After toying with the idea of an even larger X7 sport-utility vehicle to complement the midsize X5 SUV, BMW has decided to go smaller instead. The 2011 BMW X1 is an all-new compact-utility vehicle built on the same platform as the recently introduced 1 Series coupe. Caught testing on the streets of Munich, the X1 has a tall-roof design similar to the 2010 BMW V5 utility vehicle. The idea for both vehicles is to cram as much interior space as possible into a relatively small footprint. Like the 1 Series coupe, the 2011 BMW X1 will likely offer two variations of BMW’s 3.0-liter inline-6 engine. Expect base X1s to have roughly 230 horsepower, while the top-of-the-line models will get the same 300-hp 3.0-liter inline-6 found in the 135i and 335i coupes and sedans. Since it’s supposed to have more utility than your average sedan, the X1 will most likely come standard with all-wheel drive. The system will also feature BMW’s new Dynamic Performance Control system, which should help make the X1 handle better than your average sport-utility. It will be awhile before we know for sure, as the 2011 BMW X1 is still several years away from production. Expect to see its official debut sometime in 2010, with sales beginning in the U.S. a year later.

Most BMW 5 Series cars you’ll come across new or used are rear-wheel drive; however, the current-generation lineup includes all-wheel-drive variants. Most 5s also have an inline six-cylinder engine, though BMW has offered V8 versions since 1994. Model names are numeric, with the first number identifying the car as a 5 Series and the last two historically, but not always, denoting engine size. Today’s BMW 528i, for instance, has a 3.0-liter inline-6. The final “i” originally distinguished 5 Series cars with fuel injection; these days, it only has significance in Europe where diesel models (that carry a “d”) are also offered.

When people ask us to recommend luxury cars, BMW’s 5 Series is invariably high on the list. Wealthier shoppers may gravitate toward the newer models loaded with technology, but older 5 Series cars can be just as satisfying to drive and own.

Current 5 Series

The BMW 5 Series is available in sedan and wagon body styles. Three engines are available on the sedan that correspond to the three trim levels (528i, 535i and 550i), with xDrive all-wheel drive available on the 528i and 535i sedans. The wagon comes in 535i xDrive trim only. The 528i features a 3.0-liter 230-horsepower inline-6, the 535i has a turbocharged 3.0-liter 300-hp inline-6 and the 550i has a 360-hp 4.8-liter V8. Every model comes with a standard six-speed manual or six-speed automatic.

On the surface, the 5 Series incorporates bold styling cues that depart from BMW’s traditional styling language established over the preceding four generations. Inside, the 5 boasts one of the most spacious and comfortable cabins in its class, particularly when optioned with the fantastic multicontour front seats, which adjust in seemingly infinite ways. A system called iDrive corrals audio, climate, navigation and communication functions using a central LCD screen and console-mounted control dial. We’ve found iDrive cumbersome to use, although other BMW models feature an upgraded system. Given its wide price range, the 5 Series can be equipped with a huge variety of luxury and technology features — from a heated steering wheel to a lane departure warning system.

The latest BMW 5 Series is a well-balanced machine that can handle aggressive driving on winding back roads just as easily as it dispatches weekday commutes on crumbling expressways. The 5′s adeptness at both ride comfort and handling prowess borders on the amazing. The steering is equally sublime, with perfect weighting and a near-telepathic feel. If you like the styling and aren’t intimidated by its hefty dose of electronics, the 5 Series is an excellent choice for a midsize luxury car. The only significant drawback is high pricing.

Used BMW 5 Series Models

The present fifth-generation 5 Series debuted for 2004. For 2004 and ’05, it was offered only in sedan form and only with rear-wheel drive. There were two six-cylinder models, the 184-hp 525i and 225-hp 530i, along with a top-line V8 version, the 325-hp 545i. Buyers looking at six-cylinder models would be wise to focus on 2006 and newer models, as the ’06 model year brought a new pair of 3.0-liter sixes, resulting in a more spirited 215-hp 525i and a 255-hp 530i. The V8 sedan was already quick, but it, too, received a new engine, a 360-hp 4.8-liter, and became the 550i.

The 5 Series wagon also arrived for 2006. It’s offered in a single 530xi model and all-wheel drive is standard. Additionally, all-wheel drive became optional for the 530 sedan. For 2007, additional standard equipment was added like an auxiliary input jack and BMW Assist, while new options include high-definition radio, BMW’s Night Vision system and 20-way adjustable front seats. The current crop of engines and model designations arrived for 2008.

