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BMW MAKES FOUR WORLD DEBUTS AT 75th GENEVA AUTO SHOW: The new 3 Series, M6, 130i and revised 7 Series all debut
02/22/2005

1. BMW at the 75th Geneva Motor Show.

(Short Version) 3
2. The new BMW 3 Series Saloon:
Unique Dynamics, Product Substance and All-Round Efficiency. 11
3. World Debut of the new BMW M6. 19
4. The BMW 7 Series as of Spring 2005. 27
5. Driving Pleasure Beyond Conventional Dimensions:
The BMW 130i - the Performance Athlete in the Compact Class. 36
6. The BMW 5 Series in Spring 2005. 39
7. New BMW Individual 3 Series at the Geneva Motor Show. 50

The all-new 3 Series makes its world debut at the Geneva Auto Show on March 1st. Also debuting will be the new M6, the revised 2006 7 Series and the 130i. The attached press kit offers a global perspective of all four cars.

The 3 Series will makes its North American debut at the New York International Auto Show and will go on sale on May 6th. Two models will be offered, both featuring new 3-liter inline 6-cylinder engines. The 3-liter engine in the 325i will produce 215 horsepower and the engine in the 330i will produce 255.

The 2006 7 Series will also make its North American debut in New York. Four models will again be offered. The 750i and 750Li will use a new 4.8-liter VALVETRONIC V8 capable of 360 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque. The 760Li and sporty 760i will again offer the 6-liter VALVETRONIC V12 producing 438 horsepower and 444 lb-ft of torque.

The M6 will go on sale in the U.S. in 2006. The 130i will not be offered in the U.S.

 

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Launching the new M6, BMW M GmbH is presenting the most sporting and dynamic rendition of the 6 Series Luxury Coupé. This makes the BMW M6 Coupé not only one of the most beautiful cars in the world, but also the most sophisticated and powerful 6 Series the world has ever seen: five litres
capacity, 10 cylinders, 507 hp (373 kW) maximum output, 520 Newton-metres (383 lb-ft) peak torque and engine speed beyond the 8,000-rpm limit.
Together with the excellent chassis and suspension designed without compromises for ultimate performance, this power unit boosts the BMW M6 right up to the highest ranks of supersports performance. But unlike its competitors in most cases offering only two seats, the M6 comes with all the space
and comfort of a typical 2+2-seater as well as the luxurious features of a top-of-the-range BMW.
The principle for success: sheer power in a discreet body.
The M6 Coupé shares its outstanding power unit with the BMW M5 Sports Saloon acknowledged as the absolute benchmark in the high-performance saloon market.
Offering the same standard of supreme performance, the M6 now sets the benchmark in the segment of high-power 2+2-seater luxury sports cars, the engineers at BMW M concentrating not only at the sheer power of the engine, but also on the weight of the body reduced to a minimum in the interest of even more dynamic performance and handling. As a result, the M6 is simply ideal also for the race track in terms of its dynamic performance, while in terms of motoring comfort, features and equipment it is equally ideal for virtually
all roads the world over. And not least the elegant design of this very special BMW Coupé, featuring only discreet changes to the body, bears out all the understatement so characteristic of all M models as their fundamental feature.
The customer benefits from the virtually inexhaustible power and performance of the ten-cylinder high-speed engine also through its interaction with
the seven-speed SMG gearbox, the outstanding chassis and suspension, the elegant body in innovative lightweight technology, as well as the wide range of luxurious features all adding up to provide a new dimension in sports motoring.



It is indeed hard to find a genuine competitor able to face the BMW M6, since all other cars in this segment are either purist supersports or sports saloons much less agile in their handling and performance. Through its innovative drive concept, a power-to-weight ratio even better than on the M5, as well
as unique handling – and all this with all the features and everyday driving qualities of a large coupé – the new M6 rightly comes in a class of its own, clearly reflecting the philosophy pursued by the engineers at BMW M GmbH.

