BMW: 5-Series News
07-13-2005, 09:36 AM
#881
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If you think about it, the 550i now appraches the performance of the previous generation M5. Just as I expect the 335i to do so with the current M3.
07-13-2005, 06:51 PM
#882
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540i (306HP / 390Nm)
Didnt know they still had a 540i...europe my guess?
So the 530 is only made for the U.S? Interesting...
Didnt know they still had a 540i...europe my guess?
So the 530 is only made for the U.S? Interesting...
Last edited by Crazy Bimmer; 07-13-2005 at 06:53 PM.
07-13-2005, 07:42 PM
#883
Suzuka Master
Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
540i (306HP / 390Nm)
Didnt know they still had a 540i...europe my guess?
So the 530 is only made for the U.S? Interesting...
Didnt know they still had a 540i...europe my guess?
So the 530 is only made for the U.S? Interesting...
My dad actually rented one in Germany (a 530 but a turbo diesel) and he said it pulled like a freight train, and got incredable gas mileage. Why can't we get that in the U.S.?
07-13-2005, 07:57 PM
#885
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Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
So the 530 is only made for the U.S? Interesting...
07-13-2005, 08:50 PM
#886
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Originally Posted by Crazy Sellout
540i (306HP / 390Nm)
Didnt know they still had a 540i...europe my guess?
So the 530 is only made for the U.S? Interesting...
Didnt know they still had a 540i...europe my guess?
So the 530 is only made for the U.S? Interesting...
The 530 is offered in Europe as a gas engine and also as a diesel (530d). The 530d now makes 218HP and 500Nm of torque. 0-62 mph in 7.1 secs.
07-14-2005, 08:49 AM
#887
Race Director
Originally Posted by gavriil
The 530 is offered in Europe as a gas engine and also as a diesel (530d). The 530d now makes 218HP and 500Nm of torque. 0-62 mph in 7.1 secs.
09-03-2005, 02:45 AM
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BMW to Offer Bulletproof 5 Series
Date Posted 09-02-2005
MUNICH, Germany — BMW will introduce a surprising new trim line for the 5 Series sedan at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Dubbed the Security, it is an armored conversion for the executive sedan.
It will be offered for the eight-cylinder 550i and the six-cylinder 530i models.
BMW has catered to the upper segment with vehicles such as the X5 and the 7 Series sedan. But increasing pressure from customers and the rising number of kidnappings and carjackings prompted this — practical? — step.
According to the German automaker, the converted 5 Series sedan is in the "B4 category." That means it can withstand a 0.44-caliber Magnum and other handguns. Special steel and other materials, including aramid fibers — as in bulletproof vests — were used to strengthen the exterior and underneath. Side windows are now nearly an inch thick.
What this means to you: Could the upper-scale armored vehicle make its way to the States?
MUNICH, Germany — BMW will introduce a surprising new trim line for the 5 Series sedan at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Dubbed the Security, it is an armored conversion for the executive sedan.
It will be offered for the eight-cylinder 550i and the six-cylinder 530i models.
BMW has catered to the upper segment with vehicles such as the X5 and the 7 Series sedan. But increasing pressure from customers and the rising number of kidnappings and carjackings prompted this — practical? — step.
According to the German automaker, the converted 5 Series sedan is in the "B4 category." That means it can withstand a 0.44-caliber Magnum and other handguns. Special steel and other materials, including aramid fibers — as in bulletproof vests — were used to strengthen the exterior and underneath. Side windows are now nearly an inch thick.
What this means to you: Could the upper-scale armored vehicle make its way to the States?
09-03-2005, 06:37 AM
#889
Race Director
Anyone with enough money can order these custom order models. The nice thing about these cars is that they are modified right on the assembly line - it's not an add on like all the other armored vehicles. And but for the fact that you can't lower the windows there's very little difference between the armored model and the regular one (besides a lot of weight).
Biker, who wonders how much less than the $150K+ asking price of the armored 750i will a 550i be.
Biker, who wonders how much less than the $150K+ asking price of the armored 750i will a 550i be.
09-03-2005, 03:25 PM
#891
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They used to offered the last gen 5, and i think the gen before that in bulletproof....took them long enough to get this model out there too.
09-03-2005, 07:36 PM
#893
Race Director
Originally Posted by Minch00
I've always wanted a bulletproof last generation 750Li, all black with tinted windows and steel wheels. Maybe I'm dumb 
09-05-2005, 02:59 PM
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Originally Posted by mclarenf3387
The 530 is on that list, check again.
My dad actually rented one in Germany (a 530 but a turbo diesel) and he said it pulled like a freight train, and got incredable gas mileage. Why can't we get that in the U.S.?
My dad actually rented one in Germany (a 530 but a turbo diesel) and he said it pulled like a freight train, and got incredable gas mileage. Why can't we get that in the U.S.?
Because our regulations for emissions are to tough for them to meet.
