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2008 BMW 5-Series Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2008 BMW 5-Series Review:
5.
6.
BMW 5-Series Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 BMW 5-Series 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. When equipped with the available Sport Package, 535i and 550 models have an optional 6-speed automated manual transmission. Available on the M5 is BMW's 7-speed automated manual transmission. The automated manuals facilitate gear changes via the floorshifter or steering-wheel paddles. The transmission can also be set to shift like an automatic. Standard on all models are ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Rear side airbags are optional. 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.
Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, Volvo V70, and Volvo XC70.
Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, Volvo V70, and Volvo XC70.
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2008 BMW 5-Series Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Steering/handling | Control layout |
| Ride | Fuel economy (M5) |
| Build quality | |
| Interior materials | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
We've had no opportunity yet to test the 535 or M5. Despite a smallish engine for the class, the 528i has sufficient power for most needs, even with the automatic transmission. The 550i is potent at all speeds; it did 5.5 seconds 0-60 mph with automatic transmission in our test. The conventional automatic works well but can be tardy on downshifts. Manual transmissions shift smoothly. We've not evaluated any 5-Series with the automated manual transmission.
| 528i, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg., manual | 550i w/Sport Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
We've had no opportunity yet to test the 535 or M5. Despite a smallish engine for the class, the 528i has sufficient power for most needs, even with the automatic transmission. The 550i is potent at all speeds; it did 5.5 seconds 0-60 mph with automatic transmission in our test. The conventional automatic works well but can be tardy on downshifts. Manual transmissions shift smoothly. We've not evaluated any 5-Series with the automated manual transmission.
Fuel Economy
Test 528i sedans with automatic transmission averaged 20.3 mpg. A 550i with manual averaged 19.1 mpg. All models require premium-grade gas.
| 528i, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg., manual | 550i w/Sport Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4.6 |
Test 528i sedans with automatic transmission averaged 20.3 mpg. A 550i with manual averaged 19.1 mpg. All models require premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality
The 5-Series' ride/handling combination is among the world's best. The base suspension is surprisingly supple over bumps. Even with the Sport Package's stiffer suspension and lower-profile tires the ride never becomes harsh, though some ruts register with authority.
| 528i, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg., manual | 550i w/Sport Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
The 5-Series' ride/handling combination is among the world's best. The base suspension is surprisingly supple over bumps. Even with the Sport Package's stiffer suspension and lower-profile tires the ride never becomes harsh, though some ruts register with authority.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Well-balanced, agile, and always composed, these are the sport sedans rivals strive to match. The base suspension exhibits little body lean in fast turns; with the Sport Package's Active Roll Stabilization, cornering is flatter still. The optional Active Steering is a boon to low-speed maneuverability, but its activation point feels inconsistent to some testers. Braking is strong, stable, and straight.
| 528i, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg., manual | 550i w/Sport Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 9 | 9 | 7.1 |
Well-balanced, agile, and always composed, these are the sport sedans rivals strive to match. The base suspension exhibits little body lean in fast turns; with the Sport Package's Active Roll Stabilization, cornering is flatter still. The optional Active Steering is a boon to low-speed maneuverability, but its activation point feels inconsistent to some testers. Braking is strong, stable, and straight.
Quietness
Wind rush is minimal at highway speeds. Road noise is noticed only with the Sport Package's high-performance tires, and they're fairly hushed on most surfaces. Engines are smooth, producing only a muted growl during aggressive acceleration.
| 528i, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg., manual | 550i w/Sport Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Wind rush is minimal at highway speeds. Road noise is noticed only with the Sport Package's high-performance tires, and they're fairly hushed on most surfaces. Engines are smooth, producing only a muted growl during aggressive acceleration.
Controls
The control layout itself is fairly simple and convenient, but the driver must interact with iDrive for anything other than simple audio and climate adjustments. That complicates most functions and diverts the driver's attention from the road.
| 528i, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg., manual | 550i w/Sport Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 6.1 |
The control layout itself is fairly simple and convenient, but the driver must interact with iDrive for anything other than simple audio and climate adjustments. That complicates most functions and diverts the driver's attention from the road.
