2006 BMW 550i Images, Information and History

2005 525i

Image credits: © BMW.

2006 BMW 550i news, pictures, and information
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Even at rest, the 2006 550i appears to be passing everything by. And the instant you step on the throttle, the 4.8-liter, 360-hp V-8 engine wîth Valvetronic makes this illusion a thrilling reality. The 550i delivers unsurpassed performance and agility, all while catering to each occupant wîth luxurious comforts. Equipped wîth innovations like a Start/Stop button, enhanced DSC featuring Brake Drying, Hill Start Assist, and Soft Stop, and a richly detailed cabin, the 550i is everything a demanding driver could want, and more.

Head-Úp Display
The Head-Úp Display is an active safety feature that projects essential information as a virtual image in the driver's line of vision. Important data, such as current speed or navigational prompts, can be read quickly without having to look away from the road. The virtual image is created in a projection unit located in the instrument panel; the image is then projected clearly onto the windshield. It appears to hover above the hood, about six feet away. Because the driver's eyes no longer have to focus from a long to a short perspective and back again while reading dash gauges, the Head-Úp Display helps keep the driver alert. And to help minimize nighttime glare, a sensor constantly measures the surrounding light and automatically adjusts the brightness of the display.

Bluetooth® Wireless Technology
Bluetooth wireless technology connects mobile phones enabled wîth Bluetooth to a vehicle for hands-free calling. With the use of a compatible Bluetooth enabled mobile phone, a driver can place and answer calls, and browse and select phonebook contacts from their phone, simply by using the multifunction §teering wheel controls and radio keys.

Vehicles equipped wîth Bluetooth wireless technology are shipped fully activated, and only require the new owner to complete a simple one-time pairing procedure wîth a compatible Bluetooth phone. Úp to four paired phones can be stored in the car's memory system.

Active Cruise Control
Active Cruise Control is an advanced version of conventional cruise control systems. After setting the chosen speed and pre-set distance, radar measurements allow you to maintain a pre-set distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead in highway driving. As soon as sensors determine you are closing in on a vehicle ahead, the system automatically slows down to retain your pre-set distance. Once the distance has increased back to the chosen limit the system automatically accelerates to return your vehicle to its pre-set speed.

Active Roll Stabilization
An 'active' suspension control system designed to reduce body-roll, or lean, while cornering. This improves the vehicle's suspension geometry (the degree of wheel angle relative to vertical).

All Season Traction (AST)
All Season Traction, part of Dynamic Stability Control, provides better stability and control in slippery road conditions all year long - packed snow, ice, rain- or oil-slicked roads, and sandy or rough surfaces. The system continually processes data from the anti-lock braking wheelspeed sensors. Any time a rear 'drive' wheel begins to lose traction, the system modifies the engine's electronic throttle and ignition timing to reduce torque. It also can act on each rear brake individually or simultaneously, as needed, to bring wheelspin under control. Dynamic Traction Control aids driving in deep snow or sand.

BMW Full Maintenance
Full Maintenance Program covers all factory-recommended maintenance for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. Even includes items that need replacement due to normal wear and tear.

Check Control
Check Control helps the driver to be aware of the operational readiness of important functions, such as the lighting system and fluid levels. A pictogram display indicates the location of the feature that requires attention. Warnings are shown in the Check Control display at the bottom of the main instrument cluster, and are prioritized according to urgency. On-board computer functions can also be shown in the Check Control display, if desired.

Double Vanos
Double VANOS allows the engine to 'steplessly' choose valve timing for both intake and exhaust camshafts. Electronically controlled in response to engine speed, load and temperature, Double VANOS maximizes engine response, efficiency and emission control. The benefit: more low- to medium-speed torque for strong acceleration and added flexibility for better highway performance, plus quieter, smoother engine at idle.

Frontal-Offset Crash Test
As reported on Dateline NBC, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has rated the BMW 5 Series Best Pick for its performance in the frontal-offset crash test. This test, which involves driving at 40 mph into a barrier that impacts only the drivers side of the front end, is one of the most severe measures of a vehicles ability to protect its occupants.

