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:

    Run-flat tires
    Label RSC label on the tire sidewall. The wheels are composed of special rims and tires that are self-supporting, to a limited degree. The support of the sidewall allows the tire to remain ...

    Clean the windshield, headlamps
    Pull the lever. The system sprays washer fluid on the windshield and activates the wipers briefly. In addition, the headlamps are cleaned at regular intervals when the vehicle lights are switc ...

    Maintaining/storing the speed
    Press the button. or: Press the rocker switch while the system is interrupted. When the system is switched on, the current speed is maintained and stored as the desired speed. It is d ...