Overview

Recalls are issued for defects or faults which have the potential to cause injury. Manufacturers or importers seek to inform the original buyer if their vehicle is subject to a recall and of the steps required to remedy the defect or fault. However, manufacturers or importers may not have the contact details of subsequent owners. Please note that the recalls below are for Australian-delivered vehicles only. Furthermore, the number of recalls should not be taken as an indication of a model’s reliability or its safety more generally.

Recalls: BMW U11 iX1

2022-23 BMW U11 iX1: front left drive shaft could detach

In August 2023, recall campaign 0031100200 was issued for 2022-23 BMW U11 iX1 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing defect, the front left drive shaft may become loose and detach from the eDrive. If this occurred, the vehicle would experience a sudden loss of motive power and the driver would be alerted by warning signals in the instrument cluster. A sudden loss of motive power whilst driving increased the risk of a collision and injury for both vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005745.

2022-23 BMW U11 iX1: front right drive shaft could detach

In August 2023, recall campaign 0031110200 was issued for 2022-23 BMW U11 iX1 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing defect, the front right drive shaft may become loose and detach from the eDrive. If this occurred, the vehicle would experience a sudden loss of motive power and the driver would be alerted by warning signals in the instrument cluster. A sudden loss of motive power whilst driving increased the risk of a collision and injury for both vehicle occupants and other road users. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005746.

2022-23 BMW U11 iX1: reduced braking assistance; loss of ABS and DSC

Due to a manufacturing defect, signal interference may occur within the electronics of the brake system. If this occurred, the driver may need to apply greater force to the brake pedal for braking, and braking distances would likely increase. Furthermore, the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and dynamic stability control system (DSC) would not be available. Drivers would be alerted of this condition by the brake warning light in the instrument cluster, and a message in the central display. While the vehicle would remain controllable, the risk of a collision and injury to both vehicle occupants and other road users was increased. For this recall, a BMW dealer was to replace the electronic brake system controller. For the VINs of the recalled vehicles, please see REC-005906.

Problems and faults: BMW U11 iX1

Overview

This section identifies potential problems, causes and fixes based on the experiences of owners and repairers, online sources and technical service bulletins. This information is provided solely for reference purposes and AustralianCar.Reviews recommends that only properly qualified persons carry out repairs or modifications. Furthermore, the number of items below should not be taken as an indicator of a model’s reliability or the frequency with which they may occur.

To report a problem or fault to the AustralianCar.Reviews team, please use the Contact Us form. Note that AustralianCar.Reviews does not offer advice on automotive problems or disputes; such enquiries will not receive a reply. For vehicles purchased from dealers after 1 January 2011, please see our Australian Consumer Law fact sheet.

Problems and faults: BMW U11 iX1

No troubleshooting information is currently available for the BMW U11 iX1.

Overview

Released in Australia in April 2019, the BMW G29 Z4 Roadster was a two-seat convertible with a power-operated soft-top roof. Manufactured by Magna Steyr in Graz, Austria, the rear-wheel drive BMW G29 Z4 Roadster range initially consisted of sDrive20i, sDrive30i and M40i variants, all of which had eight-speed automatic transmissions (see table below).

Body and dimensions

The BMW G29 Z4 Roadster was underpinned by BMW’s CLAR platform which was shared with the Toyota Supra. Compared to the BMW E89 Z4 Roadster , the G29 Z4 Roadster was 85 mm longer (at 4325 mm), 74 mm wider (1864 mm), 13 mm taller (1304 mm) and had a 26 mm shorter wheelbase (2470 mm); its drag co-efficient was 0.29 Cd. Relative to the E89 Z4 Roadster, the G29 Z4 Roadster also achieved:

• A 30 per cent increase in rigidity; and,
• A 60 kg mass reduction, in part due to the use of aluminium for the bonnet and doors, and plastic for the tailgate.

According to BMW, the G29 Z4 Roadster had a 50:50 front:rear weight distribution.

The G29 Z4 Roadster’s soft-top roof could be opened or closed in ten seconds, and while the Z4 Roadster was travelling at speeds up to 50 km/h. Whether the soft-top roof was open or closed, the G29 Z4 Roadster had a boot capacity of 281 litres.

Suspension and steering

The BMW G29 Z4 Roadster had a double-joint spring strut front axle with aluminium controls arms and swivel bearings to reduce unsprung mass. Beyond this, the five-link rear axle had aluminium and steel components.

Australian-delivered BMW Z4 sDrive20i vehicles were fitted with BMW’s ‘M Sport’ suspension which reduced ride height by 10 mm. Furthermore, the Z4 sDrive30i and Z4 M40i were fitted with ‘Adaptive M Sport’ suspension which lowered the ride height by 10 mm and included electronically-controlled dampers that reacted to driving conditions; the driver could also select from Comfort, Sport and Sport+ drive modes.

The BMW G29 Z4 Roadster had rack-and-pinion steering with adjustable power assistance (electric) and steering angle (BMW’s ‘variable sport steering’).

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the BMW G29 Z4 Roadster included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted airbags with side and head protection, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.

For Australian deliveries, AustralianCar.Reviews understands that the BMW G29 Z4 Roadster was fitted with the following safety technologies as standard –

• Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking: operating at speeds from 10 km/h to 60 km/h for pedestrian detection and up to 80 km/h for vehicle detection, the approach control warning system would initially warn the driver if there was a risk of a frontal collision. In its second stage, the braking system would be prepared for faster response and, if the driver failed to react, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) would be initiated to reduce vehicle speed;
• Lane Change Warning: active at speeds above 10 km/h, Lane Change Warning monitored the zones to each side of the vehicle. If the driver activated the indicators to change lanes, the system would checks these zones and – if occupied – warn the driver via steering wheel vibrations and flashing a symbol in the respective door mirror;
• Lane Departure Warning: active at speeds above 72 km/h, the driver would be alerted by steering wheel vibrations if the vehicle deviated from its lane without prior activation of the indicators;
• Rear collision prevention: if a rear-end collision was anticipated, following traffic would be warned by double frequency flashing of the hazard lights;
• Crossing traffic warning front: used radar sensors to check for approaching traffic at junctions with poor or impeded visibility;
• Crossing-traffic warning rear: when reversing out of a parking space, ‘Crossing-traffic warning rear’ would warn the driver of approaching traffic that may cross the driver’s projected path; and,
• Speed Limit Info: incorporated speed restrictions into the driver-selectable Speed Limiter function or Active Cruise Control (where fitted).

The BMW Z4 sDrive30i and M40i were further equipped with Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function. At speeds from 30 km/h to 210 km/h, Active Cruise Control could maintain a speed-dependent distance from the vehicle ahead. With the Stop&Go function, the vehicle could apply the brakes to bring itself to rest and, once the traffic ahead began to accelerate, automatically accelerate if the vehicle had been stationary for a period of less than 30 seconds.

