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BMW has announced details of the revised 5 Series Saloon and Touring range . From its launch in 2003, the E60 5 Series delivered year-on-year sales records and received numerous accolades. The new 5 Series is set to build on that success with more performance, efficiency, practicality and owner appeal. Offering new engine technology to increase performance yet improve economy by up to 25 per cent, and class-leading comfort-focused equipment such as Lane Departure Warning System, the new 5 Series is set to remain the benchmark Executive car. A mid-life ‘refresh’ programme with new engines and technologiesThe new BMW 5 Series range features a host of innovative technologies that make the world’s best Executive car even better. Engine innovations such as High Precision Direct Injection and twin-turbocharging improve performance and economy alongside class-leading comfort technologies such as Lane Departure Warning System and Head-up Display.  Starting production in March 2007, the new BMW 5 Series range strives for the holy grail of more power, better economy and lower emissions. Delivering power and torque increases by up to 20hp and 20Nm as well as improvements in fuel economy by up to 25 per cent, it appears to have succeeded. All nine power units in the 5 Series Saloon and Touring ranges are either entirely new to the car, or have been significantly revised over the previous model. The dramatic increases in performance and economy come courtesy of a number of new technologies that combine to provide significant and noticeable driver benefits. High Precision Fuel Injection is offered for the first time on all six-cylinder petrol-powered 5 Series models. Piezo crystal injectors that deliver a precise amount of fuel mixture, exactly when required, offer a significant increase in performance and economy. This is complemented by a BMW first – Brake Energy Regeneration. Efficient Dynamics Brake Energy Regeneration appears for the first time on any BMW and forms a key component of BMW’s Efficient Dynamics programme. Efficient Dynamics focuses on three specific areas – weight, dynamics and consumption – with the intent of developing more power from less fuel in a lower-weight vehicle. Brake Energy Regeneration takes advantage of energy currently lost through the engine over-run during braking. It uses Intelligent Alternator Control and a high-capacity Absorbent Glass Mat battery. When engine over-run is recognised, the Intelligent Alternator engages and powers up the battery to 100 per cent with what would have been lost energy. It also reduces drag on the engine by only engaging and charging when required. Brake Energy Regeneration will combine with other technologies and other products during 2007 to provide even greater efficiency benefits. In isolation, it provides an average three per cent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.  Note: the entire range of 5 Series Saloon and Touring models, with performance and economy data, can be found at the end of the release. All 5 Series Saloon and Touring models come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox (automatic standard on 535d variants). A high proportion of customers are expected to specify BMW’s new six-speed automatic gearbox, with its new, more ergonomic, gear selector. Using upgraded hydraulics, an innovative torque converter and powerful software, the new automatic ‘box responds to the slightest movement of the throttle pedal with reaction times increased by 40 per cent, and shift times halved. Buyers of 550i, 540i, 530i, 535d and 530d models can opt for BMW’s all-new Automatic Sports Transmission. One press of the Sport button behind the gear lever allows shifts to be made using steering wheel mounted paddles to deliver even faster, more dynamic, changes. Alongside pioneering options such as Head-up Display and Night Vision, BMW 5 Series Saloon and Touring owners can now specify BMW’s latest comfort innovation – Lane Departure Warning System. A camera mounted next to the interior mirror monitors the white lines on the road ahead and, if the car crosses the line without obvious intent or without the indicator being used, the driver is notified by a vibration through the steering wheel (standard on 550i and 535d models - £350 on other models). Customers can also now specify Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go. Previously Active Cruise Control would maintain a constant speed while monitoring the traffic ahead, and reacted to a slowing vehicle in front by slowing the BMW. With Stop and Go, the new system keeps the car a fixed distance ahead, even in slow moving stop and go traffic situations, bringing the car to a complete stop. If the period of standstill is less than three seconds, the car will resume its programmed speed (Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go costs £1,050).  