BMW 5 Series

BMW 5 Series

Manufacturer	BMW
Production	1972–present
Assembly	Dingolfing, Germany (about 100 km NE of Munich) Cairo, Egypt
Predecessor	BMW New Class 1500-2000
Class	Mid-size luxury car / Executive car

The BMW 5 Series is a mid-size luxury car / executive car manufactured by BMW since 1972. The car, now in its fifth generation, is sold in sedan and touring body styles. On January 29, 2008, the 5 millionth 5 series, a 530d sedan in Carbon Black Metallic, was manufactured.

History

The pre-facelift 5 Series (left, right) in comparison to the E65 pre-facelift 7 Series (middle)

The 5 Series got its name by being the fifth of the "new series" cars after the V-8 and Isetta era. The preceding models were the 700, the "New Class", the "New Six" 2500/2800/Bavaria and the CS. The 5 Series was intended to replace the smaller New Class sedans, leaving the coupes as the company's low-end model.

The body was styled by Marcello Gandini, based on the Bertone 1970 BMW Garmisch 2002ti Geneva show car. Gandini also did the Fiat 132 and Alfa Romeo Alfetta, two other cars that have a similar design.

There have been five generations of the 5 Series to date. To differentiate between them, they are referred to by their unique chassis numbers (EXX).

The 5 Series began the BMW tradition of being named with a three-digit number. The first digit (5 in this case) represents the model, and the following two digits (usually) represent the size of the engine in decilitres, which is the main distinguishing difference. Additional letters or words may be added to the end of the three-digit number to define the fuel type (petrol or diesel), engine or transmission details, and the body style. The 'i' originally stood for (fuel) 'injection'.

E12 (1972-1981)

E12

Production	1972-1981
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Platform	BMW E12
Engine(s)	1.8 L M118 I4 1.8 L M42 I4 1.8 L M10B18 I4 2.0 L M17 I4, 115 hp (86 kW) 2.0 L M64 fuel injected I4, 125 hp (93 kW) 2.5 L I6 2.8 L I6 3.0 L I6, 176 hp (131 kW) 3.5 L I6, 218 hp (163 kW) 3.0 L I6, 176 hp (131 kW) 2.8 L I6, 169 hp (126 kW)

See also BMW E12 for more information

The BMW E12 was the first 5 Series BMW made. The following models were produced in this series:

• Non-US
  • 1974 518 - 1.8 L M118 I4
  • 1976 518 - 1.8 L M42 I4
  • 1980 518 - 1.8 L M10B18 I4
  • 1972 520 - 2.0 L M17 I4, 115 hp (86 kW/117 PS)
  • 1972 520i - 2.0 L M64 fuel injected I4, 125 hp (93 kW/127 PS)
  • 1973 525i - 2.5 L I6
  • 1975 528i - 2.8 L I6
  • 1975 530i - 3.0 L I6, 176 hp (131 kW/178 PS)
  • 1979 M535i - 3.5 L I6, 218 hp (163 kW/221 PS)
• US
  • 1975-1978 530i - 3.0 L I6, 176 hp (131 kW/178 PS)
  • 1979-1981 528i - 2.8 L I6, 169 hp (126 kW/171 PS)

The 1.8 L engines and the 2.0 L fuel injected engines were exclusive to Germany until the 1980s. The South African models were 525i, 528i and 530i.

E28 (1982-1988)

E28

Production	1982-1988
Body style(s)	4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Platform	BMW E28
Engine(s)	2.7L 127 hp (95 kW) I6 3.4L 182 hp (136 kW) I6 3.5L 256 hp (191 kW) I6
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual
Wheelbase	103.3 in (2,624 mm)
Length	189 in (4,801 mm)
Width	66.9 in (1,699 mm)
Height	55.7 in (1,415 mm)

The BMW E28 was the second BMW 5 Series, a stylistic evolution of the E12.

The following models were sold in Europe:

• 518/518i- 1.8 L M10B18
• 520i - 2.0 L M20B20 I6
• 524d - 2.4 L M21 diesel I6
• 524td - 2.4 L M21 turbodiesel I6
• 525i - 2.5 L M30B25 I6
• 525e - 2.7 L M20B27 I6
• 528i - 2.8 L M30B28 I6
• 530i - 3.0 L M30B30 I6
• 535i/M535i - 3.4 L M30B34 I6
• M5 - M88 I6, 286 PS (210 kW/282 hp)

High performance 5 Series - 24-valve DOHC, I6, six throttle bodies, Bosch Motronic integrated fuel injection. At its launch in 1984, the European specification E28 M5 was the fastest production sedan in the world.