Wheels, tyres and brakes

Wheel, tyre and braking packages for the BMW G29 Z4 were as follows –

• Z4 sDrive20i: 8.0J x 18-inch front alloy wheels with 225/45 ZR18 tyres and 9.0J x 18-inch rear alloy wheels with 255/40 ZR18 tyres. Furthermore, the BMW Z4 sDrive20i had 330 mm by 24 mm ventilated front brake discs and 330 mm by 20 mm solid rear discs;
• Z4 sDrive30i: 9.0J x 19-inch front alloy wheels with 255/35 ZR19 tyres and 10.0J x 19-inch rear alloy wheels with 275/35 ZR19 tyres. The braking package for the Z4 sDrive30i and M40i consisted of 348 mm by 36 mm ventilated front brake discs and 345 mm by 24 mm solid rear discs; and,
• Z4 M40i: same wheels as the Z4 sDrive30i, but finished in ‘Cerium Grey’.

All BMW G29 Z4 Roadsters had a tyre repair kit as standard.

Features: BMW G29 Z4 sDrive20i

For Australian deliveries, the BMW Z4 Roadster was equipped with BMW’s ‘Live Cockpit Professional’ which consisted of a 10.25 inch ‘Control Display’ touchscreen in the centre console and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Powered by BMW Operating System 7.0, BMW’s ‘Live Cockpit Professional’ also featured an adaptive navigation system, a hard-drive-based multimedia system, two USB ports, Bluetooth and WiFi interfaces, and Apple CarPlay.

Beyond this, standard features for the BMW G29 Z4 sDrive20i included a HiFi sound system with ten speakers and a digital radio tuner (DAB), Vernasca leather upholstery, power adjustable and heated ‘M Sport’ front seats with memory settings, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control with braking, LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, through-loading rear seats, an ‘M’ leather steering wheel, remote central locking, power adjustable mirrors with anti-dazzle function, power windows, a height and reach adjustable steering column, ‘Sensatec’ dashboard trim, wind deflector, ‘Aluminium Tetragon’ interior trim, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

As standard, the BMW G29 Z4 Roadster sDrive20i was also fitted with –

• BMW Head-Up Display: projected driving-related information onto the windscreen and into the driver’s field of view;
• BMW’s ‘Parking Assistant’: used ultrasonic sensors to detect parking spaces and controls acceleration, braking, steering and gear changes to manoeuvre the vehicle into the space; and,
• BMW’s ‘Reversing Assistant’: when exiting a parking space or manoeuvring in a confined area, the Reversing Assistant could control steering to reverse the vehicle along a path that it had recently travelled forwards, up to a distance of 50 metres. The Reversing Assistant was activated by pressing a button when the vehicle is stationary and the gear selector is in the ‘P’ position.

Features: BMW G29 Z4 sDrive30i

Compared to the BMW Z4 sDrive20i, the Z4 sDrive30i was further equipped with –

• BMW’s ‘Comfort Access’ (i.e. proximity key);
• Adaptive LED headlights: the high beam light was divided into four LED segments which – at speeds above 70 km/h – could be activated and deactivated independently when the front-mounted camera detected an oncoming vehicle; and,
• BMW Digital Key: used Near Field Communication (NFC) so that the G29 Z4 Roadster could be locked and unlocked from a smartphone. To unlock, the smartphone needed to be held up to the door handle. Once inside, the engine could be started as soon as the phone had been placed in the Wireless Charging or smartphone tray.

Features: BMW G29 Z4 M40i

The BMW Z4 M40i was distinguished by its harman kardon surround sound system which had 12 speakers, a digital amplifier and a total output of 464 watts, adjustable front seat lumbar support, ambient lighting and electronically-controlled limited-slip ‘M Sport’ rear differential. Available as an extra-cost option for the Z4 sDrive30i, the ‘M Sport’ differential had an electric motor which could generate a locking effect to limits speed equalisation between the inside and outside rear wheel when cornering – this enabled the outside wheel to rotate faster, thereby improving traction and reducing understeer.

Visually, the BMW Z4 M40i could be identified by its ‘Cerium Grey’ finishes for the front face and surrounds of the mesh-design grille, and trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes.

Specifications

• Specification Guide: BMW G29 Z4 Roadster (March 2019)

Related links

• BMW PressClub: The new BMW Z4 (September 2018)

Review: BMW E85.I Z4 Roadster (2003-06)

Overview

Released in July 2003, the BMW E85 Mk.I (E85.I) Z4 Roadster was a two-seat convertible with a soft-top roof. Manufactured in South Carolina, USA, the rear-wheel drive Z4 Roadster was available with BMW’s 2.5-litre M54 B25 and 3.0-litre M54 B30 inline six cylinder petrol engines, for the 2.5i and 3.0i variants respectively. These engines featured double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, variable valve timing for intake and exhaust valves and electronic throttle control.

Compared to its E36/7 Z3 Roadster predecessor, the E85 Z4 Roadster was 66 mm longer (at 4091 mm), 89 mm wider (1781 mm), 11 mm taller (1299 mm) and had a 49 mm longer wheelbase (2495 mm). Furthermore, the Z4 Roadster had MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front side (thorax) airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, cornering brake control, traction control, twin fixed rollover hoops and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , the 2.5i variant received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 31.35 out of 37. In the offset crash test, protection from serious leg injury was marginal for the driver, though head and chest protection were good. In the side impact test, there was a slight risk of serious chest injury for the driver.

Features

Standard features for the 2.5i included 16-inch alloy wheels with runflat tyres, an eight speaker stereo with CD player, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable and heated seats with driver’s seat memory settings, cruise control, front fog lamps, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, heated rear window, trip computer and an immobiliser. Furthermore, the Z4 Roadster’s power operated roof could be lowered in approximately ten seconds.

The 3.0i was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels and an upgraded braking package, a ten speaker HiFi stereo with a six-disc CD player and interior lighting package.

Review: BMW E85.II Z4 Roadster (2006-09)

Overview

Released in April 2006, the E85 Mk.II Z4 Roadster introduced new engines, transmissions, safety equipment and features. Visually, the E85.II Z4 Roadster could be identified by its new bumpers with rectangular fog lights for the 2.5si and 3.0si, wider front air dam with more pronounced edges, reshaped grille, modified tail-lights and new interior trims.

The 2.5i and 3.0i variants were replaced by the 2.5si and 3.0si which were powered by BMW’s N52 B25 and N52 B30 engines, respectively. Compared to their M54 predecessors, the N52 engines introduced variable valve (BMW’s valvetronic) and had crankcase made entirely of magnesium and aluminium. A high-performance M variant – powered by BMW’s S54 B32 engine – was also introduced. Other changes included the introduction of a six-speed ‘Steptronic’ automatic transmission (with steering wheel gearshift paddles) and ‘Dynamic Drive Control’ with selectable modes.

Safety equipment

Compared to its E85.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the E85.II Z4 Roadster was extended to include brake assist and electronic brake force distribution. The stability control system was also upgraded to include brake standby, brake drying and brake fade compensation functions.

Features

Compared to its 2.5i predecessor, standard features for the 2.5si included 17-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, rear fog lamps, an electrochromatic rear view mirror and tyre pressure monitoring. Compared to the 3.0i, the 3.0is added 18-inch alloy wheels and heated mirrors.

Z4 M Roadster

The Z4 M Roadster was distinguished by its 18-inch double-spoke light alloy wheels, lowered and firmer ‘M Sport’ suspension, conventional tyres (i.e. not run-flat), upgraded braking package, electronic differential lock and hydraulic steering system. Visually, the M Roadster could be identified by its more aggressive front air dam with three air intakes and rear diffuser.

