Very simply, the BMW 5-Series is one of the finest vehicles ever made. It's an extraordinary blend of outstanding ride and handling dynamics, smooth and athletic engines, and refined features and interior cabins. Toss in strong resale values and you've got a luxury sedan that's hard to resist.
The 2009 BMW 5 Series meets the high expectations established with previous model years and is available in both sedan and wagon forms. On the sedan, there are three engines offered that correspond to the 528i, 535i and 550i trims. xDrive all-wheel drive is available on the 528i and 535i sedans. The wagon, however, is available in 535i xDrive trim only.
Standard features on the BMW 528i include power front seats, power headrests, driver memory, power tilt/telescoping steering column, leatherette vinyl upholstery, automatic climate control, BMW Assist telematics, iDrive electronics interface, 10-speaker stereo with a CD player and auxiliary input jack, 17 inch wheels, sunroof, and automatic headlights and wipers.
The 535i model adds lumbar support and adaptive xenon headlights, while the 535i xDrive wagon adds fold-down rear seats, a panoramic sunroof and a power liftgate.
The 550i trim adds leather seats, parking assist, and auto-dimming mirrors.
Lower trim models can be outfitted with many of the upper trim features as options. Other available options include 13-speaker Logic7 surround-sound audio system, iPod interface, satellite radio, HD radio, multicontour power seats, larger wheels, lane-departure warning system, front and rear parking assist, active cruise control, active steering, infrared night vision display, shift paddles (automatic transmission), fold-down rear seats, rear sunshades, heated front and rear seats, heated steering wheel (part of package only), keyless ignition and entry, navigation, and head-up display (requires navigation).
There's also a sport package that groups together bigger wheels, active roll stabilization, sport-tuned suspension, sport steering wheel, and multicontour seats. On the 550i, also added is an aerodynamic body kit.
When it comes to powering 5-Series models, the 528i is equipped with a 3.0 liter inline-6 that delivers 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. The 535i comes with a different 3.0 liter inline-6 that's twin-turbocharged to produce 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The 550i features a 4.8 liter V8 that outputs 360 horsepower and 360 lb-ft of torque.
Standard with all three engines is a six-speed manual transmission (six-speed automatic is optional). Rear-wheel drive is standard, but the 528i and 535i sedans can be equipped with all-wheel drive.
EPA gas mileage estimates are 18 mpg city and 27 mpg on the highway for an automatic 528i. The 535i sedan is nearly identical at 17 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, with only a slight reduction for the xDrive. Gas mileage for the 535i xDrive wagon is 16 city and 24 highway, again with an automatic. The V8 550i is rated at 15 mpg city and 23 highway.
Standard safety equipment for all 5-Series trims include stability control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags. In addition, AWD models get standard hill start assist and hill descent control.
Optional safety features include rear-seat side airbags, a lane-departure warning system (the steering wheel vibrates if the vehicle starts to drift out of lane), and a night vision system (alerts of potential hazards out of regular headlight range).
Update: Weak Economy Leads To Lower 5-Series Prices:
BMW's sales have been weak for months now, evidence of a continuing poor economy and an especially weak car buying trend. And the current combination of fierce competition and a soft market has created an ideal opportunity for nailing down great deals.
How To Buy A New 5-Series At The Best Price: Before listing MSRP and invoice prices for the 2009 BMW 5-Series, here's the best way to get the lowest price, especially given the current slow car market.
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