2008 Bmw 5 Series Pib

Product Information

20085 Series

2008 5 Series

528i Sedan528xi Sedan535i Sedan535xi Sedan535xi Sports Wagon550i Sedan

Front cover Page FC 1

Table of contents 1

2008 5 Series introduction & overview 2

5 Series models for 2008 6

From the media 10

Exterior design & function features 12

Power & performance features 16

Comfort & convenience features 30

Safety & security features 36

Options & packages 38

Key dimensions 54

Standard & optional features summary 56

Technical specification 62

Exterior & interior color combinations 65

5 Series Competition 66

20085 Series

Product Information

2008 5 Series

528i Sedan528xi Sedan535i Sedan535xi Sedan535xi Sports Wagon550i Sedan

1

Schematics and dimensions,and technical specificationsprovide a by-the-numbersoverview of the 5 Series

Sedans and Sports Wagon,along with available features& options. Pages 54-65.

New Active head restraintsare just the latest in anextensive array of safetyfeatures in the 2008 5 Series. Safety & security,pages 36-37.

More powerful 6-cylindersinject an additional doseof horsepower to the baseand mid-level Sedans andSports Wagon. Power &performance, pages 16-29.

Whether Sedan or SportsWagon, 5 Series stylingremains the benchmark inthe mid-size luxury/performance class.Exterior design & function,pages 12-15.

Comments from the presscontinue to praise therevised 5 Series. From themedia, pages 10-11.

Two new 6-cylinderengines – including theSeries first twin-turbocharged engine –and a new front view high-light changes to the 2008 5 Series. Introduction andoverview, pages 2-5.

With five Sedans and oneSports Wagon the 2008 5 Series offers one of thelargest selections of models

in its class. Rear- and all-wheel-drive 2008 5 Seriesmodels, pages 6-9.

Note:Some of the photos and drawings appearing inthis Product Information Book are preliminary innature. Some photos and drawings are of European models.

New features, more powerand a revised exteriorensure the 2008 5 Seriesremains the leader in an

increasingly competitiveclass.The Competition,pages 66-76.

Luxurious interiors andleading-edge technologicalfeatures remain an integralpart of the 5 Series appeal.Comfort & convenience,pages 30-35.

From luxury to convenienceto performance, optionsincrease the 5 Series appeal.Options & packages, pages38-53.

2008 5 Series introduction and overview Page 25 Series models for 2008 6From the media 10Exterior design & function features 12Power & performance features 16Comfort & convenience features 30Safety & security features 36Options & packages 38Key dimensions 54Standard & optional features summary 56Technical specification 62Exterior & interior color combinations 655 Series Competition 66

Table of contents

Just two years after a major infusionof power, BMW’s 2008 5 SeriesSedans and Sports Wagon receive asignificant update and, in the caseof 6-cylinder models, another boostin power and efficiency.A thoroughly

updated interior, new technologicalfeatures and a fresh look front andrear allow this stellar collection ofrear and all-wheel-drive Sedansand Sports Wagon to maintain theirplace at the forefront of their class.

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The new 2008 5 Series: introduction & overviewA new look, new engines, new features.

BMW’s twin-turbo N54inline-6 spins out a stunning300 horsepower, with anequal amount of torque

available all the way from1400 to 5000 rpm. Directfuel-injection improvesresponse and fuel efficiency.

The new twin-turbo injectsan additional 45 horse-power into the 2008 5 SeriesSports Wagon, making the

535xi the most powerfulwagon BMW has everoffered in the U.S.

The introduction of these early release 20085 Series models represents the most signifi-cant update since their introduction in 2003.Borrowing the new engines introduced in the3 Series Coupe and all-new Convertible, the6-cylinder Sedans and Sports Wagon receivenew model designations, which reflect anotable boost in power. The 525i and 525xiboth get the new, 230-horsepower iteration ofBMW’s remarkable aluminum/magnesiumcomposite N52 engine, along with new 528iand 528xi nomenclature. Similarly, the 530iand 530xi become the 535i and 535xi, thenew designations signifying the addition of

BMW’s latest, 300-horsepower twin-turboinline-6. Included in this upgrade is the 2008535xi Sports Wagon, its 300-horsepowereclipsing the old 290-hp V-8 540i and makingit the most powerful Sports Wagon BMW hasever offered in the U.S. While the current 550iretains its 4.8-literV-8, it receives a new SportPackage with 19-inch wheels and new bodytreatments, along with the updated interiorand exterior freshening.

So for 2008, BMW’s 5 Series reasserts itselfas the class leader in the midsize perform-ance-luxury field.

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The N54 inline-6 is BMW’sfirst turbocharged gaso-line engine in more than30 years. A pair of small

turbos reduce responsetime significantly, makingacceleration virtuallyinstantaneous.

What’s new for 2008As of 3/07 production (Sedans and SportsWagon):

2008 models• 528i Sedan (new designation)• 528xi Sedan (new designation)• 535i Sedan (new designation)• 535xi Sedan (new designation)• 535xi Sports Wagon (new designation)• 550i Sedan (existing model)

Exterior design & functionAll 5 Series Sedans• Reconfigured optical headlight lenses• New front airdam has reshaped opening

with upturned ends• Relocated amber DOT lenses; headlight

area is completely white• Taillights include new white design with

fewer reflectors, plus red lines in the opticallenses

• Reshaped rear bumper, with revised diffuserbelow the bumper

535xi Sports Wagon• New front-end treatment includes revised

headlights, front fascia and relocated DOTlenses.

• New rear-end treatment includes reconfiguredtaillights. Rear diffuser remains as before

Power & performanceAll 5 Series models:• New STEPTRONIC includes faster shifting

and more efficient operation for improvedefficiency and quicker acceleration

• New electronic shifter, similar to that featuredin the X5 SAV, offers “shift-by-wire” actuationand more ergonomic operation

• SMG no longer available

528i/xi Sedan only230-hp N52 engine for all 528i/xi models:• magnesium/aluminum composite

construction• Valvetronic and Double VANOS 1 valve

actuation• includes single-stage intake• revised tuning provides 230 horsepower @

6500 rpm, 200 lb-ft. of torque at 2750 rpm,an increase of 15 horsepower and 15 lb-ft.of torque over previous 525i.

• New optional wheels and tires. 528i SportPackage includes 18-inch wheels with performance run-flat tires; optional withSport Package on 528xi

535i/xi Models300-hp N54 for all 535i/xi models:• all-aluminum construction• twin-turbocharger technology boosts horse-

power with virtually no turbo-lag• Direct fuel injection with piezo electric

injectors• Double VANOS 1 steplessly variable valve

timing• N54 engine rated at 300 horsepower @

5800 rpm, 300 lb-ft. of torque at 1400 –5000 rpm, an increase of 45 horsepowerand an astonishing 80 lb-ft. of torque overprevious 530i/xi, with a significantly broadertorque band.

• Brake discs upgraded to 13.7 front and13.6 rear, same size as 550i

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2006 5 Series

A new Sport STEPTRONICprovides steering-wheel-mounted paddle-shiftersfor F1-style fingertip shift-ing, plus rpm-matching“throttle-blipping” ondownshifts.

535xi Sedan• 535xi Sport Package offers the additional

option of 18-inch wheel and tire sizes instaggered width; first time on all-wheel-drive models

535i Sedan• New optional Sport STEPTRONIC includes

steering-wheel paddle shifters and rpmmatching during downshifts, plus a Sportbutton for quicker, more dynamic shifting(beginning 06/07 production)

• Sport Package includes 18-inch wheel andtire sizes in staggered width; first time on 6-cylinder models

535xi Sports Wagon• 300-hp N54 engine, same as 535i/xi Sedans.

This engine makes the 535xi Sports Wagonthe most powerful wagon BMW has everoffered, including the previous-generation(E39) V-8-powered 540i.

• 535xi Sports Wagon offers 18-inch wheeland tire sizes as an upgrade with the SportPackage

550i Sedan• New optional Sport STEPTRONIC includes

steering-wheel paddle shifters and rpmmatching during downshifts (beginning06/07 production), plus a Sport button forquicker, more dynamic shifting

• Sport Package now includes 19-inch,staggered-width wheels with performancetires.

Comfort & convenience• Thoroughly revised interior• New standard steering wheel• Window switches relocated to armrest• Larger, more refined door pockets• Smaller, leather-wrapped passenger door

handle• Wood trim now flows from the instrument

panel into the door panel, giving a richer,warmer, more integrated look• New ashtray• Leather-trimmed iDrive controller

• iDrive includes six programmable “favorites”buttons, which can be set to many frequentlyused features including destinationaddresses, auto-dialed phone numbers orradio station presets

• Leather-wrapped center console• New center-console storage compartment

• New electronic shifter for STEPTRONIC auto-matic with ergonomically optimized contour,placement and function

• Radio buttons and temperature controlstrimmed in titanium silver

Options• Active Cruise Control Stop & Go, allows

operation even in traffic, and can accommo-date speeds all the way down to a completestop, and resume to set speed from 0 mph

• Lane Departure Warning system, providesan immediate notification when the carcrosses into another lane without turn signals

• USB adapter for iPods or MP3 players,which does not use the CD changerconnections

1 – VANOS = VAriable NOckenwellen Steuerung = variable camshaft control, orvariable valve timing.

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An available USB port provides a convenientplug-in for an iPod or MP3

player without using theCD connector.

The 535xi Sports Wagon’sbumper-level tailgate provides exceptionalaccess to its rear cargoarea. Standard folding rearseats increase carryingcapacity even further.

Xenon Adaptive headlightsare optional on 528i/ximodels, standard on allothers. Xenons now includefoglights with built-in low-speed cornering lights,which improve visibility atspeeds under 25 mph.

For all 5 Series models, the ’08model year begins in March ’07. For2008 the 5 Series comprises 528iand 535i rear-drive Sedans, all-wheeldrive (xDrive) 528xi and 535xiSedans, 535xi Sports Wagon andthe 550i rear-drive Sedan.ThisProduct Information Book describesin detail all these models.

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5 Series models for 2008

528i SedanThe Series’ “basic” model, with an additionalincrease in horsepower this year, newSTEPTRONIC automatic, new interior and freshened exterior styling. Significantly improved0-60 performance – 0.8 seconds quicker withmanual transmission, 0.5 seconds quickerwith automatic. Key distinguishing featuresand attributes include:• Revised 3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve inline

6-cylinder engine with magnesium/alu-minum composite construction,Valvetronicvariable intake-valve lift, Double VANOS 1

variable valve timing, single-stage inductionsystem; 230 hp/200 lb-ft. torque

• Standard 6-speed manual transmission,6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmis-sion optional at no extra cost

• 17 x 7.5 alloy wheels, Star Spoke design #138• 225/50R-17 all-season tires• Standard Dynamic Traction Control• Active Steering available only as stand-alone

option• 4-wheel ventilated disc brakes• Leatherette upholstery• 10-way power front seats, including power

head restraints• Available option Packages:

• Sport (includes sport suspension, ActiveRoll Stabilization, 18 x 8.0-in. Star Spoke(design #246) wheels with run-flat performance tires and 20-way Multi-Contour seats)

• Premium• Cold Weather

528xi SedanThe 528xi is equipped essentially like the 528iSedan, with minor differences in technicalspecifications, options and Package contents.Key differentiating features from 528i Sedaninclude:• Performance and fuel efficiency are some-

what affected by additional weight andmechanism of AWD system.With new 230-hpengine, acceleration is 7.1 seconds 0-60 mphmanual, 7.6 seconds with STEPTRONICautomatic; top speed is now electronicallylimited to 150 mph.

• xDrive all-wheel drive system, electronicallycontrolled with variable front/rear torquesplit and traction control

• Dynamic Traction Control included alongwith Hill Descent Control

• Wheel construction differs; same rim width,but different offset

• Vehicle height increases from 57.8 in. to58.3 in.

• Same option Packages as 528i, except:• Sport Package deletes sport suspension

calibration (AWD have their own calibra-tion, same with or without Sport Package);deletes Active Roll Stabilization; andretains standard 17 x 7.5 wheels and all-season tires

• New 18 x 8.0 Star Spoke wheels (design#246) with 245/40R-18 run-flat perform-ance tires 2 (same equipment as includedin 528i Sport Package) are available asstand-alone option in combination withSport Package

• Active Steering not available


2 – Due to low-profile tires, please note: Wheels, tires and suspension parts aremore susceptible to road hazard and consequential damage. Performance tiresare not recommended for driving in snow and ice conditions.

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Three 5 Series models offerthe all-weather benefits ofxDrive, BMW’s highlyacclaimed all-wheel-drivesystem.The 528xi Sedan

and 535xi Sedan andSports Wagon all combinexDrive with additionalhorsepower compared totheir 2007 counterparts.

Standard equipment on all5 Series models are 17-inchwheels and 225/50R-17all-season run-flat tires.The Star Spoke wheel onthe 528i/xi (Style #138) isone of two styles thatcarryover from previousyears; all others are new.

535i SedanPremium 6-cylinder model, with new 3.0-litertwin-turbo inline-6 and more extensive standard equipment. Performance jumps significantly over 528i and previous 530i – 0-60 acceleration drops to 5.7 seconds withautomatic. Key differentiating features from528i Sedan include:• Twin-turbocharged N54 engine with

aluminum block and head and cast-ironcylinder liners; Double VANOS 1 and directfuel injection; 300 hp/300 lb-ft. torque

• Xenon Adaptive headlights standard (528i:optional)

• Same option Packages as 528i, except:• Premium Package deletes 4-way power

front-seat lumbar support, as it is standardon this model

• Sport Package includes staggered-widthwheels (18 x 8.0-in. front, 18 x 9.0-in. rear)with 245/40R-18 front and 275/35R-18rear run-flat performance tires 2 plusspace-saver spare.

535xi SedanCombines the 535i engine and xDrive to create a higher-performing all-wheel-drivesports-luxury Sedan. Key differentiating features from the 535i Sedan include:• Performance and fuel efficiency are only

marginally affected by additional weight andmechanism of AWD system; accelerationwith automatic actually drops, to 5.6 secondscompared to 5.7 for the 535i Sedan

• xDrive all-wheel drive system, electronicallycontrolled with variable front/rear torquesplit and traction control

• Dynamic Traction Control included alongwith Hill Descent Control

• Wheel construction differs; same rim width,but different offset

• Vehicle height increases from 57.8 in. to58.3 in.

• Same option Packages as 535i, except:• Sport Package deletes sport suspension

calibration (AWD have their own calibration,same with or without Sport Package);deletes Active Roll Stabilization; and retainsstandard 17 x 7.5 wheels and all-seasontires

• Staggered width wheels (18 x 8.0-in. front,18 x 9.0-in. rear) with 245/40R-18 frontand 275/35R-18 rear run-flat performancetires 2 are available as stand-alone optionin combination with Sport Package

• Active Steering not available

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5 Series models

Standard equipment on the528xi and 535xi Sedans andthe 535xi Sports Wagon,xDrive features a compact,

gear-driven center differ-ential that provides an infinitely variable front-to-rear torque split.

All 535i/xi models featureBMW’s new twin-turboinline-6. A pair of small turbochargers providesboost.

535xi Sports WagonCombines 5 Series design, performance andtechnology with sports-wagon versatility.Embodies a host of features that enhancepeople- and cargo-carrying capabilities; xDriveendows it with amazing traction and agility.With new twin-turbo engine, the 535xi SportsWagon becomes the quickest 5 Series wagonever offered in the U.S. Minimal additionalweight has only a slight effect on accelerationcompared to 535xi Sedan; 5.8 seconds 0-60mph with automatic. Key differentiating featuresfrom 535xi Sedan include:• Sports Wagon body, unique from the wind-

shield back, graceful yet practical; essen-tially the same length and width, 0.4 in.taller, 198 lb. additional curb weight

• Standard roof rails, accommodating BMWroof carrier systems

• Dual-panel Panoramic Moonroof• Variable cargo area, with straight side walls

and level floor:• Wider than in previous 5 Series Sports

Wagon; cargo volume ranges from 17.6 to58.3 cu ft. with seats upright or folded,height of loaded cargo (see pages 34-35for details)

• Enclosed storage compartments on bothsides

• Lockable storage compartment underfloor, with adjustable dividers for smallcargo items

• Standard cargo net, usable with rear seatsupright or folded

• Tailgate with separately opening rear win-dow (both open upward)• Electrically released from remote or interior

switch• Soft Close of lower section: user closes

gently, power mechanism draws it down• Cargo cover rises automatically when

window or lower tailgate is opened;supported on gas struts, no cord or prop.Cover can also be removed from vehicle.

• Optional power tailgate with programmableopening height

• Red light at left bottom of tailgate forsafety; visible when tailgate is open

• Unique rear suspension, with self-leveling airsprings; designed to maximize cargo space.

550i SedanFlagship model, with 4.8-liter, 360-hp all-aluminum N62 V-8, standard Dakota leatherand additional standard equipment over any6-cylinder model. Further performance gainover 535i – 5.4 seconds 0-60 with manualtransmission, 5.5 seconds with automatic. Keydifferentiating features from 535i Sedan include:• All-aluminum 32-valve V-8; Valvetronic

variable intake-valve lift and Double VANOS 1;2-stage intake manifold, 360 hp/360 lb-ft.torque

• wider, 17 x 8.0-inch wheels with 225/50R-17all-season run-flat tires

• Standard Park Distance Control• Standard BMW Assist• Same option Packages as 535i, except:

• Premium Package deleted as all contentsstandard on this model

• Sport Package includes all items in 535ipackage, but substitutes larger staggered-width wheels (19 x 8.0-in. front, 19 x 9.5-in.rear) with 245/35R-19 front and 275/30R-19 rear performance tires. 2 The 550iSports Package also includes its ownunique aerodynamics kit.



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Flat-black roof rails arestandard on the 535xiSports Wagon, and canaccommodate a number ofdifferent accessory racks.

BMW’s 4.8-liter N62 V-8provides 360 horsepowerand 360 lb-ft. of torque topower the 550i.The flagship

5 Series sedan can achieve60 mph in 5.4 seconds withmanual transmission, 5.5with STEPTRONIC automatic.

All models“We must say iDrive allows an exceptionallybutton- and knob-free dash, leaving just asound-system volume knob, a few ventila-tion controls and the clearly marked instrument cluster. We especially enjoyedthe small cruise-control “bug” on thespeedometer, along with watching theBMW trademark vacuum-cum-mileageinstrument needle lend some dynamics tothe cluster.”Road & Track, April ’04

Sedans“Here’s a thoroughbred, the product ofdecades of setting the benchmark all otherautomakers’ sport sedans aspire to. Justlook at the stance, the way the body sitson the chassis, ready to pounce on anyopportunity to show its stuff on a challenging stretch of road.”Motor Trend, March ’05

“BMW engineers seem congenitallyincapable of crafting hardware that isn’tboth refined and effortlessly capable. …BMW again combines sweet handling witha supple ride, enhanced by Active RollStabilization and Active Steering.”Car and Driver, January ’04

All-wheel-drive models“The addition of all-wheel drive increasesthe appeal of BMW's mid-size six-cylinderline to weather-suffering buyers, and thenew 3.0-liter makes for a more enthusiastic5 Series.”Car and Driver, June ’05

“The system works quite well, while stillallowing a sporty rear-drive character tocome through when front traction isn’tneeded.“The beauty of the system is that the DSCnow intervenes at a higher threshold, whichmeans less frequent juddering felt throughits automatic brake application and gener-ally a purer driving experience. It also meansthat xDrive has a better chance at catchingthe ‘Oops!’ before it happens.“Are they the Ultimate Ice Driving Machines?Well, last month’s Zamboni holds the crown.But as sedans and wagons go, BMW ispoised to take on all comers.”Road & Track, June ‘06

“Normally, the 530xi puts the accent onrear-wheel drive: 60% of torque to the rearwheels, 40% to the front, but at speeds of180 km/h [112 mph] or more, pure rear-wheeldrive. When traction is lacking or the vehicletends toward instability, the torque splitchanges lightning-fast.

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From the mediaIncluding first impressions of the new engines,xDrive and Sports Wagon.

“The driver doesn’t notice any of this goingon – but he or she does realize that on aslick road, the 530xi is very easy to drive. Ithas a high degree of stability, plus veryagile handling.“Adding about 100 kg [220 lb.] to vehicleweight, xDrive does add a bit of fuel con-sumption and give up a bit of performance.The latter is easy to accept, because thenew 6-cylinder engine revs so easily andruns so smoothly.”auto motor und sport, Germany, March 2, ’05

“For our first driving impressions, Sedanswith both engines and manual transmissionsawaited us. On Finnish ice and snow, at 15degrees below zero offering more grip thanat our latitudes, they showed what theycould do.“On streets and roads, the [xDrive] systemdoes its work discreetly but efficiently.Despite energetic driving, seldom did theDSC have to intervene.Then on a frozenlake, we were able to explore the limits.

With the DSC de-activated, it was possibleto coax the 5 into oversteer, but it comeson more gently than in the rear-drive counterparts.The AWD models offer a lotand get good grades, especially as theprice differential is moderate.”Automobil Revue, Switzerland, March 2, ’05

The Sports Wagon“Maximum cargo capacity is available withjust a few hand motions…In our handlingtests, the 5 Series wagon showed greatagility.”auto motor und sport, Germany, May 12, ’04

“The new wagon is somewhat larger androomier than its predecessor, and makes agood impression with its nicely developedstyling.“Practical for quick loading of smallerobjects: a rear window that can be openedfrom the outside.”auto motor und sport, Germany, March 31, ’04

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Functional changes on the2008 550i with SportPackage include 19-inchwheels with performancetires.The V-8-poweredSedan remains one of the

sportiest cars in its class,and the only one to offer a6-speed manual transmis-sion for performanceenthusiasts.

Accompanying the updated interiorand boosted performance, the 20085 Series receives a new look bothfront and rear. Revisions at the frontinclude reconfigured headlights withnew optical lenses, and orange DOTreflectors relocated to the bumper.The lower airdam has also beenreshaped, and the air intake nowhas upturned ends giving the frontview almost a “smile”when viewedhead-on.As before, the characteristiccorona lights give the 5 Series itsdistinctive familial look, making theminstantly recognizable as a BMW.

