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BMW 5 Series

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In some European jusridictions the BMW 5 Series is also used as a police interceptor as seen above.
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In some European jusridictions the BMW 5 Series is also used as a police interceptor as seen above.

E12 520
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E12 520

The BMW 5 Series is a series of midsize luxury automobiles manufactured by BMW in Germany. They have been available as sedans and station wagons.

Contents

History

The 5 Series got its name by being the fifth of the "new series" cars after the V-8 and Isetta era. The preceding models were the 700, the "New Class" 1500/1600/1800/1602/2002/1502, the "New Six" 2500/2800/Bavaria and the CS. The 5 Series was intended to replace the smaller New Class sedans, leaving the coupes as the company's low-end model.

The body was styled by Marcello Gandini, who also did the Fiat 132 and Alfa Romeo Alfetta, two other cars that have a very similar design.

There have been five generations of the 5 Series to date. To differentiate between them, they are referred to by their unique chassis numbers (EXX).

The 5 Series began the BMW tradition of being named with a three-digit number. The first digit (5 in this case) represents the model, and the following two digits (usually) represent the size of the engine in decilitres, which is the main distinguishing difference. Additional letters or words may be added to the end of the three-digit number to define the fuel type (petrol or diesel), engine or transmission details, and the body style. The 'i' originally stood for (fuel) 'injection'.

E12 (1972-1981)

See also BMW E12 for more information
The BMW E12 was the first 5 Series BMW made. The following models were produced in this series:

E28 (1982-1988)

See also BMW E28 for more information
The BMW E28 was the second BMW 5 Series and stylistically, was an evolution of the E12.

The following models were sold in Europe:

High performance 5 Series - 24-valve DOHC, I6, 6 throttle bodies, Bosch Motronic integrated fuel injection. At its launch in 1984, the European specification E28 M5 was the fastest production sedan in the world.
The following models were sold in America:
Designed for fuel efficiency
  • 533i - 3.2 L M30B33'' I6, 182 hp (135 kW)
    • High revving power
  • 535i - 3.4 L M30B34 I6, 182 hp (135 kW)
    • A 533i bored to produce more torque and equal power
  • 535is - 3.4 L M30B34 I6, 182 hp (135 kW)
    • A 535i with a sport suspension interior modifications
  • M5 - 3.4 L S38B35 I6, 256 hp (190 kW)
    • High performance 5 Series - 24 valve DOHC, Straight-6, 6 throttle bodies, Bosch Motronic integrated fuel injection.

    E34 (1989-1996)

    E34
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    E34

    See also BMW E34 for more information
    The fourth generation 5 Series earned awards for safety and reliability and was considered one of the most elegant shapes of its time.

    Models:

    :Higher compression than 520i non ECE)
  • * 1990–1995 520i - 2.0 L M50B20 I6
  • * 1988–1991 525i - 2.5 L M20B25 I6
  • * 1990–1995 525i - 2.5 L M50B25 I6
  • * 1994–1995 530i - 3.0 L M60B30 V8
  • * 1988–1992 535i - 3.5 L M30B35 I6
  • * 1993–1995 540i - 4.0 L M60B40 V8
  • US
  • * 1989–1991 525i - 2.5 L M20B25 I6
  • * 1989–1993 535i - 3.5 L M30B35 I6
  • * 1991–1993 M5 - 3.6 L S38B36 I6, 310 hp (231 kW)
  • * 1992–1995 525i - 2.5 L M50B25 I6
  • * 1993–1995 530i - 3.0 L M60B30 V8
  • * 1993–1995 540i - 4.0 L M60B40 V8

    • E39 (1996-2003)

    See also BMW E39 for more information
    E39 530i with US specification Sport Package. EU and 2003 US specification Sport package had M-tech bodykit
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    E39 530i with US specification Sport Package. EU and 2003 US specification Sport package had M-tech bodykit

    The BMW E39 was one of BMW's most successful cars, with several different models. These included:

    This car has been widely praised in all aspects; many say it is the best BMW in the world. Consumer Reports gave the 2001 530i its highest car rating ever. The diesel engines available in the European models provide great torque and smoothness with better economy. The M5 has been called "the ultimate in discreet speed" with 369 lb·ft (500 N·m) of torque and a 0–60 mph time of 5.2 s. The only downside was its smallish cabin and tiny trunk space of 11.1 ft³ (314 L) - for a car of the 5 Series' size not to be able to fit a set of golf clubs was regarded as inexcusable.

    The very first E39 BMW 5 Series rolled off the assembly line on June 18, 1996.

    E60/E61 (2004-present)

    See also BMW E60 for more information
    E60 sedan
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    E60 sedan

    The BMW E60 is the current BMW 5 Series. Its design and many of its advanced features initially received mixed reviews. The E60 represents a huge leap in technological advance over previous models. It is now regarded as one of BMWs finest and most innovative models.

    Active Seat continuous passive motion available on the 7-Series is introduced as an option on the 5 Series for driver and front passenger seats.

    It is available in both sedan and wagon versions and has the following models: [link]

    All wheel drive is now an option on the 5 Series for the first time since the E34 in 1996. The xDrive system is shared with the X3 and X5. Models, following the company's naming scheme, will be the 525xi and 530xi.

    Awards

    The E39 5 Series was on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list for six years straight, from its introduction in 1997 through 2002. It was also Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1997 and What Car? Executive Car of the Year 1997 through 2002. The E60 was named "Best New Luxury / Prestige Car" in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards. Active Seat continuous passive motion seating comfort technology recognized as one of the Best Inventions of 1998 by Popular Science magazine.

     

    From Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Original article here. Support Wikipedia by contributing or donating.
    All text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License See Wikipedia Copyrights for details.

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