Design and styling With the car still winning accolades and new customers alike, the designers have simply evolved the details of the car’s design. At the front, the headlamps and indicator units use clear glass technology while the kidney grille now sits flush with the bumper. The air duct in the front valance has also been redesigned, while at the side the sill has an additional contour line. At the rear, the indicators, running and brake lights now use horizontal LED light bars to emphasise the width of the rear. Inside, the changes refine ergonomic details. The door panels have been redesigned, with the window switches now integrated into the horizontal armrests. In common with other recently launched BMWs, drivers now have the benefit of eight freely programmable ‘favourite’ buttons on the dashboard enabling them to more easily access their most frequently used features such as one-touch navigation destination input, or telephone calls. The new BMW 5 Series range starts production in March 2007, with prices ranging from £26,980 OTR (520d SE Saloon) to £49,805 OTR (550i M Sport Touring). The engine and performance statistics for the 5 Series Saloon range, with comparisons to the outgoing car are as follows: 
 Engine details of the new 5 Series Touring range, with comparisons to the outgoing car are as follows:
 ---- What’s new for 2008As of 3/07 production (Sedans and Sports Wagon):
 2007 bmw 5 series Performance & efficiencyAll 5 Series models:
528i/xi Sedan only
 535i/xi Models
535xi Sedan
535i Sedan
535xi Sports Wagon
 550i Sedan
Exterior design & functionAll 5 Series Sedans
• New front-end treatment includes revised headlights, front fascia and relocated DOT lenses Ergonomics, luxury & convenience
---- 5 Series models for 2008528i SedanThe Series’ “basic” model, with an additional increase in horsepower this year, new STEPTRONIC automatic, new interior and freshened exterior styling. Significantly improved 0-60 performance—0.8 seconds quicker with manual transmission, 0.5 seconds quicker with automatic. Key distinguishing features and attributes include: 
 528xi SedanThe 528xi is equipped essentially like the 528i Sedan, with minor differences in technical specifications, options and Package contents. Key differentiating features from 528i Sedan include:
 535i SedanPremium 6-cylinder model, with new 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 and more extensive standard equipment. Performance jumps significantly over 528i and previous 530i—0-60 acceleration drops to 5.7 seconds with automatic. Key differentiating features from 528i Sedan include:
535xi SedanCombines the 535i engine and xDrive to create a higher-performing all-wheel-drive sports-luxury Sedan. Key differentiating features from the 535i Sedan include:
 535xi Sports WagonCombines 5 Series design, performance and technology with sports-wagon versatility. Embodies a host of features that enhance people- and cargo-carrying capabilities; xDrive endows it with amazing traction and agility. With new twin-turbo engine, the 535xi Sport Wagon becomes the quickest 5 Series wagon ever offered in the U.S. Minimal additional weight has only a slight effect on acceleration compared to 535xi Sedan; 5.8 seconds 0-60 mph with automatic. Key differentiating features from 535xi Sedan include:
 550i SedanFlagship model, with 4.8-liter, 360-hp all-aluminum N62 V-8, standard Dakota leather and additional standard equipment over any 6-cylinder model. Further performance gain over 535i—5.4 seconds 0-60 with manual transmission, 5.5 seconds with automatic. Key differentiating features from 535i Sedan include:
---- EnginesBMW’s engines have become legendary for their performance, smoothness, and sophistication—attributes that apply equally well to BMW’s inline-6s and V-8s. The 5 Series offers three of these engines—two 6-cylinders and one V-8—including the company’s first turbocharged engine in more than three decades. From the base 528i to the range-topping 550i, the 5 Series offers the most impressive range of powerplants in the class, all backed by 6-speed transmissions, manual or automatic.  