BMW: 5-Series News
09-06-2006, 12:31 PM
#1001
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More bang with less Bangle - - By Ed Hellwig - - Source: Edmunds.com
Video Link Here
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These illustrations of the 2009 BMW 5 Series represent the clearest look yet at the future design direction of this class-leading luxury sedan. They're based on information from sources in Europe who claim this BMW will move away from the polarizing design of the current model.
Already under development with the internal codename "F10," the next-generation BMW 5 Series will soften the harder lines of the current E60 with more conventional-looking headlights and a cleaner front-end design. New European pedestrian safety standards are expected to drastically alter the design of many European cars for the worse, but BMW will not only maintain its classic twin-kidney grille design, it will reduce the length of the front overhang.
As is typical of most recent BMW redesigns, this 5 Series will add some space between the wheels by extending the wheelbase nearly 3 inches and widening the track. The overall length will grow by less than half an inch, while its height will be reduced slightly and its width increased by a fraction. A set of 17-inch wheels will be the smallest available with 18- and 19-inch wheels optional.
Under the hood, this 5 Series is expected to use variations of existing engines in BMW's lineup. Base power will likely come from a 2.5-liter straight-6 while top-range models will use the current 4.8-liter V8. A wild card could be thrown into the mix if BMW attempts to combine its latest turbo technology with a V8 of slightly smaller displacement. Also in the works is a more powerful version of the M5's 5.0-liter V10.
Already under development with the internal codename "F10," the next-generation BMW 5 Series will soften the harder lines of the current E60 with more conventional-looking headlights and a cleaner front-end design. New European pedestrian safety standards are expected to drastically alter the design of many European cars for the worse, but BMW will not only maintain its classic twin-kidney grille design, it will reduce the length of the front overhang.
As is typical of most recent BMW redesigns, this 5 Series will add some space between the wheels by extending the wheelbase nearly 3 inches and widening the track. The overall length will grow by less than half an inch, while its height will be reduced slightly and its width increased by a fraction. A set of 17-inch wheels will be the smallest available with 18- and 19-inch wheels optional.
Under the hood, this 5 Series is expected to use variations of existing engines in BMW's lineup. Base power will likely come from a 2.5-liter straight-6 while top-range models will use the current 4.8-liter V8. A wild card could be thrown into the mix if BMW attempts to combine its latest turbo technology with a V8 of slightly smaller displacement. Also in the works is a more powerful version of the M5's 5.0-liter V10.
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09-06-2006, 03:25 PM
#1003
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I think the sketch looks really good. Everything described in the next gen 5 is what I would like to see happen... it definitely needs to grow some (and three inches to the wheelbase is perfect). Cleaning up the front and making it a bit simpler is just what the doctor ordered, IMO.
09-07-2006, 02:21 PM
#1004
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According to Automobile Mag. there will be some additional engine choices with the next 5 series car and I am sure we will see them transition into the 7 series.
Although the 6 cyl. inlines engines will stay relatively the same, including the twin turbo engine (the 525i will get a bump to 238HP from the 3.0L), the news is with the V8s choices. BMW will go back and add the older number denotation 540i. That means that the current 4.8L V8 in the 550/750 will get a demotion because that will be the engine which will get assigned to the 540i (and I am guessing the 740i) denotations. Power will be about the same, 367HP. However the x50i denotation will not go away. The engine that will be assigned to that is BMW's ("secret") 4.4L twin turbo engine which the mag claims will make a little over 400HP (408 or so). Finally the M5 will get a bump in displacement to 5.5L and an extra 50HP to 550HP total.
Although the 6 cyl. inlines engines will stay relatively the same, including the twin turbo engine (the 525i will get a bump to 238HP from the 3.0L), the news is with the V8s choices. BMW will go back and add the older number denotation 540i. That means that the current 4.8L V8 in the 550/750 will get a demotion because that will be the engine which will get assigned to the 540i (and I am guessing the 740i) denotations. Power will be about the same, 367HP. However the x50i denotation will not go away. The engine that will be assigned to that is BMW's ("secret") 4.4L twin turbo engine which the mag claims will make a little over 400HP (408 or so). Finally the M5 will get a bump in displacement to 5.5L and an extra 50HP to 550HP total.