The following models were sold in America:

• 524td - 2.4 L M21 turbodiesel I6, 114 hp (85 kW/116 PS)
• 528e - 2.7 L M20B27 I6, 121 hp (90 kW/123 PS)

Designed for fuel efficiency

• 533i - 3.2 L M30B33 I6, 182 hp (136 kW/185 PS)

High revving power

• 535i - 3.4 L M30B34 I6, 182 hp (136 kW/185 PS)

A 533i bored to produce more torque and equal power

• 535is - 3.4 L M30B34 I6, 182 hp (136 kW)

A 535i with a sport suspension interior modifications

• M5 - 3.4 L S38B35 I6, 256 hp (191 kW/260 PS)

High performance 5 Series - 24 valve DOHC, I6, six throttle bodies, Bosch Motronic integrated fuel injection, available only in black in the US.

Visible changes to this model included revised headlights, Thicker rubber bumper surrounds and large rectangular taillights. The shape was more box shaped than rounded at the rear.

E34 (1988-1996)

E34

Production	1989-1996
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Platform	BMW E34
Engine(s)	1.8 L M40B18 I4 1.8 L M43B18 I4 1.8 L M43B18 I4 2.0 L M20B20 I6 2.0 L M20B20 I6 2.0 L M50B20 I6 2.5 L M20B25 I6 2.5 L M50B25 I6 3.0 L M60B30 V8 3.5 L M30B35 I6 4.0 L M60B40 V8 2.5 L M20B25 I6 3.5 L M30B35 I6 3.6 L S38B36 I6, 310 hp 2.5 L M50B25 I6 3.0 L M60B30 V8 4.0 L M60B40 V8
Transmission(s)	4-speed automatic 5-speed manual 5-speed automatic 6-speed manual
Wheelbase	108.7 in (2,761 mm)
Length	185.8 in (4,719 mm)
Width	68.9 in (1,750 mm)
Height	55.6 in (1,412 mm) 55.8 in (1,417 mm)

See also BMW E34 for more information

The third generation 5 Series earned awards for safety and reliability and was considered one of the most elegant shapes of its time.

Models:

• Non-US
  • 1989–1994 BMW 518i - 1.8 L M40B18 I4 115 hp (86 kW/117 PS)
  • 1994–1996 BMW 518i - 1.8 L M43B18 I4 115 hp (86 kW/117 PS)
  • 1995–1996 BMW 518g (CNG) Touring - 1.8 L M43B18 I4
  • 1987–1990 BMW 520i - 2.0 L M20B20 I6 129 hp (96 kW/131 PS)
  • 1987–1990 BMW 520i ECE - 2.0 L M20B20 I6 129 hp (96 kW/131 PS) higher compression than non ECE
  • 1990–1996 BMW 520i - 2.0 L M50B20 I6 150 hp (112 kW/152 PS)
  • 1988-1991 BMW 524td - 2.4 L M21 I6 diesel
  • 1993-1995 BMW 525td - 2.5 L M51D25 UL I6 115 hp (86 kW/117 PS) diesel
  • 1991-1995 BMW 525tds - 2.5 L M51D25 OL I6 143 hp (107 kW/145 PS) diesel
  • 1987–1990 BMW 525i - 2.5 L M20B25 I6 170 hp (127 kW/172 PS)
  • 1990–1996 BMW 525i - 2.5 L M50B25 I6 192 hp (143 kW/195 PS)
  • 1990–1996 BMW 525iX - 2.5 L M50B25 I6 192 hp (143 kW/195 PS) Very rare
  • 1988–1990 BMW 530i - 3.0 L M30B30 I6 185 hp (138 kW/188 PS)
  • 1992–1996 BMW 530i - 3.0 L M60B30 V8 218 hp (163 kW/221 PS)
  • 1987–1993 BMW 535i - 3.5 L M30B35 I6 211 hp (157 kW/214 PS)
  • 1992–1996 BMW 540i - 4.0 L M60B40 V8 286 hp (213 kW/290 PS)
  • 1990–1993 BMW M5 - 3.6 L ' I6
  • 1994–1996 BMW M5 - 3.8 L ' I6
• US
  • 1989–1990 BMW 525i - 2.5 L M20B25 I6
  • 1989–1993 BMW 535i - 3.5 L M30B35 I6
  • 1991–1993 BMW M5 - 3.6 L S38B36 I6, 310 hp (231 kW/314 PS)
  • 1991–1995 BMW 525i - 2.5 L M50B25 I6
  • 1994–1995 BMW 530i - 3.0 L M60B30 V8
  • 1994–1995 BMW 540i - 4.0 L M60B40 V8

E39 (1996-2004)

