2008 BMW 5-Series Review Summary & Specs
528i Sedan
Major update improves a true sports sedan.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
The BMW 5 Series is a true driver's car among mid-sized luxury sedans. Increased power and other improvements for 2008 only emphasize this. The 5 mixes comfort, performance, high-tech features and passenger-friendly accommodations in fairly compact package. Any 5 Series is remarkably well balanced, and satisfying to own and drive.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent J.P. Vettraino filed this report from Detroit, with Mitch McCullough reporting from Charlottesville, Virginia.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Luxury Cars |
| Editor |
J.P. Vettraino |
| Model Lineup |
BMW 528i ($44,300); 528xi ($46,500); 535i ($49,400); 535xi ($51,600); 535xi Sport Wagon ($54,000); 550i ($58,500); M5 ($82,900) |
| Engines (standard) |
4.8-liter dohc 32-valve variable valve timing V8 |
| Engines (optional) |
235-hp 3.0-liter inline 6; 300-hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline 6; 360-hp 4.8-liter V8; 500-hp 5.0-liter V10 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
6-speed manual |
| Transmissions (optional) |
6-speed manual; 6-speed Steptronic automatic; 7-speed sequential manual gearbox (M5 only) |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
front-impact airbags with dual threshold deployment, front passenger side-impact airbags, full cabin curtain-style head-protection airbags, Intelligent Safety and Information System control with fiber-optic connections and post-impact safety measures, tire pressure monitor, antilock brakes with Dynamic Brake Control auto-proportioning, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control anti-skid electronics, seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, BMW Assist with automatic collision notification, SOS button, roadside assist and locater and concierge services |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
rear passenger side-impact airbags ($385); Lane Departure Warning system ($500) |
| Basic Warranty |
4 years/50,000 miles; includes scheduled maintenance |
| Assembled In |
Dingolfing, Germany |
| Manufacturer Phone |
1-800-831-1117 |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.bmwusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$44,300 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
BMW 550i ($58,500) |
| Standard Equipment |
Dakota leather upholstery, automatic climate control with separate left/right temperature and distribution controls and active charcoal micro-filter, 10-way power front seats with power head restraints and driver's seat memory, dark poplar wood trim, AM/FM/CD with 10 speakers and two sub-woofers, cruise control, power tilt-and-telescope leather steering wheel with fingertip cruise, audio and phone controls, power windows with key-off and one-touch operation, keyless entry with multi-function remote, power heated side mirrors with reverse tilt-down on passenger side, xenon adaptive headlights and halogen fog lights with automatic control, 17x7.5-inch cast-alloy wheels, power glass sunroof, Park Distance Control parking aid, integrated three-button universal garage door opener, power outlets in front-passenger foot well, rear center console and trunk, rechargeable flashlight in glovebox |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
Sport Package includes Active Steering, Active Roll Stabilization, 19x8.5-inch cast alloy wheels with W-rated run-flat tires ($4,600); Cold Weather Package includes heated front seats, steering wheel and high-pressure headlight washing jets ($750); on-board navigation system ($1,900); Logic7 audio ($1,200) with six-CD changer; HD Radio ($500); Sirius satellite radio ($595) |
| Destination Charge |
775 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
1300 |
| Price as Tested |
$70,120 |
| Layout |
rear-wheel drive |
| Horse Power |
360 @ 6300 |
| Torque |
360 @ 3400 |
| Fuel Economy |
15/22 |
| Wheelbase |
113.7 |
| Length/Width/Height |
191.1/72.7/57.8 |
| Track Front/Rear |
|
| Turning Radius |
37.5 |
| Seating Capacity |
5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
39.1/NA/41.5 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
|
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
38.1/NA/36.0 |
| Trunk Volume |
14.0 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
|
| Front Suspension |
independent with dual-pivot lower wishbones, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension |
independent four-link, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
| Ground Clearance |
|
| Curb Weight |
3946 |
| Stock Tires |
P245/35WR19 front, 275/30WR19 rear, run-flat |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
vented disc/vented disc with ABS and electronic brake proportioning |
| Fuel Capacity |
18.5 |