At the rear, the reconfigured taillightsalso feature a new lens design.Theseretain the white and red upper andlower sections, but the white sectionnow features fewer reflectors thatprovide almost a jewel-like appear-ance.The red portion includes horizontal bars makes the standardAdaptive Brake Lights even moreeffective when fully illuminated.Thelower bumper also includes areshaped air diffuser that differenti-ates this new model from the ’07.

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Exterior design & functionA fresher,“friendlier”face, and even more effective rear lighting

In profileBenefits• Emphasizes the 5 Series position as a

performance/luxury sedan• Provides a visual connection with the entire

BMW lineup

The dramatic styling of the 5 Series Sedansgets a subtle freshening for 2008, enhancingone of the most distinctive designs in themid-size luxury segment.

In profile, the 5 Series retains its bold combi-nation of smooth curves and sharp creases,which blend smoothly into the clear plasticheadlight covers at the front. With theircharacteristic corona rings, the Active Xenonheadlights provide a visual connection withthe remainder of the BMW line.

The slight downward slope toward the frontgives the 5 Series its “crouching forward” lookthat adds a further dynamic element to thissuperb performance sedan. Large-diameterwheels, either standard 17-inch or optional 18- or 19-inch, fill the wheel wells, maintaining

the exact proportions needed to underscorethe cars’ dynamism.These also emphasizethe 5 Series’ long wheelbase and BMW’s traditional short front and rear overhangs.

On 6-cylinder models, the Sport Packageemphasizes the car’s performance capabilitieseven further, with a move to staggered-width18-inch wheels on rear-drive models and gloss-black Shadowline exterior trim on all.The SportPackage-equipped 528xi and 535xi both offerthe additional option of 18-inch wheels, alsoenhancing their sporting appearance.

At the rearBenefits• New lenses give additional illumination for

the Adaptive Brake Lights

In addition to differentiating the 2008 5 Seriesfrom previous models, new rear lenses provideeven more illumination for the Adaptive BrakeLights. Horizontal bars across the brake lightsection emphasizes the primary and secondarylamps, making them stand out even more.

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Front and rear views illustrate the subtlechanges in the 2008 5 Series. At the front, analtered air intake withupturned ends and revisedheadlight design give thecars a freshened face,while the new taillights andrear air diffuser cap thechanges on the Sedans.The rear of the SportsWagon receives the newlights, but is otherwiseunchanged.

Revised lenses make thestandard Adaptive BrakeLights even more noticeable. By providingadditional illuminationduring emergency braking,the Adaptive feature givesan intuitive warning to following drivers.

BMW’s traditional twin-kidney grille remainsunchanged, but reconfig-ured headlights and arevised air intake give the5 Series a new look.

The 550i Sport Package look:Benefits• The front view benefits from a new, broader

airdam that underscores the 550i’s positionas the flagship 5 Series

• New rear air diffuser gives the rear view aneven more assertive appearance

• New M-logo 19-inch wheels emphasize boththe function and look of a V-8-powered performance sedan

New this year, the 550i receives a reconfiguredSport Package that sets it apart from its 6-cylinder brethren both visually and functionally.

A new aerodynamic kit includes a body-colorfront bumper with a reshaped front airdam,while the rear bumper now features a recon-figured rear air diffuser that emphasizes the550i’s dual exhaust pipes. Special rockerpanels, also in body-color, give added cues tothe special nature of this high-performanceluxury sedan.

Capping the 550i Sport Package exteriormodifications are staggered-width M-logo 19-inch wheels and performance tires 2 on all-wheel-drive models not recommended forice or snow, which provide both esthetic andfunctional benefits to the V-8 5 Series Sedan.

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Exterior design & function

Revised contents for the550i Sport Packageincludes new staggered-width Double Spoke 19-inch M-badge wheels,performance tires, body-color rocker panels and amore assertive front airdam.

At the rear, the 550i SportPackage includes a newair diffuser and differenti-ated exhaust pipes.Theexhaust system also givesthe 550i a sportier sound.

The front of the SportsWagon receives the samechanges as its 4-doorsiblings, so the forwardview remains identical tothe Sedans’.

The Sports Wagon look: in profileBenefits• A silhouette that combines elegance, grace

and practicality• Standard roof rails enhance both esthetics

and function

The new 5 Series Sports Wagon exudessportiness, power and prestige. In side view,its roofline – reaching a maximum height of58.7 in., or 0.4 in. higher than the all-wheel-drive Sedans – preserves passenger headroom and cargo space while sloping gracefullytoward the rear. At its rearmost point, there isan elegantly integrated spoiler that, like the rearwindow and lower tailgate, wraps into the side.

Side windows are framed in matte black andchrome; with the Sport Package, this framing isentirely in high-gloss Satin Chrome Shadowlineblack.The front door windows’ shape corre-sponds to that of the Sedans, but the SportsWagon’s rear door windows have a uniqueshape and the 3rd side window, incorporatingthe traditional BMW “reverse kink” at its bottomrear edge, is of course unique to this body.

The side character lines correspond to thoseof the Sedans – the upper one forming a“shoulder” that runs the entire length fromfront to rear lighting units, the lower one nearthe door bottoms – but the Wagon’s upper linemerges with the rear lighting cluster’s upperedge to give the effect of an esthetic flowright around into the rear view.

Finally, the black-finished roof rails – standardequipment in the U.S. – do their part for estheticsand function, accenting the curved rooflineand accommodating a wide range of BMWroof carrier systems.

At the rearBenefits• Masterfully harmonizes form and function• Upward-opening tailgate with separately

opening rear window for convenient loading• Low loading height

Here too, the integrated roof spoiler adds toboth form and function. It elegantly framesthe rear window at the top, and incorporatesthe 3rd brake light. The separately openingrear window appears unframed, wrappingclearly all the way to the edge of the opening;when the entire tailgate is opened, it leavesmore than 6 ft. of overhead clearance.

Like the window, the tailgate’s lower portionwraps well around into the body side, accent-ing the feeling of muscular width that pervadesthis entire design. It also reaches well downinto the bumper area, giving a convenientlylow loading height. The lighting units appearred (tail and brake lights) and white (backuplights and turn signals), but illuminate in theirfunctional colors and of course incorporateBMW’s Adaptive Brake Lights to signal to otherdrivers when the BMW driver is braking hard.

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As the latest addition to the5 Series, the Sports Wagonreceives only the revisedtaillight design at the rear.

The tailgate opens tobumper level, and retainsits convenient, separatelyopening rear glass.


BMW’s inline-6 engines have becomelegendary for their performance,smoothness, and sophistication –attributes that also apply to BMW’sV-8s.The 5 Series offers three ofthese engines – two 6-cylinders andone V-8 – including the company’sfirst turbocharged engine in morethan three decades. From the base528i to the range-topping 550i, the5 Series offers the most impressivepowerplants in the class, all backedby 6-speed transmissions, manualor automatic.

As the first full-production aluminum/magnesium composite engine everoffered, the 3.0-liter N52 inline-6carries on BMW’s tradition of buildingcutting-edge engines that combineoutstanding power, unparalleledrefinement and excellent fuel economy. For 2008, this engine

receives a boost to 230 horsepower,making the 528i/xi Sedans the mostpowerful entry-level 5 Series everoffered. Similarly, the new 300-hptwin-turbo 535i/xi Sedans andSports Wagon are the quickest 6-cylinder-powered 5 Series carsyet.And the broad powerband in the550i’s 4.8-liter V-8 led the editors atEdmunds.com to wonder “wheredoes it end?”

These exemplary engines reside ina chassis that includes aluminumsuspension, large-diameter discbrakes, performance tires on 17-,18- or 19-inch wheels and optionssuch as Active Steering and ActiveRoll Stabilization.With either xDriveall-wheel-drive or traditional rear-drive, the 5 Series sets the standardfor handling, ride and braking forthe class.

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Power & performance featuresA more-powerful base engine, twin-turbo performance, and a superlative V-8 all complementthe most sophisticated chassis in the class.

The N52 inline-6 returnsas “base” engine for the2008 5 Series. With single-stage intake, the 3.0-literengine spins out 230horsepower in the 528i/xi,a 15-horsepower boostover the previous 525i.

BMW’s inline 6-cylinder engines:unique smoothness and soundBenefits• Unparalleled smoothness and sound• A distinction from the multitude of V-6 engines

on the market

Almost all vehicle manufacturers of 6-cylinderengines have adopted the V-6 format, whosecompactness is advantageous in small ormidsize cars with front-wheel drive. By contrast,BMW’s inline 6-cylinder engines are outstand-ing for their smoothness and sound, and BMWcustomers (not to mention professional autocritics!) treasure them for these attributes.Thus BMW retains the inline format whiledeveloping it toward reduced weight, morecompact dimensions – and ever more brilliantperformance, smoothness and sound. Anincrease in fuel efficiency and even tightercontrol of emissions were also set as goalsfor this BMW engine generation, which nowpowers the 2008 528i/xi 6-cylinder models.

The twin-turbo N54 engine powers the new535i and 535xi Sedans and Sports Wagon.Described beginning on page 20, the N54inline-6 carries BMW’s 6-cylinder performanceto an even higher level.

N52 engine: magnesium/aluminumcomposite construction andValvetronic variable valve lift(528i/xi Sedan)Benefits• A further development of BMW’s normally

aspirated inline 6-cylinder• Magnesium/aluminum construction reduces

weight, enhances weight distribution• Valvetronic variable valve lift enhances

performance and fuel efficiency• Electric water pump and volume-controlled

oil pump also enhance efficiency• Legendary smoothness of inline 6-cylinder

engine is retained, enhanced• Outstanding balance of performance and

fuel efficiency• Greater power, 230 hp vs. 215 hp – an

impressive 77 hp/liter.• Greater torque, 200 lb-ft. vs. 185, and

stronger torque characteristics across thebroad range of engine speeds.

• Higher revving ability. The “redline” is 7000rpm, vs. 6500 for the M54.

• Reduced weight – 22 lb. less. Had BMWengineers developed the previous engine tomeet their goals, it would have added about30 lb. – and thus would have weighed fully52 lb. more than the new engine does.

• More compact – Because there is just oneexternal drive belt, vs. the previous two, overallengine length is about an inch shorter. Hereare details of how this dramatic progresswas achieved – over an engine that wasalready outstanding in all these respects.

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Evolved Valvetronic variable valve lift. Thisexclusive, patented innovation varies valve liftto control engine power, dispensing with aconventional throttle.Valvetronic enhancesengine power, torque and efficiency. Comparedto the original Valvetronic system, introducedon BMW’s V-8 and V-12 engines in 2002, theN52 engine’s 2nd-generation system benefitsfrom several evolutionary improvements:• Maximum engine speed increased by

500 rpm. Enabled by making Valvetronic’sreciprocating parts more rigid.

• Maximum intake-valve lift increased from9.7 mm to 9.9 mm, which contributes to theincrease in maximum power output.

• Greater maximum intake-valve acceleration. Less time is spent openingand closing the valves; thus they are effectively open longer.

• Phasing of the two intake valves. Startingfrom minimal intake-valve lift (i.e. idling), anincrease in engine load causes the lift andtiming of intake valve 1 to increase fasterthan that of valve 2. At its maximum, thisphasing has valve 1 lifting 1.8 mm morethan valve 2; at about 6 mm, the two valvesare again “in synch.”This refinementenhances fuel economy under low-loaddriving conditions.

Improved combustion chambers. Subtlerefinements to the combustion-chamber shapeconspire with the intake-valve phasing to create more stable combustion, with benefitsto fuel efficiency and emission control.

Further evolved VANOS. Double VANOS 1 is afamiliar feature of all current BMW engines.The range over which intake-valve timing canbe varied has been increased by 10º, achiev-ing yet another de-throttling effect.

Higher fuel-injection pressure results in animproved injection spray, helping reduce rawhydrocarbon emissions in a cold engine.

All-new engine electronics. Among manyinnovative details, the basic ignition and valvetiming functions are duplicated.The first partwas optimized for fuel consumption andemissions; the second part was determinedaccording to pure driving parameters.Depending upon how perfectly the engine isrunning at any time, control interpolatesbetween the two strategies. Under ideal

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Power & performance

Hollowexhaustcamshaft

Catalyticconverter(1 of 2)

Valvetronic servo motor Hollow intake camshaft

VANOS camshaftpositioners

Aluminum chain tensioner

Single external drive belt

Magnesium camshaft cover

Chain camshaft drive

Valvegear with finger rocker arms

BMW’s innovative inline-6sets new standards ofsophistication, with its aluminum/magnesiumcomposite construction,Valvetronic variable valve

lift and Double VANOSvariable valve timing.Further design detailsraise this engine’smechanical and spaceefficiency even further.

Electricwater pump

Eccentric shaft

The Valvetronic components and theirfunctions are:• Intermediate follower –

varies valve lift• Rocker arm – actuates

valve• Hydraulic pedestal –

maintains valve clearanceat zero for minimum noise

• Intake valve – opens toadmit air and fuel intocylinder

• Valve spring – closes valve• Follower spring – retains

and tensions follower

Eccentric shaft

Fingerrocker arm

Intermediatefollower

Follower spring

Hydraulicpedestal

Intakevalves

Valve springs

Eccentric

Intake camshaft

conditions, the engine always runs with itslowest possible fuel consumption. In case ofpoor fuel quality or unfavorable environmentalconditions, the control parameters prioritizedriveability

Magnesium/aluminum composite construction. An important innovation – aworld’s first in modern times and exclusive toBMW. Structurally, the new engine block consists of three major castings:

Bedplate (magnesium alloy 3). The lowerportion of the block (crankcase); similar inconcept to a construction element found insome racing engines as well as the M5’s andM6’s 500-hp V-10.The bedplate combines withthe upper crankcase to form the block’s outershell; the result is an ultra-rigid engine structure.

Upper crankcase (magnesium alloy).Joining the bedplate at the level of the crank-shaft (main) bearings, this too is a weight-saving casting.

Insert (silicon-impregnated aluminum alloy, orAlusil). In this sense, the N52’s constructionresembles that of current BMW V-8 and V-12engines, though these blocks are all-Alusil.

Other weight-saving materials include hollow camshafts, saving a remarkable 2.6 lb.each. Beginning as steel tubes, the camshaftsare shaped in a hydroforming procedure,subjected from the inside to a water pressureof 58,000 lb./sq in. against outer forms toachieve the cam profiles. The engine’scamshaft cover is of a new, weight-savingplastic material. (On earlier N52 engines, itwas of magnesium.) And the chain camshaftdrive, a high-durability, low-maintenance feature of all current BMW engines, has analuminum chain tensioner that also savesweight. As a final weight-reducing element,the exhaust headers’ flanges are formedfrom 2-mm-thick steel, significantly lighterthan the 12-mm flanges used in the M54.

Electric water pump, electronically controlledaccording to coolant and oil temperatures atany moment. It runs only as much as needed,and in doing so consumes a maximum of

200 watts vs. up to 2 kilowatts (10 times asmuch) for a conventional pump.The electricpump has numerous tangible benefits:• By requiring less power, contributes to the

engine’s increased power output.• Faster engine warmup, because it doesn’t

circulate coolant when the engine is cold.• Provides coolant circulation for the Heat-at-

Rest feature now included in the climatecontrol.

• By eliminating an external drive belt, makesthe engine shorter.

Variable-volume oil pump. To supply pressureto the VANOS 1 at all speeds and tempera-tures without excess capacity at high enginespeeds, BMW engineers developed a newtype of oil pump with these advantages:• Contributes to the engine’s increased power

output, by requiring less power from theengine.

• Doesn’t require a bypass to divert excessflow, which can be up to 80% with a con-ventional pump.This also avoids possibleexcess oil temperatures and oil foaming.

Oil/coolant heat exchanger. Another featurethat speeds engine warmup; during this phaseof operation, it transfers heat from the coolantto the oil circuit. Under conditions of highengine power and high oil temperatures, itperforms the reverse, transferring heat from theoil circuit to the coolant, from which the enginecooling system then removes excess heat.

The performance improvement. Comparedto its most direct predecessor, the 215-hp525i/xi engine of 2007, the revised 528i enginedelivers a tangible performance boost:

528i vs. 525i –• 0-60 mph in 6.5 sec. for the 528i Sedan

with manual transmission, compared to the’07 525i Sedan’s 7.3 sec.

• 0-60 mph in 7.1 sec. with automatic transmission, vs. 7.6 sec.

528xi vs. 525xi –• 0-60 mph in 7.1 sec. for the 528xi with manual

transmission, vs. ’07 525xi’s Sedan’s 7.9 sec.• 0-60 in 7.6 sec. with automatic transmission,

vs. 8.2 sec.

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The N52 engine’s blockconsists of three majorcastings:1 – Upper crankcase, of

magnesium alloy2 – Bedplate, of magne-

sium alloy3 – Insert, of aluminum-

silicon alloy.


3 – All magnesium castings in the block assembly are actually a magnesium-aluminum alloy, as pure magnesium would not have sufficient strength forthese applications.

N54 engine: twin turbocharging,piezo direct fuel injection, highcompression ratioBenefits• BMW’s other approach to modern

6-cylinder power• As innovative as N52 engine, though

different innovations aimed at furtherincreasing performance

• Twin, relatively small turbochargers boostperformance significantly, but minimize thetraditional turbocharging response lag

• High Precision direct fuel injection furtherenhances performance and fuel efficiency

• High-tech heat-resistant materials in enginehelp facilitate the engine’s performance

With the N52 naturally aspirated engine 4 andthis even newer N54 turbocharged unit, BMWis announcing to the world its approach tohigh performance: Instead of ever-largerengines, BMW will achieve its performancegoals with smaller, lighter, more efficientand cleaner-running engines.

First: the 300-hp N54 engine is anything butsimply a turbocharged version of the 230-hpN52. Several new “core” features distinguish itfrom the N52 and facilitate the higherperformance level:• All-aluminum structure. As attractive as

the magnesium/aluminum concept is forsaving weight, the extra strength of all aluminum construction was deemed necessary for the increased power andtorque. Some, but not all, of the mag/aluconstruction’s weight saving was lost. Likethe N52’s, the N54 block is a completelynew construction, with bedplate.

• Cast-iron cylinder liners. Whereas the N52has an aluminum-silicon cylinder castinginside its magnesium crankcase, the N54has cast-iron sleeves inside its aluminumcrankcase.

• Different bore and stroke. The bore hasbeen reduced from 85.0 to 84.0 mm; thestroke is increased from 88.0 to 89.6 mm.This gives greater cylinder-wall thickness –again to handle the higher stresses withinthe engine – but leaves the engine’s displacement essentially unchanged at2979 cc vs. the N52’s 2996 cc. Both roundoff to 3.0 liters.

• Conventional valvegear. In the researchand development that led to the N54 engine,BMW’s engineers found that Valvetronic’svariable intake-valve lift did not lend itsadvantages to the turbocharged engine.They remain valid for the non-turbo engine(see page 18).

• Moderately increased weight. Naturally,the aluminum construction, iron cylinderliners and turbochargers add some weightto the N54; so do solid camshafts, com-pared to the N52’s hollow ones. Altogether,the N54 weighs 419 lb., vs. the N52’s 357.With this moderate weight increase, ofcourse, come 70 more horsepower andthose 300 lb-ft. of torque; BMW engineerspoint out that a 4-liter engine of this performance would weigh a good 150 lb.more!

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Power & performance

BMW’s first turbochargedproduction gasoline enginein more than 30 yearsreflects the company’sdesire to produce power-ful, fuel-efficient andresponsive engines.Twinturbochargers ensure that“turbo lag” is not an issuein the 300-hp 535i/ximodels.

The performance-enhancing technologies.Now, here are the technologies and featuresthat actually produce the dramatically increasedpower and – especially – torque that charac-terize the new N54 engine:Twin turbochargers. Turbocharging is a familiar form of increasing the performance ofcombustion engines – it has been around invarious forms for 100 years. At various times,BMW has set milestones in the developmentof turbocharging: in 1973, the 2002 Turbooffered 170 hp, vs. 130 for its non-turbo stablemate the 2002 tii. In 1983, a BMWpowered Brabham racecar was the first turbocharged vehicle to win a Formula 1championship.

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Yet over its history, turbocharging has alsosuffered some daunting drawbacks. If, as wasusual, a single turbo was used, it often hadan unacceptable degree of “turbo lag” – thelag between the time the driver mashed downthe accelerator pedal to the time when theturbo responded.This was at its worst at lowengine speeds. Another was relatively highfuel consumption. And finally, the availablematerials didn’t always fare well under thehigh-heat, high-rpm operation of a turbocharger,which gets its energy from hot, flowing exhaustgases and typically spins up to 5-figure rpm.After the 2002 Turbo, which ironically wasintroduced just about the time of the firstinternational energy crisis, BMW set turbocharg-ing aside. (Except for diesel engines, whereturbocharging is a highly natural, almost indispensable, power enhancer.)

The N54 turbocharging concept addressesboth turbo lag and durability concerns. Byutilizing two small turbos – each one servingthree cylinders – BMW has reduced the inertia that creates turbo lag.To quote Dr.Burkhard Göschel, BMW’s Board Member forEngineering, turbo lag “has now become athing of the past. The engine is agile, and itperforms like a big, naturally aspirated engine,but with much better mileage.”

Engine cutaway illustratesthe N54 engine’s direct fuelinjection system, whichallows a remarkably highcompression ratio for aturbocharged engine.

Designed from the ground-up as a turbochargedengine, the N54 inline-6includes numerous differences between it and the N52 engine.

Cast-iron cylinder liner

Turbochargers (in gray) aremounted low, and close tothe exhaust ports to mini-mize the distance traveledby the exhaust gas andmaintain high exhaust

temperatures. By utilizingtwo small turbochargers,each one fed by threecylinders, BMW engineersreduced the lag time tovirtually nil.

4 – In a “naturally aspirated” engine, air is drawn into the engine by the pistons’downward, or “suction,” stroke. By contrast, a supercharger or turbochargercompresses and supplies the engine’s air in what is known as “forced induction.”