Furthermore, the M Roadster featured a ‘BMW Professional’ HiFi system, Nappa leather ‘M Sport’ seats, satellite navigation with colour display, bi-xenon headlights with washers, voice recognition, rear parking sensors, an ‘M’ leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift knob, TV tuner and tyre pressure monitoring.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: BMW E85 Z4 Roadster

Review: BMW E89 Z4.I Roadster (2009-13)

Overview

Released in May 2009, the BMW E89 Z4 Roadster was a two-seat convertible with a retractable two-piece aluminium roof. Manufactured in Regensburg, Germany, the rear-wheel drive Z4 Roadster was initially available in sDrive23i, sDrive30i and sDrive35i variants. In November 2010, however, the range was expanded with the high-performance sDrive35is.

Compared to the E85 Z4 Roadster , the E89 Z4 Roadster was 148 mm longer (at 4239 mm), 9 mm wider (1790 mm), 8 mm lower (1291 mm) and had a 1 mm longer wheelbase (2496 mm). The E89 Z4 Roadster had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension.

November 2011 updates

In November 2011, the Z4 Roadster range was updated as the sDrive23i and sDrive30i were replaced by the sDrive20i and sDrive28i, the latter both powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the E89 Z4 Roadster included dual front airbags, front side (thorax) airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, cornering brake control, traction control, rollover hoops and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Features

Standard features for the Z4 sDrive20i and sDrive23i included 17-inch alloy wheels with runflat tyres and active ride control, electronic differential lock, eight speaker stereo with CD player and auxiliary inputs (MP3/USB/iPod), climate control air conditioning, cruise control (with downhill braking), sun reflecting ‘Kansas’ leather seats, heated seats, Bluetooth connectivity, bi-xenon headlights, front and rear fog lamps, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, a leather wrapped multi-function steering wheel, ‘through loading’ rear seats, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, footwell lights, height adjustable front seats, height and reach adjustable steering wheel, an electromechanical parking brake, electrochromatic rear view mirror, a cargo net, tyre pressure monitoring and an immobiliser.

The Z4 sDrive28i and sDrive30i were further equipped with an eleven speaker stereo, satellite navigation with 8.8-inch monitor, power adjustable seats with driver’s seat memory settings and voice recognition. Beyond this, the sDrive35i added 18-inch alloy wheels, directional headlights, proximity key (BMW’s ‘Comfort access’ system), heated electrochromatic door mirrors with power retracting function and automatic dipping on reverse.

Finally, the range-topping Z4 sDrive35is was distinguished by its ‘M’ suspension with adaptive dampers (and selectable ‘Normal’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Sport Plus’ modes), ‘M’ leather-wrapped steering wheel with gearshift paddles, ‘M’ contoured sports seats, anthracite roof lining and ‘M’ body kit.

EfficientDynamics

From November 2009, the E89 Z4 Roadster was fitted with ‘Brake Energy Regeneration’ which controlled alternator output to charge the battery when the vehicle was braking or coasting; the sDrive23i was also fitted with low rolling resistance tyres. Beyond this, the sDrive20i and sDrive28i models with manual transmissions also introduced BMW’s ‘Auto Start-Stop’ technology which enabled the engine to shut down when the vehicle was stationary.

Related links

• Specifications: BMW E89.I Z4 Roadster (November 2012)

Review: BMW E89.II Z4 Roadster (2013-16)

Overview

Released in August 2013, the E89 Series II (E89.II) Z4 Roadster could be identified by the its standard bi-xenon headlights with LED light rings, LED accent lights with metal inserts which arched over the headlights and chrome-coloured surrounds for the integrated turn signal indicators; the side indicators also had a new tapered surround. Inside, changes included high-gloss black surrounds for the central air vents and iDrive folding control display.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP testing , a left-hand drive 2015 BMW E89.II Z4 sDrive18i received a three star safety rating which included a 69 per cent adult occupant protection rating and a 61 per cent child occupant protection rating. This rating, however, did not include points for the pole test since it was not performed and it is unclear why Euro NCAP did not subject the vehicle to the pole test. In the frontal offset test, protection of the front occupants was generally rated as good, though protection of the driver’s lower legs as rated as adequate (i.e. a slight risk of serious injury). In the side impact test, protection of the driver was rated as good and maximum points were awarded.

Features

Compared to its E89.I predecessor, standard features for the E89.II Z4 Roadster were extended to include BMW’s ‘Professional’ navigation system with a high-resolution 8.8-inch colour display, 3D maps, internet functionality, music interface for smart phones, DVD drive and bird’s-eye view, and, bi-xenon headlights with daytime LED light rings.

The sDrive28i gained 18-inch alloy wheels and contoured sports seats, while the range-topping sDrive35is was fitted with new 19-inch alloy wheels and a wind deflector.

Option packages

The E89.II Z4 Roadster was available with three option packages:

• Design Pure Balance: contoured sports seats, leather upholstery for the seats, doors and armrests, and Fineline Anthracite fine-wood trim;
• Design Pure Traction: sports seats, Alcantara/leather upholstery for the seats, armrests, doors and dashboard, ‘metal weave’ interior trim finishes, BMW Individual roofliner in Anthracite; and,
• Available for the sDrive20i and sDrive35is (and standard for the sDrive35is), the M Sport Package included 18-inch light alloy Star-spoke alloy wheels with mixed tyres, M sport suspension, BMW sport seats, an M leather steering wheel, aluminium carbon interior trim, BMW Individual roofliner in Anthracite and an aerodynamics package.

Related links

• Specifications: BMW E89.II Z4 Roadster (April 2014)
• BMW Australia: BMW Z4 Roadster
• Wikipedia.org: BMW E89 Z4 Roadster

Review: BMW E36/7-I Z3 Roadster (1997-99)

Overview

Released in March 1997, the BMW E36/7 Series I (E36/7-I) Z3 Roadster was a two-seat convertible with a soft-top roof and plastic rear window. Manufactured in South Carolina, USA, the rear-wheel drive Z3 Roadster was initially available with 1.9-litre M44 B19 four-cylinder and 2.8-litre M52 B28 inline six cylinder petrol engines (the 1.9i and 2.8i variants, respectively). In December 1998, the range was expanded with the introduction of M Roadster which was powered by BMW’s 3.2-litre S50 B32 inline six cylinder engine as per the E36 M3 .

Compared to the E36 3-Series Compact on which it was based, the Z3 Roadster was 185 mm shorter (at 4025 mm), 6 mm narrower (1692 mm), 105 mm lower (1288 mm) and had a 254 mm shorter wheelbase (2446 mm). The Z3 Roadster had a single-joint spring strut front axle and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, ABS, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners. The M variant was further equipped with front side airbags.

Features

Standard features for the 1.9i included 16-inch alloy wheels, six speaker stereo with radio and cassette player, air conditioning, leather trim, a power adjustable driver’s seat, front and rear fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, central locking, power windows, power mirrors and an immobiliser.

The 2.8i was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, heated front sports seats, remote central locking, power-operated soft-top roof, woodgrain trim and an alarm.

The M variant was distinguished by its 10 speaker stereo with six-disc CD player and power adjustable front passenger seat. The M variant was also fitted with a limited slip rear differential.

