2009 BMW 5 Series news, pictures, and information

The 5 Series' most Powerful 6-Cylinder Sedans and Sports Wagon with the 550i for the V8 enthusiast

	Vital Stats
Engine : 3.0 L., 6-cylinder Power: 230 hp Torque: 200 ft-lbs Engine : , 6-cylinder Power: 300 hp Torque: 300 ft-lbs Engine : 4.8 L., 8-cylinder Power: 360 hp Torque: 360 ft-lbs
6-speed Manual, 6-speed Automatic

Typical of BMW and as in the previous model year, technological features flourish throughout the 2009 5 Series. Among these is BMW's Lane Departure Warning system, a camera-based system that monitors lane placement and discreetly notifies the driver via mild §teering wheel vibration of any motions that might indicate an inadvertent lane change. The convenience of Active Cruise Control is extended via the Stop and Go feature, which enables the system to function even in heavy traffic. Active Cruise Control allows the vehicle to come to a complete stop without losing its setting, then accelerate back up to set speed wîth only a touch of the accelerator pedal from the driver. Audio options include a ÚSB Adapter for an iPod or MP3 player. And BMW's leading-edge iDrive system adds a row of programmable 'favorites' buttons, which can be used for anything from radio-station presets to pre-programmed destinations wîth the optional navigation system.

Five Times Around. History of the BMW 5 Series.

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.