What Is It?
2004 BMW 5 Series
What's Special About It?
The new BMW 5 Series has already been on sale in Europe for a few months now, but Frankfurt is the first major auto show to have the new sedan on stage for all to see. Although three models are available in Europe, only the top-of-the-line 545i model will be offered in the States initially. The base 525i uses the same 184-hp, 2.5-liter straight six as before, coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed automatic with Steptronic. The 530i ups horsepower to 225 but is otherwise similar in features and setup to the 525i. The top-of-the-line 545i shares the same 4.4-liter V8 which powers the larger 745i sedan. This engine puts out an admirable 333 hp — an increase of 47 hp over the previous 540i model.
All models incorporate a refined version of BMW's iDrive computer that consolidates all major functions into one joystick-type controller. It's still not much of an improvement over the original, but at least it keeps the interior design clean and unencumbered with buttons. Options include new adaptive headlights which swivel to allow a better view around upcoming curves, the Bluetooth interface head-up display for hands-free use with a mobile phone and a six-speed SMG transmission for the 545i only.
Why Should You Care?
The 5 Series is a perennial favorite, and any time a manufacturer sets out to redesign a successful seller, the potential risk is great. Fortunately, the only thing buyers may find less appealing about the new 5 Series than the old version is the styling, which, compared with the positives of the 5 Series is a negligible negative we can accept. — Kelly Stennick
2004 BMW 5 Series
What's Special About It?
The new BMW 5 Series has already been on sale in Europe for a few months now, but Frankfurt is the first major auto show to have the new sedan on stage for all to see. Although three models are available in Europe, only the top-of-the-line 545i model will be offered in the States initially. The base 525i uses the same 184-hp, 2.5-liter straight six as before, coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional six-speed automatic with Steptronic. The 530i ups horsepower to 225 but is otherwise similar in features and setup to the 525i. The top-of-the-line 545i shares the same 4.4-liter V8 which powers the larger 745i sedan. This engine puts out an admirable 333 hp — an increase of 47 hp over the previous 540i model.
All models incorporate a refined version of BMW's iDrive computer that consolidates all major functions into one joystick-type controller. It's still not much of an improvement over the original, but at least it keeps the interior design clean and unencumbered with buttons. Options include new adaptive headlights which swivel to allow a better view around upcoming curves, the Bluetooth interface head-up display for hands-free use with a mobile phone and a six-speed SMG transmission for the 545i only.
Why Should You Care?
The 5 Series is a perennial favorite, and any time a manufacturer sets out to redesign a successful seller, the potential risk is great. Fortunately, the only thing buyers may find less appealing about the new 5 Series than the old version is the styling, which, compared with the positives of the 5 Series is a negligible negative we can accept. — Kelly Stennick
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