BMW News (All news and spy shots here please)

[ZfrkS62]

Originally Posted by dutchmasterflex Nice.. 1er coupe will be a great addition to the line up. But still no sign of the 1-series in the US. Any news on that Zfrk?

i haven't heard anything about it and that's kind of odd considering the fact that it's getting close to LCI (facelift) time for the E87. Rumors were originally that it was supposed to be '07 along with the diesel, but the diesel is now forecasted to be '08.

M3 is supposed to hit showrooms later this year so i don't see where the 1 would fit in to launch schedule.

[ae86_16v]

Roundel Mag just posted that we should see it in 2008.

[vexor]

2010 BMW 5 series

When you think of luxury executive saloons, one car always comes to mind – the BMW 5-series. A class leader since its inception, the 5-series remains a crucial car to BMW. With the current E60 5-series introduced back in 2004, BMW is preparing the sixth-generation model to be revealed in 2010. It will be a tough job for the designers as well as the thousands of engineers working across BMW’s development centers to renew the current model, a car that already resides at the edge of the technical front line. The new design is critical for BMW’s design manager Adrian van Hooydonk and his team, who have to create an exterior that radiates the brand’s distinctive design values and at the same time feels new and fresh. Using information from various sources, these renderings were compiled by our partners over at Sweden’s Auto Motor and Sport and their illustrator Radovan Varicak, giving us a preview of what the final version will look like. The front-end will likely feature a more upright kidney grille in order to comply with stronger pedestrian protection laws, while the headlights won’t be stretched out like on the current model. BMW’s characteristic interaction between convex and concave shapes will still be emphasized, and will be clearly indicated in the engine hood’s lines. The rear roofline and C-pillar connects more fluidly to the trunk lid, which is now devoid of the ‘Bangle-butt’ that was so universally derided with the E60 model. Parts of the tail-lights continue onto the trunk lid in order to strengthen the impression of width. We must say, this design is very pleasing and if BMW’s car looks anything like this, we sure it’ll lure back any customers loss to its rivals because of the controversial styling of the former E60. Follow the jump to see the full car from both the front and rear. The new 5-series is being built off an entirely new chassis, with double wishbones in the front, like on the new X5. The move is designed to give better control and road grip around corners, according to the chassis engineers. With the aid of the extremely fast Flex-Ray automotive network communications protocol, the adaptive shock absorbers is set to become more effective, as will active steering. BMW will also be updating its iDrive system for the new 5-series, making life a little easier with the addition of yet another pair of programmable buttons. Those that think the standard 5-series isn’t sporty enough will have to wait for a few more years until the new M5 turns up with its V10 motor and more power than the 507hp offered in today’s edition. The M version will be the only 5-series model offered with a new dual clutch gearbox (similar to VW’s DSG technology). The standard version will instead be fitted with an 8-speed automatic transmission that will take the fight to Lexus. This gearbox is being developed by ZF, which will also manufacture a new four wheel drive system that will feature in the new Five. A new 5-series wouldn’t be complete without the introduction of more electronic driver’s aids, and this time BMW is bringing “Dynamic Performance Control” to the table. The system actively distributes torque between the wheels, depending on how the car acts during a turn. The result is increased security and the ability to handle larger side forces. The new differential will also come in the new 3-series and potentially even the 1-series as an option. A full-hybrid system, featuring an electric motor in parallel with an engine, is not currently planned for the new 5-series, which instead is likely to feature the same system already used in the 1-series. This “light-hybrid” system consists of an electric starter motor that’s connected to the crankshaft and can function as both a generator and a propulsion system, spinning the engine during initial off the line acceleration. The “light-hybrid” will be available in both diesel and petrol versions and expect a new V8 diesel engine to make its debut in the next-gen model. The “two-mode” hybrid transmission that was developed by BMW together with General Motors and DaimlerChrysler is mostly aimed at bigger vehicles such as trucks and SUVs. The design features dual motors, and an advanced control system that can allow both engines can be turned on simultaneously, and to regenerate electric power during braking. This two-mode system, however, is not currently planned for the next generation 5-series, although BMW has not eliminated the possibility that a similar technology can be added towards the end of the model’s life cycle. We’ll have to make do with the “light hybrid” at the moment since BMW feels it has already succeeded in heavily reducing the fuel consumption of their engines. However, it remains to be seen whether or not BMW will be able to reach the EU’s new requirements for average CO2 emissions of 130g/km by 2012.

- MotorAuthority.com

[thepest]

As a matter of fact, this could be really close to the production model. Nice find m8 thanks.

[TopGearNL]

New BMW 5 series looks quite interesting, I quite like it.

[rave426]

That new 5 looks awsome. Much better than the last one.