Review: BMW E36/7-II Z3 Roadster (1999-02)

Overview

Released in June 1999, the E36/7 Series II (E36/7-II) Z3 Roadster introduced a six-cylinder engine range, improved safety equipment and additional features. Inside, there was a new sports steering wheel, additional roof lining for better weather and sound insulation and a new centre instrument cluster arrangement (similar to that in the E36/7-I M Roadster).

As part of the revised range, the 1.9i variant was replaced by the 2.0i which was powered by BMW’s M52 B20 engine. In September 2000, the 2.0i variant was replaced by the 2.2i (powered by BMW’s M54 B22 engine) and the 2.8i was replaced by the 3.0i (with its M54 B30 engine).

Safety equipment

Compared to its E36/7-I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the E37/7-II Z3 Roadster was extended to include side airbags and roll-over bars.

Features

Standard features were also extended to include a ten speaker stereo with CD player, power adjustable front seats, additional leather upholstery, cruise control, remote central locking, a power-operated soft-top roof, trip computer and woodgrain trim.

The 2.8i was further equipped with heated sports seats. In September 2000, the 2.8i was replaced by the 3.0i. Compared to the 2.8i, the 3.0i was further equipped with ‘M Sport’ suspension.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: BMW Z3

Review: BMW E86 Z4 Coupe (2006-09)

Overview

Released in April 2006, the BMW E86 Z4 was a two-door coupe. Manufactured in South Carolina, USA, the E68 Z4 Coupe range consisted of the 3.0si and M variants, powered by BMW’s N52 B30 and S54 B32 engines respectively. While the 3.0si was available with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, the Z4 M Coupe (as it was known) was solely available with the former.

Compared to the E85 Z4 Roadster on which it was based, the Z4 Coupe was the same length (at 4091 mm) and width (1781 mm), but was 31 mm lower (1268 mm); wheelbase length was also unchanged (2495 mm). The Z4 Coupe had MacPherson strut front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment included dual front airbags, front side (thorax) airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, cornering brake control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

3.0si features

Standard features for the 3.0si included 18-inch alloy wheels with run flat tyres, a ten speaker sound system with a six-disc CD player, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable front seats with driver’s memory settings, heated front seats, cruise control, front and rear fog lamps, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, Bluetooth connectivity, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a tilt and reach adjustable steering wheel, tyre pressure monitoring and an immobiliser.

Z4 M Coupe

Compared to the 3.0si, the Z4 M Coupe was fitted with 18-inch double-spoke light alloy wheels with conventional (i.e. non-run flat tyres), ‘M Sport’ suspension, a compound brake system, hydraulic steering system and an electronic differential lock.

Standard features were also extended to include a ‘BMW Professional’ HiFi system, satellite navigation with colour display, Nappa leather upholstery, contoured ‘M Sport’ seats, bi-xenon headlights with washers, voice recognition, TV tuner, rear parking sensors and an alarm.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: BMW E86 Z4 Coupe

Overview

The BMW G07 X7 is a large, seven-seat ‘Sports Activity Vehicle’ (SAV) that will be released in Australia in May 2019. Manufactured at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, the all-wheel drive BMW G07 X7 range for Australia will initially consist of xDrive30d and M50d variants (see table below).

To reduce fuel consumption, all BMW X7 variants have:

• An ‘Auto Start Stop’ function which can shut down the engine when the vehicle is stationary in traffic;
• An ‘Eco Pro’ mode which adjusts engine management, throttle response and transmission behaviour to minimise fuel consumption. Eco Pro also includes a coasting function that can disengage the engine from the powertrain when the driver eases off the accelerator (to prevent engine braking); and,
• ‘Brake Energy Regeneration’ which regulates alternator output to recharge the battery when the vehicle is coasting or braking.

To reduce emissions, the xDrive40i and xDrive50i have a particulate filter, while the xDrive30d and M50d have a particulate filter, oxidation catalyst, NOx adsorption catalyst and selective catalytic reduction (SCR) which uses AdBlue injection.

Unusually, the 3.0-litre diesel engine for the BMW X7 M50d has two low-pressure turbochargers and two high-pressure turbochargers (the latter with variable inlet geometry). In normal driving situations, both low-pressure turbochargers and one of the two high-pressure turbochargers are active. The second high-pressure turbocharger, however, only engages once engine speed exceeds 2500 rpm. Under hard acceleration from idle, however, flaps are actuated so that the two low-pressure turbochargers are bypassed.

xDrive all-wheel drive system

AustralianCar.Reviews understands that the all-wheel drive system for the BMW G07 X7 has an electronically controlled, multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. The ‘xDrive’ all-wheel drive system is able to vary drive torque between the front and rear wheels and, when all-wheel drive is not required, all the engine’s torque is directed solely to the rear wheels. Furthermore, the xDrive system maintains a rear-biased torque split ‘when the car’s dynamic performance abilities are being put to the test’.

Australian-delivered BMW X7 M50d vehicles are equipped with an ‘M Sport’ differential (i.e. an electronically controlled rear differential lock). Controlled by the electronic stability control system (BMW’s ‘DSC’), the locking function for the rear differential could prevent a wheel from spinning in low-traction situations, thereby improving traction and power transmission when driving on loose ground or surfaces with variable grip levels. This locking effect was achieved by an electric motor and allowed up to 1500 Nm of drive torque to be redirected from the faster-turning (i.e. low traction) wheel to the slower-turning wheel.

For the optional Off-Road package, the driver can select from xSnow, xSand, xGravel and xRocks drive modes – via a button on the centre console – which adjust ride height, torque distribution for xDrive, accelerator response, transmission control and the DSC system. The Off-Road package also includes protective underbody elements and, inside, special graphics in the instrument cluster and Control Display.

Dimensions and body

Compared to the BMW G05 X5 , the G07 X7 is 229 mm longer (at 5151 mm), 4 mm narrower (2000 mm), 60 mm taller (1805 mm) and has a 130 mm longer wheelbase (3105 mm); ground clearance is 221 mm and the X7 has a fording depth of 500 mm (at 7 km/h). Furthermore, the BMW G07 X7 has a drag co-efficient of 0.33 Cd (for the xDrive40i and xDrive30d).

Inside, all three rows of seats for the MW X7 have power adjustment for fore/aft movement. Beyond this,

• The second row seats – which have a 40/20/40 split but can also split 60/40 – can slide longitudinally over 145 mm; and,
• The backrests of the second and third row seats can be folded down and back up electrically – the buttons for this functionality are located on the passenger’s side when entering through the rear doors and in the boot.

Luggage capacity for the BMW X7 is 326 litres when all seats are in use, though this increases to 2120 litres when the second and third row seats are folded down. Finally, the BMW X7 has a power-operated, hands-free split tailgate that can be opened by foot movement beneath the rear bumper.

While the BMW X7 has seven seats as standard, it can be specified as a six-seater in which the second row of seats consists of two separate ‘comfort’ seats that have the same range of adjustment as the front seats, integrated armrests and ‘comfort cushions’.

Suspension

The BMW G07 X7 has aluminium double wishbone front suspension and a steel five-link rear axle. As standard, the BMW X7 has air suspension front and rear in which the suspension’s air supply is controlled individually for each wheel by an electrically driven compressor with pressure reservoir. Since the air suspension is integrated with the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system, loads registered by the air suspension sensors can be factored into braking modulation. For the air suspension system,

• When the ‘Sport’ drive mode is engaged or vehicle speed exceeds 138 km/h, ride height is automatically lowered by 20 mm;
• The driver is able to raise ride height by up to 40 mm above the standard setting (in two stages) for off-road driving; and,
• The driver is able to lower ride height by 40 mm – for loading or unloading the vehicle – by pressing a button in the luggage compartment.

The rear axle also has an automatic self-levelling function.

Australian-delivered BMW X7 M50d vehicles are fitted with BMW’s ‘Executive Drive Pro’ active roll stabilisation. For Executive Drive Pro, the anti-roll bars at the front and rear axles are split and each one is connected in the centre by an electric swivel motor. Actuation of the swivel motor causes the two links on the anti-roll bar to twist and counteract the forces which create roll.

Steering

The BMW G07 X7 has rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assistance; the G07 X7’s turning circle is 13.0 metres, while the overall steering ratio is 18.7:1.

Australian-delivered BMW X7 M50d vehicles are fitted with BMW’s ‘Integral Active Steering’ provides rear wheel steering. At parking speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels to reduce the turning radius. At higher speeds, however, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels for greater stability.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the BMW G07 X7 includes dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and second row seats), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.

Australian-delivered BMW G07 X7 vehicles are expected to be equipped with the following safety technologies as standard:

• Forward Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking: operating at speeds between 10 and 60 km/h, the system warns the driver if a pedestrian or stationary vehicle is detected in the BMW X7’s path. If the driver fails to react, the system automatically applies the brakes to prevent or minimise the severity of a collision;
• Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function: at speeds from 30 km/h to 210 km/h, Active Cruise Control can maintain a speed-dependent distance from the vehicle ahead. With the Stop&Go function, the brakes can be applied to bring the G07 X7 to rest; once the traffic ahead begins to accelerate, the BMW X7 will automatically accelerate if the vehicle has been stationary for less than 30 seconds;
• Lane Keeping Assistant: helps the driver pre-empt hazards by automatically applying corrective steering in three situations: 1) if the system detects that the vehicle is about to leave the road, 2) if the driver is about to change lanes and has not seen a vehicle in the next lane or 3) if danger is detected due to an approaching vehicle (see ‘Side Collision Warning’, below). Furthermore, holding the direction indicator could initiate a lane change;
  • Lane Departure Warning: active at speeds above 72 km/h, the driver is alerted by steering wheel vibrations if the vehicle deviates from its lane without prior activation of the indicators and active steering inputs bring the vehicle back to its intended lane;
  • Lane Change Warning: active at speeds above 10 km/h, Lane Change Warning monitors the zones to each side of the vehicle. If the driver activates the indicators to change lanes, the system checks these zones and – if occupied – warns the driver via steering wheel vibrations and a flashing a symbol in the appropriate door mirror;
  • Side Collision Warning: operating at speeds between 30 km/h and 210 km/h, Side Collision Warning alerts the driver via a visual signal or steering wheel vibration if another vehicle is ‘encroaching’ from the side. If the system detects sufficient room on the other side of the vehicle, it correctively steers the vehicle in this direction to avoid the danger. The corrective steering assistance, however, can be over-ridden by the driver at any time;
  • Steering and lane control assistant: operating at speeds up to 210 km/h, the steering and lane control assistant provides ‘comfort-enhancing steering interventions’ to keep the vehicle in its current lane (even where road markings are unclear). In stop-start traffic, the system also uses the preceding vehicle as a reference point;
• Evasion aid: operating at speeds up to 160 km/h, the evasion aid helps avoid collisions with vehicles or pedestrians that suddenly appear in the driver’s path by providing steering inputs that assist the driver to direct the vehicle into a clear adjacent lane;
• Crossing traffic warning front: uses radar sensors to check for approaching traffic at junctions with poor or impeded visibility;
• Crossing-traffic warning rear: when reversing out of a parking space, ‘Crossing-traffic warning rear’ warns the driver of approaching traffic that may intersect the driver’s intended path;
• Crossroads warning: provides visual and audible warnings in priority situations (i.e. where vehicles on another road had right of way) and at stop signs. At speeds up to 84 km/h, the steering wheel also vibrates to alert the driver;
• Rear Collision warning: if a rear-end collision is anticipated, following traffic would be warned by double frequency flashing of the hazard lights;
• Active Protection: if a collision risk is detected, including from preceding vehicles or stationary objects, Active Protection activates the front seatbelt tensioners and closes the windows (and sunroof, where fitted). After a collision, Active Protection automatically applies the brakes to bring the vehicle to rest, thereby reducing the likelihood and potential severity of a secondary collision;
• Attentiveness Assistant: monitors driver behaviour for signs of fatigue and, if detected, provides visual and audible warnings; and,
• Speed Limit Info: incorporated speed restrictions into the driver-selectable Speed Limiter function or Active Cruise Control.

Features: BMW G07 X7 xDrive30d

The BMW G07 X7 is equipped with BMW’s ‘Live Cockpit Professional’ which consists of a 12.3-inch (1920 x 1080) high-resolution instrument cluster display, another 12.3-inch ‘Control Display’, a navigation system, a hard-drive based multimedia system with 20 GB of memory, a ‘HiFi’ audio system with ten speakers, a digital radio tuner (DAB+), two front USB ports (type A and type C), two rear USB ports (type C), Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, voice control, Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, wireless mobile phone charging and WiFi interfaces. The BMW X7 also had a 12.3-inch display for its digital instrument cluster.

Beyond this, standard features for the BMW G07 X7 include 20-inch alloy wheels, ‘Vernsaca’ leather upholstery, power adjustable and heated front ‘sport’ seats, four-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control with braking function, adaptive LED headlights, front LED fog lights, rear fog lights, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors (BMW’s ‘Park Distance Control’), a rear view camera, a head-up display, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking with proximity key (BMW’s ‘Comfort Access’), power adjustable and heated mirrors with folding function, power windows, tilt/telescopic steering wheel adjustment, electrochromatic door mirrors and interior rear view mirror, a three-part panoramic glass sunroof with power operation, roof rails, a power-operated split tailgate with contactless operation, soft-close doors, an electric park brake, push-button start, ambient interior lighting, 12 volt power sockets, velour floor mats, tyre pressure monitoring and an immobiliser.

For Australian-delivered vehicles, the BMW G07 X7 is also equipped with –

• BMW’s ‘Parking Assistant’: uses ultrasonic sensors to detect parking spaces and controls acceleration, braking, steering and gear changes to manoeuvre the vehicle into the space;
• BMW’s ‘Parking Assistant Plus’ which includes a rear-view camera, Top View, Panorama and 3D View functions to create a 360-degree image of the vehicle and its surroundings in the Control Display. Furthermore, the Remote 3D View feature can be used to access a three-dimensional live image of their vehicle and surroundings on a smartphone; and,
• BMW’s ‘Reversing Assistant’: when exiting a parking space or manoeuvring in a confined area, the Reversing Assistant controls steering to reverse the vehicle along a path it has recently travelled forwards up to a distance of 50 metres. The Reversing Assistant is activated by pressing a button when the vehicle is stationary and the gear selector is in ‘Park’.

Features: BMW G07 X7 M50d

Compared to the BMW X7 xDrive30d, the BMW G07 X7 M50d is further equipped with 22-inch ‘M’ alloy wheels, a harman kardon surround sound system, ‘Comfort’ front seats with memory settings (driver and front passenger), cushions for the second row outer headrests, ‘Merino’ leather upholstery, five-zone climate control air conditioning, extended leather trim, fine-wood interior trim finishes and heated/cooled front cup holders.

Beyond this, the BMW X7 M50d is also equipped with:

• BMW ‘Laserlight’ with Adaptive LED Headlights and Selective Beam which provide non-dazzling high beam range of around 600 metres; and,
• An ‘M Sport’ package which includes an ‘M Sport’ leather steering wheel, ‘BMW Individual’ headliner in anthracite-coloured Alcantara, M-specific detailing (for the pedals, driver’s footrest and seat piping).

Visually, the BMW X7 M50d can be identified by its ‘M Aerodynamics’ package.

Options: BMW G07 X7

Optional features for the BMW G07 X7 are expected to include:

• Multi-function front seats with massage and ventilation functions;
• A Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System with twenty speakers and peak output of 1700 watts; and,
• An ‘Ambient Air’ package which provides air ionisation and infuses the interior with eight individually selectable scents;
• BMW’s ‘Sky Lounge’ panoramic glass roof which uses LEDs to illuminate more than 15,000 graphic patterns and ‘generate a display reminiscent of a starlit sky’;
• An ‘Ambient Air’ package which provided air ionisation and infused the interior with eight individually selectable scents; and,
• BMW ‘Professional’ rear-seat entertainment system which consisted of two 10.2-inch full-HD touchscreens, a Blu-ray compatible DVD player, two USB ports, an HDMI socket and two headphone jacks. Rear-seat passengers could use their own media sources or those available in the front compartment, while a navigation map and BMW ConnectedDrive services could also be accessed from the rear seats.

Specifications

• Specifications: BMW G07 X7 (October 2018)

Related links

• BMW Press: the all-new BMW X7 (October 2018)

Review: BMW E36/8 Z3 Coupe (1998-02)

Overview

Released in December 1998, the BMW E36/8 Z3 M Coupe was a two-seat performance coupe. Manufactured in South Carolina, USA, the rear-wheel drive Z3 M Coupe was powered by BMW’s 3.2-litre S50 B32 inline six-cylinder petrol engine as per the E36 M3 ; a five-speed manual transmission as standard. The S50 B32 inline six cylinder engine had an iron engine block, an alloy head, double overhead camshafts, variable valve timing (BMW’s VANOS), four valves per cylinder and a compression ratio of 11.3:1.

Compared to the Z3 Roadster on which it was based, the Z3 M Coupe was the same length (at 4025 mm), 48 mm wider (1740 mm), 8 mm lower (1280 mm) and had a 15 mm longer wheelbase (2459 mm). Furthermore, the Z3 M Coupe had a single-joint spring strut front axle and independent rear suspension with semi-trailing arms; the Z3 M Coupe was also fitted with a limited slip rear differential.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Z3 M Coupe included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS and front seatbelt pretensioners.

Features

Standard features for the Z3 M Coupe included 17-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker sound system with a ten disc CD stacker, power adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a power sunroof, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: BMW Z3

Overview

Released in Australia in December 2014, the BMW F16 X6 was a large SUV with a coupe-like profile. Manufactured in South Carolina, USA, the four-wheel drive X6 range initially consisted of the xDrive30d, M50d and xDrive50i, with the xDrive35i, xDrive40d and M variants following in 2015 (see table below).

All F16 X6 engines were compliant with Euro 6 emissions standards and featured the following technologies –

• Auto Start Stop: shut down the engine when the vehicle was stationary in traffic;
• Brake Energy Regeneration: regulated alternator output to recharge the battery when the vehicle was coasting or braking; and,
• Eco Pro drive mode: adjusted engine management, throttle response and transmission behaviour to minimise fuel consumption. Eco Pro also included a coasting function that could decouple the engine from the powertrain when the driver eased off the accelerator and did not apply the brakes to prevent engine braking.

Eight-speed automatic transmissions were fitted as standard across the range.

xDrive four-wheel drive system

The F16 X6 had a permanent four-wheel drive system which utilised an electronically controlled, multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. Generally, the clutch was partially engaged and provided a 40:60 front:rear torque split. In addition to partial engagement, however, the clutch could fully engage (for a 50:50 front:rear torque split) or completely open (all torque to the rear wheels) – the latter would occur when driving at high speed or when parking.

The xDrive system interacted with the electronic stability control system such that torque distribution could be varied in response to oversteer or understeer, and individual wheels could be braked to transfer torque to the opposing wheel (i.e. cross-axle torque transfer). Models with the xDrive system also had a hill descent control function.

The Dynamic Performance Control system – available as part of the Dynamic and Professional Adaptive Suspension Packages – included a torque vectoring function that controlled the power split between the rear wheels.

Dimensions

Compared to the E71 X6 , the F16 X6 was 32 mm longer (at 4909 mm), 6 mm wider (1989 mm) and 12 mm taller (1702 mm), though wheelbase length (2933 mm) was unchanged. For improved aerodynamics, the F16 X6 was fitted with BMW’s

• Air Curtains: vertical apertures which guided inflowing air around the wheel arches to create a curtain of air over the wheels;
• Air Breathers: once air was deflected around the wheel arches, it would be channeled through the Air Breathers (positioned behind the front wheels); and,
• Aero Blades: air-channeling elements near the roof spoiler.

For the F16 X6, the drag coefficient ranged from 0.32 Cd for the xDrive30d to 0.36 Cd for the X6 M50d.

Inside, the X6 had 40:20:40 split and folding second row seats. rear seats which, when folded, increase cargo capacity from 580 litres to 1525 litres.

Steering and suspension

The F16 X6 had electric power assisted steering, double wishbone front suspension and an ‘integral IV’ rear axle. Beyond this,

• The X6 xDrive50i, M50d and X6 M were all fitted with electronically-controlled dampers (BMW’s ‘Dynamic Damper Control’) which continuously adjusted to road conditions and provided selectable settings;
• The X6 M50d and X6 M were fitted with BMW’s ‘Dynamic Drive’ active roll stabilisation program; and,
• The xDrive50i and X6 M also had rear axle air suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the X6 included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, cornering brake control, traction control, hill descent control, active front seat head restraints and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

The X6 xDrive30d, xDrive35i, xDrive40d and X6 M were fitted with BMW’s camera-based ‘Driving Assistant’ package which included:

• Forward Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with light city braking; and,
• Lane Departure Warning.

The xDrive50i and M50d, however, were fitted with BMW’s camera- and radar-based ‘Driving Assistant Plus’ package which added Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function.

