2004 BMW 5-Series

Body style(s): 4-door sedan

Notes

    The fifth-generation BMW 5-Series debuted for the 2004 model year in the United States, initially in sedan form only. The new E60 5-Series was larger in all respects than the E39 it replaced, however, greater use of aluminum in some body panels meant the new sedan was lighter than its progenitor. An additional six cubic feet of space in the cabin, and a larger trunk meant that the new 5er was now classed as a midsize car, instead of a compact. The inline-six engines were carried over from the old model, but the new 4.4 L V-8 from the 7-Series found its way under the hood of the top model, so the old 540i designation became the 545i. With 35 more horsepower than the old motor, the 545i could reach 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, only 0.2 seconds behind the old M5. BMW's über-saloon would not return for another two years, but excitement was already building about its new V-10 powerplant. Larger brakes were fitted to all models, and rack-and-pinion steering was adopted for the first time on the eight-cylinder model. As in 2003, the V-8/manual-transmission combination was treated as a separate model by BMW, the 545i 6-speed. It was equipped with the Sport Package as standard, which included sportier seats, run-flat tires, a sport-tuned suspension with an active roll-damping system, unique wheels, and Active Steering. Active Steering was introduced on the 5-Series, as a way to balance low-speed handling response while maintaining highway cruising stability. Essentially, the A/S system used a computerized transmission to change the gear ratios on the steering rack depending on vehicle speed. While some rack-and-pinion systems have a variable ratio, they are merely variable from the on-center position of the wheel outboard. By contrast, the A/S system could mechanically vary the steering ratio at any point, changing not only the steering ratio, but also the turns-to-lock. Thus, at cruising speed, the steering would have a typical 3-4 turns-to-lock, so that the car would not weave on the highway from small steering inputs. However, at lower speeds, the system would shorten the ratio, so that less than two turns-to-lock were required, making the vehicle more maneuverable in tight quarters. The setup was controversial -- some drivers praised its flexibility, while others claimed that it felt artificial. Other new features on the 5-Series included rain-sensing windshield wipers, a tire pressure monitor, standard rear side airbags, and a telematics system with SOS feature. To control the rapidly proliferating switchgear, BMW added its much-maligned iDrive controller to the 5-Series, albeit it in a somewhat simplified form, over many howls of protest. Adaptive brake lights were also used, with additional lighting elements illuminating under harsh braking conditions. Optional for the sixes, and standard on the 545, were adaptive xenon headlights that turned into corners based on steering inputs. Radar-guided cruise control, a heads-up information display, and an obstacle-detection system were also optional. A sequential transmission also became available, allowing full manual control while eliminating the clutch pedal -- it offered an automatic mode, if desired. All gearboxes now had six speeds, another hand-me-down from the 7-Series. The styling on the new Five was striking, as well; it was the fullest expression of the "flame surfacing" ideal espoused by designer Chris Bangle. While the trunk seemed better-integrated than on the E65 7-Series, the headlights with their "eyelashes" took a bit more getting used to. The 5-Series now had coupe and convertible siblings: a new 6-Series was developed on the E60 chassis, albeit shortened and given unique styling.


Series: 2004-current

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BMW 5-Series sedan (545i: note chrome grille, w/ opt. wheels) [photo by Scott Jacobs, courtesy Edmunds.com].


BMW 5-Series sedan [photo by Scott Jacobs, courtesy Edmunds.com].