Back Country Journal Presents: BMW X3 Review (2008)
![]() THE
BMW X3 FOR 2008: BMW’s
Sports Activity
Vehicle® Continues
To Offer Unprecedented Handling,
Comfort and Capability The
2008 lineup consists of a
single model, designated the X3 3.0si. The
designation denotes the powerplant, which
is a 260-hp 3.0-liter aluminum/magnesium Valvetronic inline-6. Complementing this engine is a
6-speed
STEPTRONIC automatic transmission, which is a no-cost option. A 6-speed manual remains standard
as the 2008
X3 retains its position as one of the only vehicles in its class to
offer a
manual transmission for serious driving enthusiasts. The
X3 3.0si can sprint from 0-60
mph in 6.9 seconds with its 6-speed
manual, or 7.1 seconds with its 6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic
transmission.
Complementing the stellar performance is an impressive fuel economy
rating as
the X3 3.0si carries an EPA estimate of 17 mpg City / 24 mpg Highway
with the
automatic or 16 City / 23 Highway with manual when measured with the
new 2008
EPA standards. Not many luxury-
compact
sport-utility can match these mileage and acceleration figures. What’s
new for 2008 • Sport Activity Package,
which includes
Privacy Glass, Sport Leather-wrapped steering wheel, running boards,
Star Spoke
18-inch wheels with all-season tires and Shadowline exterior trim • Ambient Interior/Exterior
lighting has been
added to the Premium Package • Active headrests will be
standard • MSRP stays at $38,775, which
includes $775 destination
charge More
horsepower and
torque thanks to BMW’s aluminum/magnesium inline-6 The
2008 X3 3.0si boasts BMW’s
Valvetronic 3.0-liter aluminum/magnesium
6-cylinder engine. With 260 horsepower
and 225 lb-ft. of torque on tap, the new X3 3.0si makes it one of the
quickest 6-cylinder
SUV’s in the segment—6.9 seconds with its 6-speed manual or 7.1 seconds
with
its new 6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic. BMW’s
exclusive Valvetronic technology ensures that the X3
not only
provides exceptional acceleration, but excellent fuel economy as well. Valvetronic
manages the two
conflicting demands of modern engines—more
power and better economy—by taking a new approach to valve control. Valvetronic varies
valve lift to a far greater degree than other
variable-lift systems—so much so that it replaces the traditional
engine
throttle. Instead of a
conventional throttle controlled by the accelerator pedal, engine
breathing is
controlled entirely by the
valves themselves. The
Valvetronic
mechanism acts on the intake
valves, imposing an additional control element between the camshaft
lobe and
rocker arm for each cylinder, called an intermediate follower. Upon contact by the lobe, this
follower
actuates a finger-type rocker arm and, in turn, the valve.
The follower’s pivot point is positioned by
an eccentric shaft, rotated by a servo motor in response to the
driver’s
accelerator-pedal movements; this varies the valve lift. The system’s
advantages include: • Greater
efficiency. As a throttle closes, it
poses a restriction to incoming air. Valvetronic eliminates this
restriction,
reducing “pumping losses.” • More
spontaneous engine response – again, because there is no
conventional
throttle. • More power, because maximum
valve
lift can be higher than with fixed lift. In
a class where a 5-speed
automatic transmission is the norm, the 2008
X3 is unique in that it offers not one but two 6-speed transmissions. The automatic STEPTRONIC
transmission benefits
from the same improvements found throughout the BMW lineup, making it
quicker-shifting,
more fuel efficient and more responsive than ever.
As in previous years, this new STEPTRONIC is
available as a no-cost option. BMW’s
exclusive xDrive,
Dynamic Stability Control and Dynamic Traction
Control provide all-wheel-drive performance Like
other current BMW
models with
all-wheel drive, the X3 incorporates BMW’s advanced xDrive all-wheel
drive and
traction system. The 2008 X3 3.0si
includes Dynamic Traction Control as part of DSC.
At
the touch of a button, DTC waits for a
higher threshold of wheel-slip before engaging DSC functions. This helps when starting off on
loose snow,
for example, and still provides a level of confidence by preventing
radical
vehicle movements through brake application and throttle control. It also offers the driving
enthusiast another
dimension of performance. In order to
ensure a high degree of stability and traction under all conditions,
the xDrive
all-wheel drive system, DSC and the engine management system are
networked via
Integrated Chassis Management.