09-07-2006, 06:15 PM
#1005
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Originally Posted by gavriil
BMW will go back and add the older number denotation 540i. That means that the current 4.8L V8 in the 550/750 will get a demotion because that will be the engine which will get assigned to the 540i (and I am guessing the 740i) denotations. Power will be about the same, 367HP.
i dont get why they would change 550 > 540 when the engine hasnt changed. im sure the avg consumer is already confused why they name it 550 when it has a 4.8 or why a 325 has a 3.0
09-07-2006, 06:26 PM
#1006
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Originally Posted by Infamous425
i dont get why they would change 550 > 540 when the engine hasnt changed. im sure the avg consumer is already confused why they name it 550 when it has a 4.8 or why a 325 has a 3.0
09-07-2006, 10:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Infamous425
i dont get why they would change 550 > 540 when the engine hasnt changed. im sure the avg consumer is already confused why they name it 550 when it has a 4.8 or why a 325 has a 3.0
09-08-2006, 09:25 AM
#1008
Race Director
So they change the number on the 325 to 328 but the same engine change in the 5 series doesn't earn a change to 528?
Like BMW backed off the proposed 4 series numbering scheme for the 3 series coupe, I think this demotion (550->540) will be rethought.
Like BMW backed off the proposed 4 series numbering scheme for the 3 series coupe, I think this demotion (550->540) will be rethought.
Last edited by biker; 09-08-2006 at 09:28 AM.
09-08-2006, 10:26 AM
#1009
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Originally Posted by biker
I think this demotion (550->540) will be rethought.
im thinking the avg consumer wouldnt be happy to know that their next-gen 540 cost more than the last gen 550. yeah it might have the same power numbers but its a bmw, the badge on the trunk matters a lot
09-08-2006, 01:54 PM
#1010
Originally Posted by MSZ
MB's model numbers are equally confusing.
09-08-2006, 02:49 PM
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Originally Posted by Infamous425
i dont get why they would change 550 > 540 when the engine hasnt changed. im sure the avg consumer is already confused why they name it 550 when it has a 4.8 or why a 325 has a 3.0
09-08-2006, 02:51 PM
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I may be the only one that thinks that there is nothing wrong with the above rumored changes. I mean, it's all about how much power is available from engines available today. Hence the denotations. Forget about displacement, it used to be that way years ago with BMW, but not during the past 10 years or so.
If the 4.8L used in the 550 today were to keep the 550 denotation, what would you guys call the 4.4L Twin Turbo coming in the lineup? And that's just one example.
If the 4.8L used in the 550 today were to keep the 550 denotation, what would you guys call the 4.4L Twin Turbo coming in the lineup? And that's just one example.
09-08-2006, 05:08 PM
#1013
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Originally Posted by gavriil
I may be the only one that thinks that there is nothing wrong with the above rumored changes. I mean, it's all about how much power is available from engines available today. Hence the denotations. Forget about displacement, it used to be that way years ago with BMW, but not during the past 10 years or so.
If the 4.8L used in the 550 today were to keep the 550 denotation, what would you guys call the 4.4L Twin Turbo coming in the lineup? And that's just one example.
If the 4.8L used in the 550 today were to keep the 550 denotation, what would you guys call the 4.4L Twin Turbo coming in the lineup? And that's just one example.
i would leave the 4.8 as a 550 and not demote it. the 4.4 TT should be 540iS
09-09-2006, 02:05 PM
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Originally Posted by Infamous425
i would leave the 4.8 as a 550 and not demote it. the 4.4 TT should be 540iS
10-09-2006, 12:27 PM
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BMW unveils long-wheelbase 5-series in China (523Li, 525Li, 530Li)
http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/10/...i-525li-530li/
BMW today unveiled the long-wheelbase version of its 5-Series sedan, designed for the Chinese market. The new BMW 530 Li, BMW 525 Li, and BMW 523 Li could theoretically be offered in other markets, but so far China is the only country where the cars will be sold.
The new models are powered by straight-six power units ranging in output from 177 hp to 258 hp. The car's overall length has been extended by 5.5-inches. All the length gains are between the B- and C-pillars, meaning rear seat room is considerably greater than on the standard model.
The 525Li and BMW 530Li come standard with a newly developed rear console complete with an integrated entertainment system with a DVD-player, eight-inch screens fitted in a console on the back of the front seats, as well as a cooling box. Images after the jump…
The new models are powered by straight-six power units ranging in output from 177 hp to 258 hp. The car's overall length has been extended by 5.5-inches. All the length gains are between the B- and C-pillars, meaning rear seat room is considerably greater than on the standard model.
The 525Li and BMW 530Li come standard with a newly developed rear console complete with an integrated entertainment system with a DVD-player, eight-inch screens fitted in a console on the back of the front seats, as well as a cooling box. Images after the jump…
10-09-2006, 04:28 PM
#1020
Pro
It's a pain in the ass to drive in some of the cities there. BMW is slower than an bicycle in rush hour in Beijing. Might as well catch up on the pirated DVDs.
10-09-2006, 08:47 PM
#1021
I like it.
11-07-2006, 10:24 AM
#1022
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Details for 2007 model...
