The problem involves the engine’s electronic control unit, when temperatures are below freezing and humidity is low, according to a NHTSA defect report. Under those conditions, an electrostatic discharge can occur at pipes that deliver fuel to the engine’s injectors, causing the control unit to malfunction.

Dealers in the areas will fix the problem by grounding cables into the engine compartment of the vehicle. All maintenance will be done free of charge. The only vehicles affected are the 550I and 650I from model years 2006 and 2007, and the X5 from 2007.

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With its second-generation common rail fuel injection and variable-geometry turbocharger, the 520d engine produces 125 kW at a relaxed 4,000 rpm, as well as a surging 340 Nm of torque that is available from as low as 1,750 rpm to provide impressive pulling power. Equipped as standard with BMW’s six-speed automatic transmission and capable of accelerating from zero to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds, the new 520d is endowed with the sporting all-round performance that is central to the BMW philosophy.

Yet, with a fuel consumption of merely 6.1 litres/100 km on the combined cycle, the 520d offers small-car fuel consumption. This frugality is augmented by low exhaust emissions, with the CO2 output of just 162 g/km made possible with the combination of advanced BMW engine management and the standard exhaust system particle filter.

The new BMW 520d Automatic is priced from $79,900 and makes the brilliant 5 Series accessible to an even wider range of Australian luxury car buyers. Exceptional dynamic prowess coupled with supreme passenger comfort and the highest levels of safety are already a given with the recently updated BMW 5 Series range. Now, the driving dynamics of 530i, 530d and 550i models can be augmented by the optional six-speed Sport automatic transmission that takes the crisp-shifting nature of the regular transmission to new levels.

The Sport automatic transmission option is available for 530i, 530d and 550i models and is priced at $1,000. The option also includes a multi-function sport leather steering wheel, featuring paddle shifts.

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Diesel engines make up about forty percent of BMW’s sales worldwide, but are currently unavailable here in the United States. He also stated that the mild hybrid system they are jointly developing with DaimlerChrysler would be on sale in about two years time.

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Echoing the comparative safety of the present 3 Series design, the 2008 5 Series (to make its public debut at this year’s Geneva auto show in March) manages to remain unique in ways that we like while fixing the bits we never did, like that overly edgy front end. In a overt nod to Asian-market preferences, the face is decidedly less confrontational and more friendly.

There is more brightwork around the grille and headlamps, and lenses on head and taillamps are now clear units that remove some of the 5’s brooding nature. The profile feels more stretched out than before, less chunky, while the forward air intake is bigger and reaches lower down to the ground for better cooling and better stance. In back, the horizontal lines first seen in the new 335i sedan have an influence here.

For North America to get further excited, this is the look of 5 Series that will introduce BMW’s outstanding diesel sixes to the New Continent by 2008. We’ll get the 535d with Variable Twin Turbo technology and the 530d with a single Variable Turbine Geometry unit. Both satisfy regulations in all 50 states and are sheer thrills to drive while also providing outstanding cruise distances and low emissions.

Regarding the straight sixes and V8s that use gas engines, much has been done to freshen up these as well. All current US market engines, the two 3.0-liters in the 325i and 330i, 4.8-liter V8 in the 550i, plus the same sixes in the 525xi sedan and 530xi sedan and sports wagon, now get a slight power and torque bump, a more responsive automatic transmission, and better mileage per gallon.

First step was to incorporate BMW’s latest High Precision Injection (HPI) engines into the 5 Series lineup. 2900-psi piezo injectors sit between the valves of each cylinder and spurt fuel right in the vicinity of the spark plug, thus wasting as little fuel as possible running down the sides of the cylinder. Also, through Brake Energy Regeneration while the engine is not under throttle, the car battery draws energy from the alternator in a way that never scavenges power from the engine. The alternator is completely disconnected whenever the engine is on throttle.

All North American new 5s will come with the optional and new shift-by-wire six-speed automatic. The comfy redesigned electro-sequential shifter on the console makes possible additional stowage room, among other benefits. You can also order optional steering-wheel paddle shifters for the 530i, while the 550i gets them anyway. In Europe, this new shift set-up is standard only on the sensational 535d.