E39

Production	1996-2003
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	FR layout
Platform	BMW E39
Engine(s)	* 2.8 L M52B28 I6, 193 hp (144 kW) 4.4 L M62B44 V8, 282 hp (213 kW) 2.5 L M54B25 I6, 184 hp (137 kW) 3.0 L M54B30 I6, 225 hp (172 kW) 4.9 L S62B50 V8, 400 hp (294 kW)
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic 6-speed manual
Wheelbase	111.4 in (2,830 mm)
Length	118 in (2,997 mm) (sedan) 189.2 in (4,806 mm) (wagon)
Width	70.9 in (1,801 mm)
Height	56.5 in (1,435 mm) (sedan) 55.7 in (1,415 mm) (2000-03 540i sedan) 56.7 in (1,440 mm) (1997-99 wagon) 55.8 in (1,417 mm) (1997-99 540i sedan) 58.5 in (1,486 mm) (2000-03 wagon)
Related	BMW X5 BMW M5

The BMW E39 was one of BMW's most successful cars, with several different models. These included:

• 1996–2000 520i - 2.0 L M52B20 I6, 110 kW (150 PS/148 hp)
• 2000–2003 520i - 2.2 L M54B22 I6, 127 kW (173 PS/170 hp)
• 1996–2000 523i - 2.5 L M52B25 I6, 125 kW (170 PS/168 hp)
• 2000–2003 525i - 2.5 L M54B25 I6, 137 kW (186 PS/184 hp)
• 1996–1999 528i - 2.8 L M52B28 I6, 144 kW (196 PS/193 hp)
• 1999–2000 528i - 2.8 L M52B28 TU I6, 144 kW (196 PS/193 hp)
• 2000–2003 530i - 3.0 L M54B30 I6, 172 kW (234 PS/231 hp)
• 1996–2003 535i - 3.5 L M62B35 V8, 183 kW (249 PS/245 hp)
• 1996–1998 540i - 4.4 L M62B44 V8, 213 kW (290 PS/286 hp)
• 1998–2003 540i - 4.4 L M62TUB44 V8, 216 kW (294 PS/290 hp)
• 1998–2003 M5 - 4.9 L S62 V8, 298 kW (405 PS/400 hp)
• 2000-2003 520d - 2.0 L M47D20 diesel I4 100 kW (136 PS/134 hp)
• 2000-2003 525d - 2.5 L M57D25 diesel I6120 kW
• 1997-2000 525td - 2.5 L M51D25TU UL diesel I6 85& kW
• 1996-2000 525tds - 2.5 L M51D25TU OL diesel I6 105 kW (143 PS/141 hp)
• 1998-2000 530d - 3.0 L M57D30 diesel I6 135 kW (184 PS/181 hp)
• 2000-2003 530d - 3.0 L M57D30 diesel I6 142 kW (193 PS/190 hp)

The BMW M57 type Engine is a straight-6 Diesel produced from 1998. It won the "2.5-3 L" category of the International Engine of the Year award for 1999 through 2002. The updated twin-turbocharger version won that same award in 2005. The 2.5 L (2497 cc/152 in³) M57D25 was the smallest member of the family. It produced 120 kW (161 hp) at 4000 rpm and 350 N·m (258 lb·ft) at 2000-2500 rpm with a 4750 rpm redline. Application: 525D

In US:

• 1997–2000 528i - 2.8 L M52B28 I6, 193 hp (144 kW/196 PS)
• 1997–1998 540i - 4.4 L M62B44 V8, 282 hp (210 kW/286 PS)
• 2001–2003 525i - 2.5 L M54B25 I6, 184 hp (137 kW/187 PS)
• 2001–2003 530i - 3.0 L M54B30 I6, 225 hp (168 kW/228 PS)
• 1998–2003 540i - 4.4 L M62TUB44 V8, 282 hp (210 kW/286 PS)
• 2000–2003 M5 - 5.0 L S62 V8, 394 hp (294 kW/399 PS)

This car has been widely praised in all aspects; many say it is the best BMW in the world. Consumer Reports gave the 2001 530i its highest car rating ever. The diesel engines available in the European models provide great torque and smoothness with better economy. The M5 has been called "the ultimate in discreet speed" with 369 lbf·ft (500 N·m) of torque and a 0–60 mph time of 4.8 s. The only downside was its smallish cabin and tiny trunk space of 11.1 ft³ (314 L) - for a car of the 5 Series' size not to be able to fit a set of golf clubs was regarded as inexcusable.

The very first E39 BMW 5 Series rolled off the assembly line in February, 1995.

