BMW has recently announced refreshed line-ups for the new 1-series and 7-series for the 2010 model year. Two new models have been added for the 1-series coupe – one petrol (120i) and one diesel (118d), with the hatch getting two new special edition models. Both these new entry level models to the 1-series coupe range get the full range of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies, allowing them to comfortably fulfill Euro 5 emission standards.

Meanwhile, at the top end of BMW’s model spectrum, the 7-series gets a new variant, which is the 740d twin-turbodiesel. In addition, their famous xDrive AWD system is now available in the 750, in the form of the 750i xDrive and the 750Li xDrive. The 730d can now be opted with BMW BluePerformance Technology, an enhancement that brings the 730d into Euro 6 emission compliance.

The 1-series

For the 1-series, 2010 model year will feature the addition of two new entry level models for the coupe, and two special edition models for the hatch. This is in addition to the 116i and 116d hatches launched in Spring 2009. Both new variants of the coupe feature two-litre inline-4 engines, but consume different fuels. The petrol-powered 120i gets the N43B20 engine which produces 170hp @ 6,700rpm and 210Nm @ 4,250rpm. Equipped with High Precision Injection (BMW-speak for direct injection), this 1,995cc motor is claimed to sip only 6.6 litres/100km when mounted in the 1-series coupe.

The N47D20 of the 118i similarly displaces 1,995cc, but produce far more impressive figures than the 120i. Power is rated at 143hp @ 4,000rpm, but like all diesels, the figure to watch out for is the torque, and the 118d generates 300Nm in that useful range of 1,750 to 2,500rpm. This allows the 118d to dispatch the century sprint at nine seconds flat before maxing out at 210kph. While that sounds pretty average in today’s terms, its claimed FC of 4.5 litres/100km is less than what even Kancil drivers are accustomed to.

To help both the 120i and 118d meet the stringent Euro 5 emission standards, BMW has equipped both of them with various EfficientDynamics technlogies such as brake energy regeneration, auto start/stop, gear shift point indicators and on-demand only activation of ancillary units as standard. These goodies are also fitted in the 116d hatch, allowing it to achieve an impressive 4.4 litres/100km fuel consumption figure in the EU test cycle. Not to be confused by the badge, the 116d actually draws its propulsion from a two-litre engine, as does the 116i.

Two new special editions for the hatch has also been introduced, namely the Lifestyle Edition and Sport Edition Model. Both these trim levels can be specified for all engine options available on the hatch. The Lifestyle Edition comes in an exclusive Marrakesh Brown Metallic paint complemented with a matching colour scheme for the interior. Additional goodies for this edition includes 17″ lightweight alloys, chrome tails, multifunction leather sports steering wheel, and anthracite-colour roof lining.

BMW 1-series Lifestyle Edition

Where the Lifestyle Edition consists primarily of cosmetic enchancements, the Sport Edition Model comes with a full M Sports Package which includes the M Aerodynamics Package and a sports suspension setup. Seventeen-inch alloys come as standard, but buyers of the 123d and 130i can opt for 18″ lightweight rims finished in Ferric Grey colour. The M touch continues inside with the footrest, the sports steering wheel, and the gear shift lever all bearing the magical logo. To complete the sporty tone, the dashboard is finished in the funkily named Aluminium Glacier Silver.

BMW 1-series Sport Edition Model

Finally, for the 2010 model year, the BMW 1-series will feature the new generation iDrive featuring an 800 × 480 pixel LCD screen, and can be optionally packaged together with BMW’s Business navigation system.

The 7-series

When the F01 was launched in 2008, there were three engine options, of which Malaysia only got two. Not unexpectedly, BMW Malaysia left out the 730d, choosing only to bring in the 740Li and 750Li. The 730d that we missed out on is powered by the 2,993cc N57D30 turbodiesel producing 245hp @ 4,000rpm and a delicious-sounding 540Nm @ 1,750-3,000rpm (i.e. all the time!). Besides featuring BMW’s now oft-trumpeted array EfficientDynamics goodies, the 730d can now be optioned with BluePerformance Technology, which slashes nitric oxide emissions to Euro 6 levels, due for implementation in 2014.