Head Protection System (HPS)
BMW's Head Protection System is an inflatable tubular structure to protect the heads of a vehicle's front and rear seat occupants. Operating in conjunction wîth the side airbags, the system provides front seat occupants wîth outstanding protection in the case of severe side impact. It helps protect the head from hitting the side window and being hit by objects penetrating the side window. In recognition of this remarkable protection, BMW was named 'Safe Car of the Millennium' by the International Brain Injury Association.

iDrive
The iDrive Controller, conveniently located on the center console, allows access to a variety of comfort functions displayed on the monitor. The turn/press button enables front-seat occupants to access the menu system and fine-tune settings for climate control, audio system, navigation system and communication wîth BMW Assist.

ISIS
Intelligent Safety and Information System (ISIS) is a comprehensive passive safety system designed to enhance the restraint systems response to real-world accidents. Sensors placed around the vehicle help ISIS monitor impact force and deploy airbags, safety belt pretensioners, force limiters, and the Battery Safety Terminal. Should a power failure occur in the event of a collision, ISIS also provides reserve power for the entire safety system.

Park Distance Control
Park Distance Control uses ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers to help you judge the distance to other cars and unseen objects when parking. The beeping becomes faster as your bumper approaches the object, turning into a constant tone when the distance is less than 12 inches.

Source - BMW

Five Times Around. History of the BMW 5 Series.

Sales of the BMW 5 Series already amount to more than 5.5 million units in five model generations – and now a new chapter is starting in the highly successful story of the BMW 5 Series Sedan.

While the sixth generation naturally follows the great heritage of its predecessors, its roots go back much further. As early as in the 1960s, BMW developed a strong and distinctive profile as a manufacturer of sporting but elegant, powerful and technically innovative midrange four-door sedans. Introducing a four-door notchback body, engines fitted lengthwise at the front, rear-wheel drive and an elaborate suspension, BMW established a classical principle at the time which remains highly attractive and fully endorsed to this very day.

It was at that time that the BMW 1500, the BMW 1800 and the BMW 2000 entered the market as the 'New Range', establishing the most successful model series BMW had ever seen up to that point. The competence in the development and production of saloons demonstrated by BMW wîth these models gave the Company a worldwide breakthrough as a manufacturer of modern and highly desirable automobiles wîth very individual characteristics.

Switching from the New Range to the BMW 5 Series in 1972, BMW introduced not only new nomenclature, but also a new era in design.

Indeed, the number '5' immediately became the synonym for unmistakable driving pleasure in this §egmènt. Ever since, the BMW 5 Series has stood for sedans which, through their design, offer particularly harmonious balance of sportiness and elegance authentically reflecting a unique combination of driving dynamics and motoring comfort ensured by superior drivetrain and suspension technology. The BMW 5 Series therefore offers a particularly concentrated rendition of the outstanding competence in development of this leading car maker from Munich.

1972: the BMW 5 Series makes its debut.

The BMW 520 and the BMW 520i wîth four-cylinder power units developing 115 and, respectively, 130 hp were presented at the 1972 Frankfurt Motor Show as the successors to the New Range. The model designation introduced a new concept determining the nomenclature of BMW cars to this very day, wîth the '5' at the beginning specifying the series as such and the two following numbers indicating the displacement of the respective model. At the same time these model designations brought back memories of legendary BMWs in the 1950s such as the BMW 501 'Baroque Angel' and the iconic BMW 507 sports car.

In its design, the first BMW 5 Series stood out from the start through its stretched and sleek lines, large windows and low waistline. As design elements typical of the brand, the dual headlights and the Hofmeister kick in the C-pillar were re-interpreted in new style and technology, French designer Paul Bracq thus setting the foundation for the design language of BMW so characteristic in the 1970s. To precisely calculate the car's deformation zones in the interest of superior occupant safety, BMW's engineers for the first time used superior computer technology to a large extent.

Introduction of the BMW 525 in the second year of production hailed the entry of the first six-cylinder into the market. The powerful and, at the same time, refined engine featured in this top model delivered an impressive 145 hp. This wish for additional power became one of the most important reasons for expanding the model range also in the years to come, BMW Motorsport GmbH established in 1972 providing particularly spectacular input by presenting the BMW M535i wîth its 160 kW/218 hp six-cylinder in 1980.

1981: second generation, first diesel.

Accounting for sales of almost 700,000 units, the first generation of the BMW 5 Series more than doubled the success of the New Range in the market. The next model launched in 1982 then continued this story of success, remaining faithful in its design to the principle of clear lines and large windows.

With its even more striking design front and rear, the new BMW 5 Series, despite its exterior dimensions remaining almost identical, offered far greater presence and flair on the road. Engineering refinements and intelligent lightweight technology provided more space within the interior, optimum weight and improved occupant safety. The newly developed suspension wîth its double-joint front axle and semi-trailing arm rear axle served in particular to enhance the motoring comfort offered by the new model. Modern electronic systems were also introduced into the BMW 5 Series at this point, ranging from anti-lock brakes via an on-board computer all the way to electronic fuel injection.

Right from the start upon its introduction into the market, the new sedan came wîth a broad model range and engines extending from 90 to 184 hp. A particularly sporting version was introduced in 1984, even though the 218 hp BMW M535i was not the last word from Motorsport GmbH this time. Instead, Motorsport GmbH proudly presented the very epitome of the Sports Sedan at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show, the BMW M5. Hardly distinguishable from the other models when considered from outside, the BMW M5 was optimised throughout beneath its sheet metal for uncompromising driving dynamics. Power came from a straight-six boasting four-valve technology and no less than six throttle butterflies. Output of this drive unit derived from the legendary BMW M1 was 286 hp, developing supreme thrust and performance previously offered by only the most thoroughbred sports cars.

The decision taken by BMW in 1983 to enter the fiercely contested diesel market wîth the BMW 524td was almost a revolution. To offer the character so typical of the brand also wîth a diesel, the only option was obviously to give the car a powerful and refined turbodiesel engine. The 2.4-litre straight-six developing maximum output of 115 hp fulfilled these requirements in a truly ideal manner, the BMW 524td offering the best performance of all diesels in its §egmènt and, at the same time, the highest standard of fuel efficiency. Clearly, even diesel sceptics were impressed by this innovative combination of superior muscle and equally outstanding economy.

Entry into the diesel market was not the only option for BMW to bring together sporting performance and superior economy. On the contrary – precisely at this time BMW had already completed a large number of studies and innovations in developing particularly fuel-efficient technologies and lòòking for alternative sources of energy. Many of these innovations went into series production in the course of time, others set the foundation for long-term research projects. One example is the hydrogen-powered test car presented as early as in 1976 on the basis of the first-generation BMW 5 Series.

Apart from the turbodiesel, a particularly efficient petrol version of the
BMW 5 Series proved suitable for series production right from the start: The BMW 525e was powered by a six-cylinder designed and built consistently for superior traction and economy all in one. Displacing 2.7 litres, the power unit named after the Greek letter 'eta' also known as the symbol for efficiency developed maximum output of 125 hp at an engine speed of 4,250 rpm, wîth peak torque of 240 Newton-metres/177 lb-ft at just 3,250 rpm. New engine electronics, optimised weight and a five-speed transmission wîth an overdrive economy function were further features helping to give this model outstanding efficiency.

The second generation of the BMW 5 Series was replaced after seven years of production. By this time sales had amounted to more than 722.000 units, again setting a new record.

1988: third generation of the BMW 5 Series – for the first time also as the Touring.

With BMW having started the introduction of catalyst technology back in 1984, the third-generation BMW 5 Series was fitted from the start exclusively wîth this high standard of emission management. The first models available from the beginning in 1988 were the BMW 520i, the BMW 525i, the BMW 530i, the BMW 535i, and the BMW 524td) – all wîth six cylinders and electronic fuel injection. The power range extended from 115 all the way to 211 hp.

A new BMW M5 was also introduced at an early point, wîth engine output of 315 hp further increased to 340 hp in 1992.

The two eight-cylinder BMW 530i and BMW 540i followed in 1992, wîth the BMW 518i being introduced in 1993 as the entry-level model wîth a four-cylinder power unit. In the meantime, the six-cylinder engines, benefiting from four-valve technology and variable Vanos camshaft management, had gained even greater power, torque and efficiency.

