BMW: BMW 5 Series 2008

2008 5 Series

The 2008 5 Series is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, luxury sports sedan, or luxury wagon, available in 6 trims, ranging from the 528i Sedan to the 550i Sedan.

Upon introduction, the 528i Sedan is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 230-horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The 550i Sedan is equipped with a standard 4.8-liter, V8, 360-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.

Consumer guide review:

Freshened styling and new 6-cylinder engines mark the 2008 BMW 5-Series. These midsize sedans and wagons come in rear- and all-wheel-drive versions. The lineup starts with 528i and all-wheel-drive 528xi sedans, which replace the 525i and 525xi. One step up are the 535i sedan and AWD 535xi sedans and wagons, which replace the 530i and 530xi. The 528 and 535 have a new 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine; it makes 230 horsepower in 528s, 300 in the turbocharged 535s. Unchanged for '08 are the 550i sedan, which has a 360-horsepower V8, and the high-performance M5, which has a 500-horsepower V10 and sport suspension. All are available with a 6-speed manual transmission.

All but the M5 also offer a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission with available steering-wheel shift paddles. Available on the M5 is BMW's 7-speed sequential manual transmission (SMT), which can be set to shift like an automatic. Standard on all models are ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and front and rear head-protecting tubular side airbags. BMW Assist emergency and concierge service is also standard. All models have BMW's iDrive, which uses a console knob to control entertainment, navigation, communication, and climate functions. Available features include a sport suspension teamed with run-flat tires, BMW's Active Roll Stabilization designed to counteract body lean, and BMW's Active Steering that electronically varies steering ratio and assist.

Competition

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars.