2004 Bmw 525i Base Sedan 4-door 2.5l on 2040-cars

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BMW X5 gets full battery of performance visuals

If you think BMW toned down its third-generation X5 CUV a little too much with its latest redesign, the new M Performance Parts line of optional parts may give you a chance to inject in a new sense of style.
The aesthetic parts include new carbon fiber pieces for the mirror caps, front splitter, rear diffuser and rear aero flaps. There's also a rear spoiler, high-gloss black kidney grilles, M Performance rocker panel decals and double-spoke 21-inch wheels with performance tires. The interior upgrades are similar with an available Alcantara steering wheel with carbon fiber trim, stainless steel pedals and carbon fiber gearshift trim.
Not all of the M Performance Parts are about style. The M Performance Power Kit sharpens throttle response and boosts power of the X5 xDrive35i to 320 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, an improvement of 20 hp and 32 lb-ft, and an optional exhaust with chrome tips improves its sound. For buyers looking for improved stopping power, the M Performance Brake Kit adds six-piston calipers with 19-inch steel rotors.

Old vs. new debate gets new life with $25,000 Fiesta ST vs. E46 M3 showdown

You know who you are. There's probably a few of you reading; the ones that say, "Why would I spend $27,000 on a new Mazda MX-5 when I could get a used Chevrolet Corvette with more power." Yes, we're talking to you, used car proponents. While it is a fair argument, it's not like used cars don't come with drawbacks of their own, though.
In an attempt to put this new-versus-used argument to bed once and for all, Matt Farah of the The Smoking Tire has picked up a pair of $25,000 cars - a used, but lightly modified, 2003 BMW M3 and a 2013 Ford Fiesta ST. Naturally, there's a comparison.
Farah, as he's wont to do, does get into the nitty gritty of what each car is like to drive, and discusses the merits of used and new-car shopping. But as he rightly points out while testing the M3, "So, it is a good car. But like any used car, it really does depend on the individual car."

Revised 2015 BMW 6 Series family shows its tweaked face to the world [w/video]

BMW is unwrapping refreshed versions of its luxurious 6 Series family for the 2015 model year, and the range features some styling tweaks inside and out, along with new standard tech. The biggest change for 2015 is a redesign at the front end to make the 6 look even sharper than before. Only BMW superfans might notice one of the reasons why, though. There are now nine slats in the kidney grille instead of 10 to create larger openings. In addition, all versions get standard Adaptive full-LED headlights with a slightly more angular shape. They're joined by new side mirrors with integrated indicators in thin strips of lights. Lower down, a revised front air dam boasts a tweaked design and LED foglights at each top edge. Updated side window surrounds are exclusive to the four-door model and feature the Gran Coupe name embossed into them near the rear doors. Buyers of any of the models can choose among a palette of new colors including: Jatoba metallic, Cashmere Silver metallic, Glacier Silver metallic, Mediterranean Blue metallic and Melbourne Red metallic. For 2015, the interior revisions are subtle. There's high-gloss black trim covering the center console, and LEDs are used for some lighting. Navigation, heated front seats, two-zone climate control, dynamic cruise control and heated exterior mirrors all come standard for all models, though. If the regular leather doesn't suit you, then there are now Ivory White/Black and Cognac/Black two-tone Nappa options. Mechanically, the 6 Series family carries over from last year. That gives the 640i a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six making 315 horsepower and the 650i a turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 445 hp. The M6 carries over its 560-hp version of the V8, too. Standard models get an eight-speed automatic with optional all-wheel drive, and the M has a seven-speed dual-clutch. If all this isn't enough for some buyers, there are also two new optional packs. The Black Accent Package adds high-gloss black parts for the grille, window surrounds and pipes, plus includes Cognac/Black leather inside with wood trim. The M Sport Edition brings an M body kit, steering wheel and 20-inch wheels, along with cabin additions like a leather dashboard, ventilated seats and soft-close doors. Read all the details about the latest crop of 6 Series models in BMW's verbose press release below, and while you're there, check out an official BMW video.