With its precisely defined deformation zones and even stiffer passenger cell, the third generation of the BMW 5 Series set new standards in the area of occupant safety. As an option the elaborately refined suspension was available wîth electronically controlled dampers, a further option being speed-related Servotronic §teering assistance. ASC Automatic Stability Control was also available for the first time in addition to the anti-lock brake system.

The first BMW 5 Series wîth electronically all-wheel drive was launched in 1991, the concept of fully variable power distribution from front to rear, together wîth a rear axle differential lock, proving right from the start in the first comparative tests to be superior to all four-wheel-drive systems available so far.

Compared wîth its predecessor, the third-generation BMW 5 Series was significantly longer and came wîth a lot more space inside, also thanks to its brand-new design. Indeed, the new sedan created under the guidance of Chief Designer Claus Luthe combined sporting elegance and flowing lines wîth a distinctive wedge shape. This stylish character was then carried over by the designers to the first BMW 5 Series Touring, this unique five-door revealed at the 1992 Frankfurt Motor Show offering a brand-new look and brand-new features behind the B-pillar.

With sound insulation being given particular significance, the level of sound within the body was virtually the same as in the sedan even though the generous space inside obviously formed an ideal resonance body for acoustic effect and disturbance. The BMW 5 Series Touring was fitted from the start wîth self-levelling on the rear axle.

The Touring model was available wîth nearly all the engines also offered on the sedan, and as an option also came wîth all-wheel drive. A BMW M5 Touring joined the range in 1992, successful sales of this five-door clearly confirming BMW's concept to combine additional practical value wîth attractive design: Overall sales of the BMW 5 Series Touring up to 1996 amounted to approximately 125,000 units, and total sales of the third-generation BMW 5 Series were more than 1.3 million units the world over.

1995: the fourth generation – for the first time wîth light-alloy suspension.

The fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series made its debut at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show, offering an evolutionary development through its design of the former model wîth its sporting and elegant style. A particular feature at the front was the dual round headlights behind a glass cover, wîth the light rings for the positioning and daytime driving lights so typical of BMW being added in the year 2000.

Both the sedan and the Touring introduced in 1997 once again offered even more space within the passenger compartment. Boasting features such as a multifunction §teering wheel, a navigation system, active seats and Dynamic Stability Control, the BMW 5 Series was acknowledged as a particularly outstanding high-tech representative of its §egmènt.

In the interest of enhanced driving dynamics and safety, the body came wîth a significant increase in torsional stiffness over the former model, and the fourth-generation BMW 5 Series was the first large-scale production car worldwide made almost completely of light alloy. The newly developed all-aluminium power units also helped to significantly reduce the weight of the car.

The new model entered the market wîth straight-six power units delivering maximum output from 150 to 193 hp. Technical innovations gave both the petrol and diesel engines even more power on further reduced fuel consumption. Two V8 engines were introduced once again in 1996, wîth the new BMW M5 entering the market in 1998 wîth the most powerful production engine built by BMW up to that time: this 294 kW/400 hp power unit came, among other highlights, wîth features such as oil supply controlled for centrifugal forces and electronically controlled individual throttle butterflies.

The fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series once again set up a new sales record accounting for 1.47 million units sold up to the end of production in early 2004.

2003: the fifth-generation BMW 5 Series – progressive and efficient.

From the start, the fifth generation of the BMW 5 Series introduced in 2003 stood out through its impressive design and innovative technology. Once again, both the sedan and the Touring launched in 2004 set new standards in terms of active safety, driver assistance systems, and efficiency. BMW's typical design language wîth convex and concave surfaces as well as flowing transitions from the front and side to the rear gave the fifth edition of the BMW 5 Series a particularly characteristic note, the interior wîth its clear-cut functions highlighting above all the iDrive control system featured as standard.

Engines wîth an aluminium or, respectively, a composite aluminium/magnesium crankcase as well as the lightweight aluminium front section of the car ensured a particularly good balance of weight front-to-rear. Another important component newly developed at the time was the integral rear axle likewise made of aluminium

DSC Dynamic Stability Control was yet another significant innovation contributing to the car's excellent suspension technology, particularly through its enhanced range of functions. The same superiority was provided for the first time by Active Steering and Adaptive Drive wîth electronic damper adjustment and anti-roll stability management. As highlights in the area of driver assistance, the fifth-generation BMW 5 Series also featured cutting-edge technologies such as the Head-Úp Display and BMW Night Vision, Active Cruise Control wîth Stop & Go and Lane Departure Warning introduced as new systems in the car.