Working
together, the systems will react to a loss of traction at any wheel by
first
utilizing xDrive to move traction to the front or rear axle as
appropriate. Then, if necessary, DSC
will work to help stabilize the vehicle. Housed
in the transfer
case behind the
transmission, xDrive takes a clearheaded approach to apportioning
driving
torque between the front and rear wheels. In its essence, xDrive
operates as
follows: • Driving torque is always
transmitted to the rear wheels and most of the time to all four wheels. • The portion of torque
transmitted to the front wheels is controlled by a multi-disc clutch
that can
be fully open, fully engaged or at any level of partial engagement in
between.
Thus the torque split between rear and front wheels is steplessly
variable. • Engagement pressure on the
multi-disc clutch is applied by a servo motor, which in turn is
directed by an
electronic control system that receives inputs from the DSC system via
sensors
for – –
Rotational speed of
each wheel –
Steering angle –
Brakelight switch –
Vehicle yaw and lateral
acceleration. •
The
servo motor exerts engagement pressure on the multi-disc clutch via a
linkage
consisting of levers, a ball ramp and a disc cam. Considering
the front
and rear wheels as
two pairs, the rears always drive; the proportion of the total driving
torque
apportioned to the front pair at any given time depends upon the degree
to
which the multi-disc clutch is engaged (i.e. the engagement pressure
exerted by
the servo motor). As more torque is
transferred to the front wheels, a smaller proportion goes to the rear. With full traction at all wheels, the maximum
proportion to the front is 50%; in a situation where both rear wheels
are on
glaze ice and the fronts are getting traction, the proportion going to
the
rears can approach zero. All-wheel
drive is essentially permanent; however, under
normal traction conditions, there are defined circumstances under which
xDrive
operates in rear-wheel drive only: •
During tight cornering with
little engine
torque, to permit large wheel-speed variations between the front and
rear
wheels (such as when parking). •
In tight curves with low to
medium torque. •
At speeds in excess of 180
km/h (112 mph). •
When the vehicle tends to
understeer markedly. •
Anytime the antilock braking
function is active. But
xDrive does not optimize traction alone; it can also
enhance handling characteristics, fostering both agility and stability
on
non-slippery as well as slippery road surfaces.
Via
the same type of logic DSC employs to recognize and
correct for
excessive over- or understeer, xDrive adjusts the front/rear torque
split to
avoid these tendencies. If undesirable
oversteer is sensed, the multi-disc clutch is completely closed,
sending the
maximum possible torque to the front wheels.
If
excess understeer is detected, xDrive opens the
multi-disc clutch
completely, leaving no driving torque at the front wheels.
All this occurs smoothly, with no overt
indications to the driver; the driver merely enjoys optimum dynamics
under a
wide range of driving and road conditions. In
connection with all these adjustments to the
front/rear torque split, it’s essential to note that xDrive makes them
ultra-quickly; reaction times (from sensing to control actions) are so
fast
that it could almost be said that the system operates pro-actively. BMW
chassis engineering
also contributes to X3’s road abilities xDrive
and bad-road
capability, however,
aren’t the only factors in the X3’s unique blend of handling talents. First of all, as the foundation for all this
road technology, the X3 has a highly rigid unitized body structure that
not
only stands up to the rigors of tough going, but also abets a quiet and
vibration-free ride in the more usual exercises of driving on paved
roads and
streets. Up
front, the
suspension system is an
X3-only version of the double-pivot strut-type layout that also
contributes to
the excellent ride and handling of BMW’s 3, 5, 6 and 7 Series models. At the rear, the X3 employs an evolution of
the multi-link suspension concept from the previous 3 Series Coupes –
called
Central Link – for the more rugged terrain to which X3s will sometimes
be
subjected. Aluminum
components
help reduce unsprung
weight and thus contribute to a relatively supple ride over rough
surfaces: in
the front suspension, the forward lower links; at the rear, the upper
transverse links. There are of course
front
and rear anti-roll (stabilizer) bars, and a firmer suspension
calibration is
included with the optional Sport Package (see Options and
accessories). Continuing
a BMW
concept first seen in the
M3 sports cars and since their debut extended to other Series, X3s have
specific reinforcements that help maintain precise suspension
movements: at the
front, a large-area thrust plate that also serves as a skid plate; at
the rear,
dual diagonal braces. Both beef up the
underbody area where the suspension subframes attach. As
on all current BMWs,
steering is by
rack and pinion with variable power assist. Standard
is engine-speed-sensitive assist, which increases
at very low
engine speeds to reduce parking efforts. Optional
Servotronic vehicle-speed-sensitive assist
further reduces
parking effort and provides a progressive diminution of assist with
increasing
vehicle speed. Ventilated
disc brakes
are standard, with
325-mm/12.8-in. diameter at the front and 320/12.6 at the rear. Four alloy wheel types are offered: • 17 x 8.0-in. Star Spoke
wheels
with 235/55R-17 all-season tires are standard • 18 x 8.0-in. Double Spoke
wheels
with 235/50R-18 all-season tires are available as a stand-alone option
or part
of the new Sport Activity Package • The Sport Package includes
18 x
8.0-in. wheels with 235/50R-18 all-season tires.