[ZfrkS62]

I would expect to see the trunk extended another 6 or 7 inches, should this be close to what they are thinking.

if it's revealed in 2010, it will be a 2011 model year, fitting in with the 7 year span, and the 5 typically starts it's model year in the spring (as the 2008's are already arriving) along with the 7 series.

I do like the headlamps, but i'm going to miss the Bangle Butt. I really thought that what they did with the tail lamps was great. Looked more like it was glaring at you from the back

Don't expect it to look so much like the E90 though. The last 2 generations have separated themselves from the 3 a bit more than the E28 and E34 had.

As far as technology, they will eliminate some of the stuff on the F01 7er and trickle the rest down to the 5, and further filter to the 3, as usual.

[ae86_16v]

2008 BMW 5 SERIES
Product Highlights

General
• Essentially all-new platform introduced in '04; Valvetronic 6-cylinder engines, larger V-8 engine, all-wheel-drive Sedans and Sports Wagon added in '06. 2008 models substantially updated with mild facelift, revised interior and major powertrain changes for 6-cylinder models
• '08 models began production in March '07; early release in May 2007; produced in Germany
• Six models offered; five 6-cylinder models and one V-8 model:
• 528i Sedan, with 3.0-liter N52 inline 6-cylinder engine (230 hp)
• 528xi Sedan, same engine as 528i but with xDrive all-wheel drive
• 535i Sedan, with N54 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline 6-cylinder engine (300 hp)
• 535xi Sedan, same engine as 535i but with xDrive all-wheel drive
• 535xi Sports Wagon, same engine as 535i/xi Sedans, xDrive, 5-door body and many specific Sports Wagon features
• 550i Sedan, with 4.8-liter V-8 (360 hp)
• All models available with 6-speed manual 1 or automatic transmission; 535i and 550i Sedans available with new 6-speed Sport Automatic at extra cost
• Base prices including $775 destination charge (all with a choice of manual or no-cost STEPTRONIC automatic transmission):
528i Sedan – $45,075
528xi Sedan – $47,275
535i Sedan – $50,175
535xi Sedan – $52,375
535xi Sports Wagon – $54,775
550i Sedan – $59,275
• 5 Series U.S. sales in calendar 2006 – 56,756 (Sedans and Sports Wagon; includes M5).

What's new for 2008
All models:
• New model facelift includes revised front fascia, new taillights, new rear air-diffuser (Sedan models) and redesigned interior with upgraded materials. All 6-cylinder Sedans and Sports Wagon receive significant power increases, comparable to 3 Series cars.
• Lane Departure Warning system boosts driver awareness by providing the driver an immediate warning about lane placement
• Active Cruise Control adds "Stop & Go" feature, which permits cruise-control operation even in heavy traffic
• Freshened interior provides an even more elegant look, with additional leather and extended wood trim.
• Ergonomic changes include more convenient window switches, relocated console ashtray and electronic shifter
• In addition, standard iDrive adds six programmable memory buttons, which can be used for anything from radio station presets to navigation destinations or auto-dial telephone numbers
• Premium Sound Package discontinued; Logic7 premium stereo available as stand-alone option. BMW center-installed 6-disc CD changer also available
All 5 Series Sedans
• Reconfigured optical headlight lenses
• New front airdam has reshaped opening with upturned ends
• Relocated amber DOT lenses; headlight area is completely white
• Taillights include new white design with fewer reflectors, plus red lines in the optical lenses
• Reshaped rear bumper, with revised diffuser below the bumper
535xi Sports Wagon
• New front-end treatment includes revised headlights, front fascia and
relocated DOT lenses.
• New rear-end treatment includes reconfigured taillights. Rear diffuser remains as before

Performance & efficiency
All 5 Series models:
• Technically updated STEPTRONIC includes faster shifting and more efficient operation for improved efficiency and quicker acceleration; now a no-cost option for 2008
• New electronic shifter, similar to that featured in the X5 SAV, offers "shift-by-wire" actuation and more ergonomic operation
• SMG no longer available
528i/xi Sedan only
230-hp N52 engine for all 528i/xi models:
• magnesium/aluminum composite construction
• Valvetronic and Double VANOS 2 valve actuation
• includes single-stage intake
• revised tuning provides 230 horsepower @ 6500 rpm, 200 lb-ft. of torque at 2750 rpm, an increase of 15 horsepower and 15 lb-ft. of torque over previous 525i.
• New optional wheels and tires. 528i Sport Package includes 18-inch wheels with performance run-flat tires; 18-inch wheels optional with Sport Package on 528xi
535i/xi Models
300-hp N54 for all 535i/xi models:
• all-aluminum construction w/cast-iron cylinder liners
• twin-turbocharger technology boosts horsepower with virtually no turbo-lag
• Direct fuel injection with piezo electric injectors
• Double VANOS 1 steplessly variable valve timing
• N54 engine rated at 300 horsepower @ 5800 rpm, 300 lb-ft. of torque at 1400-5000 rpm, an increase of 45 horsepower and an astonishing 80 lb-ft. of torque over previous 530i/xi, with a significantly broader torque band.
• Brake discs upgraded to 13.7 front and 13.6 rear, same size as 550i
535i Sedan
• New optional Sport Automatic transmission includes steering-wheel paddle shifters and rpm matching during downshifts, plus a Sport button for quicker, more dynamic shifting (beginning 06/07 production)
• Sport Package includes 18-inch wheel and tire sizes in staggered width; first time on 6-cylinder models


