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:

    Dual-mass flywheel with centrifugal pendulum absorber
    In all road speed ranges that are relevant in everyday driving, the engineers have achieved reductions in engine speed which have noticeable benefits for fuel consumption. For example when cruisin ...

    My contacts
    General information List of all contacts. ...

    The Appendage Factor
    M cars have had what I call a high appendage factor — the feeling that the car is an extension of the driver. It's typically experienced in cars whose various systems and characteristics are well- ...