Their
sporty V Spoke design is distinctive
from that of the standard and optional wheels above • Offered in combination with
the
Sport Package are 19 x 8.5 front/19 x 9.0 rear X3
exterior: a
revitalized interpretation
of the SAV® concept Distinct
changes that
were made in 2007 to the front and rear of the X3 still provide a
substantially
fresh look for the 2008 version. The front end includes Xenon Adaptive
Headlights with the inner lamps surrounded by corona rings that also
function
as daytime running lights. The Adaptive
Headlights option adds Cornering Lights. Built in to the foglamps,
Cornering
Lights provide additional illumination in low-speeds (under 25 mph) to
aid maneuvers
such as parking. At the rear,
reconfigured taillights incorporate LED lamps for the Adaptive Brake
Lights. On
standard models not
equipped with the Sport Package, the body side wheelarch and rocker arm
trim
panels are made of flexible, damage-resistant black surfaces. The same
two-tone
treatment extends to the areas below the front and rear bumpers. Sport
Package-equipped vehicles get body-colored wheel arches, lower bumpers
and distinct
rocker panels. Roof rails are standard,
as is a roof spoiler that contributes to an excellent 0.35 aerodynamic
drag
coefficient. Electrically released, the
one-piece tailgate rises on gas struts to provide 6-ft. clearance for
loading. A
cargo area that
accommodates the X3
user’s active lifestyle The
X3 cargo hold
reflects BMW’s characteristic attention to esthetics and function. Accommodating up to 71 cubic feet of cargo,
it comes standard with a retractable cover, velour carpeting and side
trim,
left- and right-side lights as well as one in the tailgate, and an
accessory
electrical power outlet; longitudinal rails can be used to secure
accessories
such as the available two-bicycle rack. Concealed storage is provided
in the
cargo area’s right side; an available cargo net can be positioned in
different
ways to separate cargo and seating areas. Roomy,
versatile and
appealing interior The
instrument panel
includes an
integrated hood above the instruments, which blends seamlessly into the
upper
dash. Climate, audio and ancillary
controls are grouped attractively above and in the center console and
the
Premium Package now adds soft ambient lighting. Durable
and functional
leatherette
upholstery is standard, as is Dark Ash wood trim, which accents the
forward console and extends
across the dash. Either Gray Poplar or
Light Natural Poplar wood trim is
optional at no
extra cost. Soft touch paint adds a
touch of elegance to the door pull cutouts, and the armrests are now
wrapped in either standard leatherette
or the optional Nevada leather.
Further
optional features and materials are
described under Options and accessories. Standard
furnishings
include 8-way power
front seats and a memory system for the driver’s seat and exterior
mirrors. The X3 options list includes
16-way Comfort Seats, in addition to the 8-way power/ 2-way manual
sport seats
available in the Sport Package.
The
steering wheel is tilt/telescopically adjustable. Storage
space is
generous: each front door
has two lower bins, now both fully enclosed for more secure small-
item
storage. For front occupants, the center
console includes an armrest and single cupholder; a retractable dash
cupholder
serves the front passenger. The rear of
the console also includes the new auxiliary stereo input for an iPod or
MP3
player, as well as the switches for the 3-stage heated rear seats on
models
with the Cold Weather Package.
The
console compartment accommodates an available 6-disc CD changer. The
rear-seat backrest
is split 60/40, its
two portions folding down to provide cargo- and people-carrying
versatility. In the “60” portion, a
folding center armrest includes two cupholders, storage space and the
center
head restraint. Safety
and security: Active
features
complement the X3’s extensive passive systems Since
its introduction, the X3
has offered the full gamut of safety systems, including BMW&#
8217;s first use
of a
curtain type front and rear Head Protection System.
