BMW Engineered Mobile Security. Armoured Vehicle Solutions.

Munich. The BMW 5 Series has proved to be a class-leading saloon and
things have been taken to higher level with the introduction of a very
special variant, the BMW 5 Series Security (ballistic protection level
B4). The BMW 5 Series Security successfully rounded off BMW's existing
range of Security vehicles consisting of the BMW 760Li / 745Li High
Security and the BMW X5 Security. Both BMW 7 Series models are High
Security vehicles complying with the requirements of the ballistic
protection level B6//B7. The BMW X5 Security and the new BMW 5 Series
Security meet the requirements of the ballistic protection level B4.
With the BMW X5 Security, BMW successfully brought to market the first
armoured SAV that has attracted many customers owing to its superior
on- and off-road capabilities. With the launch of the 5 Series
Security, BMW is now offering an armoured saloon in the premium segment
of the upper midrange. Boasting sporting performance and motoring
comfort combined with exclusive equipment options and state-of-the-art
security technology, this Security vehicle caters for the needs of the
most discerning customers worldwide. Two engine variants available. In
building Security and High Security vehicles, BMW's engineers give
particular significance not only to ballistic security, but also to the
vehicles' dynamic qualities and performance, which must be more or less
of the same standard as with the production models. This is why the
BMW 5 Series will be available with a choice of two engine variants: an
eight-cylinder engine developing a maximum output of 270 kW/367 bhp
(BMW 550i) and a six-cylinder engine with a maximum output of 190 kW/258
bhp (BMW 530i). The BMW 5 Series Security is BMW's answer to growing
violence and criminal threats involving carjacking and kidnapping in
Latin and South America, parts of South-East Asia and the Middle East,
as well as some states of the former Soviet Union. This kind of crime
committed on the road and often out of pure coincidence is not a direct
attempt at the occupants' life. Rather, the perpetrators seek to steal
valuables inside the vehicle or, indeed, the entire car. The 5 Series
Security complies with protection level B4. Precisely this is why the 5
Series Security is protected against .44 Magnum revolver ammunition and
other hand-held weapons in accordance with the requirements of the
ballistic protection level B4. BMW Security vehicles of this kind are
used by multinational companies and organisations as well as by private
individuals. High-performance fibre composites (aramid, polyethylene)
and special-purpose steel is used for armouring the chassis. Glass with
a thickness of approximately 21 millimetres is used for the windows.
The armoured glass has been provided with a polycarbonate layer that
offers passengers additional protection from splinters. The BMW 5
Series Security is manufactured alongside the series model at BMW's
Dingolfing plant. While on the production line it is prepared for
armouring before being shipped to a specialist facility in Toluca,
Mexico, where the vehicles (including the BMW X5 Security) complete the
final assembly stage. Forming a distinct contrast to production cars
retrofitted with security features, the special features especially on
BMW's Security cars are integrated into the car right from the
beginning in a process parallel to the industrial standard production.
Moreover, top priority is given not only to security in BMW Security
cars, but also to optimally tailoring and adjusting the vehicle to the
increased weight. This is achieved by extensive modifications of the
suspension, braking system and rear axle. The high level of security
specification does not inhibit the interior design or ergonomics though
and occupants can still experience the same generous dimensions and
freedom of movement inside the passenger compartment. The choice of
special options for the Security vehicle is almost on par with the range
of options available for its production counterpart. Furthermore, even
BMW Individual packages could be integrated in the car, in order to
provide customers with the combination of state-of-the-art security and
highest exclusivity. Individual equipment options for authorities (e.g.
siren and radio systems as well as LED flashing lights incorporated
into the radiator grille) can also be integrated if desired. The 5
Series Security hardly differs at first sight from its regular
production counterpart. Another important argument also speaks in
favour of security made by BMW: All of BMW's Security and High Security
vehicles are built to international standards and are certified by
non-partisan, official tests institutes such as the German ballistic
authority. It goes without saying that the 5 Series Security, like all
of BMW's Security and High Security vehicles, comes with nearly all the
passive safety attributes of the regular production models. Through its
design features and safety items, this is one of the safest vehicles in
the world also in the event of an accident. From outside the BMW 5
Series Security hardly differs from its regular production counterpart.
And this is important, since many customers understandably attach great
significance to discretion and anonymity. A further equally obvious
point is absolute discretion on the groups of customers buying such
vehicles as well as comprehensive service provided the world over. This
includes BMW's own pool of High Security and Security vehicles able to
supply the customer with a suitable car whenever necessary at short
notice and nearly everywhere the world over. Please see the BMW
Pressclub for pictures relating to this subject.