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Over the next several weeks and months BMW will be introducing a wide variety of new or refreshed cars and technology. Today we thought we would take some time to sketch a rough timeline of these and what they entail while also linking you to our original stories. Much of this information is geared towards those in the US, so things may vary a bit for those reading in other markets.

1- Series: Will see the newly upgraded i-Drive system from start of production (SOP) 9/08 onward.

3- Series: The sedan (E90) and sport wagon (E91) will see a refresh with a SOP for 9/08. This includes new exterior styling, lighting, suspension, wheels and slight tweaks to the interior along with the new i-Drive system and color choices.The coupe and convertible (E92/93) will not see the same refresh until the next model year, as they were introduced about a year after the sedan debuted. The latter two will however see the new iDrive system starting this fall.

Additionally, the E90 335d will be released in time for the year to close though there is still no pricing or ability to place an order.

5- Series: Not much going on here in terms of changes aside from some new wheels. The new iDrive will not be introduced in this car at this time, though there is some speculation that it may see a mid-year introduction. The “F ” model has already begun testing along with the PAS and will debut within the next year.

6- Series: There will be a new sport package for the 6 and some upgrades in the name of color choices for the Individual package. Like the 5 series there may be a mid-year upgrade to the iDrive system though it is speculation at this point.

7- Series: The F01/02 7er will make its word debut in several weeks at the Paris auto show. The newly designed model departs from much of the prior generations controversial styling for a more subdued appearance. This car is laden with technology and has been extensively tested to promote a more finished product. It will compete as one of the top executive class cars. Expect this new model in showrooms Spring 2009.

X1- The X1 is anticipated to be displayed at the Paris Auto Show in “concept ” form. We placed concept in quotes because this will be a near production ready version of the SAV, much like how the ///M3 Coupe was display as a concept. The X1 is based on the 3 Series sport wagon and is designed to be more efficient, sporty and smaller than the X3.

X3- The X3 is rumored to end its current production run a year early due to its declining sales, dated technology/styling and the move from being built in Austria by Magna Steyr to BMW ‘s own plant in South Carolina. There will be some tweaks to the current car but nothing major. The next generation X3 has already begun testing and may be introduced some time next year.

X5- Some insiders are indicating that the new iDrive will appear mid model year for the X5. Adding to the lineup will be a diesel version sometime in late 2008/early 2009, though BMW is trying to make it 08 from what we gather. Rumors and spy photos are pointing towards a possible ///M version due to be released as a MY2010.

X6- Like the X5 the new iDrive should appear sometime later in the 2009 model year. The V8 twin turbo xDrive50 version was just recently released and a hybrid version should make its debut spring of ’09. There is also a proposed ///M version in the works, possibly utilizing F1 technology in a KERS hybrid system.

Z4- The E89 Z4 (or will it be Z6?) will premiere at the LA auto show this winter. It will feature a convertible hardtop, along with specialized performance suspension and differential.

The marketing department in the US made the decision to launch the non-///M version of the DCT in this model so do not be surprised to see the launch cars featuring it. As we all know now, much of the world is graced with this DCT transmission in the 335i coupe for MY 2009. Indications are that this car will be arriving at dealers in the Spring of 2009 and may include a new name similar to those of the “X ” models.

There will be other niche models (such as the PAS) to come as well and we will go into the details of them at a later date.

We hope that this little summary was helpful and provides you some insight into the future BMW models and their changes. As always we will continue to provide you with the latest information as soon as we can.