Like the rest of BMW’s lineup, the X3’s DSC
includes a range of braking features: Brake Drying, Brake Stand-
by,
Brake Fade
Compensation and Start-off Assistant. These
are in addition to the Hill Descent Control, which
has been a part
of the X3’s DSC since its introduction. Brake Drying comes
into play any time the X3’s windshield wipers are functioning. At certain intervals, the brake pads are
brought up to the disc surfaces, just close enough to wipe them free of
any
water build-up without causing any physical wear on the pads or rotors. The result dries the brakes to eliminate any
delay in response when the pedal is depressed. Brake Stand-by
senses whenever the driver quickly lifts his foot off the accelerator,
and
anticipates any extreme braking by pre-loading the brake pads against
the
rotors. The result minimizes any lag in
brake performance by providing instantaneous response when the brake
pedal is
pushed. Together with Dynamic Brake
Control (which has been a part of DSC for years), Brake Stand-by can
help
reduce the X3’s response time in emergency braking. Brake Fade Compensation
ensures consistent braking under the high temperatures brought on by
heavy
usage, such as an extended downhill or repeated hard braking. Brake fade reduces the brakes’
effectiveness,
making it necessary to apply more brake pressure at the pedal to
maintain a
given amount of deceleration.
During
hard use, Brake Fade Compensation increases the pressure in the
hydraulic
system as the brake temperature rises, so the system maintains a
consistent
pedal feel even during repeated hard stops. Start-off Assistant
comes into play when the X3 is stopped facing uphill.
At that point, the brake system maintains
pressure for one second after the driver releases the pedal. The brakes continue to keep the vehicle
stopped long enough to allow the driver to accelerate smoothly without
concern
about the X3 rolling backward. In a sense,
Start-off Assistant is the ideal complement to the existing Hill
Descent Control, which removes the
need for driver intervention on steep declines.
When
HDC is actuated by the push of a button on the center
console, the
X3 maintains a constant speed without requiring the driver to &#
8220;ride the
brakes.” Hill Descent Control has been
standard on all
BMW SAVs® since the original 2000 X5. Another
X3 feature is Dynamic Traction Control. When
engaged via its own console-mounted
button, DTC allows a slight delay before engaging traction control. The minor amount of wheel spin that
results
can be helpful in certain road conditions, such as deep snow or loose
sand. The
enhanced DSC is the newest
of the safety features on the 2008 X3 3.0si, all of which are designed
to work
in tandem with the X3’s existing passive safety systems.
Both
front-impact airbags,
for example, are
further developed to optimize their 2-stage,
accident-severity-dependent
deployment characteristics, inflated shape and interaction with
surrounding
surfaces and components. Front safety
belts include automatic tensioners and force limiters.
The standard-equipment Head Protection System
for front and rear occupants is configured as a curtain-type system. Other
notable safety features and systems include: Ultra-sensitive “satellite” side-
impact sensors. By
sensing pressure
change within the door
structure (rather than deformation), they signal for deployment early
in a side
impact, yet minimize the chance of an unwanted deployment. Interlocking door anchoring system. This
familiar BMW
feature employs an aluminum
reinforcing bar in each door to strengthen the body side.
At the aft end of each diagonally positioned
bar is a hook-like member that, in a serious side impact, hooks into
the body
as the door deforms. The system is
designed so that after most impacts, elastic snap-back releases the
hook and
the doors can be opened. Intelligent Safety and Information System (ISIS), an overall
system for controlling the vehicle’s safety systems and devices. ISIS is a decentralized system, with an
overall Safety Gateway Module (SGM) and seven subordinate control
units, each
with a microprocessor of its own.
This
multiplicity of units provides a redundancy that helps preserve system
reliability even when portions of the system might be damaged by
accident
forces. In interaction with the main and
subordinate units, ISIS employs fully 14 sensors, which together
achieve
remarkable “tailoring” of the deployment of airbags, Battery Safety
Terminal
and safety-belt tensioners to actual accident circumstances. Supporting
the sophisticated electronic control scheme itself, fiber-optic cables
are not
susceptible to extraneous electromagnetic disturbances.