 

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V10 power unit with racing-standard engine speeds.
Featuring BMW’s truly outstanding V10 power units, the BMW M5 and M6 come with one of the rare high-speed engines in a production saloon and coupé. Within the entire BMW brand, the V10 is the technically most demanding and most powerful engine concept of the highest standard.
But power is not everything. Rather, what counts perhaps even more is acceleration and driving dynamics, two factors depending, first, on the weight of the vehicle and, second, on the power actually going to the drive wheels. This, in turn, is a function of engine torque and the overall transmission ratio.
The high engine speed concept allows an optimum transmission and final drive ratio and, as a result, means impressive power and muscle on the drive wheels at all times.
High-speed engine concept – the ideal solution.
The compact, high-speed normal aspiration power unit is the ideal solution among all strategies in achieving maximum engine output: Revving up
to a speed of 8,250 rpm, the V10 reigns supreme at engine speeds seen until recently only in fully-fledged racing cars. As a result, the engine exceeds the magical limit of 100 hp per litre, that is a level of specific output comparable to that of a racing car of the highest calibre.
The two rows of five cylinders each making up the V10 are arranged at an angle of 90°, ensuring minimum vibrations and maximum comfort, with perfect mass balance of the crankdrive. Due to high loads resulting from combustion pressure, high engine speeds and vibrations, the crankcase is a so-called bedplate structure and the extremely stiff crankshaft runs in six bearings.
Variable double-VANOS valve management ensures an optimum gas charge cycle for extremely fast valve timing. In practice this means more power,
a better torque curve, optimum engine response, enhanced fuel economy, and exhaust emissions reduced to a minimum. Again reflecting the usual
standard in motorsport, each cylinder comes with its own throttle butterfly with fully electronic control for each individual row of cylinders.

Twin-chamber stainless-steel exhaust system.
Made of stainless steel without any connection joints or seams, the exhaust system runs all the way to the rear silencers as a twin-chamber configuration before exhaust gases leave the car through four tailpipes, like in all
BMW M Cars. It almost goes without saying that exhaust emissions comply in full with both the European EU4 and the US LEV2 standard, the M6 standing out from the M5 also through its even more powerful, sporting sound.
The outstanding power and emission control of the engine is attributable in particular to the sophisticated engine management system incorporating the most powerful processors currently to be found in the global car market,
since the demands made of the processors are particularly great in this case due to the high speed of the engine and the wide range of management
and control functions required.
One of the highlights of the engine control unit is ionic current technology serving to detect any tendency of the engine to knock, any misfiring or
mis-combustion. This system is able to detect any risk of the engine knocking via the spark plug in each cylinder, checking the correct ignition process and recognising any misfiring, thus coming as close as possible to the theoretical limits and ensuring optimum power and performance. The spark plug
also serves as an actuator for the ignition and as a sensor observing the combustion process.

 

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Seven-speed SMG gearbox conveying M Power to the road.
The concept of a high-speed power unit will work best if the engine is combined with an appropriate transmission that is with the right gear ratios.
In that case the engine is able to convey the torque provided by the engine ideally into optimum power and performance through the short gear ratios.
BMW’s seven-speed SMG gearbox is exactly the right manual unit for ideally conveying the power of the V10 via the drivetrain to the rear wheels.
This BMW M gearbox is indeed the only sequential transmission in the world with seven gears and a Drivelogic function. With even greater qualities than six-speed SMG transmission, this unique unit allows manual selection of gears with extremely short gearshift times as well as comfortable cruising thanks to automatic gear selection. And thanks to the additional gear, the “gaps” between engine speed and torque levels are even smaller than usual.

