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:

    Variable sport steering
    The variable sport steering increases the steering angle of the front wheels at large steering wheel angles, e.g., in tight curves or when parking. Steering becomes more direct. It also varies ...

    General information
    Instructions for voice activation system. To have the available spoken instructions read out loud: ›Voice commands‹ The following short commands apply to vehicles equipped with a voice activatio ...

    Switching on/off manually
    Press the button. On: the LED lights up. Off: the LED goes out. If Top View is displayed, switch on the backup camera via the iDrive. ...