BMW 550i and 530d

550i: New Top-of-the-Range model with Upgraded V8 Power Unit Replaces 545i.

Offering the performance to match its avant-garde looks, the new V8 power unit featured in the new 550i displaces 4,799 cc and develops maximum output of 270 kW, with powerful torque of 490 Nm at just 3,400 rpm. With its manual gearbox, the 550i accelerates to 100 km/h in a dynamic 5.5 seconds and completes the sprint from 80–120 km/h in fourth gear in just 5.2 seconds. Top speed of of this high-performance sedan is 250 km/h (limited electronically).

Despite the significant increase in power and performance, fuel con­sumption of the 550i, at 11.1 litres/100 kilometres in the combined EU cycle, is almost the same as on the former model. And at the same time the 550i naturally raises the emission standard to an even higher level, moving up in the USA from LEV to ULEV II (EU4 in Europe).

Although the BMW 550i is fitted as standard with a manual six-speed gearbox (only available in South Africa the first quarter of 2006), a six-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic is available as an option, and the BMW 550i also comes with a six-speed SMG Sequential Manual Gearbox as yet a further optional feature.

BMW stands out from its main rivals by being the only manufacturer to offer this class of vehicle with a manual gearbox.

530d: Decrease in Fuel Consumption Despite a Significant Increase in Power and Performance.

The new straight-six diesel in the BMW 530d with its all-aluminium crankcase and third-generation common rail fuel injection featuring piezo injection technology has proven its qualities in the BMW 7 Series since the middle of this year.

Developing a maxi­mum output of 160 kW at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 480 Nm from 1,750–2,750 rpm, this is the most powerful diesel ever presented within the BMW 5 Series, and offers the highest level of torque.

The new engine accelerates the 530d sedan to 100 km/h in just 7.1 seconds and gives the car a top speed of 244 km/h (manual gearbox).

Amazingly, despite the increase in engine power, fuel con­sumption in the EU cycle, with engine displacement remaining the same, decreases to 6.7 litres/100 km.

Even More Standard Features in the 5 Series.

Apart from new engines for the top of the range petrol and diesel models, the 2006 model year of the BMW 5 Series may be dis­tin­guished by the new iDrive Controller now featuring a black leather inlay at the top.

The luggage compartment now also opens electrically from the driver’s seat at the touch of a button. And yet a further highlight is that the 5 Series is now started not by a con­ventional ignition key, but rather by the engine starter button.

DSC with New Safety and Comfort Functions.

DSC Dynamic Stability Control now offers a whole range of additional safety and comfort functions.

The Set-Off Assistant prevents the car from rolling back when setting off
on an uphill gradient and enables the driver, particularly in a man­ual gearbox model, to set off on a hill without having to use the park­ing brake. The Standby Brake function, in turn, rests the brake pads on the brake discs in advance as soon as the driver suddenly takes his foot off the gas pedal, reducing the time elapsing in an emergency braking manoeuvre for the system to build up brake pressure and thus shortening the stopping distance in the process.

The Dry Braking functionoperates the brakes in the wet at certain intervals – unnoticed by the driver and without slowing down the car – in order to remove water from the brake surface and thus to guarantee a spontaneous brake effect on wet roads. Fading Compensation rein­forces brake pressure whenever the brakes are extremely hot, ensur­ing the same good brake effect also in such a situation.