BMW USED CARS

The fourth generation of BMW's 3-Series compact sedan started in September 1998.

The baseline was the 318i with 4 cylinders, with a capacity closer to 1.9 litres.

Engine produce 87 kW and 180 Nm, and e46 price was $52,950 for the five-speed manual and the four-speed auto - $1700 more.

The 2.5-litre six-cylinder 125 kW/ 245 Nm 323i cost $66,900 as a five-speed manual, adding $2500 for the five-speed auto. The auto-only 142 kW/280 Nm 328i - a 2.8-litre - topped the range at $84,950.

BMW E46 was designed as a modern replacement for the aging BMW 3 series E36. DesignWorksUSA take part in creation the exterior body E46. Based on the BMW E36 body shell, the design team put an emphasis on improving aerodynamics and increasing the cars aggressive stance.

An emphasis was put on reducing unsprung weight and structural rigidity rather than increasing power output - the highest displacement model at release, the E46 328, had only 3 horsepower more than the E36 328. To counter this small power increase, the body shell of the E46 was claimed by BMW to be 70% more rigid than the E36's, and aluminum suspension components were used increasingly in order to decrease unsprung weight. In tune with BMW's core values, the E46 was released with a front engined rear-wheel drive layout with 50/50 weight distribution. This balance allows for optimal handling in regards to the drive train layout.

The E36 M3 debuted in February, 1992 and hit the dealers' showrooms in November that year; it was the first M3 powered by a six-cylinder engine, displacing 2990 cc and developing 286 PS (282 hp/210 kW). Initially available as a coupé only, BMW introduced M3 convertible/cabriolet and saloon/sedan versions in 1994, the absence of any M5 models in the BMW line-up between the end of e34 M5 production in 1995 and the launch of the e39 M5 in 1998 prompting the introduction of the four door Motorsport model. The E36 is also the first M3 to be manufactured in right-hand drive.

Also in 1994, BMW produced the limited-edition M3 GT as a racing homologation special; all GTs were British Racing Green and featured an upgraded 295 PS (291 hp/217 kW) 3.0 liter engine. 350 GTs were built.

In summer, 1995 M3 coupé and saloon were upgraded to a 321 PS (317 hp/236 kW) 3.2 liter inline-6; at the same time, the cars received clear indicator lenses, new wheels and a 6-speed gearbox. The Cabriolet did not receive these changes until spring 1996.

ABS enhances active safety by helping to prevent the wheels from locking under braking. When the front wheels slide, the driver loses steering control over the vehicle. Traction loss at the rear wheels can cause the rear end to break into uncontrolled over steer.

ABS is designed to meet two essential requirements during every application:

* to help provide vehicle stability on all types of road surface (asphalt, cement, dirt, moisture, snow and ice).
* to help to retain steering and maneuvering capability under the same conditions

However, certain important considerations must be borne in mind in connection with these requirements: Not even ABS can suspend the normal laws of physics. ABS alone can not prevent accidents when the brakes are applied without an adequate safety interval between vehicles, when the car reaches excessive rates of lateral acceleration in curves, or if aquaplaning occurs. Responsibility for these types of situations remains in the hands (and feet) of the driver. You should never allow the added safety of ABS to lull you into a false sense of security, or mislead you into taking increased risks that could affect your own safety and that of others.

The BMW 8 Series (chassis code: E31); is a V8 or V12-engined 2-door 2+2 coupe built by BMW from 1989 to 1999. This car was offered for sale in the USA from 1991 to 1997.

While it did supplant the original E24 based 6 Series BMW car in 1991, a common misconception is that the 8 Series BMW was developed as a successor. However, it was actually an entirely new class aimed at a different market, with a substantially higher price point and better performance than the 6 series. The 8 Series BMW was designed as a direct competitor to the upcoming Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and S-Class coupes (later renamed the CL-Class). While it has less rear passenger volume than the CL which is considered a two-door sedan, the 8 Series could accommodate two passengers in the rear seats, while the SL roadster is a two-seater.

The BMW 8 Series car was BMW's flagship car while in production. Accounting for inflation, a new model cost above $110,000 and had an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h). Although with the limiters removed, the vehicle top speed was estimated at 186 mph (299 km/h). Worldwide production ceased on May 12, 1999, with 30,621 built.

This year's Z4 has been redesigned for 2009. The previous generation's creases have been smoothed out, and a newly redesigned rear end addresses the complaints about the previous generation's design. The biggest difference from last year is the absence of a cloth soft-top. BMW did away with the separate coupe and convertible and now only offers a power-folding hard top.

The 2009 BMW Z4 roadster is available in two trims, sDrive30i and sDrive35i. The 30i comes with a 3.0L inline-6-cylinder engine that makes 255 hp and 220 lb-feet of torque, while the 35i comes with a twin-turbocharged version of the same engine, making 300 hp and 300 lb-feet of torque. Both engines are mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, and a 6-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission with steering wheel shift paddles is optional.