Review: BMW E61 5-Series Touring (2005-09)

Review: BMW E61 5-Series Touring (2005-07)

Overview

Released in April 2005, the BMW E61 5-Series Touring was a rear-wheel drive, executive wagon. Manufactured in Dingolfing, Germany, the 5-Series Touring range consisted solely of the 530i which was powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Dimensions and body

Compared to the E39 5-Series Touring , the E61 5-Series Touring was 38 mm longer (at 4843 mm), 46 mm wider (1846 mm), 51 mm taller (1491 mm) and had a 56 mm longer wheelbase (2886 mm). Despite its increased dimensions, the E61 5-Series Touring was approximately due to the use of aluminium for the front structure, body panels, the engine box, wheels and brake calipers – the 530i Touring had a kerb weight of 1590 kg.

Suspension and steering

Like the E60 5-Series sedan , the E61 5-Series Touring 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 E61 5-Series Touring included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, corner braking control and front and outer rear seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

From November 2005, the 530i was fitted with an upgraded stability control system which included hill start assist, ‘Brake Standby’ function, 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 E61 5-Series Touring

Standard features for the BMW E61 5-Series Touring included 17-inch alloy wheels with self-levelling rear suspension and runflat tyres, a six speaker stereo with six disc CD player, dual zone climate control air conditioning, satellite navigation, leather seats, power adjustable front seats with driver’s seat memory settings, cruise control, front fog lamps, automatic headlights, 60/40 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, heated and folding mirrors, a power adjustable steering column, power-operated tailgate with ‘soft close’ function, electrochromatic rear-view and door mirrors, a cargo cover and net, trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring and an immobiliser.

November 2005: E61 5-Series Touring update

In November 2005, the BMW E61 5-Series Touring was updated (for the 2006 model year) with a ten speaker stereo and Bluetooth connectivity added as standard equipment.

M Sport package

The BMW E61 5-Series Touring 530i Touring was available with an optional M Sport package which included 18-inch ‘M’ light alloy wheels with 245/40 R18 tyres, sports suspension, contoured ‘M Sport’ seats and steering wheel, ‘M’ Aerodynamics package and door sills, anthracite roof lining, aluminium interior highlights and satin chrome exterior window surrounds.

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 and a proximity key.

Review: BMW E61 LCI 5-Series Touring (2007-09)

Overview

Released in March 2007, the BMW E61 LCI 5-Series Touring introduced mechanical upgrades, cosmetic updates and enhanced features. Power and torque were increased for the 3.0-litre inline six cylinder engine, while the six-speed automatic transmission also featured upgraded hydraulics for faster shifts.

Visually, the BMW E61 LCI 5-Series Touring 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, there were additional storage options, 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 E61 predecessor, safety equipment for the BMW E61 LCI 5-Series Touring were 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 E61 LCI 5-Series Touring

Standard features for the BMW E61 LCI 5-Series Touring were extended to include cruise control with downhill braking and an updated stereo with MP3-compatibility and USB input.

July 2009: E61 LCI 5-Series Touring update

From July 2009, standard features were extended to include head-up display, BMW’s ‘Professional’ satellite navigation with 8.8-inch monitor, proximity key, TV tuner and voice recognition.

Related links

• Wikipedia.org: BMW E60 5-Series