BMW 5-Series Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
| BMW 5-Series | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | BMW |
| Production: | September 1972 – present |
| Class: | sedan |
| Body Styles: | 4-door 5-door Touring |
| Engines: | E34 2.5 L I6 E34 3.0 L V8(M60B30) E34 3.5 L I6 (M30) E34 4.0 L V8(M60B40) |
| Length: | E34 4841 mm |
| Width: | E34 1846 mm |
| Height: | E34 1469 mm |
| Curb weight: | E34 535i 3,570 lb (1,620 kg) |
| Predecessor: | 1500-2000 series |
| Successor: | none |
| Similar models: | Mercedes-Benz E-Class Audi A6 Jaguar S-Type |
| This article is part of the automobile series. | |
The BMW 5-Series is a series of medium size automobiles manufactured by BMW in Germany. They have been available as four-door sedanss (UK: saloon) or station wagons (UK: estate).
| Table of contents |
|
1.1 E12 (1972-1981)
2 External links1.2 E28 (1982-1988) 1.3 E34 (1989-1996) 1.4 E39 (1997-2003) 1.5 E60 (2004-present) |
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).
It 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 2 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 3 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'.
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, 1500/1600/1800/1602/2002, 2500/2800/Bavaria and the CS.E12 (1972-1981)
The BMW E12 was the first 5-Series BMW made. The following models were produced in this series:
E28 (1982-1988)
The BMW E28 was the second BMW 5-Series and stylistically, was an evolution of the E12.
The following models were sold in Europe:
- 518/518i
- 520i
- 524d
- 524td
- 525i
- 528e
- 528i
- 535i/M535i
- M5 - High performance 5-Series - 24 valve DOHC, Straight-6, 6 throttle bodies, Bosch Motronic integrated fuel injection - European Spec: 286 DIN HP (210kW). At its launch in 1984 the European specification E28 M5 was the fastest production saloon car in the world.
- 524td - Turbo Diesel, 114 hp (85 kW)
- 528e - High torque 2.7 L Straight-6 designed for good fuel efficiency - 121 hp (90 kW)
- 533i - High power 3.2 L Straight-6, high revving - 182 hp (135 kW)
- 535i - 3.4 L Straight-6, a 533i bored to produce more torque and equal power - 182 hp (135 kW)
- 535is - 535i Straight-6 with a sport suspension interior modifications - 182 hp (135 kW)
- M5 - High performance 5-Series - 24 valve DOHC, Straight-6, 6 throttle bodies, Bosch Motronic integrated fuel injection - US Spec: 256 hp (190 kW).
E34 (1989-1996)
For full information on this generation, see BMW E34The fourth generation 5-Series earned awards for safety and reliability and was considered one of the most elegant shapes of its time.
The following E34s were sold in America:
- 525i
- 525i Touring
- 535i
- 530i
- 530i Touring
- 540i
- M5
E39 (1997-2003)
The BMW E39 was one of BMW's most successful cars, with several different models. These included:
- 520i 2.2 litre 170bhp straight-6
- 525i 2.5 litre 192bhp straight-6
- 530i 3.0 litre 231bhp straight-6
- 530d 3.0 litre diesel straight-6 184bhp (until 2000)/193bhp (from 2000)
- 540d 4.0 litre diesel V8
- 535i 3.5 litre 245bhp V8
- 540i 4.4 litre 286bhp V8
- M5 4.9 litre 400bhp V8
Note: The 540d was only sold in mainland Europe.
The very first 1997 BMW 5-Series rolled off the assembly line on June 18, 1996.
E60 (2004-present)
The BMW E60 is the current BMW 5-Series. Its design and many of its advanced features have created controversy amongst BMW aficionados.
It is available in the following variants:
- 520i - 2.0 litre straight-6 petrol
- 525i - 2.5 litre straight-6 petrol
- 530i - 3.0 litre straight-6 petrol
- 530d - 3.0 litre straight-6 214 bhp diesel
- 535d - 3.0 litre straight-6 272 bhp diesel (shown at the 2004 Mondial de l'Automobile)
- 545i - 4.4 litre V8 petrol