BMW also cleverly took the same N57 engine, slapped it with what they call TwinPower Turbo Technology (that’s how BMW call twinturbos these days), and came up with the 740d. The idea is simple, but the results are astonishing. Peak power is rated at 306hp, but max torque is a phenomenal 600Nm available between 1,500rpm and 2,500rpm. Put it simply, a mere twitch of your right foot sends enough torque to the rear wheels to twist the earth spinning the opposite direction. As a result, the two-tonne-plus 740d needs only 6.3 seconds to hit 100kph, with its top speed artificially limited to 250kph. Claimed FC is a highly respectable 6.9 litres/100km.

BMW 740d

For the first time ever, BMW is making its xDrive electronic all-wheel drive system available in the 7-series. As of now, it would only be mated to the 4.4-litre V8 in the 750i xDrive and the 750Li xDrive. In the 750, the xDrive is set-up with a 60:40 rear-biased torque split, but the system re-routes up to 80% of drive to the rear wheels during cornering, a move that BMW claims to “ensure spontaneous steering behaviour precisely following the actual radius and course of the bend.”

7-series, now with xDrive.

Together with the 6.0-litre V12-powered 760i, these new variants have doubled the powertrain options for the 7-series since its launch, all of which can now be specified with the M Sports Package available on the 7-series for the first time. Unlike the M Sport Packages found in the 3 and the 5, which dress the respective cars up in understated aggression, the one designed for the 7 shouts it out with extra ‘bling-bling’ in the form of chrome-finish on the front and rear diffusers. Chrome finish in a sports kit? What were they thinking?

M Sport Package an option now extended to the 7-series.

Other cosmetic touches with the M Sports Package is the optional exclusive Carbon Black Metallic paint, and 19″ alloys (20″ optional). The interior gets all the usual M-badged steerings, gearknobs and whatnots. Under the skin enhancements come in the form of electronics, which is the BMW Dynamic Drive system.

Availability

The new 1-series variants will go on sale in Europe starting September 2009. There is little hope of the 118d coming to our shores, but we might be able to see the petrol-powered 120i coming in as the new entry-level BMW. Similarly, the new 7-series variants are also slated for an autumn 2009 launch in Europe. We are likely to continue with just the 740Li and 750Li, but expect BMW Malaysia to make the M Sports Package available for us by next year. – KON

As BMW gears up for the launch of the latest 7-series here in Malaysia, let’s take a look back at the history and heritage of the Munich firm’s flagship model. 

1. E3 (1968 – 1977) 

Back in the 1950s, BMW was on the verge of bankruptcy. The folks at Munich won’t want you to know this, but in 1959, BMW was just a whisker away from being sold to, of all companies, Daimler-Benz. Since then, the Bavarians went on to introduce the iconic New Class line, of which the famous 2002 was a member.

The success of the New Class enabled BMW to grow from strength to strength, and they went to challenge Mercedes head on with the New Six product line, which were a series of six-cylinder engine sedans and coupes. The coupes were known internally as the E9, while the four-door sedans were designated as the E3.

Although the E3 is recognised as the ancestor of the 7-series, they were not known as such yet. Initially, it came in two versions, the 2500 and 2800 – no prizes for guessing the engine size, such is the extent of German naming creativity. Even back then, the E3 had set the stage for BMW’s long-running battle against Merc, beating the equivalent S-class in powerplant smoothness, but losing out in interior space.

Having set its sights to gun down Merc, BM had furnished the E3 with a comprehensive spec list, offering disc brakes and independent suspension all-round as a statement of intent. The bulletproof M30 powerplant debuted in the E3, but remained in service all the way to the mid-90s, powering the likes of the 535i and 735i.

Notable versions of the E3 include the US-only BMW Bavaria (which was a 2500 specced with the 2800’s engine), and the long wheelbase 3.3Li – curiously badged as so, considering the engine only displaced 3,188cc.

  
The BMW E3

2. E23 (1977 – 1986)

In 1972, the BMW 5-series was launched to replace the New Six sedans. Designated as the E12, it started BMW’s three-digit nomenclature for naming its models, and was powered by a series of four-cylinder engines from the New Class and six-cylinder engines from the New Six. It was actually smaller than the E3, which meant that the latter continued service until 1977, when the E23 was launched to replace it.

