iDrive, which the company says is more user-friendly than before.
Space Gray Metallic replaces Sparkling Graphite Metallic. Bummer.
2009 BMW 3 Series: BMW's best seller gets a fair bit of revision for 2009. The 2009 BMW 3 Series sedan and wagon (but not the coupe or convertible) get a subtle face-lift in the form of a new hood, new rocker moldings and new more aggressive front and rear fascias.
But the big news is under the hood of the sedan, which will be available for the first time in North America with a diesel engine. The 2009 BMW 335d will be powered by a 265-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-6 turbodiesel engine.
The interior has also been improved. The driver-side armrest now sits higher, making the window and exterior mirror controls more accessible. There are also new-look instruments, higher-quality matte-finish aluminum trim and some redesigned switches within the center console.
The biggest interior change, however, is reserved for the optional iDrive system. It receives a smaller rotary controller surrounded by four individual one-touch buttons for the navigation, CD player, AM/FM radio and telephone functions, as well as a function to back out of the menu altogether. An 8.8-inch monitor is available. The iDrive software has also been revised, and the various options are now stacked vertically on the screen.
2009 BMW 5 Series: New standard 17-inch wheels with all-season tires are available on the 528i and 528xi models, while new 17-inch wheels with all-season tires are available on the 535i and 535xi models.
Also, the first aid kit has been removed from the standard equipment list and the green band windshield has been deleted.
More:edmunds
And Merc is right about X3 and 6er....they're not for next year.
