BMW 5 Series (F10)

Styling

It was designed by Jacek Fröhlich from November 2005 to December 2006, with a more prominent upright split kidney grille and the absence of the "Bangle butt" rear-end styling of its E60 predecessor. Externally, the car is a more traditional BMWesque design; a far more sober effort after the highly controversial E60. Although it bears some resemblance to the E60 with the wide kidney grilles and a very pronounced Hofmeister kink, the creases in the bonnet and just underneath the door are clearly related to the E39 and other earlier 5 series models. Inside marks the return of the centre console being clearly angled towards the driver, another marked change from its immediate predecessor which was noted for its non traditional BMW design. However, opinion is divided, as a reviewer described the F10 as too bland and conservative, compared to the E60 predecessor, as well too much resemblance to the E90 3-Series. The New York Times has noted that the F10 5 Series, unlike its predecessor, "is conventionally handsome in the husky and muscular way of a German soccer fullback", albeit suggesting that it resembles the 7 and 3 Series sedans too much — the same sausage, cut to a different length.

Engineering

The F10 shares a platform with the BMW 7 Series (F01) and has been described as a downsized-7 Series in contrast to its E60 predecessor which was regarded as an upsized 3 Series. Improvements over the E60-generation 5-series include a front dual ball joint short-long arm suspension, and rear multilink suspension, making it more refined but heavier. While the E60 had an aluminum front chassis structure from firewall forward (which provided perfect balance but was expensive to repair), the F10 has returned to the conventional steel monocoque. The 2011 model has a rollover risk of 9.3%.

Long wheel base sedan (F18 2010-)

A long wheel base version of the BMW 5 Series Sedan was developed for the Chinese and Mexican markets, as a cheaper alternative to the BMW 7 Series which is also longer and wider. The 5 Series LWB has been extended by 14 cm (5.5 in).

The model range includes the 520Li, 523Li, 528Li, and 535Li. All models include 8-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic.

The LWB 5 Series was first assembled at BMW Plant Shenyang in Shenyang, China plant for the Chinese market.

Mexican built armored BMW 5 vehicles are also built on an identical stretched frame as the Chinese long wheelbase model but are otherwise identical to the international models and do include most of the specialized features of the Chinese version apart from the entertainment system and power sunblinds. Instead the added space is used for the installation of armor plate and other security features. This model is known as the BMW 5 Security and only is available in long wheelbase form with the 4.4L V8 engine. BMW is planning on selling the Chinese built long wheelbase version in the Middle East market by 2013 and eventually assembling the LWB 5 series in their Egyptian facility for the Middle Eastern market. The Mexican built armored LWB 5 series is currently sold internationally as the BMW 5 Security and is manufactured in Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico.

BMW 5 Series Sedan (F10, 2010-)

The vehicle was unveiled at Olympic Stadium Munich in 2009.

BMW 5 Series Touring (F11, 2010-)

The vehicle was unveiled in 2010 Auto Mobil International.

5-Series Gran Turismo (F07)

In May 2009, BMW released the official pictures of its production model 5-Series Gran Turismo, which is considered a coupé-like crossover vehicle or station wagon - a blend of different typical body styles. BMW advertises the new 5-Series GT as "The First of its Kind". The 5-Series GT is powered by a single-turbo diesel straight-6 producing 245 PS (180 kW; 242 hp), by a single-turbo straight-6 producing 306 PS (225 kW; 302 hp) and a twin-turbo V8 producing 408 PS (300 kW; 402 hp); the latter will give the car a 0-60 mph time of 5.5 seconds. The car receives ZF's new 8-speed serial automatic transmission, along with a new Brake Energy Regeneration system.

BMW has suggested that the new 5-Series GT would replace the 5-Series Touring (wagon) in their North American lineup, due to slow sales of the E61 Touring in the United States, with only 400 sold in 2009. In that country, more M5s and Z8s have been sold than the 535i and 540i wagons, respectively. BMW is targeting annual sales of 4000 to 8000 5 Series GTs.