Details
Elegant interior decor benefits from top-notch materials. Build quality is generally impressive, though one test 528i suffered some "orange peel" surface texture in its paint.
| 528i, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg., manual | 550i w/Sport Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.4 |
Elegant interior decor benefits from top-notch materials. Build quality is generally impressive, though one test 528i suffered some "orange peel" surface texture in its paint.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good headroom and legroom on firm, supportive seats. The power seats and tilt and telescopic steering wheel make it easy to find a comfortable driving position. Some taller testers found the speedometer to be partially obscured by the steering wheel, even at the wheel's highest setting. Visibility is only average over the shoulder and to the rear.
| 528i, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg., manual | 550i w/Sport Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.3 |
Good headroom and legroom on firm, supportive seats. The power seats and tilt and telescopic steering wheel make it easy to find a comfortable driving position. Some taller testers found the speedometer to be partially obscured by the steering wheel, even at the wheel's highest setting. Visibility is only average over the shoulder and to the rear.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Seats are comfortable and supportive. Headroom is adequate for average adults, but legroom and foot space can grow tight with the front seats far back and lowered.
| 528i, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg., manual | 550i w/Sport Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.2 |
Seats are comfortable and supportive. Headroom is adequate for average adults, but legroom and foot space can grow tight with the front seats far back and lowered.
Cargo Room
Though nicely finished, the trunk isn't very wide or deep, and the lid hinges--though covered--intrude into the cargo space. Interior storage is disappointingly meager.
| 528i, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg., manual | 550i w/Sport Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.1 |
Though nicely finished, the trunk isn't very wide or deep, and the lid hinges--though covered--intrude into the cargo space. Interior storage is disappointingly meager.
Value within Class
The 5-Series bristles with technology, but not all of it is beneficial. Active Steering is a love/hate affair, and the iDrive control center can be downright confounding. But Active Roll Stabilization is truly useful and helps BMW maintain the 5-Series' world-class handling without compromising its admirable ride quality.
| 528i, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg., manual | 550i w/Sport Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.2 |
The 5-Series bristles with technology, but not all of it is beneficial. Active Steering is a love/hate affair, and the iDrive control center can be downright confounding. But Active Roll Stabilization is truly useful and helps BMW maintain the 5-Series' world-class handling without compromising its admirable ride quality.
Total Score
| 528i, automatic | 550i w/Sport Pkg., manual | 550i w/Sport Pkg., automatic | Class Average |
| 70 | 70 | 70 | 68.3 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 56 | |
| Average Score | 68 | |
| High Score | 78 |
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2008 BMW 5-Series Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 528i 4-door sedan | $44,300 | $40,755 | $775 |
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| AWD 528xi 4-door sedan | $46,500 | $42,780 | $775 |
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| 535i 4-door sedan | $49,400 | $45,450 | $775 |
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| AWD 535xi 4-door sedan | $51,600 | $47,470 | $775 |
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| AWD 535xi 4-door wagon | $54,000 | $49,680 | $775 |
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| 550i 4-door sedan | $58,500 | $53,820 | $775 |
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| M5 4-door sedan | $82,900 | $76,270 | $775 |
Price note: M5 w/automated-manual transmission adds $3000 Gas-Guzzler Tax. M5 w/manual transmission adds $3700 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
528i/528xi
Powertrain
3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, side head-protecting airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, BMW Assist system, vinyl upholstery, 10-way power front seats, power front headrests, center console w/cooled compartment, memory system (driver seat, steering wheel, mirrors), wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, wireless cell phone link, illuminated visor mirrors, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers w/heated nozzles, rear defogger, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 225/50VR17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, hill-descent control.
535i/535xi adds to 528i/528xi:
Powertrain
3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front-seat power lumbar adjustment.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, hill-descent control, split folding rear seat (wagon), panoramic sunroof (wagon), cargo cover (wagon), rear wiper/washer (wagon), roof rails (wagon), load-leveling suspension (wagon).
550i add to 535i/535xi:
Powertrain
4.8-liter V8 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview and outside mirrors.
M5 adds to 550i:
Powertrain
5.0-liter V10 engine, 7-speed automated-manual transmission, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated front seats, 18-way power driver seat, 14-way power passenger seat, aluminum interior trim, navigation system w/voice recognition, upgraded sound system w/traffic information, trip computer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, headlight washers, adjustable sport suspension, 255/40ZR19 front tires, 285/35ZR19 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Premium Pkg.
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528
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$2,300
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$2,095
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535 sedan
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$2,100
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$1,910
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535xi wagon
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$2,400
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$2,185
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Leather upholstery, front-seat power lumbar adjustment (528), automatic day/night rearview and outside mirrors, universal garage door opener, power liftgate release (wagon), additional interior lights.
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Sport Pkg.
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528xi, 535xi
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$1,300
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$1,185
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Front-seat active head restraints, 20-way power multicontour front seats w/adjustable thigh and side support, passenger-seat memory, sport steering wheel, satin chrome Shadowline exterior trim. Requires leather upholstery or Premium Pkg.
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Cold Weather Pkg.
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528, 535 sedan, 550i
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$750
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$685
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535xi wagon
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$900
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$820
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Heated front seats and steering wheel, ski sack (wagon), headlight washers.