09-05-2005, 03:29 PM
#897
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Originally Posted by 2003TLSNKC
Because our regulations for emissions are to tough for them to meet.
09-05-2005, 07:24 PM
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Originally Posted by biker
Look for one at a dealer near you in about a year. With a little technical tweaking and low sulphur diesel (6/1/06) having a 530d available in the US as an 07 is certainly feasible.
09-06-2005, 07:13 PM
#899
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Originally Posted by 2003TLSNKC
I have known they are bringing one over here, now that they realize there would be a market for them and the ability to meet the regulations. My response was to why they havent been availble here before. Well they did sell the 524 td, but it was only available in auto and for like 2 years back in the '80's.
That's why the Toureg diesel got banned for 05 in the US - it couldn't meet emissions with the available diesel. I assume the Liberty, E320, Jetta and Passat diesels get by in about 45 states cause they are "close enough" to the current emission standards. After MY07 all the cars will have to meet the tougher CA standard, which can't be met without the low sulphur diesel.
10-13-2005, 02:26 PM
#900
woooo!!
BMW M5 based AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport
hope this is not old news:
http://www.germancarfans.com/tuners.cfm/tunerid/7051010.001
it looks fantastic...
http://www.germancarfans.com/tuners.cfm/tunerid/7051010.001
it looks fantastic...
10-28-2005, 12:50 AM
#901
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Minor front end collisions can cost big bucks on BMW 5 and 6 Series - - AUTOMOTIVE NEWS - - Source: Autoweek
Note to owners of BMW 5- and 6 Series cars: Drive with care.
Even slight damage to the front of the car can be expensive. In some cases, insurers are declaring a lightly wrecked car a total loss.
Why? Because the front end of the car -- built with high-tech aluminum, rivets and glue -- can be hard to repair, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The front-end structure, which includes an aluminum firewall and body rails, weighs only 100 pounds. The minimal weight helps BMW achieve an ideal 50/50 fore-aft weight balance for better road handling.
Because tolerances are so tight, if the front structure is bent by more than 1 millimeter in a crash, it must be replaced, not bent back to place, BMW says. The automaker recommends that repairmen be specially trained and use only BMW-certified tools and supplies, such as rivets.
Experts say it can cost an independent repair shop as much as $100,000 for the training and special tools
Even slight damage to the front of the car can be expensive. In some cases, insurers are declaring a lightly wrecked car a total loss.
Why? Because the front end of the car -- built with high-tech aluminum, rivets and glue -- can be hard to repair, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The front-end structure, which includes an aluminum firewall and body rails, weighs only 100 pounds. The minimal weight helps BMW achieve an ideal 50/50 fore-aft weight balance for better road handling.
Because tolerances are so tight, if the front structure is bent by more than 1 millimeter in a crash, it must be replaced, not bent back to place, BMW says. The automaker recommends that repairmen be specially trained and use only BMW-certified tools and supplies, such as rivets.
Experts say it can cost an independent repair shop as much as $100,000 for the training and special tools
10-28-2005, 01:23 AM
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haha that sucks for bmw owners didnt like the new ones anyways.
10-28-2005, 09:02 AM
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Originally Posted by CCColtsicehockey
haha that sucks for bmw owners didnt like the new ones anyways.
The 5series is just about the best performing sedan in its class, especially with the Sport package.
That comes at a price. Don't want to pay it? Move along.
10-28-2005, 10:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Beltfed
Sucks for them why? No offense, the best performing cars in the world are more or less expensive to fix.
The 5series is just about the best performing sedan in its class, especially with the Sport package.
That comes at a price. Don't want to pay it? Move along.
The 5series is just about the best performing sedan in its class, especially with the Sport package.
That comes at a price. Don't want to pay it? Move along.
10-29-2005, 08:34 AM
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Originally Posted by 03TL-S
The M45 outperforms a 5 series and it doesnt compromise things like this. Insurance premiums are for sure going to go up for 5 series owners
Now that the 550i it out, that's a different story.
10-29-2005, 09:51 AM
#907
Fahrvergnügen'd
Originally Posted by Beltfed
Sucks for them why? No offense, the best performing cars in the world are more or less expensive to fix.
The 5series is just about the best performing sedan in its class, especially with the Sport package.
That comes at a price. Don't want to pay it? Move along.
The 5series is just about the best performing sedan in its class, especially with the Sport package.
That comes at a price. Don't want to pay it? Move along.
The 5-series is not a Bugatti that's hand-built. It's a mass-produced car. And the differences in performance between a 5-series and whatever is the 2nd best in that class is not enough to justify, IMO of course, the rationale you just used.
Bottom line is the 5-series was completely over-engineered and now the owners are going to end up taking it in the ass.
10-29-2005, 11:29 AM
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Originally Posted by charliemike
That makes no sense, man.
The 5-series is not a Bugatti that's hand-built. It's a mass-produced car. And the differences in performance between a 5-series and whatever is the 2nd best in that class is not enough to justify, IMO of course, the rationale you just used.