E60/E61 (2004-present)

E60

Production	2004-present
Body style(s)	4-door sedan 4-door station wagon
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive / Four-wheel drive
Platform	BMW E60
Engine(s)	2.0L 170 hp I4 3.0L 230 hp I6 3.0L Twin Turbo 300 hp I6 4.8L 360 hp V8 2.5L 184 hp I6 4.4L 325 hp V8 5.0L 500 hp V10
Transmission(s)	6-speed manual 6-speed automatic 7-speed SMG
Wheelbase	113.7 in (288.8 cm) (sedan) 113.6 in (288.5 cm) (wagon)
Length	190.7/190.6 in (484.4/484.1 cm) (2004-06 sedan) 191.1 in (485.4 cm) (2007-present sedan) 191.2 in (485.6 cm) (wagon)
Width	72.7 in (184.7 cm)
Height	57.8/58.3 in (146.8/148.1 cm) (2007-present sedan) 58 in (147 cm) (2004-06 sedan) 58.7 in (149.1 cm) (wagon)
Related	BMW X5 BMW M5

The BMW E60 is the current BMW 5 Series. Its Chris Bangle-designed styling and many of its advanced features received mixed reviews. The E60 represents a significant step forward in technology over previous models. With complete electronic control over all aspects of the vehicle from the suspension, to brightness of interior lights, to different temperature zones within the cabin. The vehicle is also equipped with an array of safety features from adpative headlights to Hill start assist, and is also equipped with a Trailer Stability Program to aid when towing a large trailer or caravan.

It is available in both sedan and wagon versions and has the following models:

• 2006- 520d - 2.0 L (1995 cc) diesel I4, 120 kW (163 PS/161 hp)
• 2003-2005 520i - 2.2 L (2171 cc) I6, 125 kW (170 PS/168 hp)
• 2007- 520i - 2.0 L (1995 cc) I4, 125 kW (170 PS/168 hp)
• 2004-2007 523i - 2.5 L (2497 cc) I6, 130 kW (177 PS/174 hp)
• 2007- 523i - 2.5 L (2497 cc) I6, 140 kW (190 PS/188 hp)
• 2004-2007 525i/xi - 2.5 L (2497 cc) I6, 160 kW (218 PS/215 hp)
• 2007- 525i/xi - 3.0 L (2996 cc) I6, 160 kW (218 PS/215 hp)
• 2004-2007 530i/xi - 3.0 L (2979 cc) I6, 190 kW (258 PS/255 hp)
• 2004-2007 530d/xd - 3.0 L (2993 cc) diesel I6, 175 kW (238 PS/235 hp)
• 2004- 535d - 3.0 L (2993 cc) diesel I6, 200 kW (272 PS/268 hp) and 413 ft·lbf (560 N·m) (compression ratio: 16.5:1)
• 2006- M5 - 5.0 L S85 V10, 373 kW (507 PS/500 hp)

In some European jurisdictions the BMW 5 Series is also used as a police interceptor.This particular vehicle is property of the Diplomatic Protection group of the Metropolitan Police

A BMW 5 Series E61 patrolcar of the German Federal Police

In US:

• 2004-2005 525i - 2.5 L M54B25 I6, 184 hp (137 kW/187 PS)
• 2004-2005 530i - 3.0 L M54B30 I6, 225 hp (168 kW/228 PS)
• 2004-2005 545i - 4.4 L N62B44 V8, 325 hp (242 kW/330 PS)
• 2006-2007 525i/xi - 3.0 L N52B30 I6, 215 hp (160 kW/218 PS)
• 2006-2007 530i/xi - 3.0 L N52B30 I6, 255 hp (190 kW/259 PS)
• 2006- 550i - 4.8 L N62B48 V8, 360 hp (268 kW/365 PS)
• 2008- 528i/xi - 3.0 L N52B30 I6, 230 hp (172 kW/233 PS)
• 2008- 535i/xi - 3.0 L N54B30 twin-turbo I6, 300 hp (224 kW/304 PS)
• 2006- M5 - 5.0 L S85 V10, 373 kW (507 PS/500 hp)

Four-wheel drive is now an option on the 5 Series for the first time since the E34 in 1996. The xDrive system is shared with the X3 and X5. Models, following the company's naming scheme, will be the 528xi and 535xi.

Refreshed 5-Series update (January 2007)

The updated E60/E61 5-Series was unveiled on January 8, 2007. Updates include new front and rear bumpers, restyled front headlights and restyled taillights with LED technology. A refreshed interior is also presented featuring the new shifter from the new X5, and the addition of the new BMW Drive-By-Wire system.

The 2008 model, of the 520i, has a new engine: a 2.0 litres 4 cylinders instead of the R6 2.2 litres. High compression and new piezo injector technology keeps the performance on 170bhp/210 nm, but betters the fuel economy. BMW is considering bringing its diesel powered models to the United States in late 2008.

BMW also launched a new M5 Touring into their range, but this will not be introduced in the USA.

Awards

The E39 5 Series was on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list for six years straight, from its introduction in 1997 through 2002. It was also Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1997 and What Car? Executive Car of the Year 1997 through 2002. The E60 was named "Best New Luxury / Prestige Car" in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards. Active Seat continuous passive motion seating comfort technology recognized as one of the Best Inventions of 1998 by Popular Science magazine. Consumer Reports found the E39 5 series their best car tested in 2001-2002.