System software can be updated over the life
of the vehicle. Options
and accessories: a
wide range available
to personalize the X3 Along
with the updates
in standard
equipment, the 2008 offers a revised array of options and packages to
complement owners‘ active lifestyles. Packages: Sport
Activity Package. This new package for
2008 bundles Privacy Glass, running boards, Shadowline
exterior trim, a unique leather-wrapped Sport steeting wheel and Star
Spoke
18-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires. It is priced at $1,400 and
cannot
be ordered with Sport Package. Premium
Package. Notable additions
include Nevada leather upholstery, BMW Universal
Transceiver (garage-door opener), power-fold feature for the exterior
auto-dimming mirrors and a digital compass for the interior
auto-dimming
mirror. Ambient Interior/Exterior
lightning provides approach lighting upon entry and exit. As before,
the
package also includes 4-way power lumbar support for the front seats
and BMW
Assist (described later); membership to BMW Assist is 4 years, standard. BMW Assist includes Bluetooth
hands-free phone connectivity which adds hands-free access to your
phonebook. Sport
Package. Sport suspension, 18 x
8.0 wheels, 235/50R-18 H-rated all-season tires,
Shadowline (black) exterior trim, power sport front seats, a sport
steering
wheel, and a full body-color aerodynamic kit with painted side sills.
It cannot
be ordered with Sport Activity Package Cold
Weather Package. Includes
retractable nozzles for the
high-intensity liquid headlight cleaning system, as well as 3-stage
heating for
front and rear seats. An interior ski bag completes the package. Stand-alone
options: Comfort
Seats. These
16-way adjustable seats provide the
same 8-way adjustability as the standard seats, but add 4-way power
lumbar
support, power head restraints and 2-way adjustment for the backrest
angle. Comfort seats can be ordered as a
stand-alone
option, or in combination with the Premium Package. STEPTRONIC
automatic
transmission. BMW’s updated 6-speed
STEPTRONIC replaces the previous 5-speed.
This
new transmission not only features an
additional gear but provides quicker shifting and faster
torque-converter
lock-up for even more efficiency.
No
extra cost. Servotronic
power
steering. Vehicle-speed-sensitive
power assist in place of the standard
engine-speed-sensitive system. 18-in.
wheels and
all-season tires in a design that’s distinct from that of the Sport
Package.
This wheel is
part of the Sport Activity Package. 19-in.
wheels and
performance tires in differentiated front/rear sizes; available only in
combination with the
Sport Package, and in a new design. Xenon
Adaptive headlights
with auto-leveling and cornering lights.
Augmenting
the powerful forward illumination
of Xenon lamps, Adaptive Light Control (ALC) literally &#
8220;aims” at making
night
driving safer. The outboard lights steer with the front wheels, guided
by an
electronic control system and swiveled by small servo motors. The driver enjoys enhanced night
vision
around corners and curves. This option
also adds automatic leveling of the headlights and a cornering light
feature to
the foglights. During low-speed
(under
25 mph) cornering, the outboard foglight illuminates, and an additional
reflector in the lamp directs the light toward the inside of the turn
for
additional visibility. Park Distance Control. Via ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear
bumpers, PDC senses when the vehicle is approaching obstructions that
may not
be visible to the driver. Beepers at the
front and rear of the cabin alert the driver. Metallic paint,
available in seven
colors including Titanium Silver
Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic, Silver Gray Metallic, Highland Green
Metallic, Monaco Blue Metallic, Montego Blue Metallic, and Platinum
Bronze
Metallic. BMW On-board Navigation System with 16:9
display and folding monitor. Nevada leather upholstery includes seats and door
armrests; part of the Premium Package, but also available as
stand-alone
option. Alternate interior trims. Dark Ash wood trim is standard. Gray Poplar wood
or Light Natural Poplar wood are available at no extra cost. Heated front seats. Available separately for customers who do not wish
to order the Cold Weather Package. Heated steering wheel. Available with the standard wheel (not available
with Sport Package); an option not common in this segment. Privacy
glass aft of the B-pillar. Rear-seat
side-impact
airbags. The front and rear Head
Protection System is standard. Cargo
net. Retractable into its
roller
assembly, the net can be attached to the rear-seat backrests with them
folded
or upright, giving two choices of partitioning between cargo (or pets)
and
occupants. Premium audio system. The speaker count (10,
including two
subwoofers) is the same as that for the standard system, but speakers
and other
elements are upgraded. HD
Radio* with
multicasting reception capability not only improves the sound quality