The driver shifts gears in the SMG transmission via the selector lever or shift paddles in the steering wheel. Compared with a conventional SMG gearbox, the new generation of SMG transmission units shifts gears 20 per cent
faster in a virtually perfect “flow” from one gear to another. This makes the basically unavoidable interruption in the flow of power when shifting
virtually unnoticeable, allowing the M6 to accelerate from standstill to top speed without the slightest interruption or “jolt”.
Drivelogic: the driver chooses his SMG gearshift characteristics.
Featuring the Drivelogic function, SMG offers the driver a total of 11 gearshift options allowing him to individually adjust the gearshift characteristics of SMG to his preferred style of motoring.
Six of these driving programs come in the sequential manual function
(S-mode) ranging from well-balanced and dynamic all the way to ultra-sporting. In the S-mode the driver always shifts gears by hand, the Launch Control function nevertheless enabling SMG Drivelogic to shift gears at
exactly the right point and with optimum spin control before reaching maximum engine speed, the M6 thus accelerating smoothly and consistently to its top speed on the road.
In the automatic gearshift mode referred to a Drive (D-mode), the transmission shifts the seven gears by itself as a function of the driving program selected, the current driving situation, road speed, and the position of the gas pedal.
SMG also ensuring extra safety and comfort on the road.
Seven-speed SMG supports the driver not only in terms of supreme
performance. On the contrary – it also offers numerous safety features,
for example by opening up the clutch instantaneously in a critical situation –
eg when shifting down on a slippery road – in order to prevent the car from swerving out of control due to excessive engine forces acting on the drive wheels.
Another special function is Hill Detection moving the gearshift points on uphill and downhill gradients. When driving uphill this avoids the risk of a
“pendulum” gearshift, when driving downhill Hill Detection holds the lower gears longer in mesh in order to capitalise on the engine’s brake power.
Last but certainly not least, SMG also enhances the appealing sound effect of the V10: Whenever shifting down under load, the electronic system briefly gives interim gas in a fast, “hissing” process as a sign of extra power and
dynamic performance, to quote a specialist describing this unique effect.

Maximum driving pleasure.
Superior interaction of the V10 power unit and seven-speed SMG gives the driver of the BMW M6 Coupé maximum pleasure on the road: Acceleration from 0–100 km/h comes in 4.6 seconds and the speedometer needle reaches the 200-km/h mark after approximately 14 seconds. Then, at a speed of
250 km/h or 155 mph, the electronic governor cut in to stop the car’s seemingly never-ending surge of power, although the speedometer clearly shows where the power of the engine would take you to without such an electronic limit, with the speed range extending all the way to 330 km/h or 205 mph.
Lapping the Northern Circuit of Nürburgring in 8 minutes.
The Northern Circuit of the legendary Nürburgring race track is an infallible benchmark for measuring driving dynamics of the highest standard. Here, on the most demanding race track in the world, the truly outstanding reign supreme, leaving even dynamic cars of not quite the same quality far behind. Nowhere else, therefore, do you have the same experience of all the car’s components interacting in perfection when driven to the very limit. Lapping the Northern Circuit of Nürburgring in approximately 8 minutes, the BMW M6 is able to match even the most thoroughbred sports cars, leaving the competition far behind.

 

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The M suspension: the final touch for the BMW 6 Series’ suspension system.
Lap times of this kind prove the extreme dynamics and sporting performance of the BMW M6. Indeed, the chassis and suspension of the BMW 6 Series already outstanding to begin with, as well as the modern assistance systems, have been specially modified for the M6 and its unique M performance.
The suspension and chassis of the new Coupé stand out from that of the M5 through its shorter wheelbase and an even lower centre of gravity in the interest of enhanced agility. In all, therefore, the new BMW M6 is a completely different and, indeed, an absolutely unique car also in terms of its chassis, suspension, and overall set-up.
Variable M Differential Lock.
The variable, speed-sensing M Differential Lock gives the car superior driving stability and optimum traction particularly when accelerating out of a bend. Even in a very demanding driving situation, the M Differential Lock offers a decisive edge in superior traction, for example with the drive wheels running on surfaces very different in their frictional coefficient. A further advantage is that the system builds up increasing locking force with an increasing difference in wheel speed, thus maintaining drive power and forward thrust at all times.