535xi Sedan
• 535xi Sport Package offers the additional option of 18-inch wheel and tire sizes in staggered width; first time on all-wheel-drive models
535xi Sports Wagon
• 300-hp N54 engine, same as 535i/xi Sedans. This engine makes the 535xi Sport Wagon the most powerful wagon BMW has ever offered, including the previous-generation (E39) V-8-powered 540i.
• 535xi Sport Wagon offers 18-inch wheels and tires as an upgrade with the Sport Package
550i Sedan
• New optional Sport Automatic includes steering-wheel paddle shifters and rpm matching during downshifts (beginning 06/07 production), plus a Sport button for quicker, more dynamic shifting
• Sport Package now includes 19-inch, staggered-width wheels with performance tires.

Ergonomics, luxury & convenience
• Thoroughly revised interior
• New standard steering wheel
• Window switches relocated to armrest
• Larger, more refined door pockets
• Smaller, leather-wrapped passenger door handle
• Wood trim now flows from the instrument panel into the door panel, giving a richer, warmer, more integrated look
• iDrive includes six programmable "favorites" buttons, which can be set to frequently used features including destination addresses, phone numbers or radio station presets
• Leather-wrapped center console with:
• New ashtray
• Leather-trimmed iDrive controller w/single menu button
• New center-console storage compartment
• New electronic shifter for STEPTRONIC automatic with ergonomically optimized contour, placement and function
• Radio buttons and temperature controls trimmed in titanium silver

Options
• Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go feature allows operation even in traffic, and can accommodate speeds all the way down to a complete stop, and resume to set speed from 0 mph
• Lane Departure Warning system, provides an immediate but discreet notification when the car crosses into another lane without turn signals
• USB adaptor for iPods or MP3 players, which does not use the CD changer connections
• Premium Sound Package discontinued; Logic7 premium stereo and 6-disc CD-changer available separately
• Sequential Manual Gearbox discontinued

Other highlights
All models
• BMW Ultimate Service, including BMW Maintenance Program, for 4 years/50,000 miles included in base price
• Standard 6-speed manual transmissions have self-adjusting clutch for long clutch life
• Aluminum suspension system for outstanding handling and riding comfort (528xi and 535xi models: aluminum rear suspension only)
• Aluminum front-end structure – contributes to weight reduction and optimum front/rear weight distribution
• Vehicle and Key Memory allows users to personalize many electronic comfort, convenience and security features
• Leather-covered 3-spoke power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with auto tilt-up for entry/exit, multi-function controls
• BMW Ambiance Lighting: LED lights in roof bathe console area in soft orange light, helping occupants find controls at night; enhanced lighting features included in Premium Package
• All models available with Sport Package and Cold Weather Package; all 6-cylinder models also available with Premium Package
• Wide range of stand-alone options includes Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go feature (automatic transmission only), Active Steering, Park Distance Control (standard 550i Sedan), alternate wood interior trim selections, 20-way front Multi-contour seats, split folding rear seats (Sedan models; standard Sports Wagon), heated rear seats, BMW On-board Navigation System, Head-up Display, Lane Departure Warning system, Night Vision, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, HD Radio, rear window- and/or rear door-window sunshades, rear-seat side-impact airbags
• 10-way power front seats standard in all models; 20-way Multi-contour seats in Sport Package or as a stand-alone option; 4-way power front-seat lumbar support with 528i/xi Premium Package, standard in 535i/xi models and 550i
• Memory system for driver's seat, steering wheel and exterior mirrors; 2 positions for each user (captured by Key Memory)
• 1-touch operation of all side windows and moonroof
• Body structure engineered for excellent occupant protection in full and offset frontal impacts, side impacts and rear impacts
• Front-seat safety belts with automatic tensioners and force limiters
• Front and rear Head Protection System (AHPS II) standard in all models
• Front-seat side-impact airbags standard in all models
• Rear-seat side-impact airbags optional in all models
• Battery Safety Terminal – after a severe impact, severs high-current connection between battery and starter cable to help prevent possible short circuit
• BMW Assist Safety Plan with 4 year membership standard equipment

