price increases are very modest....


2006 5 Series:
New six-cylinder engines, available all-wheel drive and the return of the Sports Wagon

In only its third model year the latest 5 Series enters the 2006 model year with BMW's newest generation of inline 6-cylinder engines, available all-wheel drive and the return of the 5 Series Sports Wagon. The 5 Series shares its two 3-liter engines with the new 3 Series. The 525i/xi go from 184 to 215 horsepower while the 530i/xi go from 225 to 255 hp. All models are offered with a 6-speed manual transmission with an available 6-speed STEPTRONIC automatic. The 530i is also available with a 6-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox.

The 5 Series are the first passenger cars that use BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system, which has proven itself in the X3 and X5 Sports Activity Vehicles. xDrive goes beyond the traditional advantages of all-wheel drive to offer the driver an even higher level of stability and traction in all driving situations. While conventional all-wheel drive only responds when the wheels are already spinning, xDrive begins to react even before wheel spin is able to build up. Via an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch, the flow of power is redistributed within milliseconds between the two axles in the interest of enhanced traction, driving stability and agility.

The 5 Series Sports Wagon returns as the 530xi. Offered only as an all-wheel drive model, the 530xi Sports Wagon offers advantages not only over the Sedans, but also over its predecessor, last offered in 2003. The 530xi abounds with rational design and thoughtful details which include a high-lift tailgate - almost 73 in. head clearance - with Soft Close feature. The tailgate is electrically released from the exterior or interior switch or the remote. The rear window may be opened separately, for convenient loading without opening the tailgate. A power opening and closing feature is included in the Premium Package. Wider than that in the previous Wagon, and with straight, essentially vertical sides, the cargo area offers 17.6 cu ft. of volume up to the tops of the upright rear seats and a maximum of 58.3 cu ft., rear seats folded, cargo loaded to ceiling. The cargo area includes a lockable storage space under the cargo floor, in a tray with adjustable dividers to help secure smaller objects.

Like the Sedans, the Sports Wagon comes standard with a power moonroof; however, the Wagon's is a dual-panel Panorama Moonroof, a feature also seen in the X3 and X5 Series. With its overall roof opening of 41.9 x 34.8 in., the Panorama concept gives occupants almost the feeling of being in a convertible. The power glass roof consists of two panels, both of which can be tilted up at the rear. The forward, larger panel can also be slid open; together, their glass area is almost 10 square feet. Although the glass is effectively tinted, there is also a power-operated interior shade; a wind deflector rises at the front of the opening to reduce wind buffeting when panels are open. All motions have 1-touch operation, including that of the interior shade.

In addition to other enhancements, Servotronic vehicle-speed sensitive power steering is standard on all models and Adaptive Xenon Headlights are standard on 530i/xi models.

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices for the 525i and 530i Sedans are $42,495 and $47,195 respectively. For the all-wheel drive Sedans, the MSRPs are $44,695 for the 525xi and $49,395 for the 530xi. The all-wheel drive 530xi Sports Wagon has an MSRP of $51,795."

 

Thanks for the posting. Interesting -- no mention of the 550i for 2006??

 

Yep, because it's not official yet.

 

Or the 545i -- beacuase there is not one

 

The 545 remains as MY2005 until September when its replaced by the 550. So the 525/530 will be MY2006 and 545 will remain MY2005. This is going to be one long MY2006 for the 525/530, heh!

 

My dealer told me today there wasn't going to be any 550 for MY2006, actually he just said there was no model 550i at all! I just smiled <_<

 

What is this???

"Servotronic vehicle-speed sensitive power steering"

Thats not Active Steering is it??

 

unfortunately for us in Australia, the Adaptive Xenon Headlights are still not standard for the MY2006 530i model - it's still a A$3000 option and this is on top of a A$3000 increase in the base price (a little under 3%). buggers. we do however have the active steering as standard but that's always been the case with AU 5's since release.

 

It's 'Servotronic' - the assistance varies with speed, light when slow and heavier when going faster. Active Steering varies the ratio with speed.

 

Correct.