BMW USED CARS

MW's segment-splitting 5 Series Gran Turismo concept has rolled out under the bright lights here at the Geneva Motor Show, and the automotive media has set to poking and prodding it like an alien specimen from Area 51. From the funky twin-hinge hatch (a rather gimmicky item not dissimilar to that of the Skoda Superb) to each of its four doors, journalists could be seen opening and closing the 5GT's apertures with curious zeal.

BMW tuner par excellence Alpina is returning to the motor racing scene for the first time in two decades with the new B6 GT3, which the pseudo-works firm unveiled for the first time here at the Geneva Motor Show. Based on the 6 Series, the B6 GT3 features a unique radial supercharger fitted to its 4.4-liter V8 to drive 530 horsepower to the rear wheels - in proper Bavarian style - in what looks to be a compelling competition package.

The BMW Z4 is a rear-wheel drive sports car by the German automaker BMW. Replacing the Z3, first-generation production started in 2002 at BMW's Spartanburg, South Carolina plant, with both roadster and coupe forms produced. Starting with the 2009 model year, the second-generation Z4 is built at BMW's Regensburg, Germany plant as a retractable hardtop roadster.

The Z4 offers a choice of four straight-six engines: 2.2 L, 2.5 L, 3.0 L, and 3.2 L. All are variants of the BMW M54 engine. In the European market, a 2.0 L straight-4 is also offered.

The E53 X5 was the first X series available. It was introduced in 1999 and available
with a 4.4 litre V8, producing 286 HP. That same year, a 3 litre 6 cylinder with 231 horses was added. The X5 proved to be a huge succes, so in 2001 BMW added a 3 litre diesel and a 4.6is with 350 HP came available in 2002. Although not needed, BMW thought it was time for a facelift, which came available at the end of 2003, along with a new 4.4 litre V8, an updated 3 litre diesel and a whole new 4.8is.

The used BMW X5 car is a mid-size crossover SUV sold by BMW since 1999, making it BMW's first SUV. It features all-wheel drive and is available with a range of gasoline inline-6s and V8 engines. Diesels are an option for models sold outside of North America. All X5s worldwide are manufactured in Spartanburg, South Carolina. BMW described it as a Sport Activity Vehicle (SAV)) rather than an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle), to emphasize its on-road ability despite its size. Like the Lexus RX 300 and Mercedes M-Class, the X5 heralded the shift from truck-based body-on-frame SUVs to sedan-based crossovers that would come to fruition in the late 2000s.

The BMW 7 Series (e38) is a line of full-size luxury vehicles produced by the German automaker BMW. It replaced the "New Six" models in 1977. It is BMW's flagship car and is only available as a sedan.

The E38 generation (BMW 7 Series 1995-2001) had a five-speed automatic or manual transmission. Features of the BMW E38 7 Series included high-pressure headlight washers, auto-leveling xenon HID headlamps, power moonroof, a sound system with 14 speakers and four subwoofers as well as 6-disc CD changer, onboard satellite navigation and rain-sensing wipers. Other features included an automatic climate control system with separate controls for the driver and passenger, a three-position memory system for the driver’s seat, safety-belt height, new steering wheel and outside mirrors. Front-seat side airbags and a Head Protection System (HPS) were also standard. The BMW 7 series - e38 car featured an all-leather interior with burl walnut trim. The continuous-motion Active Comfort Seat technology was introduced in 1998 to improve comfort and reduce fatigue for the driver and front passenger.

The BMW 5-series is a popular mid-size combination of prestige 7-series styling and V8 mechanicals at the top end while offering the more frugal sixes and agility of the popular 3-series at the entry level

As the last 5-series before the new BMW look, the E39 stands alone with its more traditional BMW styling. Joe Kenwright unravels what can be a confusing model range.

BMW used car e39 Checklist
* Radiator: early models can suffer thermostat and radiator faults. Watch the temperature gauge and listen for the engine fan. If it cuts in soon after start-up, walk away.

* Water pump: these fail in older cars - even those with low annual mileages. Some say it's a design fault, with 'plastic' impellors in the pump being the weakness.

* Engine: the 520i, 523i and 528i models up to September 1998 can suffer premature engine bore wear. BMW replaced many units for free, so check service records.

* Windows: electric window regulators fail. Ensure all operate, including the 'one touch' function - although if this is wayward, it can be reset by holding the button in 'close' position for 30 seconds.

* Wheels: front wheelbearings have been known to wear prematurely on models that are driven hard or those that have been fitted with excessively large alloy wheels.

As the E30 3 Series established itself as a full line including compact coupes, sedans and convertibles. The 3 Series quickly became the envy of the the industry with likes of the Cadillac Cimarron and Audio 4000 Quattro were nothing more than cheap imitations. BMW was now faced with replacing a perfect specimen, anything short of that would hail big time sales danger.

The E36 brethren to the E30 was a jump forward in body styling with different proportions and styling breaking out of the details established by the 2002, this was an all new machine.