The F07 Gran Turismo shares the same F01 7 Series-derived platform, powertrain, mechanical package, and dashboard with the F10. However the F07's fascia has different headlights and bumper, with a larger split-kidney grille similar to that of the F01 7 Series. The F07 also has a taller height resulting in a higher center of gravity, its longer length allows for more rear legroom, the rear passenger accommodation has optional "Executive" bucket seats for two instead of the three-seat bench, and it weighs 400 pounds (180 kg) more than the F10. The F07 also features frame-less doors and a double-pane liftgate trunk.

The F07 was released before the rest of the next-generation 5-Series lineup. In Canada and the United States, for first half of 2010, the Gran Turismo was sold alongside the outgoing E60 5-Series, until the rollout of the F10 in June 2010.

Engines

Petrol engines:

Diesel engines:

North American models use the older N52 240 bhp (179 kW; 243 PS) engine in the 528i. In Europe, the N53 direct injection engine is used in 528i and 530i. In most parts of South East Asia, the 2.5-litre naturally aspirated straight-6 gasoline N52T engine is fitted to the 523i, providing the same power output as the 3.0-litre variant at 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp) but slightly lower torque at 250 N·m (180 lb·ft). Another 2.5-litre straight-six engine is available in China. This engine produces 177 PS (130 kW; 175 hp) and 230 N·m (170 lb·ft) of torque.

Equipment

Beginning with 2011 model year, all BMW 5 Series Sedan in North America market include standard digital HD Radio Technology entertainment systems.

Marketing

In the 2011 5 Series commercial 'Refuel' (produced by Grey West), it reemphasized The Ultimate Driving Machine as the brand's central positioning. The ad features 5 Series sedan and a jet plane.

2012 model year update

Changes include:

Introduction of four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engines with twin-scroll turbocharging, VALVETRONIC variable valve timing and Double-Vanos variable camshaft timing

New Sedan models include BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Edition, BMW 528i xDrive, BMW 525d xDrive, BMW 535d xDrive.

New Touring Models include BMW 528i xDrive, BMW 535i xDrive, BMW 525d xDrive, and BMW 535d xDrive.

Driving Experience Control becomes standard on BMW 5 Series Sedan and the BMW 5 Series Touring. On all four- and six-cylinder models, this switch also allows the driver to select ECO PRO mode.

Auto Start-Stop function as standard

New optional equipment include BMW ConnectedDrive (including the new-generation BMW Head-Up Display, Real-Time Traffic Information and hands-free opening of the tailgate or rear window)

From spring 2012, BMW 520d and BMW 520d EfficientDynamics Edition can also be ordered with BMW BluePerformance Technology from spring 2012, which includes additional NOx catalyst storage for EU6 emission standard compliance.

Early Sedan models include 520d, 525d, 520d EfficientDynamics Edition, 520i, 528i. Early Touring models include 520d, 525d, 520i, 528i.

Beginning from spring 2013, the Comfort Package available for the BMW 5 Series Sedan and BMW 5 Series Touring will include automatic climate control with extended features, Park Distance Control (PDC), seat heating and lumbar support for driver and front passenger, automatically dimming rear-view mirror, the ambient light option and the HiFi loudspeaker system.

BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid (2010)

It is a concept car based on BMW 5 Series Sedan. It included I6 twin scroll turbo engine, 55 PS (40 kW; 54 hp) electric motor, eight-speed automatic transmission, hybrid-based Auto Start Stop function, auxiliary climate control function from BMW ActiveHybrid 7, battery near the rear axle.

The vehicle was unveiled in 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

BMW Concept M5 (2011)

It is a M5 Sedan with three large air intakes, black side window, lower ride height, M-specific 20-inch forged light alloy wheels with double-spoke design, 265/35 ZR20 front and 295/35 ZR20 rear tires, gill featuring a high-quality chrome surround and horizontally divided by a chrome bar, V8 M TwinPower Turbo engine, seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic, Active M Differential with multi-plate lock developed by BMW M GmbH.

BMW Concept M5 was unveiled in Auto Shanghai 2011.

