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:

    Around the center console: controls and displays
    1.  Coupe: microphone for voice activation systemand for telephonein hands-free mode Convertible: microphone on steering column 2.  SOS: initiating an Emergency Request call 3.  ...

    Image on the Control Display
    The traffic area to the left and right is displayed on the Control Display. Image on the Control Display Guidelines at the bottom of the image show the position of the front of the vehicle. B ...

    Changing between panels
    After a menu item is selected, e.g., "Radio", a new panel is displayed. Panels can overlap. ▷ Move the controller to the left. The current panel is closed and the previous panel ...