Direct-injection piezo injectors

Solid camshaft with fingerfollowers

Catalyticconverter(1 of 4)

Turbochargers

Exhaust manifolds

Materials progress, always a factor in advancingthe capabilities of engineering and technology,figures here too: BMW has drawn upon innovative and heat-resistant materials fromspace technology to facilitate the twin turbos’dramatic contribution to performance. All turbocomponents subjected to the most extremeheat (i.e. the exhaust stream) are made ofadvanced steels that can withstand up to1050ºC, or 1920ºF.

Direct fuel injection with piezo injectors.Fuel injection, as we have (mostly) known itover the decades in which it has become afeature of all contemporary automotiveengines, has been of the port type: the fuel isinjected into the engine’s intake ports, whereair passes through on its way to the cylinders.Direct fuel injection sprays fuel directly into thecylinders, or more precisely the combustionchambers. If this were as simple as it sounds,direct injection would long since be common-place. But the cylinder is a much hotter, higherpressure place than the intake port and posesbig hurdles for the fuel injectors and the optimization of just how, when and how muchfuel is squirted in. Until now, the only BMWgasoline engine with direct injection has beenthe 760Li V-12 engine, where this technologybrings advantages in fuel efficiency, power,torque and emission control.

The N54’s direct injection is a 2nd-generationevolution of the 760’s system, and a key factorin achieving BMW’s goals for this engine. Itsmain advance over the 1st-generation systemis that it gives the engineers greater degreesof freedom in the calibration of fuel quantityand timing and the distribution of the fuel-airmixture in the combustion chamber. With thisconcept, it’s possible to utilize a “leaner”mixture – thus less fuel. The advantages infuel efficiency, power, torque and emissioncontrol are more significant.

A further advantage to torque and fuel consumption is the cooling effect of fuelbeing injected into the hot combustion chambers.Typically, to avoid overheating,turbochargers have had to make do with alower compression ratio. That ’73 2002 Turbo,for example, had a low 6.9:1 ratio, vs. the non-turbo 2002 tii’s 9.5:1; a more contemporaryexample is the Volvo S60 2.5 Turbo engine’s9.0:1 compression ratio vs. it’s non-turbocounterpart’s 10:3:1. As a higher compressionratio benefits both fuel efficiency and (espe-cially low-speed) torque – traditional turboengines have suffered on both counts – theN54 benefits mightily: its compression ratio is10.5:1, almost exactly the same as the non-turbo N52’s 10.7:1!

Positioned centrally in the combustion chambers for optimum combustion, the injectors – those critical components thatinject the fuel into each cylinder’s combustionchamber – are subject to especially high temperatures. A new-type piezo injector isanother essential element in attaining theambitious performance/efficiency/emissionsgoals with the necessary long-term durability:A “stack” of piezo crystals reacts lightning-fastto impulses from the engine electronics,governing the injector needle’s opening stroke and duration for ultra-precise control of fuel quantity.

22

Power & performance

Piezo-electric fuel injectorsprecisely meter fuel deliv-ered at extremely highpressure. Unlike conven-tional port-injected turbocharged engines,

direct injection allows veryhigh compression ratios,which also enhances low-end response andlow-speed torque.

According to researchers who led the piezoinjector’s development, alone it contributes 2-3% fuel savings and 20% less emissions.Its operating principle involves applyingmechanical pressure to a non-conductingcrystal to produce an electrical impulse; inturn, this impulse is so fast that it significantlyreduces the injector’s response time.

Air-to-air intercooling. Turbocharging typicallyincludes intercooling of the engine’s inductionair, that is, some method of cooling the com-pressed air that emerges, heated up by thecompression process, from the turbocharger(s).

Sometimes it’s done with coolant; in this caseit’s done indirectly by outside air. Intercoolingis desirable, even necessary, to reduce thetemperature of incoming air to help precludedetonation or “knocking” that can reduce poweror, in the extreme, damage the engine. Ofcourse the N54, like the N52 and all othercurrent BMW engines, has knock control.

High-rpm concept. This is shared with theN52 engine, and also contributes significantlyto the engine’s performance character. Likethe N52, the N54 has a 7000-rpm redline. Itsmaximum power occurs at 5800 rpm – actuallylower than the 530i’s 6600 and the new 528i’s6500 rpm – but power stays high and vigorouswell toward that 7000 rpm.

The bottom lines. The peak power of 300 hphas already been mentioned; this is fully 45higher than the 530i, and 70 hp up on the 528i.The torque increase is just as impressive:300 lb-ft., vs. the 530i’s 220 and 528i’s 200.At least as important is the fact that this enginecan deliver its peak torque all the way from1400 rpm (not far above idling!) to 5000 rpm.Finally, 300 lb-ft. is significantly better thancompeting 3.5-liter non-turbo engines deliver:

Lexus GS 350, 274 lb-ft. at a high 3600 rpm;Infiniti M35, 268 lb-ft. at an even higher 4800rpm. Compared to the 528i’s 200 lb-ft., theN54’s 300 lb-ft. is fully 50% greater. BMWengine engineers assert that to achieve thiskind of torque increase, it would have taken a4-liter naturally aspirated engine.That wouldhave weighed too much and its fuel consump-tion would have been unacceptably high. Forthis reason, say the engineers, “we did nottake that path.”

One BMW engine engineer, Udo Lindner,goes so far as to assert that the N54 has “thetorque of a diesel but the revving capability ofa gasoline engine.” Diesels, currently verypopular in Europe and capable of stump-pullingtorque, operate at rpm levels well below thoseof gasoline engines, so he’s saying that theN54 delivers the best of both “worlds.”

The other bottom line, surely the most important to performance enthusiasts, is the535i’s dramatically quicker acceleration:• 0-60 in 5.7 sec. with automatic transmission,

vs. 6.6 sec.• As in all 5 Series cars, top speed is electroni-

cally controlled at 150 mph.• EPA mileages are expected to compare

favorably with the ’06 530i ratings, especiallyin view of the dramatic performance boost.

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BMW’s N62TU V-8 produces 360 horsepowerand 360 lb-ft. of torquefrom 4.8 liters. Valvetronicvalve control combinesexcellent response andpower production withsuperb fuel efficiencyand smoothness.

N62TU 4.8-liter DOHC 32-valve(4-cam) V-8 engine(550i)Benefits• Continues the unique, revolutionary

Valvetronic power concept• Retains the ultra-refined operation

(smoothness) of predecessor• Communicates its capabilities with out-

standing, exciting sound when driven hard

The flagship 5 Series, the 550i Sedan, show-cases BMW’s 360-horsepower, 4.8-liter N62V-8 engine, designated N62TU. As such itcontinues BMW’s revolutionary Valvetronicsystem, which controls engine power byvarying valve lift instead of relying on a conventional throttle. Here are the highlightsof Valvetronic:• Intake valves assume function of throttle.

Engine breathing – air induction – is controlledby varying valve lift rather than opening andclosing a throttle. The driver’s foot gives thecommands; valve lift varies accordingly. Atminimum lift, the engine is idling or deceler-ating; at maximum lift, it delivers full power.Valvetronic varies valve lift according to thedriver’s demands for power from the engine.

• Greater efficiency. At smaller openings(lighter loads), a throttle imposes a restric-tion that incoming air must snake around.This causes so-called “pumping losses,”which take a greater proportion of enginepower at lower speeds. By eliminating theconventional throttle, 5 Valvetronic essentiallydoes away with pumping losses.

• Stringent emission control. Improved catalytic converters and exhaust-gas sensinghelp the new engine meet ULEV II (Ultra LowEmissions Vehicle) emission limits.

• More spontaneous engine response.Again, because there is no conventionalthrottle.

• A“fatter” torque curve. By tailoring valvelift precisely to operating conditions,Valvetronic enables the engine to deliverstrong torque right across its rpm range.Indeed, the new evolution improves on thisattribute: The torque peak of 360 lb-ft.occurs over a range from 3400 to 3800rpm, compared to the 545i’s 3600 rpm.Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph is 0.3 sec.quicker, though the perceived performanceincrease across the speed range may seemmore impressive to many drivers.

• Ultra-refined engine operation. In light-loadoperation and during idling, operation isespecially smooth because valve lift is low.

• Low friction, precision components. Every“rubbing point” in the Valvetronic system isnot a rubbing (friction) point at all. Instead,low-friction rollers transmit the motion: fromcam lobe to intermediate follower, from follower to rocker arm, from eccentric shaftto follower. The intermediate follower – a keyelement in the Valvetronic system, in that itis the element whose position determinesvalve lift – is itself a precision component.For optimum torque at both low and highengine speeds, the V-8 breathes through a2 stage induction system.

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Power & performance

Transmissions: all choices are 6-speedsBenefits• 6-speed transmissions across the board,

manual or two STEPTRONIC automatics

All transmissions in the 5 Series have six for-ward speeds, further optimizing performanceand fuel efficiency.

6-speed manual transmission(standard all models)Benefits• Even more precise shifting than previous

transmissions• Shorter movements from gear to gear further

enhance BMW’s already legendary drivingpleasure

• 6 speeds improve both performance andcruising comfort

This new generation of 6-speed manualtransmissions has been phased into the various BMW Series, beginning with the Z4,continuing with the 3 Series and the 5 Series.The new 535i/xi 6 and 528xi models retain thisType H unit. The 528i employs a somewhatlighter-duty version, called the Type I, which isabout 10% lighter in weight than the Type Hand has even higher mechanical efficiency,contributing to fuel efficiency. Its gear ratiosdiffer slightly from those of the Type H, not forperformance or economy reasons but becauseof internal design factors.

Compared to earlier BMW manual transmis-sions, both units offer tangible customerbenefits:• Even more effective synchronization of

shifting• Lighter and more pleasing feel as the shift

lever is moved from gear to gear• Firmer engagement of gear once selected• Sportier shifting, via shorter shift “throws”

from neutral to each gear• Use of lifetime transmission oil, which never

needs to be changed• “Clean bearings” design for main bearings

in transmission; protects bearings fromcontamination, ensures adequate lubricationat all times and therefore enhances durability.

Evolved 6-speed STEPTRONICautomatic transmission (no-costoption, all models)Benefits• 6 speeds make for an almost “seamless”

flow of power from a standstill to the highestcruising speeds

• 6th speed is a relaxed cruising gear• Incorporates many new functional

improvements

The driver’s interface is new; instead of theprevious mechanical shift lever, it is entirelyelectric/electronic. The design is similar inconcept to that of the 7 Series, though in the5 Series it is on the center console rather thanthe steering column. Reverse, Neutral andDrive appear “inline” on the lever’s markingsand are selected by tipping the lever forwardor rearward. Park is engaged via a separatebutton at the lever’s top; the transmission’sDrive and Manual modes are selected bytoggling the lever to the left or right.

From operation in Drive, the Sport mode – inwhich shifts occur at higher engine speeds –is engaged by toggling the lever once to theleft. From Sport, the Manual mode is engagedwhen the driver manually chooses a gear bytipping the lever forward (for downshifts) orrearward (for upshifts).To return to Drive, thedriver tips the lever rightward.

25

BMW remains the onlyluxury maker to offer amanual transmission in a mid-size luxury/performance car. A6-speed gearbox is standard in all 5 SeriesSedans, as well as the535xi Sports Wagon.

A 6-speed STEPTRONIC

remains a no-cost option inall 5 Series cars. For 2008,

the automatic offers quickershifting and electronic,shift-by-wire actuation.

5 – Actually, there is an auxiliary throttle, for certain specific functions only: as afail-safe measure for the unlikely event of Valvetronic malfunction; for diagnosticpurposes; to control fuel-tank ventilation; and to improve cold starting. Undervirtually all normal operating conditions, this throttle is open and imposes norestriction on incoming air.

6 – With manual transmission, SOP 09/07

Compared to the existing 6 HP automatic ofthe previous 5 Series, the TU (TechnicallyUpdated) version has significant improvements:• More effective damping of torsional

vibrations in the torque converter, which havemade it possible to keep the converter’slockup engaged more of the time.This meansless slippage; the resulting fuel-economyimprovement is about 3%, and the driverexperiences sharper response to the accelerator pedal.

• Quicker shifting response to the driver’sperformance demands – up to 40% quicker.This is satisfying to the driver, who experi-ences less lag between the time the accel-erator pedal is depressed or the shift lever(or paddle) moved and the actual occurrenceof a shift. Enhances the above effect.

• Quicker shifts. Once a shift is actuallyinitiated, the time it takes to complete theshift is reduced up to 50%.This wasaccomplished via a new hydraulic shiftingsystem and more sophisticated electronicsoftware.

• Finer adaptation to driving style and conditions. Within the Adaptive shift control,which adjusts shift characteristics to thesevariables, there are now three stages, vs.the previous two.

Sport STEPTRONIC automatictransmission 7

(extra-cost option, 535i & 550i Sedans)Benefits• Quicker, higher performance response with

throttle-matching on downshifts• Steering wheel-mounted shift levers provide

fingertip control of upshifts and downshifts • Paddle shifters. A pair of steering-wheel-

mounted shifter paddles provide F1 stylegear selection with both hands on the wheel.

• Even quicker upshifts. The Sport STEPTRONICoffers even quicker upshifting than the standard model.

• Throttle-matching on downshifts makes amuch smoother transition to lower gears.“Throttle-blipping” allows this transmissionto match exact engine rpm to the chosengear.

An even sportier alternative to the standardSTEPTRONIC Sport setting, this 6-speed transmission offers crisper gearshifts in manualmode, and paddle shifters on the steeringwheel. A leather boot around the consoleshifter also distinguishes this transmissionfrom the standard STEPTRONIC.

26

Power & performance

Available on rear-drive535i and 550i models, theSport STEPTRONIC offerseven quicker shifting thanstandard, plus rpm match-

ing “throttle-blipping” ondownshifts. Steering-wheel-mounted paddlesprovide fingertip shifting.

The 5 Series chassis conceptBenefits• Suspension system (full aluminum on RWD

528i/535i models) delivers an amazingcombination of handling ability and ridingcomfort on all types of road surfaces

• Variable-ratio rack-and-pinion steering standard; Active Steering optional on RWDmodels

• Servotronic vehicle-speed-sensitive powersteering assist now standard on all models

• Generously dimensioned 4-wheel ventilateddisc brakes

• 17-, 18 or 19-in. wheels/tires on every modeland version; run-flat performance tiresavailable on all 6-cylinder models

The 5 Series shares its basic chassis conceptwith the 6 and 7 Series.The reduced unsprungweight of its essentially all-aluminum suspen-sion systems enhances the handling signifi-cantly, especially on irregular road surfaces.Thanks to the lighter weight of aluminum suspension, when a wheel encounters a bump,it offers less resistance and inertia and thusdeals more responsively with that bump. Inturn, this allows the suspension engineers toachieve a supple ride in combination withprecise, responsive and enjoyable handling.The RWD models have aluminum suspensionfront and rear, the AWD models at the rear. Tomaximize cargo space, the Sports Wagon’srear suspension is configured differently fromthat of the Sedans; it also substitutes auto-leveling air springs for the Sedans’ steel coilsprings to accommodate the heavier cargoloads it is likely to carry.

27

Excellent chassis engi-neering and aluminumcomponentry give the 5 Series superlative rideand class-leading handling.BMW’s have long beenacclaimed for their abilityto find the perfect blendof these two components.

The 5 Series’ standard steering system providesa variable ratio, not to be confused with variable assist. The steering rack’s teeth areprofiled to make the steering become quicker(that is, more steering effect for a given steering-wheel motion) as the wheel is turned outwardfrom its center position.This fine-tunes steeringresponse.

As of 2006, Servotronic power assist is standard on all 5 Series models. Assist variesaccording to vehicle speed, progressivelydecreasing from maximum assist at a stand-still to minimum at high road speeds.

Active Steering, now available only as astand-alone option on RWD models, expandsdramatically on the variable-ratio concept. It isdescribed in the Options section of this book.

Another innovative BMW chassis feature,Active Roll Stabilization, is included with theSport Package of all RWD models and is alsodescribed in the Options section.

To maximize cargo spaceand accommodate theheavier cargo loads awagon may carry, theSports Wagon’s suspensionis configured differentlyfrom that of the Sedan and

has self-leveling air springs.Shock absorbers positionedseparately from the springs(they’re concentric on theSedans) conserve verticalspace.

Airsprings

Separate shockabsorbers

7 – SOP 06/07

4-wheel ventilated disc brakes. Every 5 Seriesmodel has generously dimensioned brakesfor abundant stopping power and excellentresistance to brake fade. Both 528i/xi modelshave 324 mm/12.8 in diameter front discs,combined with 320-mm/12.6-in. rear discs.Due to their increased performance, all 535i/ximodels and the 550i now feature 348-mm/13.7-in. front discs, with 345-mm/13.6-in. rears.

17-, 18- or 19-in. wheels and tires. In general,wheel and tire sizes, as well as tire speed ratings are unchanged this year. In addition,most wheel designs have changed, thoughtwo designs carry over. The standard wheelson the 528i/xi remain the same as those onthe ’07 525i/xi (#138). Also as before, SportPackages for the AWD models (528xi Sedan,535xi Sedan and Sports Wagon) retain thestandard wheel/tire equipment with all-seasontires. For the first time, however, the mid-level6-cylinder models will offer optional staggered-width wheels and tires.The wheels featured inthe 535i Sport Package and as an optionalSport Package upgrade on the 535xi modelsare the same as those offered on the 2007550i Sedan (#124).This year’s 550i will includenew standard and optional wheels, as it receiveswider standard wheels – 17 x 8.0-inch – andnew optional M logo 19-inch wheels and tiresin staggered widths.

Wheel/tire equipment is as follows below.

Tire Pressure Monitor: The previous Flat TireMonitor determined pressure deviations viawheel-speed differences.TPM is more elaborateand precise; it constantly measures pressurein each individual tire directly via telemetry. Ifpressure in any tire drops below a definedlevel, a warning appears in the instrumentcluster. Thus even if all tires lose pressure inunison, the driver will be warned.

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Power & performance

Tire Pressure Monitor readsexisting pressure in eachtire directly, giving a moreaccurate assessment ofthis critical factor.

Style #138

Style #243

Style #245

Style #246

Style #124

Style #172M

Model & version Wheel size & design, tires528i/xi standard, 528xi Sport Package 17 x 7.5 Star Spoke #138, 225/50R-17 V-rated run-flat all-season

535i/xi/xiT standard, 17 x 7.5 Star Spoke #243, 225/50R-17 V-rated run-flat all-season535xi/xiT Sport Package

550i standard 17 x 8.0 V-Spoke #245, 225/50R-17 V-rated run-flat all-season

528i Sport Package, 528xi option 18 x 8.0 Star Spoke #246, 245/40R-18 run-flat performance 2

(requires Sport Package)

535i Sport Package, 535xi option 18 x 8.0 F/18 x 9.0 R Star Spoke #124, 245/40R-18 F / 275/35R-18 R run-flat (requires Sport Package) performance 2

535xiT option (requires Sport Package) 18 x 8.0 Star Spoke #124, 245/40R-18 run-flat performance 2

550i Sport Package 19 x 8.0 F/19 x 9.5 R Double Spoke #172M, 245/35R-19 F / 275/30R-19 R performance 2

xDrive: BMW’s “intelligent”all-wheel drive system(528xi & 535xi models)Benefits• Excellent traction at all times, especially

noticeable on slippery road surfaces• Optimum handling agility• Surefooted, neutral handling in curves

Like other all-wheel-drive BMWs, the 528xiand 535xi models incorporate BMW’sadvanced xDrive all-wheel drive and tractionsystem. xDrive operates as follows:• Driving torque is always transmitted to the

rear wheels, and most of the time to all fourwheels.

• The portion of torque transmitted to thefront wheels is controlled by a multi-discclutch that can be fully open, fully engagedor at any level of partial engagement inbetween.The torque split between rear andfront wheels is thus steplessly variable.

• Engagement pressure on the multi-discclutch is directed by an electronic controlsystem in response to actual road and driving conditions.

xDrive doesn’t just optimize traction; it canalso enhance both agility and stability ongrippy as well as slippery road surfaces.Viathe same type of logic that DSC employs torecognize and correct for excessive over- orundersteer, xDrive adjusts the front/rear torquesplit to avoid these tendencies. If undesirableoversteer is sensed, the multi-disc clutch iscompletely closed, sending the maximumpossible torque to the front wheels. If excessundersteer is detected, xDrive opens the clutchcompletely, sending no driving torque to thefront wheels. In the BMW tradition, the driverenjoys optimum vehicle dynamics under awide range of driving and road conditions.

In an early driving report, Germany’s authori-tative auto motor und sport (March 2, ’05)described and commented on xDrive in the 5 Series Sedan this way: “Normally, the 530xiruns with the accent on rear-wheel drive: 60%of torque to the rear wheels, 40% to the front,but pure rear-wheel drive at speeds of 180 km/h[112 mph] or more. When traction is lacking orthe vehicle tends toward instability, the torquesplit changes lightning-fast.

“The driver doesn’t notice any of this going on –but he or she does realize that on a slick road,the 530xi is very easy to drive. It has a highdegree of stability, plus very agile handling.

“Adding about 100 kg to vehicle weight, xDrivedoes add a bit of fuel consumption and giveup a bit of performance.The latter is easy toaccept, because the new 6-cylinder enginerevs so easily and runs so smoothly.”

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5 Series chassis engineer-ing and technology in itsnewest form, with xDrive:Note transfer case behindthe transmission and driveshaft leading to thefront differential.

Front differential

Front driveshaftxDrive transfer case

Rear driveshaftRear differential

xDrive’s transfer case ispositioned immediatelybehind the transmission,whether manual or auto-matic.Torque always flowsdirectly through to therear driveshaft. Reactingvirtually instantaneouslyto changing road anddriving conditions, theactuator acts upon a levermechanism that increasesor decreases the multi-disc clutch’s engagementpressure.This occurs virtually instantaneously,and controls the propor-tion of torque to the frontdriveshaft. Gear drive tothe front driveshaft is anew feature of the 5 and 3 Series’ xDrive; otherSeries employ a chaindrive.