Features: F16 X6

Standard features for the X6 xDrive30d included 20-inch alloy wheels with 275/40 R20 front and 315/35 R20 rear tyres, nine speaker sound system with MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/iPod), 20GB hard drive, Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity and audio streaming, voice recognition, a DVD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, head-up display, satellite navigation with a 10.25-inch display, cruise control, Dakota leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, directional LED headlights with washers, daytime running lights, LED fog lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, a surround view camera system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with gearshift paddles, split and folding rear seats, remote central locking, power adjustable mirrors (with heating, folding and auto-dipping on reverse functions), power windows, driver memory settings for the seats and mirrors, a power adjustable steering column (for height and reach), push-button start, 12 volt power sockets, ambient lighting, courtesy lamps, scuff plates, tyre pressure sensors, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

As standard, the power-operated tailgate could be opened via detection of foot movements near the rear bumper (‘Comfort Access’) and had an automatic ‘Soft Close’ function

The X6 xDrive35i and xDrive40d were further equipped with a sixteen speaker sound system and proximity key (i.e. keyless entry).

Beyond this, the X6 xDrive50i and M50d featured a harman/kardon surround sound system with sixteen speakers and digital (DAB+) radio, four-zone climate control air conditioning, heated front seats with power adjustable lumbar support, BMW’s ‘Parking Assistant’ for automated parking, remote start, an alarm system and metallic paint finish. Unique within the range, the xDrive50i had Polar Grain interior trim.

2015 BMW F86 X6 M

With its S63B44T2 engine , the X6 M could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds (utilising the Launch Control function), while fuel consumption over the combined ADR 81/02 test cycle was 11.1 litres per 100 km.

For the X6 M, suspension changes included firmer settings, a modified upper wishbone and 10 mm lower ride height. The X6 M was also fitted with an upgraded braking package which included perforated and inner vented discs (front and rear) and six piston front brake calipers.

Compared to the X6 M50d, the X6 M featured M sports seats, digital TV reception (DVB-T) and a power-operated glass sunroof.

2017 BMW X6 M Black Fire Edition

The BMW X6 M Black Fire Edition was released in Australia in October 2017. Compared to the standard BMW X6 M, the Black Fire Edition could be identified by its Sapphire Black metallic paint finish, dark carbon fibre door mirror caps, blacked-out kidney grille, 21-inch black M alloy wheels and rear privacy glass.

Inside, the BMW X6 M Black Fire Edition featured fine-grain Merino leather upholstery, BMW M multi-functional seats finished in Black and Mugello Red, an anthracite-coloured Alcantara headliner, Alcantara trim for the M Performance steering wheel, piano black interior finishers and ‘X6 M Edition Black Fire’ signets. The X6 M Black Fire Edition also had an automatic soft-close function for the doors.

The BMW X6 M Black Fire Edition had a recommended retail price of $214,800 (excluding on-road costs). Australian deliveries were limited to ten (10) vehicles.

Related links

• Press Kit: BMW F16 X6 (June 2014)
• Press Kit: BMW F15 X5 M and F16 X6 M (January 2015)
• Specifications: BMW F16 X6 (July 2017)
• Specifications: BMW F85 X5 M and F86 X6 M (April 2015)
• BMW Australia: BMW X6
• Wikipedia.org: BMW F16 X6

Overview

Commencing production in September 2019, the BMW G06 X6 is a large SUV with a coupe-like profile. Manufactured at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, the BMW G06 X6 range will initially consist of xDrive40i, M50i xDrive, xDrive30d and M50d xDrive variants (see table below).

To reduce fuel consumption, all variants have:

• An ‘Auto Start Stop’ function which can shut down the engine when the vehicle is stationary in traffic;
• An ‘Eco Pro’ mode which adjusts engine management, throttle response and transmission behaviour to minimise fuel consumption. Eco Pro also includes a coasting function that can disengage the engine from the powertrain when the driver eases off the accelerator (to prevent engine braking); and,
• ‘Brake Energy Regeneration’ which regulates alternator output to recharge the battery when the vehicle is coasting or braking.

Unusually, the 3.0-litre diesel engine for the BMW X6 M50d has two low-pressure turbochargers and two high-pressure turbochargers (the latter with variable inlet geometry). In normal driving situations, both low-pressure turbochargers and one of the two high-pressure turbochargers are active. The second high-pressure turbocharger, however, only engages once engine speed exceeds 2500 rpm. Under hard acceleration from idle, however, flaps are actuated so that the two low-pressure turbochargers are bypassed.

xDrive four-wheel drive system

AustralianCar.Reviews understands that the all-wheel drive system for the BMW G06 X6 has an electronically controlled, multi-plate clutch in the transfer case. The ‘xDrive’ all-wheel drive system is able to vary drive torque between the front and rear wheels and, when all-wheel drive is not required, all the engine’s torque is directed to the rear wheels. Furthermore, when the driver adopts ‘a particularly dynamic style at the wheel’, the xDrive system provides a rear-biased torque distribution.

For the ‘M Sport’ equipment line and the Off-road package, the BMW G06 X6 is equipped with an electronically controlled rear differential lock. Controlled by the electronic stability control system (BMW’s ‘DSC’), the locking function for the rear differential can prevent a wheel from spinning in low-traction situations, thereby improving traction and power transmission when driving on loose ground or surfaces with variable grip levels. This locking effect is achieved by an electric motor and allows up to 1500 Nm of drive torque to be redirected from the faster-turning (i.e. low traction) wheel to the slower-turning wheel.

Body and dimensions

Compared to the BMW F16 X6 , the G06 X6 is 26 mm longer (at 4935 mm), 15 mm wider (2004 mm), 6 mm lower (1696 mm) and has a 42 mm longer wheelbase (2975 mm). While the X6 xDrive30d and xDrive40i have drag co-efficients of 0.32 Cd, the M50i and M50d have drag co-efficients of 0.34 Cd and 0.36 Cd, respectively.

Luggage capacity for the BMW G06 X6 is 580 litres, though this increases to 1530 litres when the rear seats are folded down and luggage is filled to the roofline.

Suspension

The BMW G06 X6 has aluminium double wishbone front suspension and a steel five-link rear axle. For Australia, the G06 X6 is expected to be fitted with BMW’s ‘Dynamic Damper Control’ which consists of electronically controlled dampers that enable the driver to select from two performance maps via the ‘Driving Experience Control’ switch. For greater ‘agility and steering precision’, the BMW X6 M50d has model-specific kinematics and elastokinematics for the wheel suspension, and unique spring and damper tuning.

Expected to be fitted as standard for the BMW X6 M50d and M50i, BMW’s ‘Adaptive M suspension Professional’ includes active roll stabilisation and Integral Active Steering (the latter is explained under ‘Steering’, below). For active roll stabilisation, the anti-roll bars at the front and rear axles are split and each one is connected in the centre by an electric swivel motor. Actuation of the swivel motor causes the two links on the anti-roll bar to twist and counteract forces causing the roll tendency.

As an option, the BMW G06 X6 will be available with two-axle air suspension which includes automatic self-levelling. For this system, the suspension’s air supply is controlled individually for each wheel using an electrically-driven compressor with a pressure reservoir. When ‘Sport’ mode is engaged or vehicle speed exceeded 138 km/h, ride height is lowered by 20 mm. A button in the luggage compartment can also engage a ‘loading mode’ that lowers the vehicle a further 20 mm. Ground clearance, however, can be raised in two stages to a maximum of 40 mm above the standard setting (for a maximum clearance of 256 mm).