530 Le

A prototype plug-in hybrid based on the long wheelbase version of the BMW 5 Series Sedan, produced in co-operation with Tongji University in Shanghai. It included 160 kW combustion engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, an electrical motor with a maximum output of 70 kW. Electric-only mode is active up to 60 km/h (37 mph) with range of 75 km (47 mi). The vehicle was unveiled in Auto Shanghai 2011.

The series production version went on sale in China in 2015, with an all-electric range of 58 km. Combined fuel consumption is around 2 liters/100 km.

M5 (2011-)

The production M5 was unveiled in 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, and later in Nürburgring, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca; the Goodwood Festival of Speed; and has been shown to select members of the M Driving Experience at the Salzburg Ring in Germany.

The vehicle went on sale in November 2011, with deliveries in Germany and the rest of western Europe starting December 2011, followed by Asia in February 2012. Production of US model began at March 2012.

On June 15, 2011, BMW released official info information about new M5.

The car is powered by an upgraded S63tu biturbo 4.4 Litre V8 with twin scroll turbocharging technology, that is found in the BMW X5 M and X6 M. The compression ratio has been raised and the pistons strengthened to cope with the added boost and compression. Equipped with higher lift camshafts and individual throttle bodies for added response, the engine has higher boost at 22 psi (1.5 bar) compared to the S63 unit found in the X5/X6M. Increasingly stringent international CO2 emissions and fuel consumption regulations are cited as the cause of death of the outgoing model's V10 engine, with the new S63tu engine cutting CO2 emissions by 25%. The engine is rated produces 560 hp (418 kW) and 680 N·m (500 lb·ft) of torque, with the redline at 7200 rpm. Acceleration to 100 kilometres per hour (62 mph) is in 4.4 seconds, and top speed is limited to 250 kilometres per hour (160 mph), with an option to raise this to 305 kilometres per hour (190 mph) by specifying the M-Drivers-Package. Hybrid systems have been ruled out of use on the F10 because of the extra weight they would add to the car.

The Getrag SMG III single-clutch 7-speed semi-automatic transmission was replaced by seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic. This will be paired with an Active M-Differential with torque vectoring between the rear wheels. North American version of the 2013 BMW M5 also included 6-speed manual transmission as no-cost option.

The car is built on modified F10 platform, with a wheelbase which is 11 millimetres shorter than the standard 5 series. The brake calipers will be colored blue and standard for all M5s at release. Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres are specified, on standard 19-inch multi-spoke or optional 20-inch split 5-spoke wheels.

The F10 design was influenced by BMW's EfficientDynamics program to lower the weight of the car. BMW has partnered with carbon fiber manufacturers SGL Carbon, to reduce weight both overall and in key components. However, car weight at 1,945 kg (4,288 lb) is 90 kilograms more than previous model. Average fuel consumption is claimed to be 9.9 liters, which is 31% less compared to 14.4 liters from V10 powered M5.

The car also included Active Sound system that plays modified engine sound through the car's audio system.

ActiveHybrid 5 (2011-)

The ActiveHybrid is a hybrid version based on the 535i Sedan, presaged by the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid. It includes a 317-volt 675Wh lithium ion battery pack. Electric-only mode is active up to 60 km/h (37 mph). It also features Hybrid Auto Start-Stop, coasting mode, and standard Driving Dynamics Control switch with ECO PRO mode.

The vehicle was announced at the 90th Annual General Meeting of BMW AG in Munich on 18 May 2010, and was officially unveiled at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, and for North America at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

The production version went on sale in 2011, with the US model going on sale in late Spring 2012. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rated the 2013 model year ActiveHybrid 5 with a combined fuel economy of 26 mpg_‑US (9.0 L/100 km; 31 mpg_‑imp), with 23 mpg_‑US (10 L/100 km; 28 mpg_‑imp) in the city, and 30 mpg_‑US (7.8 L/100 km; 36 mpg_‑imp) in highway, surpassing the ratings of both the 2012 ActiveHybrid 7 and the now discontinued 2011 ActiveHybrid X6.

BMW 5 Series emergency vehicles (2011-)

BMW 5 Series Touring Paramedic Vehicle, and BMW 5 Series Touring Covert Vehicle, were unveiled in 11th RETTmobil 2011.