This new Tiptronic-style box reacts 40 percent more quickly to shifter input and the shifts timings themselves have been cut in half. The six-speed box is now attached directly to the engine via a modified torque converter that eliminates all slippage, making shifts more solid and acceleration more sporting while also saving fuel through mechanical efficiency.

As an added option when you have the paddle shifters, you can upgrade to the Automatic Sports Transmission that gives you instantaneous shift timings and brisker throttle response. In the handling department, the entire steering system should prove lighter in the hands with considerably reduced mechanical friction, we only hope it doesn’t get too light and numb-feeling.

For all of this tweak-happy midlife goodness, anticipate sticker prices to bump up only $750 for the 525i sedan to as much as $1,250 for the 550i range-topping four-door. Look for base prices of $44,250 on the 525i, $50,500 on the 530xi sedan, $53,000 on the 530xi Sports Wagon, and $59,750 on the 550i. North American deliveries start in April 2007 after start of deliveries in Germany on March 24th after the show in Geneva.

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For 2007, the 5 Series offers two new options. BMW’s Night Vision safety system uses a thermal-imaging camera to highlight pedestrians and animals on dark roads, while HD Radio is designed to bring CD-quality digital audio to radio broadcasts. Now in its fourth year on the market, the styling of the current 5 Series models has become familiar, perhaps less jarring than it was when first revealed.

And while there are no significant changes for the 2007 model year, the 5 Series is anything but stale. For 2006, BMW introduced new engines across the board, including a high-tech magnesium alloy six cylinder for the 525i and 530i and a larger, more powerful V8 for the 550i.

Behind its kabuki-eyebrow headlights, the 5 Series is a true driver’s car, with more model choices than most cars in its class. Even the base 525i boasts spirited performance, with decent fuel economy to lower operating costs. The more powerful six-cylinder in the 530i matches some V8s, while the 550i delivers true high performance by any definition. The limited-production M5 can out-accelerate, out-brake and out-corner some expensive sports cars, with comfortable seating for five. There’s a wagon for those who want more room for cargo. And BMW’s x-Drive full-time all-wheel-drive is available for drivers in the Snow Belt.

This car has just about everything you could ask for in a luxury car. It has the features, comfort and convenience of full-size luxury sedans, the sporting character of smaller ones, and a good compromise between interior space and physical bulk. In many respects, it’s the benchmark for critics and auto industry engineers alike.

As such, the 5 Series is loaded with technology, and some of its systems have a dark side. The i-Drive point-and-click control system, for example, takes time and energy to learn, and drivers who aren’t willing to invest the energy, or those who just prefer to keep things simple, might want to look at a competitor. But those who place a premium on driving satisfaction should start their shopping here.

The 525i ($43,500) features a 3.0-liter inline-6 generating 215 horsepower. Standard features include Leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control with active micro-filtration, an AM/FM/CD stereo with 10 speakers, 17-inch alloy wheels, four power outlets and a rechargeable flashlight in the glovebox. The 525i comes with a six-speed manual transmission or optional six-speed automatic transmission ($1,275) with Steptronic shifting.

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These models have inline 6-cyl engines. For ‘06, 525 models swap a 184-hp 2.5-liter for a 215-hp 3.0. The 3.0 in 530 models gains 30 hp, to 255. The 550i has a 360-hp 4.8-liter V8; it replaces the 545i, which had a 325-hp 4.4 V8. The high-performance M5 has a 500-hp 5.0 V10. Transmission choices include manuals and automatics, depending on model, plus a sequential manual transmission (SMT), which is essentially a manual transmission without a clutch pedal; it can also be set to shift like an automatic.

The front side airbags and front and rear head-protecting tubular side airbags are standard. Rear torso side airbags are optional. All models have BMW’s iDrive, which uses a console “joystick” knob to control entertainment, navigation, communication, and climate functions. Options include a sport suspension teamed with run-flat tires, and BMW’s Active Steering, which quickens steering response. Also optional are head-up instrument display, navigation system, and adaptive cruise control.