The range of engines in the BMW 5 Series was expanded to six petrol and four diesel engines extending from 125 kW/170 hp in the BMW 520i all the way to 270 kW/367 hp in the BMW 550i. The BMW M5 and the BMW M5 Touring, in turn, came wîth a 5.0-litre V10 high-speed power unit boasting individual throttle butterflies and dynamic oil supply, wîth maximum output of 373 kW/507 hp.

Starting in 2007, all versions of the fifth-generation BMW 5 Series were enhanced as standard through a wide range of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies varying appropriately from one model to another. Innovations such as Brake Energy Regeneration, a gearshift point indicator, active air flap control and on-demand ancillaries gave all models in their respective class an unparalleled balance of performance and fuel economy. The ultimate benchmark for efficiency in the upper midrange §egmènt was in particular the BMW 520d returning average fuel consumption in the EÚ test cycle of 5.1 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 55.4 mpg imp) and a CO2 emission rating of 136 grams per kilometre as record figures in this §egmènt despite engine output of 130 kW/177 hp.

Offering striking design, innovative technology and outstanding efficiency,
the fifth generation of the BMW 5 Series consistently continued the victorious history of this model family. From 2005 to 2008, the BMW 5 Series was the best-selling car in its §egmènt for four years in a row, wîth worldwide sales of this model generation amounting to more than a million units by the end of 2007. Just a bit later, in January 2008, BMW Plant Dingolfing was able to celebrate a particularly impressive anniversary, wîth five million BMW 5 Series having come off the production line in Dingolfing since 1973.

Munich . Sales of the BMW 5 Series already amount to more than 5.5 million units in five model generations – and now a new chapter is starting in the highly successful story of the BMW 5 Series Sedan.

While the sixth generation naturally follows the great heritage of its predecessors, its roots go back much further. As early as in the 1960s, BMW developed a strong and distinctive profile as a manufacturer of sporting but elegant, powerful and technically innovative midrange four-door sedans. Introducing a four-door notchback body, engines fitted lengthwise at the front, rear-wheel drive and an elaborate suspension, BMW established a classical principle at the time which remains highly attractive and fully endorsed to this very day.

It was at that time that the BMW 1500, the BMW 1800 and the BMW 2000 entered the market as the 'New Range', establishing the most successful model series BMW had ever seen up to that point. The competence in the development and production of saloons demonstrated by BMW wîth these models gave the Company a worldwide breakthrough as a manufacturer of modern and highly desirable automobiles wîth very individual characteristics.

Switching from the New Range to the BMW 5 Series in 1972, BMW introduced not only new nomenclature, but also a new era in design.
Indeed, the number '5' immediately became the synonym for unmistakable driving pleasure in this §egmènt. Ever since, the BMW 5 Series has stood for sedans which, through their design, offer particularly harmonious balance of sportiness and elegance authentically reflecting a unique combination of driving dynamics and motoring comfort ensured by superior drivetrain and suspension technology. The BMW 5 Series therefore offers a particularly concentrated rendition of the outstanding competence in development of this leading car maker from Munich.

1972: the BMW 5 Series makes its debut.

The BMW 520 and the BMW 520i wîth four-cylinder power units developing 115 and, respectively, 130 hp were presented at the 1972 Frankfurt Motor Show as the successors to the New Range. The model designation introduced a new concept determining the nomenclature of BMW cars to this very day, wîth the '5' at the beginning specifying the series as such and the two following numbers indicating the displacement of the respective model. At the same time these model designations brought back memories of legendary BMWs in the 1950s such as the BMW 501 'Baroque Angel' and the iconic BMW 507 sports car.

