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BMW 5 Series
2008 BMW 5 Series mid-size luxury sedan.2008 BMW 5 Series. - enlargeComplete BMW 5 Series New Car Reviews listed below
The BMW 5 Series mid-size luxury cars are sexy and powerful daily drivers than anyone would enjoy owning. The BMW 5 Series are available in sedan (MSRP $44,300 - $58,500) and sport wagon (MSRP $54,000) versions. The sedan version (528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i trim levels) competes with the Acura RL, Audi A6, Cadillac STS, Infiniti M35 and M45, Jaguar S-Type, Lexus GS 350, Lexus GS 460, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Saab 9-5, and Volvo S60. The sport wagon (535xi) version competes with the Audi A6 Avant, Infiniti FX35 and FX45, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Saab 9-5 wagon, and Volvo V70.
All trim levels can be customized with a variety of option packages and accessories. They are available with either the 6-speed manual or Steptronic manual-shift automatic transmission system. The 528i comes with a 230-horsepower, 3.0-liter I6 engine, and rear-wheel drive system (all-wheel drive system for the 528xi). The 535i comes with a 300-horsepower, 3.0-liter I6 T engine, and rear-wheel drive system (all-wheel drive system for the 535xi). The 550i comes with a 360-horsepower, 4.8-liter V8 engine, and rear-wheel drive system.
Basic features include cruise control, tilt and telescopic steering wheel, tachometer, speed-proportional power steering, audio and cruise control on the steering wheel, front and rear cup holders, trip computer, heated and power mirrors, low fuel level warning indicator, 10-way driver and passenger seat, height-adjustable driver and passenger seat, external temperature display, rain-sensing and variably intermittent wipers, power glass sunroof, remote sunroof operation, dual-zone climate controls for both the driver and passenger, cooled storage compartment, front and rear reading lights, dual-illuminating vanity mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel, alloy trim on the shift knob, wood trim on doors, leather and wood trims on the center console, leatherette upholstery, and extended cabin heating. Premium leather upholstery and electrochromatic inside rear view mirror are standard only on the 550i. Chrome grille, rear spoiler, sport front seats, multi-level heating driver and passenger seats, and universal remote transmitter (for garage door and security system) are available.
Entertainment and other convenience features include ten speakers, (AM/FM in-dash single CD player, two subwoofers, CD-controller stereo, auxiliary MP3 audio input, radio data system, memorized settings for two drivers including the driver’s seat, exterior mirrors, and steering wheel, BMW Assist telecommunications service, Bluetooth wireless data link for a hands-free phone, and cargo tie-downs. 7.1 discrete surround audio, pre-wiring for a phone, and DVD navigation system with voice activation Telematics features are available.
Safety and security features include front and rear ventilated disc brakes, traction and stability control, emergency braking assist, front seatbelt pretensioners, rear center 3-point seatbelt, child seat anchors, front and rear head airbags, dual front side-mounted airbags, passenger airbag occupant-sensing deactivation, rear door child safety locks, electronic brakeforce distribution, two front and three rear power and height adjustable headrests, front fog driving lights, remote anti-theft alarm system, daytime running lights, dusk-sensing headlamps, engine immobilizer, and tire pressure monitoring. Xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps, adaptive headlights, and cornering lights are standard only on the 535i, 535xi, and 550i trim levels. Dusk-sensing headlamps are optional.
A safety and crash test report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that the 2008 BMW 5 Series sedan and wagon received five stars out of five in side crash tests (no ratings yet for frontal crash and rollover tests). [1] A reliability history report from ConsumerReports.org for 2007 showed that the BMW 5 Series RWD received excellent ratings for its engine, transmission, fuel, electrical, and climate system, suspension, brakes, exhaust, and paint and trim, very good ratings for its drive system, squeaks and rattles, body hardware, and power equipment, and good ratings for its audio system. [2] It's last major redesign year was in 2004.
The BMW 5 Series' name is derived from being "the fifth of the "new series" cars after the V-8 and Isetta era."[3] It has been on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list for six consecutive years since 1992, was the best car tested by Consumer Reports in 2001 to 2002, recognized as the Best New Luxury/Prestige Car by the Canadian Car of the Year awards in 2006, was named Import Car of the Year by Motor Trend in 1997, and was awarded Executive Car of the Year by What Car? in 1997 all through 2002. The BMW 5 Series is currently in its fifth generation.
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•2005 BMW 5 Series Premium Mid-Size Sedan
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•2004 BMW 5-Series Mid-Size Luxury Sports Sedan
The 5-Series of sport sedans shows up in BMW's 2004 line with new designs set on a new platform that represents the fifth generation for mid-size models.
•2004 BMW 5 Series Mid-Size Luxury Sports Sedan
One of the toughest career challenges faced by automotive designers and engineers is the redesign of an industry-leading product. Not only do they have the pressure of evolving the technology, but they must make the design such that it appeals to both car buyers new to the brand, and those already loyal to it. It has to be better than its predecessor while still adhering to the brand legacy. It is a tall order. BMW's staff was faced with just this dilemma with the re-creation of 5 series sedan.
•2003 BMW 5 Series Mid-Size Luxury High Performance Sedan and Sport Wagon
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