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Primary among the new high-tech upgrades is an enhanced BMW Assist safety/communication system (similar to General Motors’ OnStar) that offers services like collision assistance and stolen vehicle recovery. Every 5 Series model now comes with four years of BMW Assist; by comparison, it is a $685-per-year option on the 3 Series.

The 2007 550i gains an input that allows iPods and other portable devices to be played through the vehicle’s audio system. A high-definition (HD) radio receiver is newly optional ($500). This new system, which debuted on the 2006 6 Series, delivers CD-quality digital sound on FM stations that broadcast in the new format, with FM-quality audio on AM stations.

Unlike satellite radio, HD radio is free, all broadcasts are local in nature and the radio units can receive standard analog broadcasts in addition to HD digital programming. As of spring 2006, more than 700 stations across the U.S. were broadcasting in HD radio, with more than 3,000 committed to adding the new format.

The 5 Series line underwent a major makeover for the 2004 model year that included a new platform, powertrains and radically different styling. The 550i received a larger V8 for 2006 and a name change in the process it was previously called the 545i. The 550i comes only as a sedan and with rear-wheel drive. Those looking for all-wheel drive must step down to the six-cylinder-powered 525xi or 530xi. A wagon variant is available only as the 530xi Sport Wagon.

The 550i’s aluminum 4.8-liter V8 is the same engine offered in the larger 7 Series sedan. It generates a strong 360 hp and 360 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission, a six-speed automatic gearbox with manual-shift capability or a six-speed clutchless Sequential Manual Gearbox.

Although the latter two transmissions are optional, they do not cost extra. Stability control (which uses throttle and brake control to help minimize wheel spin and prevent a loss of control during extreme handling maneuvers) is standard.

The 550i is decently equipped, but a vehicle with a starting price of $58,500 should include such items as heated seats ($500), rear side-impact airbags ($385), navigation system ($1,800), premium audio system with CD changer ($1,800) and split-folding rear seat backs ($475). Unfortunately, BMW’s confusing iDrive control system carries over for 2007 and is the hub for operating all in-vehicle systems.

Although more separate buttons for radio and ventilation have been added over the years, iDrive remains a chore to use and does the opposite of what BMW originally intended, which was to simplify control operation.

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The drivetrain goes high-tech with brake-energy regeneration teaming with adaptive alternator control, a start-stop system with an upshift indicator for manual transmissions, plus biofuel- and synfuel-capable engines.

The classic six-speed manual gearbox is joined by a traditional, torque-converter automatic that shifts 50 percent quicker and also can skip gears. BMW’s unloved SMG sequential manual found in today’s M5 bites the dust, but two new auto/manual hybrids are planned.

One is a faster-shifting evolution of the current SMG. The other is a dual-clutch automatic.
The engine lineup should include a 3.0-liter six with 238 hp (525i); a direct-injection 3.0-liter six with 272 hp (530i/xi); a twin-turbo, direct-injection 3.0-liter six with 306 hp (535i/xi); a 4.8-liter V-8 with 367 hp (540i); a twin-turbo, direct-injection 4.4-liter V-8 with 408 hp (550i/xi); plus an array of diesels that use urea injection to cut emissions. As for the M5, it will have an even more potent, 550-hp, 5.5-liter V-10, and it definitely will get the twin-clutch automatic. It bows in late 2010.

More exotic body materials help make the standard car a bit lighter than its predecessor but there are plenty of new optional add-ons to cancel out the weight savings. Among them are active rear-suspension kinematics, xDrive all-wheel drive with active torque split, stability-enhancing active yaw control, and the next-generation electronic damper control system.

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The 5 Series has long been a big seller in the most popular, most competitive class of luxury cars. It’s the benchmark for critics and auto industry engineers alike. BMW completely redesigned the 5 Series for the 2004 model year, and the all-new models offer more room, more equipment and more sophisticated technology than the previous generation. It’s moved a bit upscale, so that means more money, too.