All BMW G06 X6 variants other than the X6 M50d and M50i can be specified with an ‘Off-Road package’ which includes front and rear underguard elements, two-axle air suspension and an electronically controlled rear differential lock. The Off-Road package also adds unique graphics to the instrument cluster and Control Display, and an extra button on the centre console for selecting the four driving modes.

Steering

The BMW G06 X6 has rack-and-pinion steering with electric power assistance; the G06 X6’s turning circle is 12.6 metres, while the overall steering ratio is 18.7:1. Expected to be fitted as standard for the BMW X6 M50d and M50i, BMW’s ‘Integral Active Steering’ provides rear wheel steering. At parking speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels to reduce the turning radius. At higher speeds, however, the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the front wheels for greater stability.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the BMW G06 X6 includes dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and second row seats), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.

Australian-delivered BMW G06 X6 vehicles are expected to be equipped with the following safety technologies as standard:

• Forward Collision Warning and Pedestrian Warning with City Braking: operating at speeds between 10 and 60 km/h, the system warns the driver if a pedestrian or stationary vehicle is detected in the BMW X6’s path. If the driver fails to react, the system automatically applies the brakes to prevent or minimise the severity of a collision;
• Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function: at speeds from 30 km/h to 210 km/h, Active Cruise Control can maintain a speed-dependent distance from the vehicle ahead. With the Stop&Go function, the brakes can be applied to bring the G06 X6 to rest; once the traffic ahead begins to accelerate, the BMW X6 automatically accelerate if the vehicle has been stationary for less than 30 seconds;
• Lane Keeping Assistant: helps the driver pre-empt hazards by automatically applying corrective steering in three types of situation: 1) if the system detects that the vehicle is about to leave the road, 2) if the driver is about to change lanes and has not seen a vehicle in the next lane or 3) if danger is detected due to an approaching vehicle (see ‘Side Collision Warning’, below). Furthermore, holding the direction indicator could initiate a lane change;
  • Lane Departure Warning: active at speeds above 72 km/h, the driver is alerted by steering wheel vibrations if the vehicle deviates from its lane without prior activation of the indicators and active steering inputs bring the vehicle back to its intended lane;
  • Lane Change Warning: active at speeds above 10 km/h, Lane Change Warning monitors the zones to each side of the vehicle. If the driver activates the indicators to change lanes, the system checks these zones and – if occupied – warns the driver via steering wheel vibrations and flashing a symbol in the applicable door mirror;
• Side Collision Warning: operating at speeds between 30 km/h and 210 km/h, Side Collision Warning alerts the driver via a visual signal or steering wheel vibration if another vehicle is ‘encroaching’ from the side. If the system detects sufficient room on the other side of the vehicle, it correctively steers the vehicle in this direction to avoid the danger. The corrective steering assistance, however, could be over-ridden by the driver at any time;
• Steering and lane control assistant: operating at speeds up to 210 km/h, the steering and lane control assistant provides ‘comfort-enhancing steering interventions’ to keep the vehicle in its current lane (even where road markings are unclear). In stop-start traffic, the system also uses the preceding vehicle as a reference point;
• Evasion Assistant: operating at speeds up to 160 km/h, the Evasion Assistant helps avoid collisions with vehicles or pedestrians that suddenly appear in the driver’s path by providing steering inputs that assist the driver to direct the vehicle into a clear adjacent lane;
• Crossing traffic warning front: uses radar sensors to check for approaching traffic at junctions with poor or impeded visibility;
• Crossing-traffic warning rear: when reversing out of a parking space, ‘Crossing-traffic warning rear’ warns the driver of approaching traffic that may intersect the driver’s intended path;
  Crossroads warning: provides visual and audible warnings in priority situations (i.e. where vehicles on another road had right of way) and at stop signs. At speeds up to 84 km/h, the steering wheel also vibrates to alert the driver;
• Rear Collision warning: if a rear-end collision is anticipated, following traffic would be warned by double frequency flashing of the hazard lights;
• Active Protection: if a collision risk is detected, including from preceding vehicles or stationary objects, Active Protection activates the front seatbelt tensioners and closes the windows (and sunroof, where fitted). After a collision, Active Protection automatically applies the brakes to bring the vehicle to rest, thereby reducing the likelihood and potential severity of a secondary collision;
• Attentiveness Assistant: monitors driver behaviour for signs of fatigue and, if detected, provides visual and audible warning; and,
• Speed Limit Info: incorporated speed restrictions into the driver-selectable Speed Limiter function or Active Cruise Control.

Features: BMW G06 X6 xDrive30d and xDrive40i

For Australia, the BMW G06 X6 is expected to be equipped with BMW’s ‘Live Cockpit Professional’ which consisted of a 12.3-inch (1920 x 1080) high-resolution instrument cluster display, another 12.3-inch ‘Control Display’, a navigation system, a hard-drive based multimedia system with 20 GB of memory, a ‘HiFi’ audio system with ten speakers and a 205 watt digital amplifier, digital radio tuner (DAB+), two front USB ports (type A and type C), two rear USB ports (type C), Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity, voice control and WiFi interfaces.

Beyond this, standard features for the BMW G06 X6 xDrive30d and xDrive40i are expected to include ‘Vernsaca’ leather upholstery, power adjustable and heated front seats with driver’s seat memory function, 2.5-zone climate control air conditioning, adaptive LED headlights, front LED fog lights, rear fog lights, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors (BMW’s ‘Park Distance Control’), a head-up display, a 40:20:40 split rear seat backrest, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking with proximity key (BMW’s ‘Comfort Access’), power adjustable and heated mirrors with folding function, power windows, tilt/telescopic steering wheel adjustment, electrochromatic door mirrors and interior rear view mirror, a panoramic glass sunroof, roof rails, a power-operated split tailgate with contactless operation, an electric park brake, push-button start, ambient interior lighting, 12 volt power sockets, velour floor mats, tyre pressure monitoring and an immobiliser.

The BMW G06 X6 is also equipped with –

• BMW’s ‘Parking Assistant’: uses ultrasonic sensors to detect parking spaces and controlled acceleration, braking, steering and gear changes to manoeuvre the vehicle into the space;
• BMW’s ‘Parking Assistant Plus’: includes a rear-view camera, Top View, Panorama and 3D View functions to create a 360-degree image of the vehicle and its surroundings in the Control Display. The Remote 3D View feature can be used to access a three-dimensional live image of their vehicle and surroundings on a smartphone; and,
• BMW’s ‘Reversing Assistant’: when exiting a parking space or manoeuvring in a confined area, the Reversing Assistant can control steering to reverse the vehicle along a path which it has recently travelled forwards up to a distance of 50 metres. The Reversing Assistant is activated by pressing a button when the vehicle is stationary and the gear selector is in the ‘P’ position.

Features: BMW G06 X6 M50d and M50i

Compared to the BMW X6 xDrive30d and xDrive40i, the X6 M50d and M50i are expected to be further equipped with a harman kardon surround system which has sixteen (16) speaker and a 464 watt digital amplifier, heated front seats, four-zone climate control air conditioning, heated and cooled cup holders in the front centre console, an M leather steering wheel, a leather instrument panel, anthracite-coloured headliner, ‘Aluminium Tetragon’ interior trim finishers and an automatic soft-close function for the doors.

Related links

• BMW Press: the all-new BMW X6 (June 2019)