The E23 slotted above the E12 5-series, and was dubbed the 7-series. It was powered entirely by inline-six cylinder engines, most of them carried over from the E3. It moved the game on from the E3 with advanced features such as ABS, fuel injection, power seats, power windows, and power sided mirrors.

In left-hand drive markets, there was the top-of-the-line 745i powered by a version of the M30 engine displacing 3,205cc, boosted by turbocharging to churn out 249hp @ 5,200rpm and 374Nm @ 2,600rpm. In 1984, the engine grew to 3,430cc, but had turbo boost reduced from 0.69bar to 0.41bar, with BMW quoting identical output figures. This setup never saw light in RHD markets, because the turbocharger could not be configured to fit in the engine bay for RHD versions.

Of course, in Malaysia, if you do see one, chances are it’s running with a Nissan or Toyota engine under the hood.

E23 BMW 7-series

3. E32 (1987 – 1994)

BMW retired the E23 after 10 years of service, replacing it with the E32. The fabled M30 straight-six engine continues to see action here in the 730i and 735i, displacing 2,986cc and 3,430cc respectively. Moving further up the food chain, BMW introduced V8 and V12 engines in the 7 for the first time.

The 5.0-litre V12 M70 powerplant debuted in the 750i in 1987, while the V8 M60 engines only appeared in 1992. The M60 came in two guises – the 3.0-litre M60B30 and the 4.0-litre M60B40. The M70 block served as the basis for the S70/1 6.1-litre V12 used in the McLaren F1. However, the M60 had a less glorious history, with its Nikasil engine linings susceptible to corrosion when used with high sulphur fuel. BMW eventually had to replace many of the affected engines using Alusil as a substitute material.

Like the E28 from the E3, the E32 was also a far more advanced car compared to its predecessor. The upper mountings of the seat belts self-adjust when you adjust the seats front and back. The window seals are engineered to press the rubber on the glass when the window is closed and loosens when the window is open. Forgot to close your windows after locking your car? No worries, stick your keys into the door handle, twist to ‘lock’ hold it there, the windows go up themselves. It even pioneered projector headlights.

All it did not do was fly… oh, well…

The E32 – owners, don’t get funny ideas…..

4. E38 (1995 – 2001)

The E38 was launched to replace the E32 after seven years of service. It was the first 7-series offered with a diesel engine in the 725tds, offered alongside the petrol-powered V8 variants 730i, 735i, 740i, and also the V12 750i. Eventually added to the lineup were the 728i, 730d and 740d.

In 1996, BMW debuted its now-famous Steptronic semi-automatic transmission in the 750i while upsizing the 740i’s V8 from 4.0-litres to 4.4-litres. Inside, the electronically adjusted driver’s seats have memory functions, and features Active Comfort Seats which BMW claims to reduce fatigue in both driver and passengers.

5. E65 (2002 – 2008)

Despite being labelled by many as such, the E65 7-series was not Chris Bangle’s first creation at BMW, though it was the one that made him the most famous (or infamous) designer of the car world. Can you name the chief designer of Honda, Toyota or Mercedes? I suspect not.

Bangle attempted to revolutionise the styling language of BMW for the new century, and this first attempt at that effort was horrible. Even after six years, it’s still ugly. Like in previous 7-series, BMW engineered many revolutionary features in this car. The infamous iDrive made its debut here as BMW attempted to re-write the driving rulebook.

In place of a gear lever, is an electronic steering mounted gear stalk controlling outputs to the 6-speed auto from ZF. The car was so laden by electronics that early units were plagued by software failure. BMW has never managed get the measure of the S-class, and in the E65, they never stood a chance.

6. F01 (2009 – )

The F01 7-series made its world premier in September 2008, and will be officially launched in Malaysia on 14 Jan 2009. As of Saturday 10 Jan, a long wheelbase 740Li was parked in Auto Bavaria Bukit Bintang showroom. Currently, only three models are available – 730d, 740i and 750i.

Watch out for more details on AW after the launch.

The F01 – coming real soon.