Front driveshaft

Transmission

Gear drive tofront driveshaft

Multi-disc clutch

Reardriveshaft

Actuatorassembly

Lever mechanism


With a thorough freshening for 2008,the 5 Series interior reflects con-temporary style in the blending ofgenuine wood, metal, plastic andavailable leather into a luxurious,comfortable yet completely functionaldriving environment. Standard andoptional features have been designedto make the new 5 Series the bench-mark in the luxury-performanceclass, regardless of which half ofthat formula they emphasize.

The dash, console and door panelshave all been restyled to make thecockpit even richer and more luxurious than in previous 5 Seriesmodels.Wood accents now curveacross the dash and door panels toprovide one continuously flowing arcaround the passenger compartment.Dark Poplar wood trim remainsstandard for ’08, with Light Poplar ornew Bamboo available at no extracost. All 6-cylinder models come

standard with leatherette upholstery;Dakota leather is available in thePremium Packages. As before, the550i includes leather as standardequipment.

New controls and control locationsalso improve on convenience inmultiple ways.The redesigned elec-tronic shifter for the STEPTRONICautomatic is not only more ergonomic,it also allowed for a completerethinking of the console area, withmore emphasis on small-item storage – something also reflected in the reconfigured door pockets.Other controls – from windowswitches and standard multifunctionsteering wheel to the optional iDrive– have been designed for increasedconvenience. As before, the SportsWagon adds people- and load-carrying versatility while retainingthe luxury and esthetics of theSedans’cabin.

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Comfort & convenienceRefinements across the board

Sedan interiors: revised controls,more luxury, more convenienceBenefitsFor 2008, the 5 Series’ redesigned interiorenhances both comfort and luxury via newmaterials and revised controls. These include:• The power windows’ control panel has been

moved to the armrest, where it’s even moreaccessible than before.

• Wood trim now accents the lower dash andblends into the door panels, giving them aricher, warmer appearance.

• Interior door handles are more compact,and leather wrapped.

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• The console is now leather-wrapped, andincludes a small-item tray.

• Radio and climate-control knobs are finishedin titanium silver, which adds the perfectmodern accent to the wood and leatherinstrument panel.

• The iDrive adds a row of six programmable“favorites” buttons below the CD player.These can be used to access auto-dialphone numbers, navigation destinations orradio-station presets.

• The iDrive controller now includes a soft-touch leather accent.

• A new ashtray is more conveniently placed,and takes up less console space.

• The STEPTRONIC automatic includes anelectronic shifter like that introduced on the2007 X5.The shifter features instantaneousresponse via its “shift-by-wire” design, andutilizes a similar shift function to the X5’s,with fingertip selection for Park and inlineactuation for Reverse and Drive.The Sportand STEPTRONIC functions are actuatedmuch as before, by angling the shifter towardthe driver for Sport mode, then tipping itforward or back to select higher or lowergears.

A new steering wheelreplaces the original.Multi-function buttonsremain for audio tuning &volume, phone operation(when equipped) and aprogrammable featurebutton.

Standard iDrive nowincludes a row of sixfavorites buttons, whichcan be used to accessowner stored information

such as radio-station presets, or when soequipped, navigation destinations or phonenumbers.

Passenger side cupholderslides from its dashboardposition with a singlepush.

New door pulls arewrapped in soft leather,and relocated window

switches now reside onthe armrest.

Part of the Sport Packageor a stand-alone option,Multi-contour seats offer20-way adjustment. Activehead restraints, which

move forward to cradle theoccupant’s head in a rear-end collision, are part ofthe Multi-contour seats.

Standard seats include 10-way adjustment on528i/xi, with optional 4-wayadjustable lumbar support.Uplevel cars include 4-waylumbar support as stan-dard, for a total of 14-wayadjustment. Shown inoptional Crème BeigeDakota leather.

With a thorough rethinking of the interior, the2008 5 Series offers even more convenienceand refinement than before. More luxuriousmaterials, including more extensive wood trimand additional leather, provide a more satisfyingenvironment for driver and passengers.Visualand tactile enhancements abound, fromdetails such as the leather accent on theiDrive controller to the leather-wrapped doorhandles and console.

By eliminating the mechanical connections tothe STEPTRONIC transmission, the electronicshifter allowed a complete revision of theconsole area with an emphasis on conven-ience and small-item storage. A new ashtrayand small-item tray are complemented by thelarger compartments in the front doors, givingdriver and front passenger alike a wider rangeof places for “stuff.”The new door panels alsoinclude relocated window switches, which arenow placed on the armrest for a more convenient reach.

Even with the detail revisions, the 5 Seriesinterior still maintains the same luxurious feeland open, airy atmosphere of the original. Thedual-wave upper dash remains an elegantinterpretation of the luxury car cockpit, whilethe overall instrument panel retains its emphasison driver accessibility for information and majorcontrols. The 3-spoke steering wheel – eitherstandard or Sport – contains buttons for theaudio and Bluetooth phone functions, and isflanked by stalks for turn signals, tilt/telescopingwheel, and cruise-control functions.

32

Comfort & convenience

The 5 Series rear seatincludes comfortable seat-ing for three, with plenty ofleg and headroom.

Optional Dakota leathercovers seats and doorpanels, with genuine woodtrim standard.

For the driver, Instrumentation remains at aglance, with the primary tachometer andspeedometer flanking a display of secondarygraphics.The high-mounted iDrive monitorprovides instant visual access to the informa-tion display, and audio and climate controlsare a finger’s reach away. Options such as theHead-up Display, Lane Departure Warning andNight Vision also adhere to this philosophy, byproviding quick visual acquisition of graphicdisplays.

Standard seating for all 5 Series sedansincludes power seats with memory for bothdriver and front passenger. In the 528i/xi, theseinclude 10-way adjustments; 535i/xi and 550imodels add 4-way adjustable lumbar support,for a total of 14-way adjustability. On 6-cylindermodels, standard leatherette provides a supple, comfortable seating surface, whichcan be upgraded to optional Dakota leather(standard on the 550i). Optional seating alsoincludes Multi-contour seats, which offer a full20-way range of adjustment, including articulated backrests and thigh support.

The passenger compartment also gives awelcoming environment for non-driving 5 Seriesoccupants, beginning with the open, airy feelof both front and rear seat areas.The frontpassenger has easy access to the generouslysized glove compartment, and rear passengers

can use either the rear door compartments orthe seatback pockets to store personal items.Head and legroom are both among the highestin the class, ensuring that 5 Series passengers– front or rear – will be as comfortable as thedriver. The equally ergonomically positionedswitchgear allows rear seat passengers thesame convenient access to window switchesor rear climate control adjustments.

The 5 Series Sedans also provide a generous14 cubic feet of trunk space, easily accessedvia a trunklid mounted release or from thekeyless remote.The fully carpeted spaceincludes tie-down hooks and, on vehicles withno spare tire, that space can be utilized foradditional small-item storage.

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The Sedans’ optional split-folding rear seats provideaccess to the trunk via a60/40 split seatback.

Folding center section also provides a trunkpass-through for skis orother long items.

Roomy sedans’ trunk isfully carpeted, and provides 14 cubic feet ofcargo space. Movable floorpanel provides access tospare tire or additionalsmall-item storage.

Sports Wagon interior and cargoareaBenefits• Split folding rear seats are standard• Versatile, beautifully finished cargo area with

many thoughtful features

Up front, the Sports Wagon offers the sameaccommodations as the Sedans, except asaffected by the Wagon’s dual-panel PanoramicMoonroof. Front and rear leg room are identicalfor the two body styles; front head room isessentially identical, but the Sports Wagonoffers 0.6 in. greater head room for rearpassengers.The Wagon’s standard split fold-ing rear seats offer essentially the same func-tions and benefits as those that are optionalin the Sedan.

The big difference, of course, is aft of the rearseats, where in terms of load-carrying abilityand versatility the Sports Wagon offers not onlyadvantages over the Sedans, but also over itsE39 predecessor, last offered in ’03. Asalways with a BMW Sports Wagon, the 535xiabounds with rational design and thoughtfuldetails:• High-lift tailgate – almost 73 in. head clear-

ance – with Soft Close feature. Electricallyreleased from remote or interior switch.

• Separately opening rear window, for conven-ient loading without opening the tailgate.

• Fully lined cargo area – floor, sides, backsides of rear seats – with luxurious, yetlong-wearing carpet.

• Wider than that in the previous Wagon, andwith straight, essentially vertical sides, thecargo area presents various cargo possibilities:

• 17.6 cu ft. of volume with the seats uprightand cargo loaded to the top of the seats

• 33.6 cu ft. with the seats upright and cargoloaded to the ceiling

• 58.3 cu ft. with the seats folded and cargoloaded to the ceiling

• Four tie-down hooks in the floor, at the frontand rear corners of the compartment.

• A 12-volt accessory power outlet on theright-hand wall.

• An enclosed storage compartment on eachside.

34

Comfort & convenience

Sports Wagon’s separatelyopening rear windowfacilitates convenientloading and unloading ofsmaller objects.

Used like a Sedan’s trunk,the Sports Wagon’s cargoarea offers plenty of capac-ity, a flat floor, essentiallyvertical sides without

protrusions, and a cargocover to conceal contents.There is an enclosed storage compartment ateither side.

Folding one or both portions of the rear-seatbackrests allows users toadjust people and cargospace to suit the moment.The continuous, undivided

cargo floor shown here andin the two upper photos onpage 35 is the standardarrangement in Europe,but not available here.

With its overall roof open-ing of nearly 42 x 35 in.,the Panoramic Moonroof

gives occupants almostthe feeling of being in aconvertible.

• Lockable storage space under the cargofloor, in flocked tray with adjustable dividersto help secure smaller objects. (The sparetire is under the tray.)

• Instead of having to be hooked into its raisedposition, the floor rises, and stays in its raisedposition, once released via a convenienthandle at the rear of the compartment.

• A cargo net, carried in a roller assembly,that can be mounted with the rear seatseither upright or folded. At each side of thecargo area is a flat surface on which thisassembly can be slid rearward for removalfrom vehicle; one does not have to reach inawkwardly and lift the assembly out.

• Cargo cover, concealing cargo when theseats are upright; automatically rises whentailgate is opened and stays up, supportedon gas struts. Cover can also be removedfrom the vehicle.

• If, once raised, a rear-seat backrest is notfully locked into place, a red tab appears tohelp call users’ attention to it.

• Red light at left bottom of tailgate for safety;visible when tailgate is open.

Dual-panel Panoramic MoonroofBenefits• Open feeling for front and rear occupants• Completely power-operated, including

interior sunshade• 1-touch operation for all motions

With its overall roof opening of 41.9 x 34.8 in.,this feature gives occupants almost the feelingof being in a convertible. The power glass roofconsists of two panels, both of which can betilted up at the rear. The forward, larger panelcan also be slid open; together, their glassarea is almost 10 square feet. Although theglass is effectively tinted, there is also a power-operated interior shade; a wind deflector risesat the front of the opening to reduce windbuffeting when panels are open. 1-touchoperation is provided for all motions, includingthat of the interior shade.

35

Standard in the U.S. modelis the Storage Package,which allows half the cargofloor to be raised into vertical position as shown.This divides the cargo areainto forward and rearwardportions. In the rearward

part, vertical dividers canbe pivoted into position(also shown), dividing thatsection into three essen-tially equal subsections.The configuration includesvarious nets, hooks andstraps to help secure cargo.

The standard cargo net,carried in a roller assembly,can be mounted with therear seats either upright(as shown here) or folded.

At each side of the cargoarea is a flat ledge onwhich this assembly canbe slid rearward easily forremoval from vehicle.

If cargo cover is in placewhen tailgate is opened, it

rises and stays up, until theuser lowers it manually.

In terms of safety and security, the 5 Series is a state-of-the-art vehiclefrom a state-of-the-art vehicle maker.There are no significant changes inthis area of the 5 Series; becauseof its comprehensive safety featuresand its great substance, the 5 Seriesremains an industry leader and fully

representative of BMW’s safetyvalues. In brief form, this section ofthe Product Information Book presents the range of safety andsecurity concepts and features thathelp make the 5 Series such asound automotive investment.

36

Safety & security featuresComprehensive engineering and equipment.

Robust side-impactresistance is built into thedoors of all BMW models.Seen here are the 5 Series’upper door reinforcementsand the diagonal reinforc-ing bars of its interlockingdoor anchoring system.

Multi-contour seats(optional or part of theSport Package on all 5 Series models) alsoinclude Active front headrestraints. In a seriousrear-end collision, thehead restraint deploysforward to protect theoccupant’s head and neck.

BMW Assist Safety Servicesincludes an SOS buttonthat immediately contacts atrained BMW representativefor emergency services

when needed. A 4-yearsubscription to BMW Assistis standard on every5 Series model.

Key safety and security features• Dual front-impact Supplementary Restraint

System (SRS) with dual-threshold deploy-ment, 2-stage Smart Airbags – optimizedfor shape and deployment characteristics.

• Front safety belts with automatic tensionersand force limiters – standard on all models.

• Rear safety belts with automatic tensioners – included with the optionalrear-seat side-impact airbags.

• Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) on allpassenger safety belts for installation ofchild restraint seats.

• Interlocking door anchoring system forside impacts.

• Front-seat side-impact airbags – standard.• Rear-seat side-impact airbags – optional

at nominal extra cost, so that customerscan make their own choice in this matter.

• Head Protection System – front-to-rearhead protection via BMW’s proven InflatableTubular concept; tubular airbag that deploysfrom ceiling and is suspended on a “sail.”

• Active front head restraints – included withthe front Multi-Contour seats that are optionalin all 5 Series models. Responding to impactsensors at the rear of the vehicle, the headrestraints instantly pivot forward into closeproximity with the occupants’ heads.Thusoccupants are able, if they prefer, to adjust therestraints away from direct contact with theirheads, yet gain optimum protection againstwhiplash or more serious head/neck injuries.

• Energy-absorbing padding of body-pillarand roof areas – specific padding at the A-, B- and C-pillars as well as along theroof above the doors.

• Fuel-tank design and location. Not only isthe fuel tank designed to remain sealed evenin severe impacts, its location has been chosento provide optimum protection from impacts.

• Every 5 Series model employs a highlysophisticated, all-encompassing network ofsensors to achieve a precise “tailoring” ofthe safety devices’ deployment to actualaccident circumstances and minimizeunnecessary deployment of airbags. For afull description, see BMW Fast Facts 2007,pages 75-76.

• Battery SafetyTerminal – in case of a severeaccident impact, breaks the high-currentconnection between the battery and startercable. This helps prevent a possible shortcircuit in the electrical system.

• Automatic fuel-pump shutoff upon severeaccident impact. In addition, the doors areautomatically unlocked; the interior lightingand 4-way hazard flashers are switched on.Thus even after an accident, BMW’s safetystrategy is still at work.

• Coded Driveaway Protection – The multi-function remote is equipped with a tinytransponder which stores an electronic codetransmitted by a ring antenna around theignition slot. Each time the remote is removed,this code is changed; the next time, theengine can be started only if the remotematches the new code.

• Central locking system with double-lockfeature. When the vehicle is locked from theoutside, the double-lock feature preventsindividual door-lock buttons from being pulledup; thus even if a thief has broken into thecar, it isn’t possible to open the doors. Owners,however, have access to information on howto get out in case one is locked inside thevehicle from the outside.

• Alarm system with interior motion detector – standard on the 5 Series.

• BMW Assist Safety Services, includingautomatic collision notification, SOS button,enhanced Roadside Assistance & TeleService.Includes a 4-year subscription to BMWAssist services, after which the customerpays an annual subscription fee. For detailedinformation, see CenterNet or BMW FastFacts 2007, pages 435-437.

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Interlocking points (“hooks”)

Upper doorreinforcements

2008 sees a number of excitingnew features that are new to the 5 Series.These include the newLane Departure Warning system, anexpanded Active Cruise Control withStop & Go,even more sporting wheeland tire choices, and a new, morecomprehensive Sport Package forthe 550i.These complement a longlist of existing choices to enhanceeither the sporting or luxury characterof the 5 Series.

Most of the optional features on the2007 5 Series carry over to 2008,with few exceptions. Most notable,the Sequential Manual Gearbox

has been discontinued, effectivelyreplaced by the new Sport STEPTRONIC that arrives later in theyear.The Premium Sound Package(ZPS), which included the Logic7audio system and 6-disc CDchanger, has been replaced by anindividual stand-alone option forthe Logic7 system and a Center-installed 6-disc changer.

This section covers all options,both Package and stand-alone, in a relatively brief form; for furtherdetails on options that haven’tchanged on the ’08 5 Series, referto Fast Facts 2007.

38

Options & packagesAdditional enhancements make the 5 Serieseven more appealing.

Factory-installed optionsPremium Package(528i/xi & 535i/xi models, code ZPP)Benefits• Combines luxury and convenience features

into a value-priced Package• Upgrades some aspects of 528i/xi and

535i/xi models to 550i level

All features of this Package are standard in the550i. It includes the following for all five models –• Dakota leather upholstery• BMW Universal Transceiver, the familiar

3-function device that can operate garagedoors and other external electrical devicesor systems

• Auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors• Ambient Light Package, consisting of –

• LED ground lighting in the exterior mirrors• Ambiance lighting at interior door handles

and storage bins• Exit/entry lighting in rear door panels

(front standard)• Additional trunk lighting (in trunklid)

For specific models, there are additional features in this Package:for 528i and 528xi Sedans –• 4-way power lumbar support on both front

seats. Not included in the 535i/xi models’Package because it is standard there.

for the 535xi Sports Wagon –• Power tailgate – opening from the interior

or exterior release or remote; closing fromeither release (inside or outside) on the tailgate itself.

39

Standard on the 550i,Dakota leather is part ofthe Premium Package onall 6-cylinder models.Multi-contour seats areoptional on all 5 Seriescars, and included in theSport Package.

Part of the PremiumPackage for 6-cylindermodels, BMW’s UniversalTransceiver can control up

to three different compo-nents.The unit is alsostandard on the 550i.

Auto-dimming exteriorand interior mirrors areincluded in the PremiumPackage.

The 528i/xi PremiumPackage adds 4-wayadjustable power lumbarsupport, which is standard on all other5 Series models.

An additional feature of theSports Wagon PremiumPackage is a power tailgate.

This is the switch on theinside of the tailgate, usedfor closing it.

Active Roll Stabilization(ARS) brings a new dimen-sion of “flat cornering” toSport Package-equippedrear drive models. Motor

Trend (March ’05) reportedthat ARS “brilliantly keepsthe body level and thedriver cool, calm, and collected in the twisties.”

Part of the Sport Packagefor rear-drive 528i is this 18 x 8.0 Star Spoke wheel,Design #246.This wheel is

also an optional upgradefor the all-wheel-drive528xi with Sport Package.

The 535i Sport Packageadds these Star Spokewheels, Design #124, instaggered-width sizes,18 x 8.0-inch front and 18 x 9.0-inch rear.This

style is also available as anoptional upgrade for theSport Package-equipped535xi, in 18 x 8.0-inch sizefront and rear.

Sport Package(528i & 535i Sedans, code ZSP)Benefits• Includes Active Roll Stabilization, which

reduces body roll in corners and curves• Distinctive, larger-dimensioned wheels and

run-flat performance tires

This Package is essentially the same for the528i and 535i Sedans, but includes differentwheel-and-tire equipment for each model. Itscontents are –• Active Roll Stabilization, which dramatically

reduces body roll or “lean” in corners andcurves. Objectively, this improves handlingby virtue of improved suspension geometry(wheel angles relative to vertical), but there isa subjective component as well: drivers andpassengers alike marvel at the “flat corner-ing” it engenders. For a detailed descriptionof this advanced suspension technology,see Fast Facts 2007, pages 45-46.

• Sport suspension. This familiar BMW SportPackage feature means firmer springs andshock absorbers.The usual larger conven-tional anti-roll bars are, of course, replaced byARS. Ride height is lowered by 15 mm/0.6 in.

• Sport Steering wheel. A reshaped three-spoke sport steering wheel with round center section includes the same multi-function features as the standard wheel.

• Sporty wheels and run-flat performancetires. The Sport Package wheels and tiresare specific to the two models:528i Sedan – 17 x 8.0 Star Spoke wheels(design #246) with 245/45R-17 run-flat performance tires 2

535i Sedan –18 x 8.0 front and 18 x 9.0rear Star Spoke wheels (design #124) with245/40R-18 front and 275/35-18 rearrun-flat performance tires 2

Even though it is not strictly necessary withthe run-flat tires, a space-saver spare isincluded.

40

Options & packages

A new Sport steeringwheel includes the samefunctions as the standardmulti-function steeringwheel, but adds titanium-finish trim for an evensportier look.

• Satin Chrome Shadowline exterior trim.All-black trim around the side windowsreplaces the standard black-plus-chromewindow framing.

• 20-way Multi-Contour Seats. The Multi-Contour seats (formerly Comfort seats) alsoinclude 4-way power lumbar support, whichis an additional adjustment over the 528models’ standard seats but standard in all535s; and memory on both front seatsinstead of just the driver’s. Adjustable “wings”are provided on the head restraints for lateralhead support when desired.The front-seatpassenger, for example, might use thesewings when sleeping.

Sport Package(528xi & 535xi Sedans and 535xi SportsWagon, code ZSP)Benefits• To emphasize traction and bad-weather

handling, retains standard wheels and all-season tires

• Wheels and tires of 528i/535i Sport Packagesavailable as stand-alone options in combi-nation with these Packages

This Package is tailored to the AWD models’specific considerations:• No sport suspension. At present, the AWD

chassis has its own specific suspensioncalibration, the same for standard-equippedor Sport Package vehicles.

• Regular-profile, all-season tires, putting moreaccent on all-weather traction and handling.Customers who prioritize dry-road handlingmay order the same wheels and tires asincluded in the 528i/535i Sport Packages,respectively.

As with the RWD models’ Sport Packages,Satin Chrome Shadowline trim and Multi-Contour seats are included in both AWDmodels’ Packages.

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Satin Chrome Shadowlineexterior trim (all-black,with gloss) replaces thestandard matte-black-and-

chrome side-window trimon all Sport Package-equipped 5 Series models.

The 5 Series Sport Packageadds 20-way Multi-contourseats, which provide farmore features, includingarticulated upper back-

rests, adjustable backrestwidth and Active HeadRestraints with adjustableside support.


