Review: BMW E60 5-Series sedan (2003-10)

Review: BMW E60 5-Series sedan (2003-07)

Overview

Released in October 2003, the BMW E60 5-Series sedan was a rear-wheel drive, executive sedan. Manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, the E60 5-Series sedan range initially consisted of the 530i, with the 525i following in December and the 545i in February 2004.

In July 2005, the E60 525i and 530i were fitted with more powerful engines which featured Valvetronic cam control, an electric water pump and magnesium-aluminium crankcase. The range was revised in November 2005 as the 545i was discontinued and the 530d, 540i and 550i were introduced. Please note that the BMW E60 M5 sedan has been reviewed separately.

Dimensions and body

Compared to the E39 5-Series sedan , the E60 5-Series sedan was 66 mm longer (at 4841 mm), 47 mm wider (1847 mm), 35 mm taller (1470 mm) and had a 58 mm longer wheelbase (2888 mm). Despite its increased dimensions, the E60 5-Series sedan was approximately 70 kg lighter – for comparable variants – due to the use of aluminium for the front structure, body panels, the engine box, wheels and brake calipers. The 525i, for example had a kerb weight of 1500 kg. Relative to its predecessor, however, torsional rigidity for the E60 chassis was unchanged.

Suspension and steering

The BMW E60 5-Series sedan had MacPherson strut front suspension with lower control arms and independent, multi-link rear suspension. The E60 5-Series was also fitted with Active Steering as standard, which varied the steering transmission ratio as a function of speed, becoming more direct at low speeds. Active Steering was also able to automatically correct oversteer by means of counter-steering, thereby supplementing the electronic stability control system.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the BMW E60 5-Series included dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, cornering brake control, traction control, front and outer rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters. The 545i and 550i were also fitted with active front seat head restraints.

In November 2005, the stability control system was upgraded and included hill start assist, a ‘Brake Standby’ function (preparing for sudden stops), brake drying function, brake fade compensation and ‘Comfort Stop’.

Euro NCAP crash testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , a 2004 BMW E60 520i sedan received a four star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 28.88 out of 37. Protection from serious chest and leg injury was marginal for the driver in the offset crash test and there was a slight risk of serious chest and abdomen injury in the side impact test.

Features: BMW E60 5-Series

Initially, standard features for the BMW E60 525i included 16-inch alloy wheels with runflat tyres, a six speaker stereo with six-stack CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, Dakota leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, 6.5-inch monitor and iDrive, cruise control, front fog lights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a power adjustable steering column, electrochromatic rear-view mirrors, speed-sensitive steering, tyre pressure monitoring, trip computer and immobiliser.

The BMW E60 530i and 530d were further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, rear parking sensors, driver’s seat memory settings, automatically dipping door mirrors when reversing and electrochromatic and door mirrors. Beyond this, the 540i added 18-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker HiFi stereo, BMW’s ‘Professional’ satellite navigation system, front seat power lumbar adjustment, front seat memory settings, directional bi-xenon headlights with high beam assist and washers, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, TV tuner and an alarm system.

The BMW E60 545i was fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels and initially omitted satellite navigation, but also featured a car phone, power sunroof and rear blind; the 550i also featured 18-inch alloy wheels and a head-up display.

March 2004: E60 5-Series sedan update

While the BMW E60 525i, 530i and 545i were not initially fitted with satellite navigation, this became standard across the range from March 2004; from this time, the 545i was also fitted with voice recognition and a TV tuner.

November 2005: E60 5-Series sedan update

In November 2005, the BMW 5-Series was updated (for the 2006 model year) with a ten speaker stereo and Bluetooth connectivity made standard for the 525i, 530i and 530d.

M Sport package

From August 2004, the BMW E60 5-Series was available with an optional M Sport package, consisting of 18-inch light alloy ‘M’ Double Spoke wheels with 245/40 R18 runflat tyres, sports suspension settings, contoured sports seats, an ‘M Sport’ steering wheel, anthracite roof lining, and ‘M’ Aerodynamics package and door sills.

Professional package

In May 2006, an optional Professional package was introduced, which included BMW’s ‘Professional’ navigation system, an 8.8-inch full colour monitor with television tuner, head-up display, voice recognition and ‘Business’ Bluetooth phone preparation. For the 525i, rear parking sensors were also included, the 530i and 530d were further equipped with a proximity key and the 540i gained a power sunroof. For the 550i, the package also included a thirteen speaker Logic7 stereo and active cruise control.

Related links

• Specifications: BMW E60 5-Series Sedan (October 2003)

Review: BMW E60 LCI 5-Series sedan (2007-10)

Overview

Released in March 2007, the BMW E60 LCI 5-Series sedan range featured mechanical upgrades, cosmetic updates and enhanced features. The six-speed automatic transmission featured upgraded hydraulics for faster shifts, while power and torque were increased for the 3.0-litre inline six cylinder engine. The range was also expanded with two-entry level models: the 523i and, in December 2007, the 520d. In early 2009, the 520d and 530d benefited from minor power upgrades.

Visually, the BMW E60 LCI 5-Series sedan could be identified by its new clear glass headlights (with transparent glass covering the indicators and chrome highlight surrounds), revised grille, air intake and air dam and rear LED indicators. Inside, the controls featured a ‘Pearl Gloss Chrome’ finish and additional storage options; there was also a ‘twin-tone’ finish for the door panels and window and mirror controls were integrated in the armrest. The iDrive system also featured improved graphics and eight ‘favourites’ buttons.

Safety equipment

Compared to its E60 predecessor, safety equipment for the BMW E60 LCI 5-Series sedan was substantially the same, though the electronic stability control system was upgraded with a wet-weather braking program and pre-loading brake pads (to enhance the brake stand-by function).

Features: BMW E60 LCI 5-Series

Standard features for the BMW E60 LCI 5-Series sedan was extended to include an upgraded stereo with MP3-compatibility and USB input and cruise control with downhill braking. As such, standard features for the 520d and 523i included 16-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker stereo with a six-disc CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, power adjustable front seats, satellite navigation, cruise control, front and rear fog lights, Bluetooth connectivity, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and handbrake, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, heated and power retracting mirrors, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, tyre pressure sensors, tinted windows, trip computer and immobiliser. The 525i was further equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels.

The BMW E60 LCI 530i and 530d were further equipped with a ten speaker stereo, driver’s seat memory settings, front and rear parking sensors, power adjustable steering column and electrochromatic door mirrors. Beyond this, the 540i added 18-inch alloy wheels, BMW’s ‘Professional’ satellite navigation system, power front seat lumbar adjustment, directional bi-xenon headlights with washers, voice recognition, TV tuner and car phone. Furthermore, the 550i featured a power sunroof and rear blind.

July 2009: E60 LCI 5-Series sedan update

From July 2009, standard features were extended to include head-up display, BMW’s ‘Professional’ satellite navigation with 8.8-inch monitor, TV tuner and voice recognition. The 520d and 523i were also fitted with rear parking sensors, while the 530i/530d and above received a proximity key (with BMW’s ‘Comfort Access’ functions). Furthermore, the 550i was fitted with active cruise control (including stop and go functions).

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: BMW E60 5-Series