Interior
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Good looks and luxury fittings mean little if occupants don't feel secure. They will in a 1998 5 Series. If the
optional rear-seat side airbags are ordered, the BMW cabin has a total of eight airbags to protect driver and passengers
in the event of a crash. Most notable is BMW's new Head Protection System, or HPS.
The system consists of a tubular airbag on each side of the cabin, anchored in front at the base of the windshield
pillar, in back on the roof above the rear door. In the event of a side impact, the HPS tube inflates, breaks away
from the trim panels that conceal it, and serves as a barrier between heads and hard surfaces that would cause serious
injury. Tests have shown the head protection system markedly improves survivability in side impacts.
Safety may be given top billing, but the 5 Series interior isn't lacking in comfort and appearance. Trim is sumptuous,
whether leatherette with brushed-aluminum accents (528i) or soft leather with burl walnut panels discreetly applied
to center console, dashboard and door panels (540i). Power front seats with 10-way adjustments are standard, as are
power tilt-and-telescope steering column and electric windows, mirrors and door locks.
The automatic climate control has separate temperature settings for driver and front-seat passenger, and the standard
audio system has 10 speakers (528i) or 12 (540i). A power moonroof comes standard on the 540i, optional on the 528i.
About the only option one might want to add are heated front seats. Leather upholstery can be ordered to replace the
528i's leatherette and power-operated rear window sunshades and manual pull-up rear side window shades can be added
to any 5 Series. Deeply bolstered manually adjustable sport front seats are available at no cost for the 540i.
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