5 Series heated frontseats, included in theCold Weather Package,include variable heat distribution (or balance),adjusted on the left portion of this iDrivescreen.

Switch for heated steeringwheel is on the left sideof the steering column,next to that for thewheel’s power tilt/tele-scopic adjustment.

Retracting headlight clean-ing system is also part ofthe Cold Weather Package.

Part of a thoroughlyrethought Sport Packageon the 550i Sedan are these19-inch M-logo wheels,

Design #172M, mountingstaggered-width performance tires.

Sport Package(550i Sedans, code ZSP)Benefits• Distinctive, larger-dimensioned wheels and

run-flat performance tires

This Package is essentially the same as for the528i and 535i Sedans, but includes differentwheel-and-tire equipment and alternativeaerodynamic body aids. Its contents are –• Active Roll Stabilization• Revised sport suspension• Modified exhaust. Provides a distinctive

look as well as a sportier engine note.• Sport steering wheel• Aerodynamic Package. Includes an alter-

native front airdam and rear air deflector toimprove high-speed aerodynamics.

• Sporty wheels and run-flat performancetires. The Sport Package wheels and tiresare specific to the 550i Sedan:

19 x 8.0 front and 19 x 9.5 rear Double Spokewheels (design #172M) with 245/35R-19 frontand 275/30-19 rear performance tires 2

As with the 6-cylinder models’ SportPackages, a Space-saver spare tire, SatinChrome Shadowline trim and Multi-Contourseats are included in the 550i Package.

Cold Weather Package(all models, code ZCW)Benefit• Combines weather- and versatility-oriented

features into a value-priced Package

For all models, this Package includes:• Heated front seats.• Heated steering wheel.• Headlight cleaning system. High-intensity

jets, normally retracted, pop out to spraythe lights with washer fluid.

For the AWD 535xi Sports Wagon, thePackage adds –• Ski bag. On the Sedans, this is included

with the optional split folding rear seats.

42

Options & packages

Every model is availablewith BMW’s ultra-smooth,satisfyingly responsive

6-speed STEPTRONIC

automatic transmission.Sport Steptronic addsreprogrammed shifting,steering-wheel shift-paddles and rpm-matching("throttle-blipping") on

downshifts.The SportSteptronic is available onthe rear-drive 535i and550i Sedans.

6-speed STEPTRONIC automatictransmission(all models, code 205)Benefits• Thanks to 6 speeds, power flow is almost

seamless• STEPTRONIC system lets driver enjoy a high

degree of control and sportiness

This advanced, performance-enhancing andvelvety-smooth automatic is offered as astand-alone option on all 5 Series models.

6-speed Sport STEPTRONICautomatic transmission 10

(535i & 550i Sedans, code 2TB)Benefits• Quicker, higher performance response with

throttle-matching on downshifts• Steering wheel-mounted shift levers provide

fingertip control of upshifts and downshifts

An even sportier alternative to the standardSTEPTRONIC Sport setting, this 6-speed trans-mission offers crisper gearshifts in manualmode, and paddle shifters on the steeringwheel. A leather boot around the consoleshifter also distinguishes this transmissionfrom the standard STEPTRONIC.

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10 – SOP 06/07

At low to medium speeds,Active Steering reducesthe amount of turning atthe steering wheel tonegotiate a given curve orcorner. Above, a typicalActive Steering motion atlow speeds…

…and here the motionrequired for the samesteering angle at the frontwheels at higher speeds.

Active Steering(optional 528i, 535i & 550i Sedans, code 217)Benefits• Varies steering ratio widely to achieve

amazing agility at lower speeds while retaining stability at higher speeds

• Enhances stability in certain critical drivingsituations

Active Steering is offered on RWD models only,thus the 528i, 535i and 550i Sedans. Activesteering offers hitherto unheard-of benefits:Widely variable ratio. Electronically varies thesteering ratio (that is, the number of degreesthe steering wheel must be turned to achievea 1° steering angle at the front wheels) on thebasis of vehicle speed and other driving con-ditions.This variation is considerably greaterthan that achievable by purely mechanicalmeans (such as the 5, 6 and 7 Series’ standardvariable-ratio steering gear); steering-wheelmovements for parking maneuvers, U-turnsand sharp corners are greatly reduced.Thisresults not only in greater convenience, com-fort and feeling of vehicle agility, but controlslocated on the steering wheel – multi-functionbuttons on the wheel’s face and the shiftpaddles for the Sport STEPTRONIC – can beoperated more easily and naturally while thedriver is steering.

Optimized driving dynamics. Measures manyfactors of operating conditions, and varies thesteering ratio to enhance dynamics, i.e. thevehicle’s response to the steering wheel.

Vehicle stabilization. In situations that wouldnormally diminish stability, such as heavycross-winds, Active Steering can intervene topreserve stability.

Authentic steering feel. Because ActiveSteering retains a direct mechanical connec-tion between the steering wheel and thesteered wheels, and steering assist is appliedin a proven BMW way (Servotronic, vehicle-speed-sensitive), authentic steering feel isretained.

Reliability. The direct mechanical connectionand a fail-safe provision ensures that even ifthere is a system failure the driver can stillsteer the vehicle.

How it works. The steering column takesmotion down to the hydraulically assistedrack-and-pinion steering gear between thefront wheels. Active Steering interposes aplanetary gearbox, feeding in near the bottomof the steering column, to increase rotationthere relative to the driver’s turning of thesteering wheel. The planetary gearbox is electrically driven; the degree to which it addsto the driver’s input is determined by severalelectronically measured factors:• Vehicle speed. We want less power assist

as speed increases: more at low speeds tohelp us park and maneuver, less at highspeeds for a firm feeling of the road andhow the vehicle is relating to it. (Servotronicpower assist provides this.) The electronicvehicle-speed input also feeds into ActiveSteering, which causes the little gearbox toadd to the driver’s steering-wheel motions(and therefore reduce the effective steeringratio). This addition gradually decreasesuntil a speed of approximately 75 mph isreached, at which point the ratio becomes“conventional.”

• Stability. Active Steering can add stability,even beyond the effect already provided byDynamic Stability Control.Via its inputs ofvehicle speed and steering angle, the systemcan compare actual vehicle motion withthat desired by the driver. Even at smalldeviations from the desired motion, ActiveSteering can (unnoticed by the driver) adjustthe steering to enhance stability.

• Uneven road surfaces. If the driver appliesthe brakes while driving on a surface withuneven traction – for example, if one side ofthe roadway is slick and the other offersgood traction – the brakes’ uneven effect onthe two surfaces can produce a tendencyfor the vehicle to pull to one side (yaw). Undersuch conditions, Active Steering recognizesthe incipient instability and steers against it.The driver does not have to correct, and ismost likely not even aware that the systemis doing it.

44

Options & packages

Sport wheels and tires(528xi Sedan code 2SE, 535xi Sedan code591, 535xi Sports Wagon code 2C0; requireSport Package)Benefits• Combine all-wheel drive with enhanced

dry-road handling• Give “xi” models with Sport Package the

same sporty exterior treatment as on theRWD models

As mentioned in connection with the SportPackages, for customers who desire all-wheeldrive but prioritize the enhanced dry-roadhandling and run-flat capability of the RWDSport Package equipment, this option providesSport Package-equipped AWD models withthe same 18-inch wheel/tire combination asin the RWD models. For 2008, this option nowprovides staggered-width wheels and tires onthe 535xi Sedan and Sports Wagon:• 528xi Sedan – 18 x 8.0 Star Spoke wheels

(design #246) with 245/45R-18 run-flat performance tires. 2

• 535xi Sedan –18 x 8.0 front and 18 x 9.0rear Star Spoke wheels (design #124) with245/40R-18 front and 275/35R-18 rearrun-flat performance tires. 2

• 535xi Sports Wagon –18 x 8.0 Star Spokewheels (design #124) with 245/40R-18 run-flat performance tires. 2

Park Distance Control(528i/xi & 535i/xi models, standard 550imodel; code 508)Benefits• Alerts driver when front or rear of vehicle is

approaching an unseen obstacle• Facilitates parking in tight spaces• Can help driver conserve parking space

PDC employs four ultrasonic sensors each inthe front and rear bumpers to sound a warningwhen the vehicle is approaching obstaclesthat may not be visible to the driver. The frontsensors cause a higher-pitched tone to emanatefrom the front of the interior; the rear onestrigger a lower-pitched tone at the rear.

In the 5 Series, PDC includes a graphic displayof obstacles relative to the vehicle in the iDrivemonitor (below).

45

As part of the Park DistanceControl option, a plan-viewdiagram in the iDrive mon-

itor graphically depictsobstacles’ location relativeto the vehicle.

On the 5 Series, ParkDistance Control employsfour ultrasonic sensorseach in the front and rearbumpers to detect objects

or impediments out of thedriver’s line of sight.Two ofthe four front PDC sensorsare visible in this view.


Optional Park DistanceControl provides an audible warning whenapproaching obstacles inDrive or Reverse. At lowspeeds, the system alsoprovides a graphic imagein the 5 Series iDrive display.

Adaptive headlights “steer”according to steering angle,vehicle speed and the rate

at which the vehicle’sdirection is changing.

Xenon Adaptive systemincludes dynamic auto-leveling of the headlights,reacting not only to loads

carried in the vehicle butalso to transient conditionssuch as acceleration andbraking.

In the Xenon Adaptiveheadlight unit, ellipsoidoutboard lamps serve aslow and high beams;

inboard free-form lampsfunction as headlightflashers and DaytimeRunning Lamps.

Xenon Adaptive headlights withdynamic auto-leveling(optional 528i/xi models, standard 535i/xi and550i models; code 522)Benefits• Xenon forward illumination on high and low

beams• Dynamic auto-leveling helps optimize forward

illumination and avoid glare to oncomingdrivers

• Adaptive feature helps driver “see aroundcurves”

• New cornering lamps provide close-upillumination in slow corners

This option provides stronger, daylight-likeXenon illumination. In BMW’s 4-lamp system,the outboard lamps serve as both low andhigh beams; the inboard ones function asheadlight flashers and Daytime Running Lamps.The low speed cornering lamps are part ofthe existing inboard headlamps, and provideadditional light in low-speed corners.

The Adaptive feature literally “aims” at makingnight driving safer. With the headlight switchin its Automatic position (feature is inactivewhen the vehicle is backing up), the outboardlights steer with the front wheels, guided byan electronic control system and swiveled bysmall servo motors. The system responds notmerely to the steering angle, but also to vehicle speed and the “yaw rate,” or the rate atwhich the vehicle’s direction is changing.Thetangible customer benefit is enhanced nightvision around corners and curves.

As a new feature in addition to Xenon Adaptiveheadlights, cornering lights employ a specialreflector in each inboard headlight to projectan angled beam at low speeds and largesteering angles. Activated in the left- or right-ward direction by either a large steering angleor the turn signals, they do not activate atspeeds over 25 mph. When the headlights areon and reverse gear is engaged, the corneringlights are activated at both sides.

On the 5 Series, as on the 6 and 7 Series, thesystem includes dynamic auto-leveling of theheadlights: The headlights’ aim is adjusted forloads carried in the vehicle as well as duringtransient acceleration and braking, optimizingforward illumination and helping avoid glare tooncoming drivers.

46

Options & packages

Adaptive headlights nowinclude low-speed cornering lights, whichilluminate nearby objectsat speeds below 25 mph.When the steering wheelis turned, an internal lensin the inner headlampdirects light to the insideof the corner.

Lane Departure Warning(optional all models; code 5AD, requiresPremium Package)Benefits• Helps the driver remain alert, particularly in

heavy traffic• Prevents a minor distraction or momentary

inattentiveness from becoming a more serious issue

• System can be turned on and off via asteering-wheel mounted button

A camera next to the rain sensor on the wind-shield constantly monitors the lane markings.When the car comes too close to the line, thesystem alerts the driver by making the steeringwheel vibrate. This means the driver canrespond immediately, without the passengerseven noticing, and react appropriately

How it works. A camera mounted on thewindshield near the rearview mirror monitorslane position at all times at highway speeds.The central control unit projects the vehicle’spath based on that position. When the systemprojects that the vehicle will drift out of the lane,it will warn the driver by producing a mildvibration in the steering wheel. The warning iscancelled by the use of the turnsignals, brakeactuation, or below approximately 35 mph,indicating city traffic. The system can also beturned off via a switch on the multi-functionsteering wheel or in the iDrive menu.

Active Cruise Control with Stop& Go function(optional all models, code 5DF)Benefits• Adjusts vehicle speed to that of slower-

moving vehicles ahead• Driver can choose following distance

according to personal preferences

• Stop & Go feature can accommodate evenheavy traffic, and once set is able to bring thevehicle to a complete stop and accelerateto the set speed

• System can also adjust vehicle speed incurves

The new Stop & Go function maintains theselected speed as well as the chosen follow-ing distance to the vehicle in front, in almostall conditions. It can even bring the vehicle toa standstill if needed and then get the carmoving again, accelerating automatically up tothe chosen speed.This level of sophisticationis unique in this segment.

• Four radar sensors in the sensor unit at thefront of the vehicle widen the unit’s field ofvision from +/- 4° to +/- 8°.

• This widened sensory field now better sensestraffic ahead, “sees” better into curves, andbetter detects traffic in adjacent lanes.

• Can interact with GPS Navigation (if present)to enhance ACC operation.

• The sensor unit’s lens is heated, so that thesystem works dependably even in badweather conditions.

Beyond the speed-maintaining, accelerationand deceleration functions of the standardcruise control, ACC can adjust the BMWdriver’s speed according to traffic conditions.Employing a radar sensor unit at the front ofthe vehicle, ACC senses the speed of vehiclestraveling ahead, and adjusts the BMW driver’sspeed to maintain a safe following distance.

47

New Lane DepartureWarning system providesa camera next to the rainsensor on the windshieldthat monitors lane markersat highway speeds (top). Areadout on the instrumentpanel provides a graphicdisplay of system activa-tion; warning includes adiscreet vibration throughthe steering wheel.

Active Cruise Control continues as a high-tech

option for all 5 Seriesmodels.

Set speed Select followingdistance

Vehicleahead

Controls and displays forActive Cruise Control.Multi-function control stalkprovides “coarse” speedsettings (+/- 5 mph), adjust-ment of following distance,cancel, and resume/+mph.

The set speed is displayedboth digitally and as a markon the speedometer dial;the set following distanceappears graphically, asdoes an indication of traffic ahead.

Bamboo wood interior trim(no extra cost, all models; code 435)Benefit• Distinctive, contemporary alternative to the

standard Dark Poplar trim

Bamboo is especially distinctive and contem-porary, harmonizes well with all interior colors,and is an eco-friendly, renewable resource.More extensive than in the past, the woodtrim appears on the instrument panel, centerconsole and along the upper portion of thefront and rear doors.

Light Poplar wood interior trim(no extra cost, all models; code 437)Benefit• A slightly brighter alternative to the standard

Dark Poplar trim

The Light Poplar offers the same attractivelygrained wood with a more subtle effect. Moreextensive than in the past, the wood trimappears on the instrument panel, center con-sole and along the upper portion of the frontand rear doors.

20-way Multi-Contour front seats(all models, code 456; require leatherupholstery)Benefits• 20-way power adjustment• Memory for driver and passenger• Adjustable “wings” on head restraints• Active Head Restraints (safety feature)• Buyer can opt for these seats without the

Sport Package

In addition to the standard seats’ power adjust-ments, the 20-way power adjustments of theseremarkable and comprehensive luxury seatsinclude –• Thigh support• Angle of articulated upper backrest section,

independently from overall backrest angle• Backrest width (the backrests’ side bolsters

spread or narrow to accommodate theoccupants’ back and shoulders)

The Multi-Contour seats also include 4-waypower lumbar support, which is an additionaladjustment over the 528i/xi models’ standardseats but standard in all 535i/xi models; andmemory on both front seats instead of just thedriver’s. Adjustable “wings” are provided on thehead restraints for lateral head support whendesired.The front-seat passenger, for example,might use these wings when sleeping.

48

Options & packages

Available in all 5 Seriesmodels, BMW’s superb 20-way Comfort frontseats offer an amazingrange of power adjust-

ments, plus memory forboth seats. Inset showsadjustable “wings” on headrestraints.

Split folding rear seats and ski bag(Sedan models, code 465)Benefits• Enhance passenger- and cargo-carrying

versatility in Sedans• For security, folding seats can be unlocked

only from inside trunk• Ski bag allows skis to be carried “indoors”

The seats are split 60% left/40% right. Thepass-through for the ski bag is in the center,as part of the 60% side; as with the standardrear seat, there are three head restraints. Thecenter head restraint is attached to the foldingcenter armrest, and thus moves out of the driver’s rearward view when either the armrestor the 60% seat side is folded down. Releasesfor folding the seats are in the trunk.

Heated rear seats(all models, code 496; require Cold WeatherPackage)Benefit• Cold-weather comfort

Like the heated front seats of the Cold WeatherPackage, this option offers 2-stage heating ofthe outer seating positions.The controls areat the rear of the center console.

BMW On-board Navigation System(optional all models, code 609)Benefits• Integrated into iDrive system, which is

standard in all 5 Series models• includes larger, higher-resolution iDrive

monitor• Includes Voice Command, with steering-

wheel control button

With this option, the entire iDrive systembecomes BMW’s CCC (Car CommunicationComputer), including –• 8.8-in. Control Display, high-resolution 640

x 240 pixels• GPS Navigation with DVD database and

Real Time Traffic Information• Voice Command system.

The four main-menu choices are:Communication – phone functions, BMWAssist and TeleService.

Entertainment – radio, Sirius Satellite Radiowhen present, and CD functions. If theoptional Logic7 audio system is present, thismenu also leads to its Surround Sound effectand Digital Sound Processing.

Climate – Functions beyond those providedvia the dash hard controls include heatingbalance for the available heated front seats,and (for when the car is parked) automaticventilation.

49

With the optional Navigation System comes this larger(8.8-in.), higher-resolution (640 x 240 pixels) control display.

Navigation system againincludes Voice Command,but control moves fromthe console to the steering

wheel. Revised iDrive provides a convenient Menubutton for quick access tothe iDrive main menu.

Heated rear seats areavailable in all models, incombination with theCold Weather Package.Their controls are at thebottom of the wood-trimmed panel, beneaththe two DC power outletsthere.

Split folding rear seatsare offered optionally inall Sedan models.

Navigation – GPS Navigation, on-boardInformation, trip computer, speed limit andstopwatch.

New for 2008, iDrive adds a row of six “favorites”buttons on the dash below the CD player.These buttons can be programmed to provideshortcuts to auto-dial phone numbers,preprogrammed navigation destinations orradio-station presets.

Additionally, the i-menu (reached by pressingthe controller while in the main menu) offerschoices for vehicle display and control settingsas well as vehicle service.The Condition-Based Service menu option shows items suchas the remaining miles to selected serviceand maintenance procedures. (Examples:front and rear brake pads, brake fluid, spark-plugs, engine coolant.) UnderTeleService, keyvehicle data are transmitted automatically tothe BMW Center when the Condition-BasedService sensors detect an upcoming serviceneed, or manually when the driver activatesthe Service Request button under BMWAssist in the control display. The BMW Centerthen contacts the customer to set a serviceappointment.

Wide range of functions. If the vehicle isequipped with a CD changer or a Bluetoothphone is present and activated, some of thesedevices’ functions are also controlled from theiDrive monitor. Most functions served by themonitor are controlled by simple, intuitiveturn-and-push motions of a single knob,fundamentally similar to the point-and-clickoperation of a computer mouse.The user cancontrol the following systems and features:• Satellite-based GPS (Global Positioning

System) Navigation• Emergency and Roadside Assistance calls

(telematics) 11, with latitude, longitude,cell-phone number and VIN automaticallytransmitted to BMW Roadside Assistance

• TeleService• Phone memory and dialing functions• The audio system –

– Radio– In-dash CD player– CD changer (if present)– Special Logic7 functions if that option is

present• On-board Computer 12

• A supplemental security code.

The 5 Series Navigation System incorporatesall recently introduced refinements:• DVD database; a single DVD covers the

entire United States• Fast processor• Highly accurate dynamic calculation of

Estimated Time of Arrival• 100-entry address book• 20-entry “last destination” capacity• Real Time Traffic Information, which provides

an up-to-the-minute account of local trafficconditions

• Monitor brightness control (in Settings menu)• Various map scales available• Optimized mixing of audio volume and

navigation voice guidance.

Voice Command is included with theNavigation/iDrive option.The system incorpo-rates a text-to-speech engine, which makes itpossible to translate various text messages,such as radio-station names, into voice form.Also included is interaction of graphics andspeech: For example, the user might select aradio station via Voice Command; the monitorwould then display this choice.Via the standardBluetooth interface and an approved cellphone,once the phone menu is selected, dialing thenumber of a programmed phone contactmerely requires speaking his or her name. It isalso possible to obtain GPS guidance to acity or town by audibly spelling out its name.

In summary,Voice Command can put itsadvanced user interface to work controlling the –• Phone system• Address book• GPS Navigation• Short Message System (SMS)• Audio system• Climate control.

The system can recognize 3000 words.

50

Options & packages

Console cradle allowscharging and hands-freeoperation of any Bluetooth-

enabled phone via buttonson the multi-functionsteering wheel.

Head-up Display(optional all models, code 610; requiresNavigation System)Benefits• Driver can read certain information with

minimal diversion of eyes from road ahead• Variable display brightness• Can be turned on and off

Now available in the 5 and 6 Series, this feature displays important information on a 6 x 3-in. field in the windshield:• Check Control and On-board Computer

warnings, prioritized according to theirurgency, such as vehicle defects, engine-oillevel, low windshield-washer fluid

• Navigation instructions• Cruise-control set speed (standard or

Active Cruise Control)• Current vehicle speed (the only information

that displays continuously when selected).

The display can be turned on and off via aswitch in the lighting control center, to the leftof the steering column. In addition to the basicbrightness selected via the iDrive system, thedisplay’s brightness is regulated according toambient light and moisture conditions. Displayoptions chosen by the driver are captured bythe Key Memory System, and are re-capturedwhen the individual user unlocks the car.

