BMW 5-Series automobiles offer much more than power.
They offer the power to choose. From the 2.5-liter 6-cylinder engine in the 525i/525iT, to the 3-liter V8 in the 530i/530iT and the 4-liter V8 in the 540i, the 5-Series offers a wide range of engine choices--each one providing impressive response and performance.
Of course, BMW's V8 engines have brawn.
But they also have brains, a healthy measure of flexibility, and outstanding durability. With 282 hp at 5800 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 4500 rpm the 540i, with its 4-liter V8 engine, is capable of travelling 0-60 in 6.2 seconds (manual transmission)*. Yet, unlike many other engines with extraordinary levels of power, its performance is silky-smooth and wonderfully refined.
They also have brains.
This is due in large part to BMW's Digital Motor Electronics (DME)--a highly sophisticated system standard on all BMW engines. DME continually monitors such factors as engine temperature and speed, intake airflow, exhaust gas composition, and even the elevation of the road, and then literally fine-tunes the engine hundreds of time a second to maximize performance and efficiency.
DME even has a fail-safe program: In the unlikely event of certain electrical faults, it can actually reconfigure itself to bypass the problem, thus helping you reach your destination. DME then remembers the problem--no matter how small--and stores it for later retrieval by service technicians.
Engine construction.
The BMW V8s also represent a whole new kind of engine construction. Given their outstanding strength, the cylinder heads and block are amazingly compact and light. Constructed entirely of aluminum, each cylinder is specially plated with an extremely hard nickel dispersion coating, providing long life and lighter weight than conventional aluminum blocks with cast-iron cylinder liners.
Each cylinder breathes through four valves operated by dual-overhead camshafts for improved power. The intake manifold, constructed of injection-molded thermo-plastic, greatly improves air flow and insulates the air from engine heat for excellent torque and efficiency.
Smooth power and little routine maintenance are a winning BMW combination.
The five 1996 5-Series models are powered by three distinct engines: a 2.5-liter 6-cylinder engine in the 525i Sedan and Touring, a 3.0 liter V8 in the 530i Sedan and Touring, and a 4.0 liter V8 in the 540i. Each incorporates advanced technologies to deliver outstanding performances, reassuring reliability, and rugged durability with remarkably low maintenance.
BMWs in-line 6-cylinder is one of the smoothest engine configurations available.
This advanced dual-overhead camshaft engine is velvet-smooth and free-revving. At low engine speeds and loads, valve timing is "advanced" for improved torque and quick acceleration. At higher speeds and loads (generally above 4500 RPM) the camshaft retards so the valves open later for maximum power. At idle, the camshaft also retards to increase smoothness.
Powerful? Yes, indeed.
The 6-cylinder engines in the 525i and 525iT produce 189 HP at 5900 rpm, with the sedan accelerating from 0-60 in 8.6 seconds (manual). BMW engines are as durable as they are powerful -- utilizing chain-driven camshafts instead of the more common (and less durable) timing belts.
Low routine maintenance? Yes, again.
Ease of ownership and long-term value are considerations in any new car purchase, especially luxury automobiles. It's therefore an important benefit to know that all 5-Series engines require little routine maintenance other than changes of oil, filters and spark plugs. This is due in large part to distributorless ignition systems, self-adjusting hydraulic valve lifters and drive belts designed to last for the life of the car, while never needing adjustment.
And now, BMW offers two important maintenance programs designed to reduce costs of scheduled maintenance check-ups.
The secret behind BMW's fantastic handling.
Serious driving enthusiasts are amazed at the formidable handling capabilities of the 5-Series. Responsiveness is so quick and positive, it's as if the car could anticipate your steering, braking and quick maneuvers. We predict that you, too, will become a BMW enthusiast after driving a car that handles this well.
Double-pivot strut-type front suspension.
This patented BMW front system, which is a type of MacPherson-strut suspension, incorporates two lower control arms that provide precise, responsive handling; a comfortable, yet firm ride; and resistance to "dive" when braking.
Track Link rear suspension.
The 5-Series' stability and riding comfort starts with an extremely rigid monocoque chassis and near 50/50 weight disitribution. That stable platform is the basis for the fully independent suspension system. The Track Line rear suspension system with semi-trailing arms increases straight-line and lane-changing stability, reducing rear-end squat when accelerating, and front-end dive when braking, to provide more balanced handling.
Making you a more confident driver.
Quick, responsive steering, breathtaking handling characteristics and sure-footed anti-lock braking are as important to safety as they are to providing an exciting driving experience. At BMW we're concerned with providing optimal control for the driver - what we call "Active Safety" - to aid your ability to drive out of potentially dangerous situations and to increase your sheer pleasure of driving.
It's not surprising to discover that a sizeable proportion of of those who buy or lease a 5-Series have already owned a BMW. They know a good thing when they see it - because they've experienced the advantages and fun of driving a BMW.
Want to enjoy a smoother driving experience?
It's practically automatic in the 5-Series.
Think of the advanced 5-speed automatic transmision in the 540i and 530i Touring (optional in the 530) as a great communicator. BMW's new Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC) goes far beyond automatic transmissions found in most other cars. Available in the 5-Series v8 models, ATC automaticlly chooses the best shift mode based on the way you are driving and road conditions. ATC senses when you're powering hard into a turn, inching in stop-and-go traffic, or gliding dowbhill. The result? Smooth, effortless shifts that come at the right place and time. It even senses when roads are slippery, and automatically starts in second gear, shifting early for improved traction.
5-speed automatic.
Many automatic transmissions have only four forward gears. BMW offers an additional gear with its V8 automatic transmission engines, so all gear ratios could be reconfigured. The benefit? BMW's 5-speed automatic has a lower "low" gear than 4-speed automatic transmissions, for improved off-the-line response, and a higher "high" gear for increased efficiency. By shifting from "D" to the "4," the transmission provides a wonderfully dynamic sport-shifting pattern that takes full advantage of all the power that BMW's high-performance V8s are capable of. A shift mode button on the console also allows the driver to tailor shift programs. Press "M" and the automatic transmission becomes a manual transmission, allowing you to choose the gear you want.
5- and 6-speed manual transmissions.
The 530i is one of the few V8-powered automobiles in its class with a 5-speed manual transmission. And because so many BMW enthusiasts have demanded it, the 540i is now available with a Getrag 6-speed manual transmission.*
* As of 7/94 production.
BMW 5-Series Design
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