DSC with two freely selectable dynamic driving programs.
The BMW M6 comes with a new generation of BMW’s DSC Dynamic Stability Control. While the first stage of DSC is conceived for maximum driving safety, the M Dynamic mode, like on the M5, appeals above all to the sports-minded driver. To deactivate DSC, all the driver has to do is press a button on the selector lever cover.
EDC: from firm and sporting all the way to comfortable and extra-smooth.
EDC Electronic Damper Control in the BMW M6 enables the driver to choose three programs – Comfort, Normal, and Sports adjusting the characteristics of the suspension from sporting and firm all the way to – relatively – comfortable. The driver operates EDC Electronic Damper Control via the MDrive button in the steering wheel or the push button next to the SMG selector lever.
Power button activating engine characteristics on demand.
In many cases the driver does not require all the power, agility, and performance of the BMW M6 – for example in city traffic. Precisely this is why, when starting the engine, the system automatically activates the comfort-oriented P400 performance program providing 400 hp engine output.
Should the driver wish to enjoy even more power, however, all he has to do is press the Power button in the selector lever cover in order to draw all the output and performance from this mighty ten-cylinder. This also changes the response of the engine, making it even more reactive and spontaneous,
the P500 program and, even more so, the highly dynamic P500 Sports program giving even greater freedom and spontaneity to the uncompromising pleasure of motoring in dynamic style.
High-performance brakes like in motor racing.
Reflecting its enormous power reserves, the BMW M6 comes with appropriately dimensioned high-performance brakes featuring cross-drilled,
specially weight-optimised compound brake discs. Optimised for weight and stiffness, the double-piston aluminium swing callipers allow ultra-short stopping distances, the BMW M6 coming to a standstill from 100 km/h within just 36 metres or 118 feet, and after less than 140 metres or 459 feet from
a speed of 200 km/h.
A performance athlete with the highest standard of aesthetic elegance.
With the BMW 6 Series in “standard” trim offering supreme presence and style, the M6 enhances this impression to an even higher standard
through design features giving the car an even more powerful and sporting look combined with a discreet and unpretentious appearance.

Perhaps the most striking feature at first sight is the impressive front air dam. As is always the case in the design features of a BMW M Car, function
comes first and foremost: With the V10 power unit requiring roughly twice as much cooling air as, say, the V8 in the BMW 645Ci, the large secondary
intake openings at the left and right of the front air dam give the engine of the M6 more air for breathing and at the same time serve to cool the brakes
accordingly. Through their design and looks, the openings also enhance the sporting and dynamic character of the car.

 

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Lightweight engineering and design forming a perfect team.
Beneath the doors the side-sills powerfully contoured for aerodynamic reasons alone again enhance the dynamic impression and stance of
BMW’s Sports Coupé. The side-sills serve to stretch the look of the car, giving the BMW M6 an even lower position on the road. The 19-inch forged
aluminium wheels developed especially for this model with their five filigree double-spokes are extremely light, providing a good and clear view of the
large brake discs. Compared with conventional wheels, weight is down on each individual wheel, thanks to this special design, by no less than 1.8 kilos or 3.96 lb. The “M” logo in the ornamental grid at the side, in turn, immediately shows the connoisseur that this car is one of the top performers in the
M family. And like on all M models, the exterior mirrors also come in very
special, sporting design.
The rear air dam with its typical diffuser opening also serves first and foremost to optimise the car’s aerodynamics. Its second purpose is to offer an additional eye-catcher enhancing the looks of the car to an even higher level. The special design of the rear air dam, in turn, serves to improve the flow
of air beneath the car and reduce lift forces accordingly. The four tailpipes in the twin-chamber exhaust system, finally, surrounding the diffuser in
sets of two on each side, are one of the particular signs of distinction on
a BMW M Car.
The first-ever carbon roof in series production.
The BMW M3 CSL was the first production car to feature a special roof made of carbon. Following that very special model built in a small, strictly limited production run, BMW M GmbH is now lifting this special carbon roof concept into a new dimension of intelligent lightweight construction in the M6 Coupé. The carbon-fibre material carried over from motorsport, offering the same standard of stability and crash safety, weighs a lot less than aluminium, let alone steel. Less mass lowering the car’s centre of gravity means less weight in the process of acceleration and when coming to a stop in the car.


Inside, the M6 stands out from the “regular” 6 Series Coupé by even more sophisticated Merino leather upholstery in three different colours or – at extra cost – with full leather upholstery catering for even the very last detail.
A sports car for everyday motoring.
Despite its truly outstanding performance and racing ambitions, the BMW M6 does not require the driver and his passengers to make any concessions
in terms of space available, as well as active and passive safety. Even the high level of motoring comfort is virtually the same as in the “basic” model.
And in terms of both fuel consumption and environmental compatibility, the M6 fits perfectly into the wide range of truly outstanding BMW cars.

 

[M6 Forever]

Bravo! :thumbsup: Whoever is going to Geneva, you better take some seriously good photos!