As the first full-production aluminum/magnesium composite engine every offered, the 3.0-liter N52 inline-6 carries on BMW’s tradition of building cutting-edge engines that combine outstanding power, unparalleled refinement and excellent fuel economy. For 2008, this engine receives a boost to 230 horsepower, making the 528i/xi Sedans the most powerful entry-level 5 Series ever offered. Similarly, the new 300-hp twin-turbo 535i/xi Sedans and Sports Wagon are the quickest 6-cylinder-powered 5 Series cars yet. And the range-topping 550i offers the same 360-horsepower V-8 as BMW’s 750Li Sedan in a sportier, more compact platform. These exemplary engines reside in a chassis that includes aluminum suspension, large-diameter disc brakes, performance tires on 17-, 18- or 19-inch wheels and options such as Active Steering and Active Roll Stabilization. With either xDrive all-wheel-drive or traditional rear-drive, the 5 Series sets the standard for handling, ride and braking for the class. BMW’s inline 6-cylinder engines: Class-leading distinction, performance and efficiencyAlmost all vehicle manufacturers of 6-cylinder engines have adopted the V-6 format, whose compactness is advantageous in small or midsize cars with front-wheel drive. By contrast, BMW’s inline 6-cylinder engines are outstanding for their smoothness and sound, and BMW customers treasure them for these attributes. Thus BMW retains the inline format while developing it toward reduced weight, more compact dimensions – and ever more brilliant performance, smoothness and sound. An increase in fuel efficiency and even tighter control of emissions were also set as goals for this BMW engine generation, which currently powers the 2008 528i/xi 6-cylinder models. N52 engine: magnesium/aluminum composite construction and Valvetronic variable valve lift Compared to the previous M54 6-cylinder, the N52 offers a wide variety of benefits:
Evolved Valvetronic variable valve lift. This exclusive, patented innovation, enhancing the performance and fuel efficiency of BMW’s V-8 and V-12 engines since 2002, varies valve lift to control engine power, dispensing with a conventional throttle. Valvetronic enhances engine power, torque and efficiency. Compared to the original Valvetronic system, introduced on BMW’s V-8 and V-12 engines in 2002, the N52 engine’s 2nd-generation system benefits from several evolutionary improvements: 
Improved combustion chambers. Subtle refinements to the combustion-chamber shape conspire with the intake-valve phasing to create more stable combustion, with benefits to fuel efficiency and emission control. Further evolved VANOS. Double VANOS 1 is a familiar feature of all current BMW engines. The range over which intake-valve timing can be varied has been increased by 10º, achieving yet another de-throttling effect.  Higher fuel-injection pressure results in an improved injection spray, helping reduce raw hydrocarbon emissions in a cold engine. All-new engine electronics. Among many innovative details, the basic ignition and valve timing functions are duplicated. The first part was optimized for fuel consumption and emissions; the second part was determined according to pure driving parameters. Depending upon how perfectly the engine is running at any time, control interpolates between the two strategies. Under ideal conditions, the engine always runs with its lowest possible fuel consumption. In case of poor fuel quality or unfavorable environmental conditions, the control parameters prioritize driveability. With introduction of this latest version, the engine’s electronic control module has been upgraded in calculating capability and renamed from MSV70 to MSV80. Magnesium/aluminum composite construction. An important innovation – a world’s first in modern times and exclusive to BMW. Structurally, the new engine block consists of three major castings:
 In addition to the magnesium construction, other weight-saving materials include hollow camshafts, saving a remarkable 2.6 lb. each. Beginning as steel tubes, the camshafts are shaped in a hydroforming procedure, subjected from the inside to a water pressure of 58,000 lb./sq in. against outer forms to achieve the cam profiles. The engine’s camshaft cover is of a new, weight-saving plastic material. (On earlier N52 engines, it was of magnesium.) And the chain camshaft drive, a high-durability, low-maintenance feature of all current BMW engines, has an aluminum chain tensioner that also saves weight. As a final weight-reducing element, the exhaust headers’ flanges are formed from 2-mm-thick steel, significantly lighter than the 12-mm flanges used in the M54. Electric water pump, electronically controlled according to coolant and oil temperatures at any moment. It runs only as much as needed, and in doing so consumes a maximum of 200 watts vs. up to 2 kilowatts (10 times as much) for a conventional pump. The electric pump has numerous tangible benefits:
Variable-volume oil pump. To supply pressure to the VANOS 1 at all speeds and temperatures without excess capacity at high engine speeds, BMW engineers developed a new type of oil pump with these advantages: 
Oil/coolant heat exchanger. Another feature that speeds engine warmup; during this phase of operation, it transfers heat from the coolant to the oil circuit. Under conditions of high engine power and high oil temperatures, it performs the reverse, transferring heat from the oil circuit to the coolant, from which the engine cooling system then removes excess heat. Additional power for 2008While those traits illustrate the improvement over the previous-generation BMW inline-6, the N52 engine also benefits from additional power enhancements for 2008. Compared to its most direct predecessor, the 215-hp 525i/xi engine of 2007, the 230-hp 528i/xi engine delivers a tangible performance boost: 528i vs. 525i –
 528xi vs. 525xi –
N54 engine: twin turbocharging, piezo direct fuel injection, high compression ratioAs BMW’s other approach to modern 6-cylinder power, the N54 is as innovative as the N52 engine, though these different innovations are aimed at further increasing performance. A pair of relatively small turbochargers boost performance significantly, but minimize the traditional turbocharging response lag (“turbo-lag”). In addition, high precision direct fuel injection further enhances performance and fuel efficiency. Finally, high-tech heat-resistant materials in the engine help facilitate performance. With the N52 naturally aspirated engine and this even-newer N54 turbocharged unit, BMW is announcing to the world its approach to high performance: Instead of ever-larger engines, BMW will achieve its performance goals with smaller, lighter, more efficient and cleaner-running engines. First: the 300-hp N54 engine is anything but simply a turbocharged version of the 230-hp N52. Several new “core” features distinguish it from the N52 and facilitate the higher performance level: 
---- The performance-enhancing technologiesNow, here are the technologies and features that actually produce the dramatically increased power and – especially – torque that characterize the new N54 engine: Twin turbochargers. Turbocharging is a familiar form of increasing the performance of combustion engines – it has been around in various forms for 100 years. At various times, BMW has set milestones in the development of turbocharging: in 1973, the 2002 Turbo offered 170 hp, vs. 130 for its non-turbo stablemate the 2002 tii. In 1983, a BMW powered Brabham racecar was the first turbocharged vehicle to win a Formula 1 championship.  Yet over its history, turbocharging has also suffered some daunting drawbacks. If, as was usual, a single turbo was used, it often had an unacceptable degree of “turbo lag” – the lag between the time the driver mashed down the accelerator pedal to the time when the turbo responded. This was at its worst at low engine speeds. Another was relatively high fuel consumption. And finally, the available materials didn’t always fare well under the high-heat, high-rpm operation of a turbocharger, which gets its energy from hot, flowing exhaust gases and typically spins well past 100,000 rpm. After the 2002 Turbo, which ironically was introduced just about the time of the first international energy crisis, BMW set turbocharging aside. (Except for diesel engines, where turbocharging is a highly conventional, almost indispensable, power enhancer.) The N54 turbocharging concept addresses both turbo lag and durability concerns. By utilizing two small turbos – each one serving three cylinders – BMW has reduced the inertia that creates turbo lag. To quote Dr. Burkhard Göschel, BMW’s Board Member for Engineering, turbo lag “has now become a thing of the past. The engine is agile, and it performs like a big, naturally aspirated engine, but with much better mileage.” Materials progress, always a factor in advancing the capabilities of engineering and technology, figures here too: BMW has drawn upon innovative and heat-resistant materials from space technology to facilitate the twin turbos’ dramatic contribution to performance. All turbo components subjected to the most extreme heat (i.e. the exhaust stream) are made of advanced steels that can withstand up to 1050ºC, or 1920ºF.  