Night Vision:(optional all models, code 611; requiresNavigation System and Cold Weather Package)Benefits• Allows the driver to “see” objects long

before they appear in the headlights• Provides a detailed, real-time image of

approaching objects• Uses far Infra-red technology, which cannot

be dazzled by oncoming headlights• Covers a range almost twice as large as

other vision-enhancing systems• Can be turned on and off

Night Vision represents the first use of FarInfra-Red (FIR) thermal technology to extendthe driver’s vision past what conventionallighting systems can provide. As it is offeredby BMW, the FIR thermal imaging cameracovers a range almost twice as far as othersystems. A thermal imaging camera detectspeople, animals and objects in front of the carbefore they become visible in the headlights.The image generated by the system is trans-mitted to the central Control Display withinthe car. Objects are presented with increasingbrightness as a function of the heat detectedby the camera – therefore making humansand animals particularly conspicuous.

BMW Night Vision presents a high-contrastblack-and-white night image to the driver onthe Control Display in the middle of the instru-ment panel. Benefiting from FIR technology,the driver only has to briefly check out thedisplay in order to recognize a hazard. So usingBMW Night Vision is comparable to lookinginto the interior mirror in the car.

Over and above the basic advantages of theFIR principle, BMW has enhanced this tech-nology by adding further functions: The imagepresented follows the road in a panning processand distant objects can be shown larger as afunction of speed (zooming). The result is themost effective, most intuitive nighttime drivingenhancement currently available. For moreinformation see Fast Facts 2007, page 68.

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BMW’s Night Vision usesFar Infra-Red technologyto provide a high-contrast,thermal image of approach-ing objects, animals or

people. FIR features a rangealmost twice that of otherimaging systems, and wellbeyond any conventionalheadlights.

With the optional Head-upDisplay, selected informa-tion can be displayed in a6 x 3-in.field in the windshield.

Upper right illustration:The display appears justbelow the driver’s normalforward line of sight, sothat it can be viewed withminimal diversion fromthe road ahead.

11 – All current models with BMW Assist also offer these functions via button(s) inthe overhead console or other location.

12 – This is an upgrade over the standard 4-function On-board Computer.

High Definition radio produces audio qualitycomparable to a CD in FMband, while AM receptionbecomes comparable toFM. More than 650 radiostations currently offerHD broadcasts.

High Definition Radio(optional all models, code 653)Benefits• Integrated into vehicle audio system• Requires no subscription• FM reception becomes CD quality, and AM

reception is comparable to analog FM

Introduced in 2007, HD radio higher-qualitysound from terrestrial transmitters and requiresno subscription. HD radio offers improveddigital audio sound offered by more than 650radio stations.The HD equipment receivesboth analog and digital signals.

Logic7 Audio System(optional 528i/xi and 535i/xi, standard 550imodel; code 677)Benefits• Audiophile-quality sound of Logic7 audio

system

This option provides an even more impressivesound system than the standard, with theaddition of:• Increased audio power• Even higher caliber speakers (aluminum-

membrane type for all but subwoofers), plusadditional speakers (total 13 speakers, vs.standard 10)

• Digital Sound Processing (DSP), adjustedalong with other Logic7 parameters on theiDrive monitor

• Surround sound simulation.

Sirius Satellite Radio(optional all models, code 655)Benefits• Integrated into vehicle audio system• Offers 100 channels of programming• Includes scan and presets

Together with Sirius, BMW is offering ourcustomers the latest in radio technology.

The Sirius system beams programming tosatellites orbiting the earth; Sirius-equippedvehicles receive the programming. Except forlocations where reception is physically blocked,users can enjoy the same programs anywherein the U.S. Sirius provides 60 original channelsof commercial-free music of virtually everygenre, and 40 sports, news and entertainmentchannels. Sirius currently carries NationalBasketball Association, National FootballLeague and possibly other events and seriesas part of its sports coverage.

Hardware for the vehicle consists of -• an activated Sirius Satellite Receiver• a Satellite Antenna• a Sirius-compatible audio system – and

includes a 1-year subscription.

Once the equipment is activated, the customersimply selects the satellite radio mode (exam-ple: AM/FM/CD/Satellite). As with FM and AM,users will be able to scan and set their favoritepresets. The audio display can show thechannel name, channel number and (in thecase of music channels) artists and musictitle.Vehicle preparation for BMW Centerinstallation of Sirius is standard.

52

Options & packages

Sirius screen in the iDrivemonitor:1 – User can scroll through

the many programchoices by rotating thecontroller, then pressingthe controller to go tothe category list.

2 – Once in the list, theuser again scrolls andpresses to select theprogram.

The optional Logic7 premium audio systemdelivers audiophile-qualitysound via a digital SurroundSound process, utilizing the13 high-quality speakerspictured above.

Power rear sunshade and manualrear door-window sunshades(all Sedan models, code 416)

Manual rear door-window shades(535xi Sports Wagon, code 417)Benefits• Reduce glare and external heat load for

rear-seat passengers• Add privacy• Driver can operate power rear-window shade

Available only in Sedans, the rear-window shadeis powered, and controlled from a console switch.The door-window shades, included with theSedan option and available separately for theSports Wagon, are manual and easily positionedby rear-seat passengers; each of these consistsof two portions, for the main window and thefixed quarter pane.

Rear-seat side-impact airbagsand rear safety-belt tensioners(all models, code 261)Benefits• Side-impact protection for rear-seat pas-

sengers• Offered as option so that customers can

decide whether or not to order

Rear-seat side-impact airbags remain optional. Inthe 5 Series, this option also includes automatictensioners on the rear outboard safety belts.

BMW Center-installed accessoriesAmong the many accessories available for5 Series models are:• Aerodynamic body kits• Complete wheel and tire sets, 18- and

19-in.• Rear spoiler• Glovebox mounted 6-disc CD changer• Nose mask• Car covers, outdoor and indoor types• Windshield sunshade• Sun/wind deflector for moonroof• Floormats, carpet and rubber.

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Rear-seat side-impactairbags are optional in all

5 Series models (Sedanshown).

Included with the rear side-impact airbags are automatic

tensioners for the out-board rear safety belts.

At right and above:Option 416, for Sedans,includes a power rear-window shade and 2-segment manual rearside-window shades.

At right:Option 417, for the SportsWagon, includes 2-segmentmanual rear door-windowshades only.

54

2008 5 Series:Features & technical specifications

All dimensions in inches.

61.3

79.8

62.2

72.7

43.6

57.2

57.3

33.8 113.7

191.1

37.0

37.7

57.8

(std.)

57.2

(Sp

ort P

kg.)5

8.3 (A

WD

)

55

All dimensions in inches.

61.3

79.8

62.2

72.7

57.2

57.3

43.733.8 113.6

191.2

37.6

37.6

58.7

Exterior design & function 528i 528xi 535i 535xi 535xi 550iSedan Sedan Sedan Sedan Sports Wagon Sedan

Front & rear body-color bumpers S S S S S S

Halogen free-form headlights S S – – – –

Xenon Adaptive headlights with dynamic auto-leveling and low-speed cornering lights OPT OPT S S S S

Automatic headlight control S S S S S S

High-intensity headlight cleaning system with retracting nozzles ZCW ZCW ZCW ZCW ZCW ZCW

Daytime running lamps S 1 S 1 S 1 S 1 S 1 S 1

Halogen free-form foglights S S S S S S

Park Distance Control, front & rear with graphic display OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT

Rain-sensing windshield wipers with articulated passenger’s-side wiper arm, single-wipe control, windshield-washer system with heated washer jets S S S S S S

Rear-window wiper/washer with adjustable wiping interval NA NA NA NA S NA

Roof rails (accommodate various BMW carriersystems) NA NA NA NA S NA

Choice of standard or metallic paint NC NC NC NC NC NC

Chrome/matte-black side-window trim S S S S S S

Satin Chrome Shadowline exterior trim ZSP ZSP ZSP ZSP ZSP ZSP

Adaptive Brake Lights S S S S S S

Power & performance 528i 528xi 535i 535xi 535xi 550iSedan Sedan Sedan Sedan Sports Wagon Sedan

DOHC 24-valve inline 6-cylinder engine:3.0-liter S S – – – –

3.0-liter twin-turbo NA NA S S S –

DOHC (4-cam) 32-valve V-8 engine NA NA NA NA NA S

Engine features:Magnesium/aluminum composition construction S S – – – –

Aluminum construction – – S S S S

Twin turbochargers NA NA S S S NA

Direct fuel injection with piezo injectors NA NA S S S NA

Valvetronic system S S – – – S

Double VANOS 2 steplessly variable valve timing S S S S S S

2-stage induction system NA NA NA NA NA S

Electronically controlled engine cooling S S S S S S

Electric water pump S S S S S NA

Volume-controlled oil pump S S S S S NA

Direct ignition system with knock control S S S S S S

Dual exhaust system S S S S S S

6-speed manual transmission S S S 3 S 3 S 3 S

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2008 5 Series:Standard & optional featuresBold indicates new feature for 2008.

Power & performance (cont.) 528i 528xi 535i 535xi 535xi 550iSedan Sedan Sedan Sedan Sports Wagon Sedan

6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission with Normal, Sport & Manual shift modes & electronic shifter NC NC NC NC NC NC

6-speed Sport STEPTRONIC automatic transmission with paddle shifters and rpm matching on downshift NA NA OPT 3 NA NA OPT 3

Double-pivot-type front suspension S S S S S S

Aluminum front suspension components S NA S NA NA S

Aluminum 4-link Integral Link rear suspension S S S S S S

Self-leveling rear suspension with air springs NA NA NA NA S NA

Front & rear anti-roll (stabilizer) bars S S S S S S

Twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers S S S S S S

Sport suspension calibration ZSP NA ZSP NA NA ZSP

Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) ZSP NA ZSP NA NA ZSP

Vehicle-speed-sensitive variable-assist,variable-ratio rack & pinion power steering S S S S S S

Active Steering OPT NA OPT NA NA OPT

4-wheel ventilated disc brakes S S S S S S

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), including electronic brake proportioning, antilock braking (ABS), cornering/braking stabilityenhancement, Dynamic Brake Control, Brake Fade Compensation, Brake Standby, Brake Drying & Start-off Assistant, S S S S S S

plus –Dynamic Traction Control S S S S S S

Hill Descent Control NA S NA S S NA

xDrive fulltime all-wheel drive system,electronically controlled with variable front/rear torque split & traction control NA S NA S S NA

17 x 7.5 Star Spoke cast-alloy wheels (design #138) S S – – – –

17 x 7.5 Star Spoke cast-alloy wheels (design #243) – – S S S –

17 x 8.0 V-Spoke cast-alloy wheels (design #245) – – – – – S

18 x 8.0 Star Spoke cast-alloy wheels (design #246) ZSP OPT 4 – – – –

18 x 8.0 Star Spoke cast-alloy wheels (design #124) NA NA – – OPT 4 –

18 x 8.0 front/18 x 9.0 rear Star Spoke cast-alloy wheels (design #124) NA NA ZSP OPT 4 NA –

19 x 8.0 front/19 x 9.5 rear Star Spoke cast-alloy wheels (design #172M) – – – – – ZSP

225/50R-17 all-season tires S S S S S S

245/40R-18 run-flat performance tires 5 ZSP OPT 4 – – OPT 4 –

245/40R-18 front / 275/35R-18 rear run-flat performance tires 5 NA NA ZSP OPT 4 NA –

245/35R-19 front / 275/30R-19 rearperformance tires 5 – – – – – ZSP

Tire Pressure Monitor S S S S S S

57

1 – Selectable via Vehicle MemorySystem (programming by user orBMW Center).

2 – VANOS = VAriable NOckenwellenSteuerung = variable camshaftcontrol, or variable valve timing.

3 – Available 09/07.

4 – Require(s) Sport Package. SportSTEPTRONICS available as of 06/07production.

5 – Due to low-profile tires, pleasenote: Wheels, tires and suspensionparts are more susceptible toroad hazard and consequentialdamage. Performance tires arenot recommended for driving insnow and ice conditions.

S – Standard

OPT – Optional

NC – No extra cost

NA – Not available

— – Not applicable

ZCW – Cold Weather Package

ZSP – Sport Package (requires leatherupholstery)

Comfort & convenience 528i 528xi 535i 535xi 535xi 550iSedan Sedan Sedan Sedan Sports Wagon Sedan

Vehicle & Key Memory S S S S S S

Keyless entry with multi-function remote:Selective unlocking S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6 S 6

Remote trunk or tailgate release S S S S S S

Comfort Access OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT

Start/Stop button S S S S S S

Dual power/heated exterior mirrors w/power-fold feature S 7 S 7 S 7 S 7 S 7 S

Automatic tilt-down of right exterior mirror forvisibility of curb when backing up S S S S S S

Automatic-dimming interior & exterior mirrors ZPP ZPP ZPP ZPP ZPP S

BMW Universal Transceiver (3-function garage-door opener) ZPP ZPP ZPP ZPP ZPP S

Courtesy lights with fade-in/fade-out feature,actuation from remote, automatic switch-on when engine is turned off S S S S S S

Front & rear reading lights, separately controlled left/right S S S S S S

BMW Ambiance Lighting S S S S S S

Exit/entry lighting in front door panels S S S S S S

Illumination of interior door handles & doorstorage bins, front footwell lighting, exit/entrylighting in rear door panels, additional trunk lighting & LED exterior ground lighting ZPP ZPP ZPP ZPP ZPP S

Lockable glove compartment with rechargeable take-out flashlight S S S S S S

Power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel with fingertip cruise, audio & phone 8

controls, automatic tilt-up for entry & exit S S S S S S

Heated steering wheel ZCW ZCW ZCW ZCW ZCW ZCW

3-spoke sport steering wheel ZSP ZSP ZSP ZSP ZSP ZSP

Cruise control S S S S S S

Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go feature OPT 9 OPT 9 OPT 9 OPT 9 OPT 9 OPT 9

10-way power front seats with power head restraints S S S S S S

Memory system for driver’s seat, steering wheel & exterior mirrors (2 settings per user) S S S S S S

4-way power lumbar support, both front seats ZPP ZPP S S S S

20-way power Multi-Contour front seats,including adjustable thigh support, articulated upper backrests & adjustable backrest width,4-way lumbar support, passenger’s-seat memory & Active Head Restraints with adjustable side support OPT/ZSP 10 OPT/ZSP 10 OPT/ZSP 10 OPT/ZSP 10 OPT/ZSP 10 OPT/ZSP 10

3-stage heated front seats with balance control ZCW ZCW ZCW ZCW ZCW ZCW

2-stage heated rear seats OPT 11 OPT 11 OPT 11 OPT 11 OPT 11 OPT 11

Adjustable front center armrest S S S S S S

58


Comfort & convenience (cont.) 528i 528xi 535i 535xi 535xi 550iSedan Sedan Sedan Sedan Sports Wagon Sedan

Leather-trimmed 2-level center console compartments with climate-controlled lowercompartment 12 S S S S S S

Electronic analog speedometer & tachometer(tachometer has variable warning segment) S S S S S S

LCD main & trip odometers S S S S S S

Check Control vehicle monitor system S S S S S S

Head-up Display (HUD) OPT 13 OPT 13 OPT 13 OPT 13 OPT 13 OPT 13

Night Vision OPT 14 OPT 14 OPT 14 OPT 14 OPT 14 OPT 14

Lane Departure Warning system OPT 10 OPT 10 OPT 10 OPT 10 OPT 10 OPT 10

iDrive system with 5 menus, controller (includes On-board Computer) & 6 programmable memory keys S S S S S S

BMW On-board Navigation System with Real Time Traffic Information, encompassing expanded iDrive system, controller & Voice Command System; includes expanded On-board Computer functions, automatic ventilation & other features OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT

Leatherette upholstery S S S S S NA

Dakota leather upholstery OPT/ZPP OPT/ZPP OPT/ZPP OPT/ZPP OPT/ZPP S

Dark Poplar wood interior trim S S S S S S

Light Poplar wood interior trim NC NC NC NC NC NCBamboo wood interior trim NC NC NC NC NC NCPower windows with key-off operation; 1-touch

opening & closing of all door windows, anti-trapping feature, opening from remote,closing from exterior lock S S S S S S

Automatic climate control with separate left/right temperature & air-distribution controls, automatic recirculation control,humidity control, bi-directional solar sensor,Heat at Rest, temperature- & volume-controlled rear outlets, activated-charcoal microfilter ventilation & other features S S S S S S

2-way power moonroof with key-off operation,1-touch opening & closing, anti-trapping feature, opening from remote, opening & closing from exterior door lock, sliding interior sunshade S S S S – S

Dual-panel Panoramic Moonroof: front panel slides open, both panels tilt up; power interiorshade, all functions 1-touch NA NA NA NA S NA

Anti-theft AM/FM/CD audio system with 10 speakers including 2 subwoofers, Radio Data System (RDS) & FM diversity antenna system S S S S S S

Logic7 audio system with 13 speakers, Digital Sound Processing & Surround Sound simulation; includes 2 subwoofers, upgraded componentry & all features of standard system OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT

Sirius Satellite Radio OPT/C OPT/C OPT/C OPT/C OPT/C OPT/C

59

6 – Selectable via Vehicle MemorySystem (programming by user orBMW Center).

7 – Power-fold feature included inPremium Package on 528i/xi and535i/xi.

8 – Phone controls active whenapproved cellphone is used incombination with Bluetooth interface.

9– Stop & Go feature requires automatic transmission.

10 – Require Premium Package.

11 – Require Cold Weather Package &leather upholstery.

12 – Climate-control NA when iPod/USBadapter is ordered.

13 – Requires Navigation System.

14 – Requires Navigation System andCold Weather Package.

S – Standard

OPT – Optional





ZPP – Premium Package


Comfort & convenience (cont.) 528i 528xi 535i 535xi 535xi 550iSedan Sedan Sedan Sedan Sports Wagon Sedan

HD Radio OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT

Pre-wiring for installation of CD changer with standard audio S S S S S S

6-disc CD changer in glove compartment C C C C C C

Auxiliary input for iPod or MP3 player S S S S S S

iPod/USB adapter OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT OPTBluetooth cellphone interface S S S S S S

Power outlets in front passenger’s footwell & trunk (Sedans) or cargo area (Sports Wagon) S S S S S S

Dual cupholders front & rear S S S S S S

Dual front sun visors with illuminated mirror S S S S S S

Open storage compartments in front & reardoors S S S S S S

Fold-up rear center armrest S S S S S S

Seatback storage compartments S S S S S S

Split folding rear seats OPT OPT OPT OPT S OPT

Ski bag OPT 15 OPT 15 OPT 15 OPT 15 ZCW OPT 15

Power-operated rear & manual rear door-window sunshades OPT OPT OPT OPT – OPT

Manual rear door-window sunshades – – – – OPT –

Rear-window defroster S S S S S S

Interior tailgate or trunk release, electricallyoperated S S S S S S

Fully finished trunk with reversible floormat to keep smaller cargo from sliding S S S S – S

Variable cargo area with cargo cover, cargo nets, storage compartments at both sides of cargo area & under cargo floor NA NA NA NA S NA

Split tailgate with separately opening rearwindow; electric release from exterior orremote; Soft Close feature, rear-windowwiper/washer – – – – S –

Power tailgate – – – – ZPP –

60


Safety & security 528i 528xi 535i 535xi 535xi 550iSedan Sedan Sedan Sedan Sports Wagon Sedan

Dual front-impact Supplementary Restraint System (SRS) with dual-threshold deployment,2-stage Smart Airbag S S S S S S

Front safety belts with automatic tensioners & force limiters S S S S S S

Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) on all passenger safety belts (for installation of child restraint seats) S S S S S S

Interlocking door anchoring system for side impacts S S S S S S

Front- & rear-seat Head Protection System S S S S S S

Front-seat side-impact airbags S S S S S S

Rear-seat side-impact airbags & automatic tensioners on rear outboard safety belts OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT OPT

Active front head restraints OPT 16 OPT 16 OPT 16 OPT 16 OPT 16 OPT 16

Battery Safety Terminal S S S S S S

BMW Assist Safety Plan, 4 year membership including automatic collision notification, SOS button, enhanced Roadside Assistance;TeleService, Concierge & Customer Relations services S S S S S S

Central locking system with double-lock anti-theft feature, selective unlocking S S S S S S

Coded Driveaway Protection S S S S S S

Alarm system with operation from remote,interior motion detector S S S S S S

61

15 – Included with folding rear seats.

16 – Included with Multi-Contour

C – Center installed

S – Standard

OPT – Optional





ZPP – Premium Package


General 528i Sedan 528xi Sedan 535i Sedan 535xi Sedan 535xi Sports 550i SedanWagon

Curb weight, lb.:Manual transmission 3505 3770 TBD TBD TBD 3946

Automatic transmission 3571 3814 3704 3946 4145 3968

Weight distribution, front/rear, %:Manual transmission 49.7/50.3 51.8/48.2 TBD TBD TBD 51.4/48.6

Automatic transmission 50.3/49.7 52.0/48.0 51.8/48.2 53.4/46.6 49.2/50.8 51.7/48.3

Wheelbase, in. 113.7 1 113.6

Track, front/rear, in. (w/std. wheels) 61.3/62.3 1 61.3/62.2

Length, in. 191.1 1 191.2

Width, in. 72.7 2

Height, in. 57.8 58.3 57.8 58.3 58.7 57.8

Body 528i Sedan 528xi Sedan 535i Sedan 535xi Sedan 535xi Sports 550i SedanWagon

Type 4-door sedan 1 5-door wagon

Aerodynamic drag coefficient 0.29 0.28 0.29 0.31 0.33 0.29

EPA size classification Compact 1 Midsizesta. wagon

Accommodations 528i Sedan 528xi Sedan 535i Sedan 535xi Sedan 535xi Sports 550i SedanWagon

Seating capacity, persons 5 2

Shoulder room, front/rear, in. 57.3/57.2 2

Head room, front/rear, in. 37.7/37.0 1 39.1/39.1

Leg room, front/rear, in. 41.5/36.0 2

EPA pass.-compartment vol., cu ft. 99.1 1 96.5

EPA cargo volume, cu ft. 14.0 3 17.6/33.6/58.3 4

Engine & electrical 528i Sedan 528xi Sedan 535i Sedan 535xi Sedan 535xi Sports 550i SedanWagon

Engine type DOHC inline 24-valve DOHC inline 24-valve DOHC (4 cam)6-cylinder, magnesium/ 6-cylinder, aluminum construction 32-valve V-8,aluminum composite with cast-iron cylinder liners, all aluminum construction,Valvetronic direct fuel injection with piezo construction,variable intake-valve lift & injectors, twin turbochargers, ValvetronicDouble VANOS 5 steplessly Double VANOS 5 steplessly variable intake-variable intake-& exhaust- variable intake- & exhaust valve lift & valve timing valve timing Double

VANOS 5

steplesslyvariable intake- &exhaust valvetiming

Bore x stroke, mm/in. 85.0 x 88.0/3.35 x 3.46 6 84.0 x 89.6/3.31 x 3.53 7 93.0 x 88.3/3.66 x 3.48

Displacement, cc/cu in. 2996/183 6 2979/182 7 4799/293

Compression ratio 10.7 6 10.2:1 7 10.5:1

Power @ rpm, hp 230 @ 6500 6 300 @ 5800 7 360 @ 6300

Torque @ rpm, lb-ft. 200 @ 2750 6 300 @ 1400-5000 7 360 @ 3400

62

2008 5 Series modelsTechnical specificationsBold within table indicates new specification for 2008.