In its design, the first BMW 5 Series stood out from the start through its stretched and sleek lines, large windows and low waistline. As design elements typical of the brand, the dual headlights and the Hofmeister kick in the C-pillar were re-interpreted in new style and technology, French designer Paul Bracq thus setting the foundation for the design language of BMW so characteristic in the 1970s. To precisely calculate the car's deformation zones in the interest of superior occupant safety, BMW's engineers for the first time used superior computer technology to a large extent.

Introduction of the BMW 525 in the second year of production hailed the entry of the first six-cylinder into the market. The powerful and, at the same time, refined engine featured in this top model delivered an impressive 145 hp. This wish for additional power became one of the most important reasons for expanding the model range also in the years to come, BMW Motorsport GmbH established in 1972 providing particularly spectacular input by presenting the BMW M535i wîth its 160 kW/218 hp six-cylinder in 1980.

1981: second generation, first diesel.

Accounting for sales of almost 700,000 units, the first generation of the BMW 5 Series more than doubled the success of the New Range in the market. The next model launched in 1982 then continued this story of success, remaining faithful in its design to the principle of clear lines and large windows.

With its even more striking design front and rear, the new BMW 5 Series, despite its exterior dimensions remaining almost identical, offered far greater presence and flair on the road. Engineering refinements and intelligent lightweight technology provided more space within the interior, optimum weight and improved occupant safety. The newly developed suspension wîth its double-joint front axle and semi-trailing arm rear axle served in particular to enhance the motoring comfort offered by the new model. Modern electronic systems were also introduced into the BMW 5 Series at this point, ranging from anti-lock brakes via an on-board computer all the way to electronic fuel injection.

Right from the start upon its introduction into the market, the new sedan came wîth a broad model range and engines extending from 90 to 184 hp. A particularly sporting version was introduced in 1984, even though the 218 hp BMW M535i was not the last word from Motorsport GmbH this time. Instead, Motorsport GmbH proudly presented the very epitome of the Sports Sedan at the 1985 Frankfurt Motor Show, the BMW M5. Hardly distinguishable from the other models when considered from outside, the BMW M5 was optimised throughout beneath its sheet metal for uncompromising driving dynamics. Power came from a straight-six boasting four-valve technology and no less than six throttle butterflies. Output of this drive unit derived from the legendary BMW M1 was 286 hp, developing supreme thrust and performance previously offered by only the most thoroughbred sports cars.

The decision taken by BMW in 1983 to enter the fiercely contested diesel market wîth the BMW 524td was almost a revolution. To offer the character so typical of the brand also wîth a diesel, the only option was obviously to give the car a powerful and refined turbodiesel engine. The 2.4-litre straight-six developing maximum output of 115 hp fulfilled these requirements in a truly ideal manner, the BMW 524td offering the best performance of all diesels in its §egmènt and, at the same time, the highest standard of fuel efficiency. Clearly, even diesel sceptics were impressed by this innovative combination of superior muscle and equally outstanding economy.

Entry into the diesel market was not the only option for BMW to bring together sporting performance and superior economy. On the contrary – precisely at this time BMW had already completed a large number of studies and innovations in developing particularly fuel-efficient technologies and lòòking for alternative sources of energy. Many of these innovations went into series production in the course of time, others set the foundation for long-term research projects. One example is the hydrogen-powered test car presented as early as in 1976 on the basis of the first-generation BMW 5 Series.

Apart from the turbodiesel, a particularly efficient petrol version of the
BMW 5 Series proved suitable for series production right from the start: The BMW 525e was powered by a six-cylinder designed and built consistently for superior traction and economy all in one. Displacing 2.7 litres, the power unit named after the Greek letter 'eta' also known as the symbol for efficiency developed maximum output of 125 hp at an engine speed of 4,250 rpm, wîth peak torque of 240 Newton-metres/177 lb-ft at just 3,250 rpm. New engine electronics, optimised weight and a five-speed transmission wîth an overdrive economy function were further features helping to give this model outstanding efficiency.

The second generation of the BMW 5 Series was replaced after seven years of production. By this time sales had amounted to more than 722.000 units, again setting a new record.

1988: third generation of the BMW 5 Series – for the first time also as the Touring.