Direct fuel injection with piezo injectors. Fuel injection, as we have (mostly) known it over the decades in which it has become a feature of all contemporary automotive engines, has been of the port type: the fuel is injected into the engine’s intake ports, where air passes through on its way to the cylinders. Direct fuel injection sprays fuel directly into the cylinders, or more precisely the combustion chambers. If this were as simple as it sounds, direct injection would long since be commonplace. But the cylinder is a much hotter, higher pressure place than the intake port and poses big hurdles for the fuel injectors and the optimization of just how, when and how much fuel is squirted in. Until now, the only BMW gasoline engine with direct injection has been the 760Li V-12 engine, where this technology brings advantages in fuel efficiency, power, torque and emission control. The N54’s direct injection is a 2nd-generation evolution of the 760Li’s system, and a key factor in achieving BMW’s goals for this engine. Its main advance over the 1st-generation system is that it gives the engineers greater degrees of freedom in the calibration of fuel quantity and timing and the distribution of the fuel-air mixture in the combustion chamber. With this concept, it’s possible to utilize a “leaner” mixture – thus less fuel. The advantages in fuel efficiency, power, torque and emission control are more significant. A further advantage to torque and fuel consumption is the cooling effect of fuel being injected into the hot combustion chambers. Typically, to avoid overheating, turbochargers have had to make do with a lower compression ratio. That ’73 2002 Turbo, for example, had a low 6.9:1 ratio, vs. the non-turbo 2002 tii’s 9.5:1; a more contemporary example is the Volvo S60 2.5 Turbo engine’s 9.0:1 compression ratio vs. it’s non-turbo counterpart’s 10:3:1. As a higher compression ratio benefits both fuel efficiency and (especially low-speed) torque – traditional turbo engines have suffered on both counts – the N54 benefits mightily: its compression ratio is 10.5:1, almost exactly the same as the non-turbo N52’s 10.7:1! Positioned centrally in the combustion chambers for optimum combustion, the injectors – those critical components that inject the fuel into each cylinder’s combustion chamber – are subject to especially high temperatures. A new-type piezo injector is another essential element in attaining the ambitious performance/efficiency/emissions goals with the necessary long-term durability: A “stack” of piezo crystals reacts lightning-fast to impulses from the engine electronics, governing the injector needle’s opening stroke and duration for ultra-precise control of fuel quantity. According to researchers who led the piezo injector’s development, alone it contributes 2-3% fuel savings and 20% less emissions. Its operating principle involves applying mechanical pressure to a non-conducting crystal to produce an electrical impulse; in turn, this impulse is so fast that it significantly reduces the injector’s response time. Air-to-air intercooling. Turbocharging typically includes intercooling of the engine’s induction air, that is, some method of cooling the compressed air that emerges, heated up by the compression process, from the turbocharger(s). Sometimes it’s done with coolant; in this case it’s done indirectly by outside air. Intercooling is desirable, even necessary, to reduce the temperature of incoming air to help preclude detonation or “knocking” that can reduce power or, in the extreme, damage the engine. Of course the N54, like the N52 and all other current BMW engines, has knock control. High-rpm concept. This is shared with the N52 engine, and also contributes significantly to the engine’s performance character. Like the N52, the N54 has a 7000-rpm redline. Its maximum power occurs at 5800 rpm – actually lower than the 530i’s 6600 and the new 528i’s 6500 rpm – but power stays high and vigorous well toward that 7000 rpm. The bottom lines. The peak power of 300 hp has already been mentioned; this is fully 45 higher than the 530i, and 70 hp up on the 528i. The torque increase is just as impressive: 300 lb-ft., vs. the 530i’s 220 and 528i’s 200. At least as important is the fact that this engine can deliver its peak torque all the way from 1400 rpm (not far above idling!) to 5000 rpm. Finally, 300 lb-ft. is significantly better than competing 3.5-liter non-turbo engines deliver: Lexus GS 350, 274 lb-ft. at a high 3600 rpm; Infiniti M35, 268 lb-ft. at an even higher 4800 rpm. Compared to the 528i’s 200 lb-ft., the N54’s 300 lb-ft. is fully 50% greater. BMW engine engineers assert that to achieve this kind of torque increase, it would have taken a 4-liter naturally aspirated engine. That would have weighed too much and its fuel consumption would have been unacceptably high. For this reason, say the engineers, “we did not take that path.” One BMW engine engineer, Udo Lindner, goes so far as to assert that the N54 has “the torque of a diesel but the revving capability of a gasoline engine.” Diesels, currently very popular in Europe and capable of stump-pulling torque, operate at rpm levels well below those of gasoline engines, so he’s saying that the N54 delivers the best of both worlds. The other bottom line, surely the most important to performance enthusiasts, is dramatically quicker acceleration compared to their predecessors: 535i Sedan:
 With their standard manual transmissions (SOP 09/07), all these pairings will offer comparable improvements. As in all 5 Series cars, top speed is electronically controlled at 150 mph. The 550i’s V-8The 550i’s predecessor was widely acclaimed by most who drove or tested the 545i, not merely for its strong, fuel-efficient power, but also for its highly pleasing sound. Car and Driver (May ’04) summed it up as “among the friendliest, most enthusiastic engines in existence.“ With 4.8 liters, the 550i’s V-8 delivers brilliant performance. Peak power is 360 hp; likewise, peak torque is 360. With its standard 6-speed manual transmission the 550i attains 60 mph in just 5.4 sec. from rest; with automatic, the new model does 0-60 in 5.5 sec. ---- Dynamic Stability ControlAll BMW models are standard-equipped with Dynamic Stability Control, which provides a wide range of traction and stability functions. While retaining all the functions or the previous DSC, a revised system appeared in the 5 Series and other BMWs in 2006. This Enhanced DSC adds a wide array of customer-relevant functions that make driving even safer and more pleasant. They are:
Character of the 5 Series: the essence of sport and luxuryLong one of BMW’s true core products, the 5 Series elegantly defines the middle of the line with compact exterior dimensions, ample interior space and a masterfully calibrated blend of sport and luxury. Appearing in ’04 in its current generation, the Series maintained trim exterior size while increasing interior space and introducing new technologies – including an aluminum front-end structure, available Active Steering and Active Roll Stabilization, evolved suspension and a further developed iDrive control system. That the current generation carries on the 5 Series tradition brilliantly is supported by this quote from Motor Trend’s March ’05 issue: “Here’s a thoroughbred, the product of decades of setting the benchmark all other automakers’ sport sedans aspire to. Just look at the stance, the way the body sits on the chassis, ready to pounce on any opportunity to show its stuff on a challenging stretch of road. The smoothness and flexibility of BMW inline-sixes are legendary, and the 225 horses of the 2979-cc engine seem more spirited than their numbers might otherwise suggest. And BMW is one of the only automakers courageous enough to offer a 6-speed manual gearbox in a $50,000 sedan.” With even more powerful engines, available xDrive and the new Sports Wagon to extend its capabilities, the 5 Series is today’s representative of this fine tradition.  State-of-the-art safety and security featuresIn terms of safety and security, the 5 Series is a state-of-the-art vehicle from a state-of-the-art vehicle maker. With an extensive array of standard features, and such available options as the new Lane Departure Warning system, Night Vision and Head-up Display, the 2008 5 Series remains an industry leader and fully representative of BMW’s safety values. Key standard features include:
---- Options and Packages2008 brings with it a number of significant new technological options that complement an already extensive array of performance, comfort and safety features. For 2008 Package highlights include new contents for both Premium and Sport Packages for 6-cylinder models, as well as a revised Sport Package for the 550i Sedan. Most of the optional features on the 2007 5 Series carry over to 2008, with few exceptions. Most notable, the Sequential Manual Gearbox has been discontinued, effectively replaced by the new Sport Automatic that arrives later in the year. The Premium Sound Package (ZPS), which included the Logic7 audio system and 6-disc CD changer, has been replaced by an individual stand-alone option for the Logic7 system and a BMW center-installed 6-disc changer. PackagesPremium Package (528i/xi and 535i/xi models). Combines luxury and convenience features: For all models –
For 550i Sedan only –
All-wheel-drive models –