Engine & electrical (cont.) 528i Sedan 528xi Sedan 535i Sedan 535xi Sedan 535xi Sports 550i SedanWagon

Engine-management system MSV80 with knock control MSD80 with knock control ME9 with (2 sensors); Valvetronic, (2 sensors); direct fuel injection, knock control,variable valve timing, variable valve timing, engine Valvetronicengine cooling & other cooling & other functions variable valve functions included in included in control strategy 7 timing, engine control strategy 6 cooling &

other functionsincluded in control strategy

Induction system Single-stage 8 2-stage

Fuel requirement Premium unleaded 2

Fuel capacity, U.S. gal. 18.5 2

Battery capacity, amp-hr. 110 2

Alternator output rating, amp./W 180/2520 8 170/2380

Drivetrain 528i Sedan 528xi Sedan 535i Sedan 535xi Sedan 535xi Sports 550i SedanWagon

Drive system Front engine/ Front engine/ Front engine/ Front engine/ Front engine/ Front engine/rear-wheel all-wheel rear-wheel all-wheel all-wheel rear-wheeldrive drive drive drive drive drive

Manual transmission Getrag I, ZF H, ZF G,6-speed 6-speed 6-speed

Ratios:1st 4.32:1 4.35:1 4.06:1

2nd 2.46:1 2.50:1 2.40:1

3rd 1.66:1 1.66:1 1.58:1

4th 1.23:1 1.23:1 1.19:1

5th 1.00:1 1.00:1 1.00:1

6th 0.85:1 0.85:1 0.87:1

Final drive ratio 3.38:1 3.46:1 2.93:1

Automatic transmission ZF 6 HP 19 2, 6-speed STEPTRONIC with Adaptive Transmission Control, selectable Manual & Sport modes

Ratios:1st 4.17:1 2

2nd 2.34:1 2

3rd 1.52:1 2

4th 1.14:1 2

5th 0.87:1 2

6th 0.69:1 2

Final drive ratio 3.91:1 4.10:1 3:64:1 3.73:1 3.73:1 3.38:1

63

1 – Specification applies to all Sedanmodels.

2 – Specification applies to all models.

3 – Can be expanded via availablefolding rear seats.

4 – Rear seats upright, loaded to topof seats/rear seats upright, loadedto ceiling/rear seats folded,loaded to ceiling.

5 – VANOS = VAriable NOckenwellenSteuerung = variable camshaftcontrol, or variable valve timing.

6 – Specification applies to 528i/ximodels.


8 – Specification applies to all 6-cylinder models.

TBD – To be determined

Chassis 528i Sedan 528xi Sedan 535i Sedan 535xi Sedan 535xi Sports 550i SedanWagon

Body/frame construction Unitized; aluminum front end, otherwise steel

Front suspension Struts, double-pivot lower arms, coil springs, twin-tube gas-pressure shockabsorbers, anti-roll bar, subframe 2

(528i/535i/550i: aluminum lower arms, steering knuckles, strut tubes, subframe & thrust plate)(528i/535i/550i ZSP: sport suspension calibration, Active Roll Stabilization)

Rear suspension 4-link Integral Link suspension; coil springs, twin-tube gas-pressure shock absorbers, anti-roll bar; aluminum suspension system & subframe 2

(528i/535i/550i ZSP: sport suspension calibration, Active Roll Stabilization)

Steering type:standard Rack & pinion, Servotronic vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist 2

optional Rack & pinion, Active Steering; Servotronic vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist 2

Overall ratio, standard steering Mechanically variable; mean ratio is 13.7:1 2

Overall ratio, optional Active Steering Electrically/electronically variable over wide range of 10.8:1 – 18.0:1 8

Turning circle, ft. 37.5 39.0 37.5 39.0 39.0 37.5

4-wheel ventilated disc brakes with aluminum calipers:

Diameter x thickness, mm/in.Front 324 x 30/12.8 x 1.18 348 x 30/13.7 x 1.18 374 x 30/

14.7 x 1.18

Rear 320 x 20/12.6 x 0.79 7 345 x 24/13.6 x 0.94 370 x 24/14.6 x 0.94

Wheels:standard Cast alloy, 17 x 7.5 8 Cast alloy,

17 x 8.0

optional (ZSP or stand-alone) Cast alloy, Cast alloy, Cast alloy, Cast alloy,18 x 8.0 6. 7 18 x 8.0 F/18 x 9.0 R 18 x 8.0 6. 7 19 x 8.0 F/

19 x 9.5 R

Tires:standard 225/50R-17

all-season 2

optional (ZSP or stand-alone) 245/45R-18 245/40R-18 F / 245/45R-18 245/35R-19 F/run-flat performance 6, 9 275/35-18 R run-flat 275/30-19 R

run-flat performance 7, 9 performance9 performance9

Stability-enhancement system Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), including Dynamic Traction Control, electronic brake proportioning, antilock braking (ABS), Dynamic Brake Control & cornering/braking stability enhancement(528xi/535xi models: add Hill Descent Control)

Performance data 528i Sedan 528xi Sedan 535i Sedan 535xi Sedan 535xi Sports 550i SedanWagon

Acceleration, 0-60 mph, sec. 10:Manual transmission 6.5 7.1 TBD TBD TBD 5.4

Automatic transmission 7.1 7.6 5.7 5.6 5.8 5.5

Top speed, mph 11:Manual transmission 150 150 150 150 150 150

Automatic transmission 150 150 150 150 150 150

Fuel economy, EPA est. MPG,city/highway:Manual transmission 17/27 17/25 TBD TBD TBD 15/22

Automatic transmission 18/27 17/25 17/26 17/25 16/24 15/23

64

2008 5 Series modelsTechnical specificationsBold within table indicates new specification for 2008.

2 – Specification applies to all models.


7 – Specifications applies to 535i/ximodels.

8 – Specification applies to all 6-cylinder models.

9 – Due to low-profile tires, pleasenote: Wheels, tires and suspensionparts are more susceptible toroad hazard and consequentialdamage. Performance tires arenot recommended for driving insnow and ice conditions.

10 – BMW AG test results. Actualacceleration results may varydepending on specification ofvehicle; road and environmentalconditions; testing proceduresand driving style. These resultsshould be used for comparisononly, and verification should notbe attempted on public roads.BMW urges you to obey all postedspeed limits and to please wearyour safety belt at all times.

11 – Electronically limited

ZSP –Sport Package

TBD – To be determined

Standard Metallic colors colors

Alpine Jet Titanium Carbon Black Monaco Deep Space Platinum Platinum Deep SeaWhite Black Silver Black Sapphire Blue Green Gray Bronze Gray Blue300 668 354 416 475 A35 A43 A52 A53 A68 A76

LeatheretteBeige KBBA • • • • • • • • •

Black KBSW • • • • • • • • • • •

Dakota leatherGray LCAD • • • • • • • • • • •

Cream Beige LCGE • • • • • • • • •

Natural Brown LCNG • • • • • • •

Black LCSW • • • • • • • • • • •

65

2008 5 SeriesExterior/interior color combinations

As early release 2008 models, therevised 5 Series Sedans and SportsWagon will primarily face modelyear 2007 competitors until autumn.Although there is a wide array ofmidsize-luxury competition – including Cadillac’s STS and Jaguar’sS-type sedans—the current list of

primary competitors includes theAcura 3.5RL, Audi A6 3.2 Sedan &Avant wagon, Infiniti M35/45, LexusGS 300, 400h and 430, MercedesE350 and 550 Sedan and 350Wagon, and Volvo V70. Here’s howthey compare to the newly updated528i/xi, 535i/xi and 550i models. 1

66

The 5 Series’ competitionA strong field – yet the new 5 Series modelsmaintain a substantial lead.

Acura RLThe RL is Acura’s top luxury sedan.Typical ofAcura, it comes in just one version: 3.5RL, asedan powered by a 3.5-liter, 290-hp 2 V-6engine, with all-wheel drive, 5-speed automatictransmission only and extensive standardequipment. Since its introduction, its base pricehas dropped more than $2,300, to $46,450including destination.This puts it $5,895 belowa 535xi Sedan. Also typically for Acura, nooptions are offered – cars with various equip-ment packages are sold as separate models.In 2006, sales were only 11,500 units, after apeak of almost 17,600 in ‘05 – nowhere near5 Series volume, but then this is just a singlemodel.

The old RL had front-wheel drive.The newone has what Acura calls Super Handling All-Wheel Drive, which splits torque not onlyfront-to-rear, but also side-to-side at the rear– a capability claimed to enhance handling.

Key advantages of 535xi Sedan over3.5RL:BMW’s top AWD 6-cylinder models vs.Acura’s only model.• BMW’s new twin-turbo inline-6 produces

more horsepower than the Acura V-6 – 300horsepower vs. 290.

• Broader powerband, plus significantly moretorque.The Acura produces 256 lb-ft at arelatively high 5000 rpm; the 535i/xi spinsout 300 lb-ft. all the way from 1400 to 5000rpm.

• Inline 6-cylinder engine, vs.V-6.ThoughAcura’s V-6 is smooth and powerful, it stilllacks that special sound of the BMW six –which is now better than ever.

• BMW engines employ a chain camshaftdrive that needs no periodic maintenance;Acura’s timing belt does require periodicreplacement.

• Choice of 6-speed manual or automatictransmission; Acura offers only a 5-speedautomatic.

• Car and Driver (December ’04) recorded a 0-60-mph time of 6.7 sec. for the RL.ThexDrive 535xi automatic betters that by morethan a full second – 5.6 seconds.

• Though Acura claims Super Handling fromits AWD, Road & Track (October ’04) reportedthat “’Super Handling’ might be an exagger-ation.This is still a luxury sedan that, whenpushed hard into a corner, will leave nodoubt about its plush ride qualities.” Bycontrast, Germany’s auto motor und sportmagazine (March 2, ’05) wrote of the 530xi’shandling, “It has a high degree of stability,plus very agile handling.”

• One reason BMW’s handling remains moreagile is weight distribution: the 535xi withautomatic weighs in at 53.4% front/46.6%rear. The RL maintains Honda’s front-driveorientation with a nose-heavy 58%/42%.

• BMW’s xDrive AWD system includes HillDescent Control and Dynamic Traction Control.Acura’s Grade Logic Control, a transmissionshift feature, is not comparable.

• Better steering feel, now with standard vehicle-speed-sensitive power assist.AutoWeek (September 13, ’04) reported thatRL steering is still “not quite up to par withthe best of the German rivals in terms ofon-center feel.”

• All 535i/xi models have significantly largerventilated discs of 13.7-in. diameter front/13.6-in. rear, vs. the heavier RL’s mere 12.6front/12.2 rear.

• No surprise, then, that Car and Driver(December ’04) found that the RL neededan unimpressive 180 ft. to stop from 70 mph.(No published data yet for the 535xi.)

• RL’s standard 245/50R-17 tires are widerthan BMW’s 225/50R-17. But BMW’s performance tires (535xi optional w/SportPackage) are 245/40-18 run-flat – a capability Acura doesn’t offer.

• Rain-sensing windshield wipers; RL doesn’toffer this feature.

• Adaptive Brake Lights.• Adaptive Headlights with low-speed

cornering lamps.The RL has onlybi-Xenons.

67

1 - Comments from published tests of earlier 525i or 530i models are quotedwhere they remain valid for corresponding ’08 models. EPA numbers are notavailable as of this writing.

2 - The 2005 Acura RL was rated at 300 hp; it was down-rated for 2007.

• 14-way power front seats, including 4-waypower lumbar. RL’s driver’s seat has 10-wayadjustment, including 2-way power lumbar;its passenger’s seat has just 4-way + 2-waylumbar.

• Greater rear shoulder room: 57.2 in. vs. 56.1.In the Chicago Union-Tribune (April 9, ’05),Jerry Garrett wrote that in the RL, “Rear-seatoccupants will wonder why they got seatedin coach.”

• More trunk space: EPA volume 14.0 cu ft.,vs. RL’s 13.1.

Available 535i/xi options not offered on RL:• Premium Package includes auto-dimming,

power-fold exterior mirrors.• Sport Package, including Active Roll

Stabilization and sport suspension (on 530i)plus sport seats. (Acura offers only an A-Specaftermarket treatment for about $5,000.)

• 18-inch wheels and tires in staggered widths(optional with Sport Package on 535xi).

• Cold Weather Package, including headlightcleaning system and heated steering wheel.

• Logic7 audio system, with 13 speakers,DSP and 2 subwoofers. Acura’s standardBose system, though excellent, falls short ofLogic7 with only a single subwoofer and noDSP. (Both systems have surround-soundsimulation.)

• Active Cruise Control• Active Steering (528i)

• Park Distance Control (Acura offers rear-onlyas a dealer-installed item)

• Head-up Display• Night Vision• Lane Departure Warning • Alternate wood interior trim• Folding rear seats and ski bag• Rear-seat heating.• BMW wins big on maintenance features.

BMW includes in the new-vehicle purchaseprice Full Maintenance for the warrantyperiod of 4 years/50,000 miles. Acura toutsa 105,000-mile “tune-up interval,” but allmaintenance is out-of-pocket. Both makesinclude assist plans (BMW Assist, Acura’sSafe and Sound) but Acura’s lasts for onlythe first year of ownership; BMW’s includesa 4-year membership. After the initial period,both require an annual fee to maintain theservices.

• 12-year corrosion warranty, vs. 5.

RL strengths – Standard paddle shifters forthe transmission, Navigation System with RealTime Traffic Information, CD/DVD Audio/DTSchanger, XM Satellite Radio, leather seating,heated front seats (though without BMW’sbalance control), Active Noise Cancellation, 3

auto-dimming interior mirror, Keyless Access(similar to BMW’s Comfort Access), HomeLinktransceiver, adjustable front safety-belt height,power-retractable rear head restraints, rear &rear-side sunshades and trunk pass-through(but no optional folding seats or ski bag).

68

The competition

Audi A6 Sedan and AvantAs Audi’s medium-sized line of sedans andwagons, the A6 made its debut in a newgeneration in ’05; the Avant (wagon) arrivedthe following year. Two sedan models, the A63.2 with 3.1-literV-6 engine and the A6 4.2with 4.2-literV-8, are currently offered.The V-8includes Audi’s quattro AWD system as standard; the V-6 models offer a choice offront-wheel-drive with Multitronic continuouslyvariable transmission or a quattro model with6-speed Tiptronic. In calendar ’06, Audi sold16,206 units of all A6 models; that’s downabout 10 percent from ‘05.

For 2008, the entry-level AWD 528xi lines upquite well against Audi’s up-level A6 3.2 quattro. At $45,820, the automatic-transmission-only A6 3.2 quattro is priced about $1,375below an automatic-equipped 528xi Sedan.This lends a certain perspective, as the A6also lacks many of the 528xi’s engineeringqualities and standard luxury features – not tomention BMW’s superior reputation for leading-edge technology and premium quality. The following direct comparison of the A6 3.2Sedan quattro and 528xi Sedan illuminatesBMW’s qualitative and quantitative advantages.

Key advantages of 528xi Sedan overA6 3.2 Sedan quattro:Our entry 6-cylinder AWD Sedan modelvs. their top 6-cylinder Sedan.• Inline 6-cylinder engine vs.V-6. Audi’s V-6 is

a new-generation engine with direct fuelinjection. But because it is a V-6, it still lacksthat special sound of the BMW inline-6 –which is now better than ever.

• And the Audi engine is still a 90° V-6, whichmeans it’s not the smoothest. In a V-6, a 60°angle between cylinder banks is ideal.

• One area where the Audi shows an advantageover the xDrive 528xi is in acceleration. Onpaper, Audi’s V-6 achieves 255 hp (25 morethan the 528xi’s) and 243 lb-ft. of torque (morethan ours, thanks to the extra displacement).Yet it posts only a 0.5 second advantage 0-60over the 528xi: 0-60 mph in 7.1 sec. com-pared to 7.6 for the BMW with the 6-speedautomatic. This is surely in part because ofthe A6’s greater weight – it’s 286 lb. heavierthan the 528xi Sedan with automatic.

• And because BMW offers a manual trans-mission, drivers who enjoy shifting forthemselves can improve on that, with a 0-60 time of 7.1 sec. – exactly the same asthe Audi. (Rear-wheel-drive 528i: 6.5 secondswith manual; 7.1 with automatic.)

• It seems Audi hasn’t achieved great stabilityat high speeds. “For a start,” reportedAutomobile Magazine in June ’04, “the newA6 definitely does not like crosswinds, andits responses to driver inputs can be a littletoo edgy at very high speeds.”

• Audi also doesn’t appear to have achieveda high level of refinement in the new A6. Ina long-term test, Car and Driver (December’04) was critical: “It might have been in itselement on the highway, but the A6 provedto be less pleasing around town. In stop-and-go traffic, the big Audi is prone to lurch andsurge.” The report then went on to note anumber of problems throughout its 35,000-mile test, which required five unscheduledvisits to the dealer.

• xDrive’s electronically controlled variabletorque split reacts more quickly to changingtraction conditions than quattro’s mechanicalcenter differential, and helps the BMW achievegreater agility on slippery roads. Said Car andDriver (June 2005) of the original xDrive-equipped 530xi, “The only detectable differ-ence is the ability to accelerate hard whenthe roads are as slippery as a dashboardwith a fresh coat of Armor All.”

• Adaptive Brake Lights are not available onthe Audi.

• BMW offers greater passenger volume: 99.1cu ft. vs. A6’s 97.9.

• More front and rear shoulder room, morefront leg room and more rear head room inthe 5 Series. Also, more front head room inthe BMW if the Audi is equipped with itsoptional moonroof.

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3 - Similar to technology employed in Bose headphones; claimed to cancel low-frequency booming sounds in interior.

• Power moonroof standard on 5 Series,optional on A6 3.2.

• Aluminum interior trim is standard in the A6;wood is part of A6 3.2’s Premium Package;the 5 Series offers a choice of woods at noextra cost.

Available 535xi options not offered onA6 3.2:• All 5 Series performance tires are run-flats,

a capability Audi doesn’t offer on the A6.• Active Cruise Control• No-cost choice of either 6-speed manual or

STEPTRONIC automatic.• Lane Departure Warning• Night Vision• Head-up Display.• Free full maintenance for 4 years/50,000

miles. Audi has dropped its free scheduledmaintenance program for 2007.

With the A6 Avant, Audi has consciously triedto create a sporty vehicle that’s directlycompetitive with the 5 Series Sports Wagon.The Avant is offered in only one model, the A6 3.2 Avant with 6-speed Tiptronic automat-ic and all-wheel drive.

For A6 4.2 quattro vs. 550i Sedan, addor substitute:Our top sedan model vs. theirs.• Though the two are comparable in terms of

power output, the 550i is notably quicker0-60: 5.5 seconds for the 550i vs. 5.8 forthe A6 4.2. With BMW’s standard 6-speedmanual the divide opens even further, to 5.4seconds; Audi doesn’t offer a manual transmission with the A6.

• In addition, the 550i stops with larger brakes– 13.7-inch front, 13.6-inch rear. The Audi’sare only 13.6/13.0.

• What’s more, the A6 4.2 outweighs the 550iby a wide margin: 3968 for the 550i auto-matic, compared to 4222 for the A6 4.2.

• And the A6 can’t approach BMW’s weightdistribution: 51.7/48.3 for the 550i automaticcompared to 57.2/42.8 for the A6.

• 19-inch staggered wheels and tires for theBMW, compared to 18-inch on the Audi.

For A6 3.2 Avant quattro vs. 535xiSports Wagon, add or substitute:Our AWD wagon model vs. theirs.• The 535xi Sports Wagon boasts a significant

horsepower advantage – 255 for the A6Avant, 300 for the 535xi Sports Wagon.Thistranslates to a huge, 1.5-second edge in 0-60 mph acceleration: 5.8 seconds for theautomatic BMW, 7.3 seconds for the Audi.

• On BMW’s Sports Wagon, you can open therear window separately from the tailgate; thismakes loading smaller objects much moreconvenient. Audi’s tailgate opens only all atonce; the rear window doesn’t open separately.

• BMW’s tailgate also has Soft Close, whichreduces the effort needed to close it andalso makes for quieter closing. Audi doesn’tinclude this feature.

• BMW’s cargo area is 3 in. wider.• BMW combines the cargo cover and vertical

net (both standard) in a single roller assembly.Audi separates them into two separateassemblies, which seems less convenient.

• Self-leveling rear suspension with airsprings is standard on the 535xi SportsWagon. Audi is expected to offer this feature only as an option on the Avant.

A6 3.2 Sedan strengths – standard automatictensioners on all five safety belts, active fronthead restraints, leather seating surfaces, foldingrear seats; optional choice of XM or SiriusSatellite Radio. Add for A6 3.2 Avant – $5,975price advantage, optional air suspension is 4-wheel and includes variable damping (similarto BMW’s EDC) and variable vehicle height. 20cu ft. of cargo space behind upright rear seats.