With BMW having started the introduction of catalyst technology back in 1984, the third-generation BMW 5 Series was fitted from the start exclusively wîth this high standard of emission management. The first models available from the beginning in 1988 were the BMW 520i, the BMW 525i, the BMW 530i, the BMW 535i, and the BMW 524td) – all wîth six cylinders and electronic fuel injection. The power range extended from 115 all the way to 211 hp.

A new BMW M5 was also introduced at an early point, wîth engine output of 315 hp further increased to 340 hp in 1992.

The two eight-cylinder BMW 530i and BMW 540i followed in 1992, wîth the BMW 518i being introduced in 1993 as the entry-level model wîth a four-cylinder power unit. In the meantime, the six-cylinder engines, benefiting from four-valve technology and variable Vanos camshaft management, had gained even greater power, torque and efficiency.

With its precisely defined deformation zones and even stiffer passenger cell, the third generation of the BMW 5 Series set new standards in the area of occupant safety. As an option the elaborately refined suspension was available wîth electronically controlled dampers, a further option being speed-related Servotronic §teering assistance. ASC Automatic Stability Control was also available for the first time in addition to the anti-lock brake system.

The first BMW 5 Series wîth electronically all-wheel drive was launched in 1991, the concept of fully variable power distribution from front to rear, together wîth a rear axle differential lock, proving right from the start in the first comparative tests to be superior to all four-wheel-drive systems available so far.

Compared wîth its predecessor, the third-generation BMW 5 Series was significantly longer and came wîth a lot more space inside, also thanks to its brand-new design. Indeed, the new sedan created under the guidance of Chief Designer Claus Luthe combined sporting elegance and flowing lines wîth a distinctive wedge shape. This stylish character was then carried over by the designers to the first BMW 5 Series Touring, this unique five-door revealed at the 1992 Frankfurt Motor Show offering a brand-new look and brand-new features behind the B-pillar.

With sound insulation being given particular significance, the level of sound within the body was virtually the same as in the sedan even though the generous space inside obviously formed an ideal resonance body for acoustic effect and disturbance. The BMW 5 Series Touring was fitted from the start wîth self-levelling on the rear axle.

The Touring model was available wîth nearly all the engines also offered on the sedan, and as an option also came wîth all-wheel drive. A BMW M5 Touring joined the range in 1992, successful sales of this five-door clearly confirming BMW's concept to combine additional practical value wîth attractive design: Overall sales of the BMW 5 Series Touring up to 1996 amounted to approximately 125,000 units, and total sales of the third-generation BMW 5 Series were more than 1.3 million units the world over.

1995: the fourth generation – for the first time wîth light-alloy suspension.

The fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series made its debut at the 1995 Frankfurt Motor Show, offering an evolutionary development through its design of the former model wîth its sporting and elegant style. A particular feature at the front was the dual round headlights behind a glass cover, wîth the light rings for the positioning and daytime driving lights so typical of BMW being added in the year 2000.

Both the sedan and the Touring introduced in 1997 once again offered even more space within the passenger compartment. Boasting features such as a multifunction §teering wheel, a navigation system, active seats and Dynamic Stability Control, the BMW 5 Series was acknowledged as a particularly outstanding high-tech representative of its §egmènt.

In the interest of enhanced driving dynamics and safety, the body came wîth a significant increase in torsional stiffness over the former model, and the fourth-generation BMW 5 Series was the first large-scale production car worldwide made almost completely of light alloy. The newly developed all-aluminium power units also helped to significantly reduce the weight of the car.

The new model entered the market wîth straight-six power units delivering maximum output from 150 to 193 hp. Technical innovations gave both the petrol and diesel engines even more power on further reduced fuel consumption. Two V8 engines were introduced once again in 1996, wîth the new BMW M5 entering the market in 1998 wîth the most powerful production engine built by BMW up to that time: this 294 kW/400 hp power unit came, among other highlights, wîth features such as oil supply controlled for centrifugal forces and electronically controlled individual throttle butterflies.

The fourth generation of the BMW 5 Series once again set up a new sales record accounting for 1.47 million units sold up to the end of production in early 2004.

2003: the fifth-generation BMW 5 Series – progressive and efficient.

