BMW has announced a number of model changes to the popular 3 Series, 5 Series, X1 and Z4.
From September, changes to the range include a new M Sport package for the 5 Series, new 535d Saloon and new engine, gearbox & equipment options.
M Sport Package for BMW 5 Series:
The popular M Sport specification will be available on both BMW 5 Series Saloon and Touring models from September.
The high spec M Sport Package adds specifically adapted M Sports suspension, M aerodynamics and 18’’ M light alloys to BMW 5 Series, enhancing the style and driving dynamics.
The M Sport Package also adds specially developed sport seats, M leather-clad steering wheel, M gear lever knob, anthracite roof lining and M aluminium interior trim. Further options include 19’’ M light alloys as well as M rear spoiler for the Saloon.
New 299hp BMW 535d Saloon:
A new BMW 535d Saloon will join the BMW 5 Series line-up, boasting a 3.0-litre 299hp straight-six cylinder engine with BMW twin turbocharger and common rail direct injection technology.
The fourth and most powerful diesel version of the BMW 5 Series also produces impressive figures including 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds and an average combined fuel consumption of 46.3mpg.
New Engines for 5 Series Touring:
Three new engines, including two diesels and a six-cylinder petrol engine will be added to the BMW 5 Series Touring range.
As with the Saloon, the Touring model will get a 299bhp 535d straight-six diesel engine with single turbocharger and common rail direct injection technology. The new engine sprints from 0-62mph in only 5.7 seconds and has an average fuel consumption of 44.8 mpg.
Joining the 535d Touring model is the new BMW 525d with a 3.0-litre diesel engine producing 204hp at 4,000rpm. The BMW 525d Touring accelerates from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds and has an average fuel consumption of 44.8 mpg.
Finally, completing the new engine line-up in the BMW 5 Series Touring is 528i model with 3.0-litre straight six-cylinder petrol engine, boasting 258hp and 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds.
New Gearbox for BMW X1 xDrive23d:
From September, the range-topping BMW X1 xDrive23d will be available with six-speed manual transmission, boosting performance whilst lowering CO2 emissions to 158g/km.
Improvements have also been made to the six-speed automatic transmission which now produces CO2 emissions of 167 g/km.
Design Pure Impulse Equipment Package for BMW Z4:
Designed exclusively for the BMW Z4, a new Design Pure Impulse equipment package is now available with a range of exclusive colours and materials to emphasis the charismatic and sporty roadster.
Black Alcantara/Nappa leather sport seats with yellow colour accents, black Alcantara surface décor with yellow stitching and high-grade BMW Individual interior trims will be available as part of the Design Pure Impulse package. Atacama Yellow paint will also be exclusively available.Â
Exclusive Edition & Sport Plus Edition models for BMW 3 Series:
Two new Edition models – the Exclusive Edition & Sport Plus Edition – will be available on the new BMW 3 Series Saloon and Touring models.
The Exclusive Edition comprises of exterior updates including Chromeline exterior trim, chrome slatted kidney grilles, matt silver front bumper valance, satin aluminum roof rails and metallic paint. Interior upgrades include Dakota leather upholstery, Anthracite Bamboo interior trim, ‘Edition’ door sill finishers and sports leather steering wheel. Completing the Exclusive Edition package are Bluetooth telephone preparation and 17’’ light alloy Star-spoke wheels.
The Sport Plus Edition offers black Dakota leather upholstery with Royal Blue stitching, floor mats and a choice of Le Mans Blue, Black Sapphire or Alpine White metallic paint. The Sport Plus Edition also includes Bluetooth telephone preparation, dark chrome exhaust pipes, sun protection glass and 18’’ light-alloy M Star-spoke wheels.
New Equipment Options for BMW models:
Completing the September updates, a range of enhanced equipment and communication functions will be added as options across the BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, X1 and Z4. This includes the comfort access function which will now be available with illuminated entry system, lighted exterior door handles and DAB as standard.
Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has some great car leasing rates available across the whole BMW range including the BMW 5 Series, BMW 3 Series, X1 and Z4.
BMW has been active in the development of hydrogen as an automotive fuel for many years but they have taken a distinctly different path from virtually every other automaker. Instead of fuel cells, BMW has stuck to internal combustion engines and, rather than compressed gas, it has used liquified hydrogen. The problem with the former is that gasoline and hydrogen have very different combustion characteristics and engines designed primarily for gasoline operation lose a lot of power and efficiency when running on hydrogen. 
