Upgrades for BMW 5s
BMW has announced the arrival of its upgraded 2006 model year 5 Series. In addition to the debut of the 530d, there's double the fun for V8 fans to look forward to...The arrival of the first diesel-powered 5 Series Down Under, two new V8 engine and a raft of detail changes herald a substantial overhaul of BMW's large executive saloon range for 2006.
CarPoint's launch coverage of the high-tech turbodiesel 5 is published today (see Reviews), so we won't dwell on the details here. Suffice it to say, the 530d saloon has much to recommend it. Not the least a muscular, willing and frugal inline six-cylinder diesel that's unique to it.
V8 fans meantime now have double the choice when it comes to 5 Series models. Gone is the single 545i, replaced with two new V8-engined sedans. Positioned between the six-cylinder 5 Series models and the 373kW V10-engined M5, the 225kW/390Nm 540i and 270kW/490Nm 550i feature versions of the new Bi-Vanos 4.0 and 4.8-litre BMW V8's already available in the 6 and 7 Series range-toppers.
BMW claims the new engines deliver more performance (than the 545i) without fuel consumption penalties. The company's figures place the 540i's combined highway and city cycle consumption at a surprising 10.4lt/100km.
Performance stats for the 540i are 0-100km/h in 6.3sec seconds. The 550i breaks into the fives with a sprint of 5.6sec. Combined fuel consumption for the six-speed auto 550i is 10.8lt/100km.
Both V8 models are extensively equipped. Compared with the six-cylinder BMW 530i, the 540i gains twin exhausts, alarm system,lumbar support, headlight washer system, adaptive Xenon headlights, 18-inch Star spoke light alloy wheels, Professional Navigation, TV tuner and Voice Recognition, ConnectedDrive (no cost for the first year) and High-Beam Assist -- system that activates or deactivates the high beam to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. The 550i adds Head Up Display.
The 2006 model year also sees other changes across the 5 Series range. The latest generation DSC+ traction and stability control is now standard. Debuted on the E90 3 Series, DSC+ includes a number of brake related functions including brake drying, fade compensation and Comfort Stop.
In addition, BMW has Bluetooth mobile phone preparation (standard on 525i, 530i Touring, 530i and 530d) and 10-speaker Hi Fi (530i, 530d and 530i Touring) as standard equipment.
In addition, BMW has Bluetooth mobile phone preparation (standard on 525i, 530i Touring, 530i and 530d) and 10-speaker Hi Fi (530i, 530d and 530i Touring) as standard equipment.
525i with M Sport Package $97,900
530i $111,500
530i with M Sport Package $115,500
530d $113,500
530d with M Sport Package $117,500
530i Touring $117,500
530i Touring with M Sport Package $121,500
540i $133,500
540i with M Sport Package $137,000
550i $160,000
550i with M Sport Package $163,000
M5 (seven-speed SMG transmission) $226,000
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