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| BMW 5-Series | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | BMW |
| Production: | September 1972 – present |
| Class: | sedan |
| Body Styles: | 4-door 5-door Touring |
| Engines: | E34 2.5 L I6 E34 3.0 L V8(M60B30) E34 3.5 L I6 (M30) E34 4.0 L V8(M60B40) |
| Length: | E34 4841 mm |
| Width: | E34 1846 mm |
| Height: | E34 1469 mm |
| Curb weight: | E34 535i 3,570 lb (1,620 kg) |
| Predecessor: | 1500-2000 series |
| Successor: | none |
| Similar models: | Mercedes-Benz E-Class Audi A6 Jaguar S-Type |
| This article is part of the automobile series. | |
The BMW 5-Series is a series of medium size automobiles manufactured by BMW in Germany. They have been available as four-door sedans (UK: saloon) or station wagons (UK: estate).
The 5-series got its name by being the fifth of the "new series" cars after the V-8 and Isetta era. The preceding models were the 700, 1500/1600/1800/1602/2002, 2500/2800/Bavaria and the CS.
The body was styled by Marcello Gandini, who also did the Fiat 132 and Alfa Romeo Alfetta, two other cars that have a very similar design.
There have been five generations of the 5-Series to date. To differentiate between them, they are referred to by their unique chassis numbers (EXX).
It began the BMW tradition of being named with a three-digit number. The first digit (5 in this case) represents the model, and the following 2 digits (usually) represent the size of the engine in decilitres, which is the main distinguishing difference. Additional letters or words may be added to the end of the 3 digit number to define the fuel type (petrol or diesel), engine or transmission details, and the body style. The 'i' originally stood for (fuel) 'injection'.
The BMW E12 was the first 5-Series BMW made. The following models were produced in this series:
The BMW E28 was the second BMW 5-Series and stylistically, was an evolution of the E12.
The following models were sold in Europe:
The following models were sold in America:
For full information on this generation, see BMW E34
The fourth generation 5-Series earned awards for safety and reliability and was considered one of the most elegant shapes of its time.
The following E34s were sold in America:
The BMW E39 was one of BMW's most successful cars, with several different models. These included:
This car has been widely praised in all aspects; many say it is the best BMW in the world. The diesels provide great torque and smoothness with great economy. The M5 has been called "the ultimate in discreet speed" with 369 lb ft of torque and a 0-60 time of 5.2 seconds.
Note: The 540d was only sold in mainland Europe.
The very first 1997 BMW 5-Series rolled off the assembly line on June 18, 1996.
The BMW E60 is the current BMW 5-Series. Its design and many of its advanced features have created controversy amongst BMW aficionados.
It is available in the following variants:
The E60 M5, planned for a 2005 release, will be powered by a Formula 1 inspired, high-revving 5-litre V10 producing about 500 bhp. It will also have the first 7-speed SMG transmission in a production sedan. It is reported to go from 0 to 60 mph in "well under" five seconds.
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