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The competition

Infiniti M35The new-generation Infiniti M series is offeredin five sedan models: base M35 ($42,100),powered by Nissan’s corporate 3.5-literV-6engine; 4 M35 Sport, with some sport-orientedequipment at $44,900; M35x AWD at $45,200;M45 ($49,750), powered by the familiar Infiniti4.5-literV-8; and M45 Sport at $51,200. Infinitipresents the new M series as a serious competitor for the BMW 5 Series. We acceptthe challenge by comparing the M35 and M35Sport to the 528i Sedan with and withoutSport Package, and the M35x AWD to the528xi Sedan.

The M is a bit larger than the 5 Series: 1.5 in.longer, 1.6 in. taller, 338 lb. heavier comparingautomatic-equipped RWD models. It is, how-ever, 1.9 in. narrower, and this is reflected inits rear shoulder room. Without question, theInfiniti Ms are priced aggressively; comparable5 Series models justify their higher prices asbetter automobiles. As the following compar-isons clearly show, the 528i/xi does just that.

Key advantages of 528i Sedan overInfiniti M35:Our entry 6-cylinder Sedan model withrear-wheel drive vs. their 6-cylinderRWD model.• Inline 6-cylinder engine vs.V-6. Nissan has

given its 3.5-literV-6 plenty of power and aninteresting exhaust growl; but BMW has further improved its inline six’s unique andvelvety sound while also adding 15 hp overthe previous 525i engine.

• More advanced engine technology:magnesium-aluminum composite construc-tion,Valvetronic, electric water pump. WhereNissan takes the traditional route to power(more “cubes”), BMW has taken a decidedlyhigh-tech approach.

• Though the M35 engine puts out an impres-sive 275 hp and 268 lb-ft. of torque, it hasmore weight to move.This is reflected in a0-60 time that, at about 6.5 sec., slots rightin with the 528i: 6.5 seconds with manualor 7.1 seconds with automatic.

• BMW offers a no-cost choice of 6-speedtransmissions: manual or STEPTRONICautomatic. Remarkably, M35s come onlyone way: with a 5-speed automatic.

• Bigger brakes: 12.8 in. front/12.6 in. rear, vs.12.6/12.1 for the M35. (Actually, the heavierand more powerful M45 has the samesmallish brakes.)

• Standard left/right controls for automaticclimate control, vs. optional (JourneyPackage).

• 10-speaker standard audio system, vs. M’s8-speaker.

• 10-way power front seats, with optional 4-way power lumbar; M35 has 10-waydriver’s including 2-way lumbar/6-waypassenger’s.

• Greater rear shoulder room (+0.3 in.).• More distinctive styling.The new M has

more character than the old, but remainsrelatively bland. “Step outside the M, andbehold . . . what? A generic Asian-sedanshape with a big, bland rear bumper, a C-pillar kink borrowed from BMW, and a hand-some grille plastered with a logo that’slargely meaningless to America’s luxury-carbuyers,” said Automobile magazine (February2005).

• Available 528i/xi options not offered onM35/M35x:• Active Steering (528i only)• Active Roll Stabilization (528i Sport

Package only)• All 5 Series tires are run-flats; M35 doesn’t

offer them.• Auto-dimming/power-fold exterior mirrors• Rear door-window sunshades (power rear-

window sunshade in Premium Package).• Free Full Maintenance for 4 years/50,000

miles, vs. no included maintenance.• 12-year corrosion warranty, vs. 7 for the

Infiniti.

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4 - In its many versions, this engine powers a wide range of vehicles from theNissan Altima and Maxima to the Infiniti G, M and FX series.

For 528i Sedan Sport Package vs. M35Sport, add or substitute:Our entry RWD Sedan with SportPackage vs. their 6-cylinder model withsport equipment.• Xenon Adaptive headlights are included on

the M35 Sport.• Standard wood interior trim (M35 Sport

substitutes aluminum for standard model’swood; wood becomes optional).

• Active Roll Stabilization, vs. Infiniti’s RearActive Steering. BMW’s ARS actively reducesbody roll (lean) to a minimum; Infiniti’s RASis claimed to make handling more respon-sive by altering rear-wheel toe-in accordingto speed and driving conditions. BMW’s ARSalso optimizes suspension geometry whileminimizing roll.

• Multi-Contour seats, 20-way adjustment withpower-adjustable thigh support and sidebolsters. Infiniti claims “sport-bolsteredseating” for all Ms; the M35 Sport addsClimate Controlled front seats, which circulate warm or cool air through perforatedleather as desired.

For 528xi Sedan vs. M35x AWD, add orsubstitute:Our entry AWD Sedan vs. their 6-cylinderAWD model.• ARS, sport suspension and Active Steering

not available on 528xi.

For 535i Sedan vs. M35, add orsubstitute:• The 535i boasts a significant horsepower

gain – 275 for the M35, 300 for the 535i,giving the BMW a marked performanceadvantage.The 535i translates to a substantialedge in 0-60 mph acceleration: 5.8 secondsfor the automatic BMW, 6.7 seconds for theInfiniti.

• Significantly larger brakes.The 535i/xi features 13.7-inch front, 13.6 inch rear –more than a full inch larger than the M35’sat both ends.

• More standard equipment, including AdaptiveHeadlights and 4-way power lumbar supportfor driver and front passenger seats.

• Optional Sport STEPTRONIC and staggered-width 18-inch wheels and tires.

For 535i Sedan vs. M45, add orsubstitute:• Although the M45 boasts a horsepower

advantage – 325 for the M45, 300 for the535i, the BMW’s straightline performance isquicker than that of the V-8 M45. 5

• The M45’s interior fittings have been criticizedas being not up to standard in the class. Inits November 2006 comparison test, Car andDriver described the M45’s instrument panelas “cheesy alumalook dashboard trim.”

M35 strengths. On manual downshifts,transmission automatically “blips” throttle tocoordinate engine rpm with vehicle speed;standard 18-in. wheels and tires; Sport versionhas 19-in. wheels and tires. Standard equip-ment includes active front head restraints,Intelligent Key system (similar to ComfortAccess) with Start/Stop button, CD changer,leather upholstery and voice recognition.Available options include Aero Kit as regularoption; choice of Sirius or XM Satellite Radio;power/reclining rear seats, Mobile EntertainmentSystem and rear climate/audio controls(Premium Package); RearView Monitor (Infiniti’ssubstitute for our Park Distance Control, partof Journey Pkg.); pre-crash front safety-belttensioners (tighten belts during emergencybraking, Journey Pkg.); “preview braking” as partof Intelligent Cruise Control, pre-pressurizesbrake system when radar sensors detect dangerous closing rate; available NavigationSystem includes Birdview, a 3D elevated viewof landscape.

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The competition

Lexus GS 350All-new in ’06, the GS 300 – the 6-cylindermodel compared here to the BMW 535i/xiSedans – got a new V-6 to replace its previousold-design inline 6.The GS receives a furtherinfusion of power this year, courtesy of thesame V-6 that made its debut in last year’s IS350. Equipped with direct fuel-injection, the2007 GS 350 spins out 303 horsepower –more than its GS 430 V-8 stablemate – and277 lb-ft. of torque.The GS 350 comes inrear- and all-wheel-drive models, all aggres-sively priced: at $44,865 for the RWD version,the GS 350 comes in $5,230 below the 535iSedan; at $46,815, the GS 300 AWD under-cuts the 535xi Sedan by $5,480. But is Lexusoffering equivalent car for less money?

Not at all, as the following BMW advantagesdemonstrate.

Key advantages of 535i Sedan overGS 350:Our RWD 3.0-liter sedan vs. theirs.• First of all, the matter of character and

excitement. In its January ’04 issue, Car andDriver declared that “BMW engineers seemcongenitally incapable of crafting hardwarethat isn’t both refined and effortlessly capa-ble.”That sounds like excitement and pas-sion to us – and this was before the twin-turbo engine that boosts 535i performancesignificantly! By contrast, the same maga-zine’s April ’05 issue concluded that “the[GS] provides a driving experience that’sexactly what we’ve come to expect fromLexus: creamy, competent, and quiet, aug-mented by beautiful interior appointmentsand celestial sound. None of that adds upto passion, at least to us.”

• Choice of 6-speed manual or automatictransmission.Typically Lexus, the GS 350comes only with an automatic.

• Both cars offer virtually identical horsepowerratings – 303 for the Lexus, 300 for the BMW– but their torque output is significantlydifferent. Not only does the 535i put outmore torque – 300 lb-ft., compared to 277 forthe GS – but the BMW does so from 1400to 5000 rpm.The GS peaks at 3600 rpm.This means that across the vast majority ofthe rpm band, BMW’s engine delivers significantly more torque.

• And there’s the excitement of BMW’s newtechnology, combining twin turbochargerswith direct fuel injection.The naturally aspi-rated Lexus V-6 depends on the traditionalploy of larger displacement to boost power,though it does have direct fuel injection.

• USA Today, March 25, ’05, comments on theGS’ 6-speed automatic transmission: “Themore speeds, or ratios, the easier it shouldbe to keep the engine revving in its sweetspot. But the Lexus engines just don’t feelall that sweet.” Drilling the point further, thepaper added that the Lexus “Engines arereserved, subdued. Lexus no doubt seesthat as refinement.You might see it simplyas lack of power.”

• The 535i/xi’s standard brakes are 2 incheslarger at the front and 1 inch larger in therear than the GS 350’s.

• BMW’s Sport Package includes staggered-width 18-inch wheels and tires, a sport suspension calibration, plus Active RollStabilization – further enhancing the 535i’salready sporty handling.The GS 350 offerssame-size 18-inch wheels and tires, butneither of the other features. 6

• BMW offers Active Steering. Lexus has asimilar system, which doesn’t vary the steer-ing ratio as widely as BMW’s, but it comesonly (as standard equipment) on the GS 430.

• More shoulder room (+1.0 in. front/2.1 in. rear)• BMW uses iDrive to simplify the instrument

panel. Lexus tries another way, by hidingcertain supposedly seldom-used controls(mirror controls, instrument and interior light-ing, trip-odometer reset, fuel-filler and trunkreleases; optional headlight washers, ParkAssist, Adaptive headlights and rear sunshade)in a retractable pod near the driver’s left knee.The design has come in for a number ofcomplaints in road tests. Automobile (November

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5 - In a November 2006 comparison test, Car and Driver recorded a 0-60 time of5.9 seconds for an M45 Sport.

6 - Lexus offers a system it calls Active Stabilizer Suspension, which preloads theanti-roll bars to maintain flatter cornering.The system is available only on theGS 430.

2006) noted, “Not only was it positioned in alocation hidden behind the steering wheel,but several drivers banged their knees on itwhen entering or exiting the vehicle.”

• The same Automobile test went on to complain about the GS’s electronic brakingsystem (too sensitive), the car’s rain-sensingwipers (not sensitive enough), and theinconsistent directions from the GS’s navigation system.

• Rain-sensing wipers and Adaptive headlightsare standard on the 535i; on the GS 350they cost $525 extra, further eroding Lexus’base-price edge.

• Night Vision improves long-distance visibilityfor night-time driving; Lexus doesn’t offer it.

• Lane Departure Warning is another featurenot offered on the GS.

• A Head-Up display is another BMW featurenot offered on the Lexus.

• BMW offers power rear-window sunshadeand manual rear door-window shades;Lexus offers only a power rear sunshade.

• Full maintenance for 4 years/50,000 miles;Lexus includes no maintenance in its baseprice.

• 12-year corrosion warranty, vs. Lexus’ 6-yearcoverage.

For GS 350 AWD vs. 535xi Sedan, addor substitute:• Active Roll Stabilization and Active Steering

not available on 535xi.• Hill Descent Control and Dynamic Traction

Control are both standard on 535xi, notavailable on GS 350.

• All-season run-flat tires standard on GS 350AWD.

For GS 430 vs. 535i Sedan, add orsubstitute:• Lexus claims a 0-60 time of 5.7 seconds

for the GS 430, identical to the automatic535i Sedan’s.

For GS 400h vs. 535i Sedan, add orsubstitute:• The GS 400h weighs significantly more

than its internal-combustion sibling; at 4134pounds, it outweighs BMW’s 535i by morethan 400 pounds.

• The electronic steering and continuouslyvariable transmission have received a num-ber of complaints in road tests. During itsNovember 2006 comparison, Car and Driverstated, “The total absence of feel in theelectric power steering reminded one testerof an early-’80s Lincoln Town Car. In activedriving, the continuously variable transmis-sion never stopped hunting, and in leaguewith the waxing and waning of the powersystem, it created a sonorous racketdescribed by another chronicler as ‘some-where between a gas turbine and a vacuumcleaner.’”The test concluded by noting:“[The GS’s] soul is conspicuous only by itsabsence here.”

GS 350 strengths. Standard leather seatingsurfaces, Homelink transceiver, power trunkclose, water-repellent front door windows;auto-dimming exterior mirrors and compassin interior mirror; heated front seats, SmartAccess (similar to BMW’s Comfort Access),automatic tensioners and force limiters onoutboard rear safety belts. Available Pre-Collision system (included with DynamicRadar Cruise Control), ventilated front seats(BMW: Priority 1 option); backup cameraincluded with Navigation System.

GS 400h strengths. The hybrid drive is notablyquick: 5.2 seconds 0-60, compared to 5.7 forthe 535i automatic. It will undoubtedly offersome fuel-economy benefits as well, butthese are not available at this time. 7

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The competition

Mercedes-Benz E350 Sedan andWagonWith a modest facelift for 2007, Mercedes’ top6-cylinder gasoline 8 sedan model offers fewfunctional updates.The ’07 E350 is poweredby the 3.5-literV-6 introduced last year, alsofound in C, CLK and SLK 350 models. M-B’sV-6 engine adopts some BMW features (4valves per cylinder, variable valve timing onintake and exhaust valves, electric water pump),but does not have other advanced 535i/xifeatures such as twin turbochargers or directfuel injection.Thus it relies on its greaterdisplacement for increased power. There’splenty – 268 hp and 258 lb-ft. of torque – buttypically Mercedes, the emphasis is more“minimum of fuss” (as AutoWeek’s January 10,’05 issue put it) than driving excitement. Alongwith the new engine, Mercedes’ 7-speed automatic transmission replaced the former5-speed.

Headlining the 2007 exterior changes are newheadlights, front airdam, exterior mirrors andgrill at the front, along with revised taillightsand rear bumper. Interior alterations include areworked climate-control panel, new steeringwheel and shift lever. Also new this year, theE350 offers a choice between Luxury andSport versions.The no-cost Sport Packageincludes newly styled 18-inch wheels withperformance tires, sport suspension, sportrear bumper with dual exhaust and blue-tintedglass. Matte chrome gauges and alternativewood trim round out the interior changes.

The E350 Sedan is base-priced at $51,325;the V-8 powered, 382-hp E550 checks in at$59,775.The E350 4Matic Wagon has a baseprice of $56,475.

Key advantages of 535i Sedan overE350 Sedan:Our top RWD 6-cylinder Sedan vs. theirs.• Twin-turbo inline 6-cylinder engine vs.

naturally aspirated V-6. Mercedes’ engine islarger but less powerful, and lower-revving(redline 6200 rpm vs. BMW’s 7000) and lesssporty in the way it delivers performance.

• BMW offers a marked horsepower andtorque advantage – 300 hp/300 lb-ft.compared to 268 hp/258 lb-ft. for theMercedes. Moreover, the 535i providesmaximum torque from 1400-5000 rpm; theE350 makes maximum torque from 2400-5000.

• Mercedes’V-6 is smooth enough (despiteits 90° cylinder angle), but thanks only to itsinternal balance shaft; and its sound is relatively bland.The BMW engine’s smooth-ness and great sound are inherent to itsinline 6-cylinder layout.

• Performance is no comparison: 0-60 mphin 6.5 sec. for the E350, vs. BMW’s 5.7 withautomatic transmission.

• Given their lower-revving engine, the 7-speedautomatic transmission of which Mercedesrepresentatives will boast seems irrelevant;BMW’s 6-speed teams perfectly with thetwin-turbo’s exceptional powerband.

• And BMW offers an even sportier choice:the 535i’s standard 6-speed manual transmission. Either transmission is a no-cost option.

• Braking advantages: BMW’s larger discs(13.7 in. front/13.6 in. rear vs. Mercedes’13.0/11.8).

• Standard Xenon Adaptive headlights; theseare part of a $4,290 package on the E350.

• Metallic paint at no extra cost; Mercedescharges extra for it.

• Roomier interior for the 535i:• More shoulder room (+0.9 in. front/+1.1 in.

rear)• More head room (+0.3 in. front/+0.2 in.

rear)• More EPA passenger volume (99.1 cu ft.

vs. 97.2).• Standard audio systems: BMW’s 10 speakers

including 2 subwoofer, vs. Mercedes’ 9speakers with no subwoofers.

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7 - As of this writing, the EPA is currently revamping its fuel-efficiency figures toreflect more “real world” performance.These new figures are not yet available.

8 - An E 320 CDI Sedan is also offered, powered by a 3.2-liter, 201-hp 6-cylinderturbodiesel engine.

Available 535i options not offered onE350 Sedan:• Active Steering• Night Vision• Lane Departure Warning• Head-up display.• Full maintenance for 4 years/50,000 miles,

vs. Mercedes’ complementary 1,000- and3,000-mile service and one tire rotation only.

• 12-year/unlimited-mileage corrosion warranty,vs. 4-year/50,000-mile.

For 535xi Sedan vs. E350 Sedan withAWD, add or substitute:• BMW’s 6-speed automatic transmission vs.

Mercedes’ 5-speed.• BMW’s Hill Descent Control and Dynamic

Traction Control.• BMW’s xDrive is more advanced than

Mercedes’ 4Matic, which has a basic fixedfront/rear torque split of 40%/60% and optimizes traction only via brake intervention.xDrive has an electronically variable torquesplit, and works to optimize not only tractionbut also handling via brake and engineintervention (see pages 28-29).

For 550i vs. E550, add or substitute:• E550 boasts more horsepower and torque

(382 hp/391 lb-ft. compared to 360 hp/360lb-ft.). Slightly quicker acceleration forMercedes: 5.5 0-60 mph for the 550i, 5.4 forthe E550.

• Even larger brakes on BMW: 13.7-inch front/13.6-inch rear.

• E550 includes standard Airmatic Semi-ActiveSuspension with Adaptive Damping System.

• 550i offers optional 19-inch wheels andtires, Mercedes only 18-inch.

For 535xi Sports Wagon vs. E350Wagon with AWD, add or substitute:• Rear window opens separately from tailgate;

E-Class Wagon doesn’t have this feature.

E350 strengths. Standard auto-dimming interior and left-only exterior mirror (no auto-dimming right mirror available on E350),3-function transceiver, leather upholstery andrear side-impact airbags; driver’s seat movesrearward when key is removed. Optional 4-wheel air suspension (Appearance Package),Keyless Go (similar to BMW’s Comfort Access),power trunklid closer, Panorama Moonroof(fixed glass panel from windshield to rearwindow, Sedan only), numerous “Designo”interior treatments. Wagon only: 3rd seatingrow; rear-facing, 2-passenger, fold-away.

76

The competition

Volvo V70 RIn terms of pricing, this model is positionedwell below the 535xi Sports Wagon, butbecause it is Volvo’s top wagon, we analyze ithere as a competitor to ours. Base-priced at$39,950, the V70 R is strongly powered by aturbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine producing 300 hp and (with the standard 6-speed manual transmission) a 0-60-mphtime of 5.6 sec.The V70 R stands at the top ofthe V70 series, which consists of five models.

Key advantages of 535xi Sports WagonoverVolvo V70 R 1:Our AWD Sports Wagon vs. their top-of-line AWD wagon.• Granted, the 535xi costs more; it’s an all-

around higher-caliber car, as the followingspecific points illustrate. But Volvo’s priceadvantage isn’t as great as the base pricesimply: Add Volvo’s Premium Package (for itsmoonroof and upgraded stereo), conventionalmoonroof (Panorama Moonroof not offered),Air Quality System, metallic paint, Sirius prepand a single subwoofer, and the V70 Rcomes to $44,430. And this doesn’t include$1,250 forVolvo’s Geartronic automatic.

• Inline 6-cylinder engine vs. inline 5-cylinder.Volvo’s engine puts out virtually the samehorsepower and torque as the 535xi, but itstorque peak is much higher – 5600 rpmcompared to BMW’s 1400-5000.

• Volvo’s 5-cylinder engine doesn’t sound veryattractive. “Some might prefer a little moresporting engine note,” noted Edmunds.comin a posting of November 22, ’02. “The Rcars sound healthy enough as they blast byin a cloud of spray. But inside, they soundfar weedier than the acceleration they areproducing.”

• Traditionally with a turbo engine, there’s alsothe matter of response. “Throttle responseis excellent with the dreaded ‘turbo lag’ allbut banished,” wrote Edmunds.com. In otherwords,Volvo has failed to eliminate turbo lagaltogether.Turbo lag has not been mentionedas an issue in any test of BMW’s N54 twin-turbo engine. “Peak torque of 300 pound-feetarrives at 1400 rpm and sticks around until5000 rpm; the delivery feels perfectly linearas the turbos work together to provideuninterrupted power,” said Car and Driver inan November 2006 test of the N54 enginein a 335i Coupe.

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© 2007, BMW of North America, LLC.

The BMW mark and logo are registered. No reproduction of these materials is permitted without the prior written consent of BMW of NorthAmerica, LLC. Use of these materials is restricted to BMW NA employees,authorized BMW Centers and their employees.

Published by BMW of North America, LLC, BMW Group University Teamsolely as an information sales aid for BMW Center Client Advisors. Bypublication of this information, BMW of North America does not createany warranty either expressed or implied as to BMW products. BMWemployees, representatives or agents shall not be held liable for anyomission of data or inclusion of any erroneous data.

All vehicle specifications and features subject to change without notice.

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The UltimateDriving Machinebmwcenternet.com

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For use within the BMW Organization onlyDate of issue: April 2007

Source:BMW Group University Team

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