Bottom line is the 5-series was completely over-engineered and now the owners are going to end up taking it in the ass.
The 5-series is not a Bugatti that's hand-built. It's a mass-produced car. And the differences in performance between a 5-series and whatever is the 2nd best in that class is not enough to justify, IMO of course, the rationale you just used.
Bottom line is the 5-series was completely over-engineered and now the owners are going to end up taking it in the ass.
I've driven the M45 a few times, its a nice car. Still preferred the 545i over it. With that though, my oldman just picked up a 550i Sport and that car just kicks ass.
I'll be sure to let you know if the insurance policy goes up.
10-29-2005, 11:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Shawn S
I bet there’s gonna be a MAJOR adjustment in current owners insurance rates once these repair prices start showing up from accidents.
10-29-2005, 01:00 PM
#910
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Originally Posted by Beltfed
Depending on what magazine who read, that's debatable..........the M45 has one solid advantage over the 545i (it's cheaper). The performance gap is close between the 2, so its a moot point.
10-29-2005, 02:05 PM
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Originally Posted by TypeSAddict
Make that two. The interior on the BMW, while maybe not as nice as a GS, is quite a bit nicer than the M45 IMO.
The M45 interior is a nice effort on Infiniti's part, but still lacks BMW quality (especially the plastics). Which I would expect, its a cheaper car.
10-29-2005, 02:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Beltfed
I agree, the BMW you really have to sit in to appreciate it........especially with the optional comfort seats. Just about the nicest seats I have ever sat in. My friends are absolutely blown away by them as well.
The M45 interior is a nice effort on Infiniti's part, but still lacks BMW quality (especially the plastics). Which I would expect, its a cheaper car.
The M45 interior is a nice effort on Infiniti's part, but still lacks BMW quality (especially the plastics). Which I would expect, its a cheaper car.
10-29-2005, 02:25 PM
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Just to add. The LS430 has been consumer reports "best luxury sedan" for many years. No car manufacturer has been able to take lexus's spot. Guess what, the M35 took lexus's place as top luxury sedan. Im sure that means something about quality since the LS430 is known to be one of the most luxurious, high quality material sedans out there.
Anyway, back to topic. Ill have to ask my aunt if her insurance premiums do indeed go up
Anyway, back to topic. Ill have to ask my aunt if her insurance premiums do indeed go up
10-29-2005, 07:25 PM
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Originally Posted by TypeSAddict
Make that two. The interior on the BMW, while maybe not as nice as a GS, is quite a bit nicer than the M45 IMO.
10-29-2005, 07:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Beltfed
The M45 interior is a nice effort on Infiniti's part, but still lacks BMW quality (especially the plastics). Which I would expect, its a cheaper car.
10-29-2005, 10:58 PM
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Originally Posted by titan
Are you saying that because it costs less? Is that why it's a "cheaper car?" Maybe I'm really missing something, because the M has good quality plastics in the M. The issues of Nissan/Infiniti's quality of materials were addressed with the M, IMHO.
10-29-2005, 11:01 PM
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Originally Posted by 03TL-S
Its really odd to me when people talk about bmw quality being better than japanese cars. My relatives have bimmers and mb's as well as lexus, infiniti, acura. My dad drives an S500. The thing ive noticed about german cars is that they are not well built. For example, on my uncles X5, i swear that thing feels so cheap. The door handles feel hollow, the plastics look cheap. Even in my dads s500. Yes, leather is nice, but the car just doesnt feel solid. Something ive noticed on japanese cars is that they feel solid and dont feel flimsy. My aunt has a 545i. Its nice, but ive ridden in a M45 and it felt so much more luxurious.
The X5 is a built in the U.S. dated piece of shit.
I've driven the M45 twice and looked it over in great detail, its nice......but the plastics used are not as good as BMW.
Its a very nice Nissan.
10-30-2005, 12:54 AM
#918
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Originally Posted by Beltfed
Not sure why you found that hard to understand.
The difference between a 545i and an M45 may be noticeable, but is it so remarkable that BMW had no choice but to use a manufacturing process that virtually guaranteed a catastrophic loss if there were any kind of medium damage to the front end?
That's a major mistake during the decision-making process in my opinion.
Again, this is not a case where it's a $1M hand-built supercar. This is a mass-produced sedan. Completely baffling decision process at BMW.
10-31-2005, 06:20 AM
#919
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Originally Posted by titan
Having sat in all three, I stronger disagree. But I think some of the decision is prejudged. The M's interior is top knotch, period. Same as in the GS and 5.
I was really unimpressed with the BMW interior. Nice plastic and stuff but overall package is dreary and doesn't feel expensive at all.
10-31-2005, 08:31 AM
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Originally Posted by 95gt
I was really unimpressed with the BMW interior. Nice plastic and stuff but overall package is dreary and doesn't feel expensive at all.
Don't confuse a simplistic layout with quality, which the 5series clearly has.
In the end, buy what you like.