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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.
HistoryThe 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)
The BMW E12 was the first 5 Series BMW made. The following models were produced in this series:
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)
The BMW E28 was the second BMW 5 Series, a stylistic evolution of the E12. The following models were sold in Europe:
The following models were sold in America:
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)
The third generation 5 Series earned awards for safety and reliability and was considered one of the most elegant shapes of its time. Models:
E39 (1996-2004)
The BMW E39 was one of BMW's most successful cars, with several different models. These included:
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:
This car has been widely praised in all aspects; many say it is the best BMW in the world.[citation needed] 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[1]. E60/E61 (2004-present)
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: [2]
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:
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. AwardsThe 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 [3] 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. External links
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