 STEPTRONIC automatic transmission – 6-speed, like all 5 Series transmissions. Sport Automatic transmission – 535i and 550i Sedans only; requires the Sport Package. An even sportier alternative to the standard STEPTRONIC Sport setting, this 6-speed transmission offers crisper gearshifts in manual mode, and paddle shifters on the steering wheel. A leather boot around the console shifter also distinguishes this transmission from the standard STEPTRONIC. Lane Departure Warning. A camera mounted on the windshield near the rearview mirror monitors lane position at all times at highway speeds. The central control unit projects the vehicle’s path based on that position. When the system projects that the vehicle will drift out of the lane, it will warn the driver by producing a mild vibration in the steering wheel. The warning is cancelled by the use of the turn signals, brake actuation, or below approximately 35 mph, indicating city traffic. The system can also be turned off via a switch on the multi-function steering wheel or in the iDrive menu. Active Cruise Control. Employing a radar sensor unit at the front of the vehicle, ACC senses the speed of vehicles traveling ahead, adjusts the BMW driver’s speed to maintain following distance, and offers the driver additional control choices over the standard cruise control. 2008 adds a Stop & Go feature, which allows use in heavy traffic. The system can come to a complete stop and remain active; a touch of the accelerator pedal by the driver reactivates the cruise control so it can resume the set speed. Active Steering. Offered on RWD models only; offers unique benefits:
 Park Distance Control employs ultrasonic sensors in the front and rear bumpers to detect obstacles not be visible to the driver; emits an acoustic warning. Includes a vehicle diagram in the iDrive display, which graphically depicts obstacles’ locations. Standard on 550i. Xenon Adaptive headlights with auto-leveling and low-speed cornering lights. Stronger, daylight-like illumination; headlights “steer” to enhance the driver’s view around curves and corners. This year adds low-speed cornering lights in the inboard headlamps, which illuminate nearby objects at speeds below 25 mph. Optional on 528i/xi models, standard on 538i/xi models and 550i. Leather upholstery – though included in the Premium Package, also available as a stand-alone options. Standard on 550i. Light Poplar wood interior trim. The Light Poplar offers the same attractively grained wood as the standard Dark Poplar, but with a more subtle effect. Bamboo wood interior trim. Another distinctive wood grain, Bamboo provides an especially distinctive and contemporary look, harmonizes well with all interior colors, and is an eco-friendly, renewable resource. 20-way front Multi-contour seats. In addition to the standard seats’ 10-way power adjustments, the 20-way power adjustments of these remarkable and comprehensive luxury seats include –
Split folding rear seats and ski bag for the Sedans. Heated front seats as a stand-alone option. Heated rear seats, available for all models in combination with the Cold Weather Package. BMW On-board Navigation System. The standard iDrive system has a 6.5-in. control display (color monitor) at dash center and a turn-and-push controller between the front seats. This option includes an 8.5-in., higher-resolution control display plus:
Head-up Display – displays important driving-related information on a 6 x 3-in. field in the windshield, just below the driver’s normal line of sight to the road ahead:
 Logic7 premium stereo. The optional Logic7 premium audio system delivers audiophile-quality sound via a digital Surround Sound process, utilizing 13 high-quality speakers, Digital Sound Processing and increased audio power. Sirius Satellite Radio. Appealing path to entertainment, news and information channels. After the first year of ownership, a subscription fee is required for Sirius service. High-Definition Radio. Offers enhanced digital sound quality; FM reception becomes CD quality while AM reception becomes equivalent to analog FM reception. There are over 1,000 radio stations nationwide that currently offer high-definition broadcasts. iPod/USB adapter. A separate USB adaptor for iPods or MP3 players, which does not use the CD changer connections, provides a convenient audio connection. Power rear-window and manual rear side-window sunshades. For the Sedans, the option includes both; for the Sports Wagon, only the side-window shades. The power rear-window shade is controlled from a console switch; the side-window shades are easily raised or lowered by rear-seat passengers. BMW Ultimate ServiceTM: providing owners with incredible value and peace of mind BMW Ultimate ServiceTM includes: The BMW Maintenance Program is the only no-cost maintenance program in the industry that covers wear and tear items like brake pads and rotors for 4 years or 50,000 miles, whichever comes first. BMW owners pay nothing for all scheduled inspections, oil changes, brake pads, wiper blade inserts and other wear-and-tear items. BMW Roadside Assistance is one of the industry’s most comprehensive plans available. Not only is it no-charge for the first 4 years, but there is no mileage limit. BMW drivers enjoy the assurance of on-the-road help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anywhere in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. This includes everything from flat tire changes, emergency gasoline and lock-out assistance, to towing, alternative transportation and even trip-interruption benefits. This service also includes valuable trip routing advice. BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty: All 2008 BMW passenger vehicles are covered by BMW’s excellent Limited Warranty, which includes:
BMW AssistTM provides the driver with services that enhance on-the-road security and convenience, for added peace of mind. The BMW AssistTM Safety Plan is standard on all 5, 6, and 7 Series models, including M5 and M6, and is included in the Premium Package or available as a stand-alone option on all other models. Starting with MY 2007 vehicles, BMW is the only manufacturer that offers this service for 4 years at no additional cost. Most other manufacturers cover only the first year of service. The in-vehicle equipment for BMW AssistTM includes GPS technology and hands-free communication functions accessed via buttons in the overhead or center console. Vehicle occupants may request emergency or other services simply by pressing a button; the BMW AssistTM system then transmits the location and vehicle information to the BMW AssistTM Response Center. A response specialist will then speak with the occupants to coordinate dispatch, notify emergency contacts on file, and link BMW Roadside Assistance or emergency services as needed and requested. A severe accident automatically activates the BMW AssistTM call as well. The BMW AssistTM Safety Plan also includes Remote Door Unlock and Stolen Vehicle Recovery services, which can save the owner time and money. TeleService automatically notifies the BMW center when a vehicle will need service. This feature allows the Service Advisor to proactively set up a customer appointment and have the needed parts ready. BMW AssistTM subscribers can also enroll in the BMW AssistTM Convenience Plan (available at an additional cost of $199 per year) to avail themselves of many BMW AssistTM Concierge services, from travel planning to dining reservations, shopping assistance and event tickets, as well as receive directions, and traffic and weather information. On many models produced September 2006 and later, a selected destination and its phone number can be sent directly to the on-board navigation system and Bluetooth®–linked mobile phone, after a push of the new Concierge button. The Convenience Plan also includes Critical Calling, a new service that connects the driver in case their mobile phone is not in the vehicle or its battery is discharged. After pushing the SOS button, a BMW AssistTM response specialist will link the driver to his requested party for up to five minutes and for up to four events per year. As before, the BMW AssistTM system includes Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity with hands-free phonebook access and dialing by name or number via the steering wheel controls. Use of this feature requires a customer-provided compatible Bluetooth® mobile phone. Performance with a conscienceBMW strives to produce its motor vehicles and other products with the utmost attention to environmental compatibility and protection. Integrated into the design and development of BMW automobiles are such criteria as resource efficiency and emission control in production; environmentally responsible selection of materials; recyclability during production and within the vehicle; elimination of CFCs and hazardous materials in production; and continuing research into environmentally friendly automotive power sources. Tangible results of these efforts include the recycling of bumper cladding into other vehicle components; water-based paint color coats and powder clear coats; near-future availability of hydrogen-powered models; and various design and engineering elements that help make BMWs easier to dismantle at the end of their service life. ---- Pricing
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