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Powertrain |
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6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
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528, 535, 550
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$0
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$0
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6-speed manual transmission
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M5
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$0
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$0
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6-speed automated-manual transmission
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535i, 550
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$500
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$455
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Requires Sport Pkg. NA AWD.
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Safety |
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Rear side airbags
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528i/528xi, 535i/535xi, 550i, M5
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$385
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$350
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Lane departure warning
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528i/528xi, 535i/535xi, 550i
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$500
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$455
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528, 535 require Premium Pkg.
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Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
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528i/528xi, 535i/535xi, 550i, M5
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$700
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$635
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Night Vision
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528, 535, 550
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$2,200
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$1,695
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Requires Cold Weather Pkg., navigation system.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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528, 535, 550
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$1,900
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$1,730
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Active steering
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528i/528xi, 535i/535xi, 550i
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$1,400
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$1,230
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NA AWD, M5.
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Adaptive cruise control
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528, 535, 550
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$2,400
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$2,135
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Requires 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability or 6-speed automated-manual transmission.
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Leather upholstery
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528, 535
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$1,450
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$1,320
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Upgraded leather upholstery
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M5
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$3,500
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$3,185
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Includes alcantara headliner.
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20-way power multicontour front seats
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528, 535, 550
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$1,200
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$1,090
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Includes active head restraints, adjustable side and thigh support, passenger-seat memory. 528, 535 require Premium Pkg. or leather upholstery.
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Multifunction front seats
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M5
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$1,900
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$1,730
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Includes width adjustment.
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Ventilated front seats
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M5
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$800
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$730
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Requires multifunction front seats.
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Split folding rear seat
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sedan
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$475
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$430
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Includes ski sack.
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Heated front seats
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528, 535, 550
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$500
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$455
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Heated rear seat
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528i/528xi, 535i/535xi, 550i, M5
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$350
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$320
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528, 535, 550 require Cold Weather Pkg. 528, 535 require leather upholstery or Premium Pkg.
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Heated steering wheel
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M5
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$200
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$180
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Unique wood interior trim
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528i/528xi, 535i/535xi, 550i, M5
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$0
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$0
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High-definition radio
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528i/528xi, 535i/535xi, 550i, M5
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$500
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$450
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M5 deletes traffic information.
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Upgraded speakers
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528, 535, 550
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$1,200
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$1,090
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Satellite radio
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528i/528xi, 535i/535xi, 550i, M5
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$595
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$540
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iPod adapter
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528i/528xi, 535i/535xi, 550i, M5
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$400
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$365
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Head-up instrument display
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528i/528xi, 535i/535xi, 550i, M5
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$1,200
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$1,010
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528, 535, 550 require navigation system.
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Power rear and manual rear-door sunshades
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sedan
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$575
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$525
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Power closing doors
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M5
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$600
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$545
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Manual rear-door sunshades
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wagon
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$250
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$230
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Keyless access and starting
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528i/528xi, 535i/535xi, 550i, M5
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$1,000
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$910
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights
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528i
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$800
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$730
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Rear spoiler delete
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M5
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$0
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$0
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245/40WR18 run-flat tires
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528xi, 535xi wagon
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$600
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$545
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Requires Sport Pkg.
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245/40WR18 front and 275/35WR18 rear run-flat tires
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535xi sedan
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$600
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$545
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Requires Sport Pkg.
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Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 BMW 5-Series Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | BMW 5-Series 4-door sedan | BMW 5-Series 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 113.7 | 113.6 |
| Overall Length, in. | 191.1 | 191.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 72.7 | 72.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.8 | 58.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3428 | 3847 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 14.0 | 58.3 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | 18.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.7 | 37.6 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.5 | 41.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.9 | 37.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 36.0 | 36.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I6 | Turbocharged dohc I6 | dohc V8 | dohc V10 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.0 /182 | 3.0 /182 | 4.8 /293 | 5.0 /305 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 230 @ 6500 | 300 @ 5800 | 360 @ 6300 | 500 @ 7750 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 200 @ 2750 | 300 @ 1400 | 360 @ 3400 | 384 @ 6100 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
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| 6-speed manual | 17/27 | 17/26 | 15/22 | 11/17 |
| 6-speed automatic | 18/27 | 17/26 | 15/23 | --/-- |
| 6-speed automated manual | --/-- | 17/26 | 15/23 | --/-- |
| 7-speed automated manual | --/-- | --/-- | --/-- | 11/17 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | BMW 5-Series 4-door sedan | BMW 5-Series 4-door wagon |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 | NA |
| Side Impact, Driver | 5 | 5 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 5 | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 12/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 4/50,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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Also in the 2008 BMW 5-Series Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
BMW 5-Series Full Review
7.
8.
9.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
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