BMW today disclosed official details on the 2007 M5, which gains a number of new features for the 2007 model year. The car will be offered with an optional six-speed manual transmission, a tire pressure monitor to alert the driver to loss of tire pressure, and a Real Time Traffic Information system. A new base price of $83,195 includes destination and handling charge.
The 6-speed manual transmission will be available as a no-extra-charge option. As in the previous M5, it is controlled by a stylish shift knob with illuminated 6-speed pattern and M logo. A dual-mass, hydraulically damped flywheel between engine and clutch is specially tuned to the 10-cylinder engine’s power pulses. The primary clutch plate is made of forged steel for high strength. The clutch is self-adjusting, maintaining consistent pedal forces over the life of the clutch; this helped the engineers achieve the necessary high torque capacity with reasonable pedal effort.
The 6-speed manual transmission will be available as a no-extra-charge option. As in the previous M5, it is controlled by a stylish shift knob with illuminated 6-speed pattern and M logo. A dual-mass, hydraulically damped flywheel between engine and clutch is specially tuned to the 10-cylinder engine’s power pulses. The primary clutch plate is made of forged steel for high strength. The clutch is self-adjusting, maintaining consistent pedal forces over the life of the clutch; this helped the engineers achieve the necessary high torque capacity with reasonable pedal effort.
11-07-2006, 10:55 AM
#1023
Photography Nerd
for a true manual tranny! Also, BMW should be applauded for their no-nonsense pricing. I think it should be illegal for car manufacturers to split freight and PDI from their MSRP's.
Honda charges the same Freight & PDI for both the Fit and the Civic, but the Fit is made in Japan, and the Civic is made 45 minutes down the road from me. What's up with that? It can't possibly cost the same to ship a vehicle 12,000km vs 60km on the highway.
good news for the enthusiasts...
11-07-2006, 12:54 PM
#1025
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6MT FTW!!!!!!!
11-07-2006, 08:05 PM
#1027
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Am I the only one who likes that specific interior????? I normally dont care for the 5 interior, but that color combo and the syle of wood grain are 
Oh and that red color is SEXY
Oh and that red color is SEXY
11-07-2006, 08:06 PM
#1028
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^^^ I like it too, dawg. Not what I would get (lol) but I do like it.
11-07-2006, 08:32 PM
#1030
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Originally Posted by Crazy88
Am I the only one who likes that specific interior????? I normally dont care for the 5 interior, but that color combo and the syle of wood grain are
Oh and that red color is SEXY
Oh and that red color is SEXY
11-07-2006, 11:50 PM
#1032
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by Crazy88
So I'm just curious.
For all that don't like the exterior and (or) the interior, would you take an E63 over this?
For all that don't like the exterior and (or) the interior, would you take an E63 over this?
V10 6MT w/ 8250 rpm redline > ANYTHING MADE BY MB*!!!!!!!!!
I know you weren't talking to me but I had to answer anyway LOL!!!!
*except the SLR
Last edited by srika; 11-07-2006 at 11:52 PM.
11-08-2006, 12:36 AM
#1033
MB really needs to start offering MT with the AMG models, and even the non-AMG ones.
11-08-2006, 12:38 AM
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Originally Posted by I Go To Costco
MB really needs to start offering MT with the AMG models, and even the non-AMG ones.
I also think MB needs to step up the quality and reliability.
11-08-2006, 12:48 AM
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Originally Posted by I Go To Costco
MB really needs to start offering MT with the AMG models, and even the non-AMG ones.
i've heard that C350 with manual trans is a beast~
11-08-2006, 01:55 AM
#1036
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The last true enthusiast's MB was the 1987 190E 2.3-16. 5MT with the Cosworth engine. FTW. That was a real SPORTS CAR. I am talking about straight-from-the-factory.
11-08-2006, 02:34 PM
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Originally Posted by srika
The last true enthusiast's MB was the 1987 190E 2.3-16. 5MT with the Cosworth engine. FTW. That was a real SPORTS CAR. I am talking about straight-from-the-factory.
Created in close cooperation with Porsche. Each 500E was hand-built by Porsche, being transported back and forth between the Mercedes plant and Porsche's Rossle-Bau plant in Zuffenhausen during assembly---taking a full 18 days to complete each model
11-08-2006, 02:38 PM
#1038
Burn some dust here
Originally Posted by Crazy88
I also think MB needs to step up the quality and reliability.
Last edited by cob3683; 11-08-2006 at 02:40 PM.
11-08-2006, 02:40 PM
#1040
Burn some dust here
Originally Posted by Crazy88
So I'm just curious.
For all that don't like the exterior and (or) the interior, would you take an E63 over this?
For all that don't like the exterior and (or) the interior, would you take an E63 over this?
If I had just one car as a daily driver, I would probably go with the E63. If I had more than one car, I would go with the M5.
That said, I would take a CLS63 or XJR before both all day long.