2008 5 Series models
528i Sedan
• 3.0-liter N52 inline 6-cylinder engine
• 230 hp, 200 lb-ft. torque
• Preliminary EPA est. MPG (revised EPA rating standard):
17 mpg city/27 mpg highway (manual transmission) or 18/27 (automatic)
• No-cost choice of 6-speed manual transmission or STEPTRONIC automatic
• Sport Package wheels and tires are 18-in. with run-flat performance tires
535i Sedan – additional features over 528i Sedan
• 3.0-liter N54 twin-turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine
• 300 hp, 300 lb-ft. torque
• Preliminary EPA est. MPG (revised EPA rating standard):
17/26 (AT); (manual transmission available SOP 09/07)
• Optional Sport Automatic includes steering-wheel paddle shifters and rpm matching during downshifts, plus a Sport button for quicker, more dynamic shifting
• Sport Package wheels and tires are staggered width 18-in. with run-flat performance tires
• Standard Xenon Adaptive headlights
• Standard 4-way power lumbar support on front seats
528xi/535xi Sedans over 528i/535i Sedans
• xDrive – fulltime all-wheel drive system, electronically controlled with variable front/rear torque split and traction control
• Preliminary EPA est. MPG (revised EPA rating standard):
528xi Sedan – 17/25 (MT) or 17/25 (AT)
535xi Sedan – 17/25 (AT); (manual transmission available SOP 09/07)
• Manual transmission of all xi models is heavier-duty Getrag Type H; rear-wheel-drive 528i Sedan has Type I transmission
535xi Sports Wagon over 535xi Sedan
• Most-powerful BMW Sport Wagon ever offered
• 3.0-liter N54 twin-turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine
• 300 hp, 300 lb-ft. torque
• Preliminary EPA est. MPG (revised EPA rating standard):
16/24 (AT); (manual transmission available SOP 09/07)
• 5-door Wagon body
• Standard roof rails
• Dual-panel Panoramic Moonroof (Sedans have single-panel moonroof)
• Standard split folding rear seats
• Rear-window wiper/washer
• Split tailgate with separately opening rear window (power-operated tailgate with programmable lift height in Premium Package)
• Many special features for versatile cargo-carrying capabilities
550i Sedan over 535i Sedan
• 4.8-liter N62 TU (Technically Updated) V-8:
• 2-stage induction system
• Aluminum construction
• Dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) per cylinder bank, 32 valves
• Valvetronic variable intake-valve lift
• Steplessly variable intake- and exhaust-valve timing
• Direct ignition system with knock control
• 360 hp, 360 lb-ft. torque
• Preliminary EPA est. MPG (revised EPA rating standard):
550i Sedan: 15/22 (MT), 15/23 (AT)
• New optional Sport Automatic includes steering-wheel paddle shifters and rpm matching during downshifts, plus a Sport button for quicker, more dynamic shifting
• Sport Package wheels and tires are staggered width 19-in. with performance tires
• Standard Park Distance Control, leather upholstery, Ambient Light Package, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors and BMW Universal Transceiver

[bmagni]

hope it ends looking like that..

[TopGearNL]

Interesting features ae86_16v !

[ZfrkS62]

As cool as i think it is, i'm glad they did away with the SMG option. Too many people thought it was an automatic and were upset because they could feel the shifts. We have had several complaints about it and there's nothing we can do.

[ae86_16v]

Originally Posted by ZfrkS62 As cool as i think it is, i'm glad they did away with the SMG option. Too many people thought it was an automatic and were upset because they could feel the shifts. We have had several complaints about it and there's nothing we can do.

Not surprised, people get it because it is suppose to be the "latest and greatest" and not realizing what it is.

Now in regards to the 335i Automatic, I have heard rave reviews about that.

[inso]

just little strange that www.bmwusa.com has 525 with that old 215hp 3liter engine and 530 with the new 255hp engine.

But looking at the new pages, there is 528i with little newer 230hp engine, but no 530i at all with 255hp. In Europe there is even newer version of the NA 530i engine with 272hp. In Europe there is also 540i, 525i and 523i, 4.0l 306hp, 3.0 218hp and 2.5l 190hp(and of course many very good diesel engines). It might be Europe is just coming behind and the new turbo versions aren´t released yet. I hope they get 4wd also for 335ci.

[Bernardo]

Its just me or the rearview mirros have different shapes?I mean...In the first pic you see that the left one is oval and If you have a look at the right one It isnt..plus if you look at the right one again in the sec pic he has a different shape..and we cant see the left one because of the car angle in the pic.

But look at the first pic where we can see both.They dont have the same shape at all.

[Z3uS]

I like this new 5 a lot... Much better looking than actual one.