Shoppers will have little difficulty finding representatives from the fourth generation (1997-2003). Many purists consider this the finest era for the BMW 5 Series, as exceptional on-road dynamics, premium furnishings and unparalleled refinement came together in one classically styled package. Resale value has always been high for this generation, so expect to spend more than you would for competitors of similar age. Reliability has been strong as well.

Provided it’s well-maintained, any car from this generation is worth your consideration. For 1997 and 1998, only sedans were offered: a 528i with a 190-hp, 2.8-liter inline-6 and a 540i with a 282-hp, 4.4-liter V8. The wagon joined the lineup in 1999 and was available with either engine, both of which gained variable valve timing that year. In 2001, the 528i sedan got a new 225-hp 3.0-liter six and became the 530i; the 528 wagon was dropped. BMW also added an entry-level, 184-hp 525i sedan and wagon to the lineup.

Third-generation BMW 5 Series cars (1989-’95) are still common as well. Although not as perfectly balanced as its successor, this car was highly regarded in its day. If you find one in good condition, you’ll almost certainly find it enjoyable to own. The best years were 1994 and ’95 when BMW offered V8 power in two 5 Series with the 530i sedan and wagon (215 hp), and the 540i sedan (282 hp).

The 2010 BMW M3 is a luxury sports car available in the coupe and the roadster trims. Both are the best high performance cars in the market. Comparable vehicles in the marketplace to the 2002 M include the Acura NSX, the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class, and the Volvo C70.

Both trims are equipped with a standard 3.2-liter, I6, 315-horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard. The 2010 M is a carryover from 2002.s.

 BMW M3 Specifications

 Engine

Sharing much of its mechanicals with the previous- and current-generation 3 Series, the X3′s performance is enabled by its responsive six-cylinder engine, precise steering and a full-time all-wheel-drive system, dubbed xDrive. With the ability to instantly detect slippage and redirect power to the wheels with the most traction, the xDrive system gives the compact BMW SUV confidence-inspiring handling in both wet and dry conditions.

If you’re shopping for a premium, performance-oriented compact SUV — and don’t mind the stiff ride and even stiffer price of entry — we recommend that you put the BMW X3 at the top of your short list of choices.

Current BMW X3

The BMW X3 is a compact luxury SUV available in a single trim level known as xDrive30i. It is powered by a 3.0-liter inline-6 that produces 260 horsepower. Connecting this power to the ground is either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.

The X3 fulfills the brand’s reputation for modern luxury with a long list of conveniences, exquisite comfort, premium interior materials and near-flawless build quality. Add to that the X3′s generous seating space (even for taller adults) and spacious cargo area, and you have an accomplished crossover SUV that’s well-suited for the chores of daily life as well as twisty roads. Drivers, especially, will appreciate its purposeful, 3 Series-derived cockpit featuring large analog gauges and high-quality switchgear.

Among small luxury crossover SUVs, the X3 has no equal when it comes to arcing along a curvy road, thanks to the superior steering feel, ideal suspension tuning and eager engine power output. However, if what you’re looking for is a family vehicle to haul the clan cross-country in maximum comfort, the X3′s sometimes stiff ride quality is a detriment.

Used BMW X3 Models

The X3 compact luxury SUV, still in its first generation, was introduced for the 2004 model year. Originally, there were two six-cylinder models: the 184-hp 2.5i and the 225-hp 3.0i. The 2.5i was discontinued after 2005.

For 2007, the X3 received a significant midlife refresh and a new name: 3.0si. The 3.0-liter engine was upgraded to the current output, while the earlier model’s overly stiff ride was greatly relaxed. Stability and traction control were also bundled together along with braking enhancements to improve emergency responsiveness. On the style front, a freshened and sleeker exterior combined with better plastics and wood trim inside for an especially enticing new package.

Considering this, BMW X3 models built before this ’07 change are less attractive. The rough ride was the primary concern, while the cabin materials did not meet the premium standards set by other BMW models.

BMW X3. When is an SUV not an SUV? When BMW decides to call it a Sport Activity Vehicle, SAV for short, instead — as is the case with the BMW X3.

The X3 is one of the newest breeds of SUVs that forgoes off-road pretense in favor of on-road performance. While easy to dismiss as a marketing ploy, BMW’s X3 SUV — er, SAV — does indeed offer superior handling in addition to an improved view of the road, a comfortable interior and the latest automotive technology, which are all valued features regardless of how the X3 is classified.