BMW 530i (2004)

BMW 530i

The BMW E60 automobile platform is the basis of the 2004-onwards 5-Series automobile. It replaced the BMW E39 in 2004. Before the recent restyling, the models available were the 520i, 520d, 525i, 525d, 530i, 530d, 535d, 545i, and the M5. All models received an engine upgrade for 2006:

-The 523i replaced the 520i. The engine was the same as the old 525i detuned to 177bhp

-The 525i became available with the new 218bhp unit (up from 192 bhp).

-The 530i with 258bhp (up from 231bhp)

-The 530d became availabel withe 231bhp (up from 218bhp).

-New engine: the 540i with 302bhp.

-The 550i replaced the 545i in the fall of 2005.

-The 520d, 525d, the 535d and the M5 remained the same.

The E60 is available in both saloon and touring (E61) platforms. The exterior design by Chris Bangle and Adrian van Hooydonk is controversial, especially the "Bangle-butt" rear. Its iDrive system has been simplified compared with that in the 7 series. It can be ordered with options such as active cruise control, head-up display, active steering, and for audiophiles - the Harman Kardon Logic7 stereo system.

The BMW M5 is the high performance version of the range, and is one of the best performance saloon cars on the market, it balances superb handling (like all BMW 'M' cars) with huge power, delivered by a naturally aspirated 5.0 L (40-valve) V10 - that produces 373 kW (507 bhp (/PS)). The car has impressive performance, with a 0-62 time of 4.7 seconds, 0-124 time of 15 seconds, and a top speed in excess of 205 mph (when the electronic limiter of 155mph is removed). Few sedans can compare with the M5, and realistically only the new Mercedes-Benz - E63 AMG and Audi RS6 provide competition.