There's no such thing as a halfway measure with BMW.

When it decides to do something, it moves quickly, forcefully and almost with deadly accuracy -- much to the chagrin of competitors.

BMW's luxury 7 series, for instance, was no simple mild redo. It was a no-holds- barred, technological tour de force with styling that didn't merely push the envelope, it tore the darned thing to pieces.

	2004 BMW 5 Series

More evidence: Every last one of their products is considered the gold standard of its kind.

How will the company that already has everything -- status, reputation, superb engineering and a loyal fan base -- keep it all together for 2004?

By doing more of the same, of course.

BMW is introducing a new 5 Series for instance, designed by Chris Bangle, who penned the hotly debated 7 Series, Z4 and other models. The new 5 will, I'm certain, be targeted by purists and debated around the world. Talk will center around an unusual rear end design and a new front end.

The new 5 does have a simplified version of the I-Drive accessory control interface that wowed some folks -- and terrified others in the larger 7 Series.

The 5 series features a similar, though slightly toned down version of the ducktail rear end that adorns the 7 Series. The 5 also features a longer wheelbase, length and front and rear track, and because it's got an aluminium front structure, it's about 165 pounds lighter than before. That means better performance from an already hot sports sedan. The 5 is powered by a 2.5-liter, 184-horsepower six; a three-liter, 225-horsepower 6; a or a 4.4-liter, 325 horsepower V-8, depending upon the model.

A bit of bad news here: The future of the M5 is uncertain. Some auto mags say there will be no M5 until later in the year and add that production has stopped on the '03. Others say you'll be able to get an '03 until spring when the '04 comes out. My advice: Talk to your friendly BMW dealer.

A wagon model will likely be introduced at some later point in the model year.

The current generation of 3 Series models, meanwhile, are being freshened for 2004, and will wear wider grilles, a slightly different power dome on the hood and headlights that will look different because of turn indicators that reach up higher on the sides. They also will have a more compact front apron, and headlights will have optional adaptive controls that allow them to follow the road.

By the way, I've seen pictures of the new 3 Series, due out in a couple of years, and it looks much like the current one. I predict it will go over well with most of the public.

Meanwhile, the 330Ci Coupe and Convertibles will greet the new model year with standard six-speed manual transmissions, and you'll also be able to get a new 330i performance package from BMW in '04. That package comprises changes to the 3.0-liter, six-cylinder engine, with horsepower increasing to 235 -- more than currently offered.

You'll be able to get a six-speed manual transmission and acceleration, as a result of the package, will be even better, with 60 coming in 5.4 seconds.

The 7 Series, still so fresh and new to many of us that no changes are really needed right now, will get new wheels and a new model -- the 760 Li, which has a wheelbase that is 5.5 inches longer and a six-liter, 438-horsepower V-12 engine. A Sirius Satellite radio will be a new option on the 7 Series.

The speedy, sleek-looking Z4 sports convertible is pretty much a carry-over model from the previous year.

And you can expect a fresh new look for the BMW X5, along with a brand new all-wheel-drive system. The all-wheel-drive system is being called X Drive, and it purportedly does an even better job at keeping the X5 stable on slippery surfaces and helping the driver maintain control of the car. There's also a new optional engine, a 4.4-liter, 315-horsepower V-8 that will be part of the 2004 X5 story.