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history

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, the "New Class", the "New Six" 2500/2800/Bavaria and the CS. The 5 Series was intended to replace the smaller New Class sedans, leaving the coupes as the company's low-end model.

The body was styled by Marcello Gandini, based on the Bertone 1970 BMW Garmisch 2002ti Geneva show car. Gandini also did the Fiat 132 and Alfa Romeo Alfetta, two other cars that have a 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).

The 5 Series 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 two 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 three-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'.

Refreshed 5-Series Update (January 2007)

The updated E60/E61 5-Series was unveiled on January 8, 2007. Updates include new front and rear bumpers, restyled front headlights and restyled taillights with LED technology. A refreshed interior is also presented featuring the new shifter from the new X5, and the addition of the new BMW Drive-By-Wire system. Beginning with March '07 production the 525i and 530i will be replaced with the 2008 528i/xi and 535i/xi, with the 535i/xi models receiving the new 3.0L twin-turbo inline six. The 550i will remain with the same engine, however, when ordered with the sport package, the factory M-aero kit becomes fitted from the factory in addition to a unique Carbon Black exterior color first seen on the M3 which is optional. The 550i is available in most markets.

The 2008 model of the 520i has gotten a new engine: a 2.0 liters 4 cylinders instead of the R6 2.2 liters. High compression and new piezo injector technology keeps the performance on 170bhp/210 nm, but betters the fuel economy.

BMW also launched a new M5 Touring into their range, but this will not be introduced in the USA.

Awards

The E39 5 Series was on Car and Driver magazine's annual Ten Best list for six years straight, from its introduction in 1997 through 2002. It was also Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year for 1997 and What Car? Executive Car of the Year 1997 through 2002. The E60 was named "Best New Luxury / Prestige Car" in the 2006 Canadian Car of the Year awards. Active Seat  continuous passive motion seating comfort technology recognized as one of the Best Inventions of 1998 by Popular Science magazine. Consumer Reports found the E39 5 series their best car tested in 2001-2002.