of AM and FM stations, but allows access to additional radio
programming as
well. No subscription fee is needed. For
2008, the price is now $350. 6-disc
CD changer, available for BMW SAV®
center installation in
the front console. Other
BMW SAV®
center-installed accessories include aerodynamic
exterior components,
carrier systems that attach to the standard roof rails, chrome exhaust
extensions, interior cargo area management options, wood shift knobs
and
handbrake grips. Wood or aluminum
interior trim can be retrofitted to older X3s not already so equipped. BMW
Ultimate Service
TM:
providing
owners with incredible value and peace of mind
BMW
Ultimate Service
TM is
a suite of
services that includes the BMW
Maintenance Program, adside Assistance, the New Vehicle Limited
Warranty and
BMW AssistTM with
TeleService. BMW Ultimate ServiceTM includes: The BMW Maintenance Program is the only
no-cost maintenance program in the industry that covers wear and tear
items
like brake pads and rotors for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes
first. BMW owners pay nothing for all
scheduled inspections, oil changes, brake pads, wiper blade inserts and
other
wear-and-tear items. BMW Roadside Assistance is one of the
industry’s most comprehensive plans available. Not
only is it no-charge for the first 4 years, but there
is no mileage
limit. BMW drivers enjoy the assurance
of on-the-road help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the BMW New
Vehicle Limited Warranty: All
2008 BMW
passenger vehicles are
covered by BMW’s excellent Limited Warranty, which
includes: •
New-vehicle
warranty –
4-year/50,000-mile coverage of the vehicle. •
Rust-perforation
warranty – 12-year/unlimited-mileage coverage. BMW AssistTM provides the
driver with services that enhance on-the-road security and convenience,
for
added peace of mind. The BMW
AssistTM Safety
Plan is
standard on all 5, 6, and 7 Series models, including M5 and M6, and is
included
in the Premium Package or available as a stand-alone option on all
other
models. BMW offers this service for 4
years at no additional cost. Most other
manufacturers cover only the first year of service. The
in-vehicle equipment for BMW AssistTM includes
GPS
technology and hands-free communication functions accessed via buttons
in the overhead
or center console. Vehicle occupants may
request emergency or other services simply by pressing a button; the
BMW AssistTM system
then transmits the location and vehicle
information to the TeleService 2
automatically
notifies the BMW center when a vehicle will need service.
This feature allows the Service Advisor to
proactively set up a customer appointment and have the needed parts
ready. BMW
AssistTM
subscribers
can also enroll in the BMW
AssistTM
Convenience
Plan
(available at an additional cost of $199 per year) to
avail themselves of many BMW AssistTM Concierge
services, from
travel planning to dining reservations, shopping assistance and event
tickets,
as well as receive directions, and traffic and weather information. On
many BMW models, a selected destination and its phone number can be
sent
directly to the on-board navigation system and Bluetooth ®–linked
mobile phone, after a push of the new Concierge button.
The
Convenience
Plan also
includes Critical Calling, a new service that connects the driver in
case their
mobile phone
is not in
the vehicle or its battery is discharged. After
pushing the SOS button, a BMW Assist TM response
specialist will link the driver to
his requested party for up to five minutes and for up to four events
per year. As before,
the BMW Assist
TM system includes
Bluetooth® hands-free
phone connectivity with hands-free phonebook access and dialing by name
or
number via the steering wheel controls. Use
of this feature requires a customer-provided
compatible Bluetooth® mobile
phone. Performance
with a conscience
BMW
strives to produce its motor vehicles and other products with the
utmost
attention to environmental compatibility and protection.
Integrated into the design and development of
BMW automobiles are such criteria as resource efficiency and emission
control
in production; environmentally responsible selection of materials;
recyclability during production and within the vehicle; elimination of
CFCs and
hazardous materials in production; and continuing research into
environmentally
friendly automotive power sources. Tangible
results of these efforts include the recycling of
bumper
cladding into other vehicle components; water-based paint color coats
and
powder clear coats; near-future availability of hydrogen-powered
models; and
various design and engineering elements that help make BMWs easier to
dismantle
at the end of their service life. SAV and Sports
Activity Vehicle are the registered trademarks
for BMW light trucks. BMW
Group In
BMW of North
America, LLC has been present in the Information
about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at: |