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BMW 5-Series mid-size sedans evolve as high-tech sports cars
Bob Plunkett
Date Posted: 5/10/2005
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TARRYTOWN, N.Y. -- Tearing around acute curves as New York Route 17 scales Bear Mountain out of the Hudson River Valley, a new mid-size sedan from Germany's BMW responds like a rakish sports car.
Speed-rated tires and a complex suspension constructed from lightweight aluminum components enable the pavement-hugging machine to romp across a winding road as rack and pinion gears work through a revolutionary Active Steering Control (ASC) device to carve up one uncanny curve after another.
Forceful torque out of a strong engine turns the wheels at a quick clip while the transmission, articulated through six gears of a compliant manual by ZF of Germany, allows an aggressive driver to apply subtle car controls from the short shifter stick.
And that sporty steering wheel, padded and stitched in tactile leather like you'd find in a two-seat racer, puts the driver in direct contact with nuances of the road.
Counterpoint to this new vehicle's sophisticated mechanical hardware and resultant sporty handling characteristics, a cushy passenger compartment piles aboard the kind of comfort modules that come only on refined luxury sedans.
Clearly, BMW has built a car of dual personalities.
Consider it a sports car, and a gutsy test drive over a wiggle route will demonstrate this trait. But it also works as a well-heeled luxury sedan, as even the quickest spin around the block while ensconced in pampered comfort will show that's so.
BMW tags it as the 5-Series of mid-size cars.
For 2004 the 5-Series sedans begin a new cycle of change in fresh format based on a new platform representing a fifth generation of models. There are three versions aimed at North America and bearing alphanumeric designations reflecting engine displacement -- 525i, 530i and 545i.
They measure larger than predecessor 5-Series sedans -- the wheelbase stretches for 2.3 inches more and the structure extends 2.6 inches longer and 1.8 inches wider plus 1.3 inches higher. These linear expansions result in more cabin space that's particularly apparent for backseat riders and in a trunk that's 26 percent larger.
All versions incorporate styling points of BMW's larger 7-Series sedans plus upgrades in hardware and optional performance enhancers such as electronically-controlled power steering plus the ASC mechanism.
A new look for 5-Series sedans begins up front with the distinctive signature of BMW's twin-kidney grille centered on the prow in a clean interpretation ringed in chrome with smooth body-colored bumpers below housing horizontal air intakes and corner foglamps.
Multi-lens headlamp clusters wrap around front corners with unique brows studded by amber-tinted turn signals as shelters for the primary lamps. Optional xenon high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps operate with a new Adaptive Light Control (ALC) system where a pair of unique swivel lamps -- keyed to the angle of the steering wheel -- rotate during turning maneuvers to keep a light shining on the vehicle's forward path.
Flanks flare over the exaggerated wheelwells like muscular shoulders accentuating chiseled character lines while the arching roofline shows blacked-out pillars that blend with tinted glass in side doors to emulate the format of a sporty coupe.
Tail treatment is simple in a blunt back scored by high-mounted tail lamps on corners and the hint of power from twin pipes tipped in chrome.
Beneath all of this sculptural skin, the new 5-Series cars show a front-end structure composed of lightweight aluminum with suspension equipment also cast from aluminum, which pares the overall unsprung mass.
Another high-tech suspension element -- Active Roll Stabilization (ARS) -- works aggressively yet transparently to reduce body roll when the car rips around a tight corner.
All 5-Series sedans stock a responsive rack and pinion steering system now, using BMW's double-pivot design that brings handling stability and quick responses.
The ASC system, included in a Sport Package that's optional for some models, operates through an electronically-controlled device that can vary the steering ratio to match a driver's style as well as pavement conditions, ultimately generating more confidence during tricky turn maneuvers.
In performance cars like these, brakes become a key factor for control, and all 5-Series sedans use ventilated discs linked to aluminum calipers. Everything's tied to electronic controls, with brake proportioning and dynamic control, anti-lock action and a sophisticated stability control system to stem skidding and slipping.
Engines for 5-Series sedans encompass two different six-in-line plants or a big V8 from the 7-Series.
Two different six-in-line aluminum-block engines, each with BMW's Double Vanos variable camshaft controller in place, motivate the 525i and 530i.
The 2.5-liter version for 525i makes 184 hp at 6000 rpm and 175 lb-ft of torque at 3500 rpm.
A 3.0-liter version in 530i hits 225 hp at 5900 rpm with torque climbing to 214 lb-ft at 3500 rpm.
Top-trim 545i totes a V8 displacing 4.4 liters off an aluminum block with throttle-less fuel injection, the Double Vanos camshaft controller plus Valvetronic steplessly variable intake arrangement.
This plant musters as much as 325 hp at 6100 rpm and 330 lb-ft of torque at 3600 rpm.
All three engines offer three transmission choices.
For the six-pack series, there's the ZF Type H six-speed manual, a ZF HP19 electronic automatic with six forward gears and Steptronic mode for clutch-less shifts, or BMW's six-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG) rigged with automatic and manual shift programs.
In manual mode, you can shift the SMG by tapping the shifter lever or finger paddles on the steering wheel.
The V8 standard is a ZF HP26 electronic automatic with six gears and Steptronic mode, but the heavy-duty ZF Type G six-speed manual is available or the six-speed SMG.
Cabins have been restyled with luxurious appointments and BMW adds computerized gear with the iDrive system off the 7-Series. This tool controls various car functions as well as eliminates a host of buttons and dials and dashboard clutter but in a simplified format that's easy to master.
Premium points apply to these premium sedans, with MSRP figures (including a $695 freight fee) commencing at $39,995 for 525i, $44,995 for 530i and $54,995 for 545i.
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| Vehicle Specifications: |
| 2004 BMW 5 SERIES Specs |
| Description: |
Mid-size sport/luxury sedan
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| Model Options: |
Mid-size sport/luxury sedan
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| Wheelbase: |
113.7 inches
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| Overall Length: |
190.6 inches
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| Engine Size: |
525i: DOHC 2.5-L I6
530i: DOHC 3.0-L I6
545i: DOHC 4.4-L V8
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| Transmission: |
525i: Manual/6 ZF Type H
Auto/6 ZF 6 HP 19
SMG/6
530i: Manual/6 ZF Type H
Auto/6 ZF 6 HP 19
SMG/6
545i: Manual/6 ZF Type G
Auto/6 ZF 6 HP 26
SMG/6
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| Drive: |
Rear
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| Braking: |
Power 4-disc
ABS/EBP/DBC/DTC/DSC
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| Airbags: |
2 (front)
+ 2 (head front)
+ 2 (head rear)
+ 2 (side front)
+ opt. 2 (side rear)
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| Gas Mileage: |
525i M/6: 19/28 mpg
525i A/6: 19/28 mpg
530i M/6: 20/30 mpg
530i A/6: 18/28 mpg
545i A/6: 18/26 mpg
545i M/6: 17/25 mpg
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| Price: |
525i M/6: $ 39,995, 525i A/6: $ 41,270, 530i M/6: $ 44,995, 530i A/6: $ 46,270, 545i A/6: $ 54,995, 545i M/6: $ 58,295 |
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