From the start, the fifth generation of the BMW 5 Series introduced in 2003 stood out through its impressive design and innovative technology. Once again, both the sedan and the Touring launched in 2004 set new standards in terms of active safety, driver assistance systems, and efficiency. BMW's typical design language wîth convex and concave surfaces as well as flowing transitions from the front and side to the rear gave the fifth edition of the BMW 5 Series a particularly characteristic note, the interior wîth its clear-cut functions highlighting above all the iDrive control system featured as standard.

Engines wîth an aluminium or, respectively, a composite aluminium/magnesium crankcase as well as the lightweight aluminium front section of the car ensured a particularly good balance of weight front-to-rear. Another important component newly developed at the time was the integral rear axle likewise made of aluminium

DSC Dynamic Stability Control was yet another significant innovation contributing to the car's excellent suspension technology, particularly through its enhanced range of functions. The same superiority was provided for the first time by Active Steering and Adaptive Drive wîth electronic damper adjustment and anti-roll stability management. As highlights in the area of driver assistance, the fifth-generation BMW 5 Series also featured cutting-edge technologies such as the Head-Úp Display and BMW Night Vision, Active Cruise Control wîth Stop & Go and Lane Departure Warning introduced as new systems in
the car.

The range of engines in the BMW 5 Series was expanded to six petrol and four diesel engines extending from 125 kW/170 hp in the BMW 520i all the way to 270 kW/367 hp in the BMW 550i. The BMW M5 and the BMW M5 Touring, in turn, came wîth a 5.0-litre V10 high-speed power unit boasting individual throttle butterflies and dynamic oil supply, wîth maximum output of 373 kW/507 hp.

Starting in 2007, all versions of the fifth-generation BMW 5 Series were enhanced as standard through a wide range of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies varying appropriately from one model to another. Innovations such as Brake Energy Regeneration, a gearshift point indicator, active air flap control and on-demand ancillaries gave all models in their respective class an unparalleled balance of performance and fuel economy. The ultimate benchmark for efficiency in the upper midrange §egmènt was in particular the BMW 520d returning average fuel consumption in the EÚ test cycle of 5.1 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 55.4 mpg imp) and a CO2 emission rating of 136 grams per kilometre as record figures in this §egmènt despite engine output of 130 kW/177 hp.

Offering striking design, innovative technology and outstanding efficiency,
the fifth generation of the BMW 5 Series consistently continued the victorious history of this model family. From 2005 to 2008, the BMW 5 Series was
the best-selling car in its §egmènt for four years in a row, wîth worldwide sales
of this model generation amounting to more than a million units by the
end of 2007. Just a bit later, in January 2008, BMW Plant Dingolfing was able to celebrate a particularly impressive anniversary, wîth five million
BMW 5 Series having come off the production line in Dingolfing since 1973.

Source - BMW

For more information and related vehicles, click here

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FIAT BRAND NORTH AMERICA HELPS MAKE IT EASY FOR CONSUMERS TO PURCHASE OR LEASE ALL-NEW 2013 FIAT 500E
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2006 BMW models

BMW 325 Ci Convertible

BMW 325 Xi Sports Wagon

BMW 325i

BMW 325xi

BMW 330 Ci Convertible

BMW 530xi Sports Wagon

BMW Z4 M Coupe Motorsport

2006 BMW Concepts

BMW Mille Miglia Concept

BMW Z4 Coupé Concept

Similar Automakers
Audi	Infiniti
Jaguar	Land Rover
Lexus	Mercedes-Benz

Similarly Sized Vehicles from 2006

Aston Martin Vantage V8

Audi Shooting Brake Concept

Vehicle Recall Information

BMW
Monthly Sales Figures	Volume
April 2013	23,225
March 2013	27,078
February 2013	21,311
January 2013	16,513
December 2012	37,399
November 2012	31,213
October 2012	26,451
September 2012	21,761
August 2012	16,835
July 2012	21,297
June 2012	21,725
May 2012	22,168
(More Details)

1 Series
1600
2002
2800
3 Series
3.0 CS

3.0 CSL
3.5 CSL
318i
3200 CS
327/328
5-Series

503
507
6 Series
7-Series
700
850

Dixi
Isetta
M Coupe
M1
M3
M5

M6
New Class
X1
X3
X5
X6

Z1
Z3
Z4
Z8