M5 M Performance Edition (2012)

UK version is a limited (30 units) variant of M5 M Performance Edition. It included a choice of 3 body colours (BMW Individual Japan Red with a Frozen Red wrap, BMW Individual Frozen White, BMW Individual Frozen Blue), Full Black Merino leather upholstery with contrasting Mugello Red, Lotus White or Tobago Blue stitching; floor mats with contrast piping, an Alcantara steering wheel, BMW Individual Piano Black interior trim with a 'One of 30' laser cut designation, front headrests with M stitching and door sills with 'BMW M Performance Edition' designation, Active M differential and electronic damping control, 20-inch M Double-spoke Matt Black alloy wheels, Dark Chrome exhaust, side gills and kidney surround, M Sport multi-function seats with lumbar support, powered bootlid operation, sun protection glass, split-folding rear seats, comfort access and soft close doors, a reversing assist camera, High-beam assistant, Internet, BMW Professional 12-loudspeaker system, telephone USB audio interface, mobile application preparation and speed limit display.

M550d xDrive (2012-)

The M550d, unveiled during the 2012 Geneva International Motor Show is one of six vehicles under the M Performance brand. The M550d is included amongst four of these which are diesel models, powered by the N57S engine. Notably, these are the first BMW diesel M cars.

The M550d is available in both sedan and touring chassis, with a ZF 8HP eight-speed sport automatic transmission including auto start/stop function. Manual and non-sport automatic gearboxes are not available.

Unique features on the M550d are the twin trapezoidal exhausts in dark chrome and both wing mirrors and air-intake bars in ferric grey. Other 5 series models have wing mirrors in the same colour as the rest of the vehicle. The front fog lamps, standard on all other F10/F11 5 series models are removed, to make space for additional air-intakes. The door-sill plates are also unique on this vehicle, having a "M550d" inscription. The following additional equipment is standard, however they may all be ordered as optional-extras on other F10/F11 models in the range:

M Sport package:

M sport suspension: M Performance-specific enhancements, including lowered 10mm front and rear suspension M aerodynamics M leather steering wheel M driver's footrest 19" 351 M alloy wheels Black high-gloss window exteriors BMW Individual roofliner, in anthracite

4-zone air-conditioning

Vehicle alarm

Auto-dimming exterior and interior mirrors

Electric heated front seats with memory

Headlight package:

Xenon self-levelling headlights Headlight washers Adaptive headlights

Ambient light option

Zero-cost option of Dakota leather upholstery

In addition, the F11 Touring model features air suspension on the rear axle, with automatic self-levelling.

BMW 5 Series Authorities Vehicles

It is a version of BMW 5 Series for emergency services. BMW 5 Series Saloon models include 520i, 528i (xDrive), 535i (xDrive), 550i (xDrive), 520d, 525d (xDrive), 530d (xDrive), 535d (xDrive). BMW 5 Series Touring models include all engine models from Saloon except 550i xDrive.

Engines

For the BMW 528i, the N53 inline-six engine was replaced by the turbocharged N20 inline-four engine.

* North American 535d models used the 6-cylinder engine with 255 hp from the European-specification 530d models.

Motorsport

A M5 Sedan entered the 2013 One Lap of America motorsport event.

Performance

BMW M5 F10 412kW/560 hp (680 nm) 0–100 km/h : 4.2sec - 402m : 12.1sec @ 198.5 km/h - Standing 1 km sprint : 255.4 km/h @ 21.4sec

Production

In 2012, sales of the 2013 model year M5 were briefly stopped due to potential engine oil pump failures. Simultaneously, a recall was issued for vehicles manufactured between July 19, 2012 and September 11, 2012.

BMW 5 Series task vehicles were built in BMW plants in Dingolfing and Munich.

Marketing

A BMW M5 is currently used as Nürburgring Ring-Taxi. The Ring-Taxi service featuring the updated model began in April 2012.

For the market launch of the BMW M5 in 2012, several launch clips were released, including a 2-minute short film titled as "Bullet" by BMW Canada and a commercial featuring Urs Inauen and Gavin Patterson driving a M5 in Circuit de l'Anneau Du Rhin. A movie featuring a M5 prototype driving in snow was also produced.