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:

    Traffic Jump
    Traffic and weather information for a selected region is broadcast every few minutes. Selecting a region1.  "Radio" 2.  "Satellite radio" 3.  Open "Options ...

    Example: dialing a phone number
    1. Briefly press the button on the steering wheel. 2. ›Dial number‹ The system says: »Please say the number« 3. E.g., ›123 456 790‹ The system says: »123 456 790. Continue? « 4. ›Dial‹ T ...

    1998: the fourth generation - common rail direct injection, VALVETRONIC and BMW xDrive
    The fourth-generation BMW 3-Series was launched in May 1998 and brought with it another hike in output, comfort and safety. The new model was four centimetres (approx. 1.5 in.) longer and wider th ...