Under the Hood

The 640i is powered by a 315-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. Its peak torque rating is 332 pounds-feet. BMW cites a zero to 60 mph time of 5.5 seconds for both the coupe and convertible. The standard eight-speed automatic transmission includes steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.

Other standard features include computer-controlled adaptive shock absorbers and Driving Dynamics Control, which allows the driver to adjust the ride quality, accelerator response, power-steering assist level and automatic transmission behavior.

Optional mechanical upgrades include active stabilizer bars and active steering, the latter of which adds rear-wheel steering to the earlier generation's variable-ratio front steering system.

    See also:

    Deactivating DSC: DSC OFF
    When DSC is deactivated, driving stability is reduced during acceleration and when driving in bends. Stabilizing interventions by the Integral Active Steering system are only performed by the r ...

    The concept
    Night Vision with pedestrian detection is a night vision system. An infrared camera records the area in front of the vehicle and displays the image on the Control Display. The picture is a hea ...

    Setting
    Pull the switch. The LED lights up. The indicator lamp lights up red. The parking brake is set. Lower lamp: indicator lamp in Canadian models Set the parking brake and further secure ...