BMW’s smaller 3 Series may be the bigger seller, but the 5 Series is the company’s original sports sedan and the oldest nameplate in its line-up. Since the 5 Series nomenclature was introduced in 1975, BMW has completely overhauled its mid-line sedan five times. The redo for 2004 was as extensive as any the company has undertaken, so few changes have been made for 2005. Because this sedan generates a quarter of BMW’s profits worldwide, the engineers in Munich spared no expense in the redesign.

In a sense, the most important characteristics didn’t change with the make-over. BMW’s 5 Series remains a true sports sedan in any of its three variations, the 525i, 530i, and 545i. All three boast precise handling, impressive power and outstanding brakes. Its appeal to luxury car buyers may ultimately come down to that new look. That said, this latest generation is a much better 5 Series.

Luxury carmakers typically offer one or two variants in this class, but BMW has had at least three 5 Series sedans for more than a decade. That tradition continues for 2005. The least expensive is the 525i ($41,300), powered by BMW’s 184-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine. Next up is the 530i ($45,400), with a larger, 225-horsepower six-cylinder engine. At the top is the 545i ($55,800) with a 325-horsepower V8.

All 5 Series models come loaded with luxury features, starting with the 525i. Among them: automatic climate control with active micro-filtration; AM/FM/CD with 10 speakers, two sub-woofers; power tilt-and-telescope leather steering wheel; keyless entry with a multi-function remote and Vehicle & Key memory, which sets seat and climate controls for the driver whose key opens the car; automatic head lights; fog lights; 16-inch wheels. There are three 12-volt power outlets in the cabin and one in the trunk.

There’s also a rechargeable flashlight in the glovebox. All 5 Series models come with BMW Assist, which provides telematic collision notification, an SOS button, roadside assistance, locator and concierge services. The 530i adds the bigger six-cylinder engine, slightly larger brake discs and 17-inch alloy wheels. The 525i and 530i come standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. A six-speed automatic transmission is optional ($1,275).

It gets still bigger brakes to complement the powerful V8. BMW’s racy Sequential Manual Gearbox is available on the 530i ($1,500) and 545i (no charge).
Options: A Cold Weather Package ($750) with heated seats, heated steering wheel and headlight washers; on-board navigation system ($1,800); active cruise control ($2,200); SIRIUS Satellite Radio ($595); head-up display ($1,000).

The M5 version, the screaming high-performance four-door worshiped by enthusiast drivers, was introduced in September 2004, featuring a V10 engine and seven-speed sequential manual gearbox. BMW says it has no plans to sell a 5 Series wagon in the U.S.

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However, there is a Wagon in this class. With its cargo carrying capacity, optional all-wheel drive, BMW safety and wagon versatility it becomes an excellent choice of vehicle for a successful family. Also, as a mid-level BMW, it has the heart of a performance car and might keep the racer in the family happy as well. Granting the best of both worlds.

The interior of the 5-Series cars is pretty luxurious. These are no lightweights and BMW did not stint on the offerings. Standards include dual-zone automatic climate control, vinyl upholstery on 10-way power front bucket and rear split-fold bench seats, heated power mirrors, wood trim, rain-sensing wipers, an automatic day/night rearview mirror or optional seat upgraded seats.

Several well-designed and comprehensive packages can be chosen as well. The Sport or Premium Packages can offer upgraded luxury content and materials, or performance enhancements to the form and function of the car.

The distinctive BMW 4-headlight aerodynamic nose featuring halogen ellipsoid lights, car-speed sensitive front and rear (wagon) wiper/washer and defog make for superior visibility from any of these models. Halogen fog lights, heated windshield washer jets, heated side mirrors and metallic paint are all standards also. Rain-sensing wipers and Xenon headlights are extra.

The 2003 BMW 525i Sedan and the 2003 BMW 525i Sport Wagon are equipped with V6 engines that produce 184 hp at 5500 rpm and 175 lb-ft of torque at 3500. When teamed with a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission, it is capable of 20/29 mpg (city/hwy). The 3.0-liter V6 has 225 hp at 5900 rpm and 214 lb-ft of torque at 3500.

This one comes standard with a 5-speed automatic transmission but it can be coupled with a higher-cost, close ratio, sport-tuned 6-speed manual. BMW has access to extensive performance and control technology and it can be found on the 5-Series cars.

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