2012 BMW 5 Series Sedan
11/14/2011
BMW
The new BMW 5 Series Sedan marks the epitome of modern design and driving pleasure in premium midsize sedans. Through its athletic and executive looks, driving dynamics typical of BMW, and innovative comfort and safety features, the sixth generation of BMW's executive express accurately reflects the standards upheld by the world's most successful manufacturer of premium cars. All three models now feature TwinPower Turbo technology - a 4 cylinder - the 528i, an inline 6 model - the 535i, and a V-8, the 400 hp 550i.
With the longest wheelbase in the segment, a long and sleek hood, short overhangs, and a coupe-like roofline, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan stands out clearly from the competition. Overall, the aesthetic looks of the car are achieved through balanced proportions.
The 5 Series Sedan offers a great value for the 2012 model year with new standard equipment features for various models that include Brake Energy Regeneration with recuperation display, Auto Start/ Stop function, ECO PRO mode, intelligent lightweight construction, on-demand operation of ancillary units, air flap control, map-controlled oil pump, detachable a/c compressor, tires with reduced roll resistance all offered as added value features.
To further enhance its efficiency in everyday driving, the 2012 BMW 528i also receives auto start/stop technology. For those who face the realities of four-season driving, the 2012 528i becomes the newest member of the 5 Series family in the US to offer BMW xDrive all-wheel drive as an option.
BMW TwinPower 2.0-liter Four-Cylinder
The new 2.0-liter engine in the 528i is a benchmark achievement for it combines high-pressure direct-injection and BMW's VALVETRONIC intake control (hence the name: TwinPower) with a forced induction system consisting of a single twin-scroll turbocharger. With 240 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, it offers more power and torque than the normally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 featured in the 2011 BMW 528i.
The maximum output of 240 horsepower is achieved at 5,000 rpm, 1,500 rpm lower than in the normally-aspirated 3.0-liter inline six. The peak torque of 260 lb-ft, comes on stream at just 1,250 rpm. Not only is that 30% more torque than the aforementioned inline-6, it also peaks 1,500 rpm earlier. The vigorous power comes on early and climbs steadily all the way to redline.
The 4-cylinder engine with its all-aluminum crankcase is lighter and more compact than a 6-cylinder engine of equivalent power. The turbocharger is a twin-scroll system. The exhaust streams leaving the two pairs of cylinders are kept completely separate as they flow through the exhaust manifold and the turbocharger, taking a spiral path to the turbine wheel. This configuration results in very low exhaust back pressure at low engine rpm, and allows the energy of the exhaust gas pulses to be optimally managed and translated into powerful rotation of the turbine blades, without a delay in throttle response.
The patented BMW VALVETRONIC system with seamlessly variable intake valve lift control dispenses with the throttle valve system typical of conventional engines. Instead, combustion air mass is controlled inside the engine, resulting in much faster response. Pumping losses are kept to a minimum, making the engine more efficient.
The High Precision Injection direct-injection system also helps to improve efficiency. Centrally positioned between the valves, solenoid injectors with a maximum injection pressure of 200 bar (2,900 psi) precisely control the supply of fuel. The fuel is injected very close to the spark plug, resulting in clean and homogeneous combustion.
The cooling effect of the injected fuel also allows for a higher compression ratio than might otherwise be possible. This results in further efficiency improvements. In the 2012 528i this innovative new engine will again be mated to BMW's newest 8-speed automatic transmission. The 2012 528i accelerates from 0 - 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, 0.4 seconds quicker than the 2011 model and will deliver up to eight percent better fuel efficiency. EPA fuel economy estimates are 23 mpg city/34 mpg highway/27 combined.
xDrive All-Wheel Available for the 2012 528i
Like other 5 Series models, xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive has been updated to match the performance and character of the 528i. BMW xDrive provides the reassurance of sure-footed traction in all weather and road conditions, but it also goes far beyond that to provide an added measure of active safety.
Extra Measure of Efficiency with Engine Auto Start/Stop
In addition to BMW EfficientDynamics technologies like Brake Energy Regeneration, the 2012 BMW 528i will feature Engine Auto Start/Stop. This feature switches off the engine when the car is stationary at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic in order to minimize idling. An ECO PRO mode, which is activated by the driving experience switch, adjusts the engine map, heating, air conditioning, and mirror/seat heating to minimize fuel consumption. The resulting increase in range is shown on a display.
The 2012 528i is the very embodiment of BMW EfficientDynamics - more powerful, more efficient and more sure-footed.
2012 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
The traditional European term Gran Turismo (Grand Touring) was first applied by Italian carmakers in the 1950's when they combined the performance, handling, and style of a 2-seat sports car with luxurious amenities and luggage room for each occupant. BMW's Gran Turismo nurtures this tradition in its own contemporary way, providing exceptional space, style, luxury, and comfort for four passengers, plus the performance and driving pleasure of a BMW.
It does so with 21st-century performance. BMW's wide-ranging EfficientDynamics initiative endows this new automobile with an outstanding balance between performance and efficiency. Thanks to its innovative twin turbo V-8 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, the 550i Gran Turismo can accelerate to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds.
The six-cylinder turbocharged version of the 535i Gran Turismo features an inline-6 which combines turbocharging, High Precision Injection, and variable Valvetronic throttle-less engine management in one engine for the first time. This unique combination provides the inline-6 with a new level of performance and efficiency in the true spirit of BMW EfficientDynamics.
The 5 Series continues to offer an excellent value for the performance minded executive with an even fuller array of standard equipment, option and package choices. As a segment leader, the 5 Series offers a wide selection of engine and platform choices in either 2 wheel or xDrive that add more value to an already well equipped Sports Sedan.
2012 model year updates with specific standard, option and package changes.
Options
Automatic Transmission is offered as a no-charge option (previously $1,375) on all 3 Series.
Double Clutch Transmission price has been lowered on 335is Coupe and Convertible.
Package Changes
Coupes and Convertibles: In an effort to promote the appearance upgrades of the M Sport Package, the price has been reduced on the M Sport Package and the basic Sport Package has been deleted.
The 3 Series Coupe xDrive models come standard with 17" All Season tires.
BMW Group In America
BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group's global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 338 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 138 BMW motorcycle retailers, 103 MINI passenger car dealers, and 30 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group's sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.
Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at: www.bmwgroupna.com