Despite both the 5 Series and the 5 Series GT being introduced very recently, BMW of North America is adding a number of options and tweaking a few details of the cars for 2011 (production starting in September).
5 Series xDrive
First is the availability of two new sedan models, the 535i xDrive and 550i xDrive priced at $51,900 and $62,000 respectively. For the GT BMw is adding the 535i xDrive at a base price of $58,300 completing the 5 Series Gran Turismo product offering. The equipment profile is the same as the 535i rear wheel drive model however Integral Active Steering (2VH) is not available.
5 Series sedan M Sport Package
The M Sport Package (ZMP) returns to the 5 Series delivering performance and style for the most enthusiastic of BMW drivers. The package starts where the Dynamic Handling Package leaves off but brings a number of M style visual cues. They are: The M Aerodynamic Kit for a sportier and aggressive look, M Steering Wheel for the best ergonomic grip, Aluminum Hexagon interior trim (wood available), and to finalize the look are the M double-spoke light alloy wheels (size 18” on the 528i and 19” on the 535i, 550i, 535i xDrive, and 550i xDrive – RWD models offer performance run-flat tires and xDrive models offer all-season run flat tires).
This week we start off the conversation talking about failed tire changes and how well (or not) the M mobility kit works. We then move on to the 550 GT and how to relates to my own E28 ‘88 5 Series.
We managed to touch on the 6 Series Gran Coupé with opinions split down the middle between both of us (you can break the tie in the comment section).
Sales numbers are in for April and there are a few surprises in what’s up and down (notably what’s up).
The 1M? Of course we touch on that with our thoughts on the latest photos and information. 1 Series fans, don’t miss it.
It’s midnight and I’m Interstate 94 driving heading west. I’ve just finished the 24 Hours of LeMons (finishing 17th with a 24 year old Toyota MR2) and I’m quickly making my way back from western Michigan to Chicago. But it’s what I’m currently driving that is currently fascinating me. It’s hard to pin down what the GT is. The name Gran Turismo conjures up notions of large two door coupes effortlessly transporting rich playboys across a golden 60’s era European countryside. The BMW 550 GT challenges the notion of what a GT should be with 5,000 lbs and a multi-stage hatchback. The GT is inspired more by a first class aircraft cabin than the sex on wheels its forebears were drawn from. It’s at this moment that I realize I’m literally driving the future as I leave the past at the Gingerman Roadcourse.
The 550 GT was born both from tireless consumer research and what BMW felt was a new and soon to be burgeoning segment. The thinking is that a segment of the car buying public will slowly grow tired of the downsides of the SUV and even the crossover. The vulgarity of the SUV and the inherent tradeoffs of the crossover would slowly become obvious and consumers would look to something more refined and better performing. If it sounds like I’m talking about a traditional wagon, I might as well be. But BMW has built wagons for 30 years and while some argue that’s truly the answer, the strategists and designers in Munich had something else in mind.
Updated with improved audio – this recording wasn’t quite the best but we’ve managed to work on the levels based on your feedback. Look for further improvements in next week’s show.
We’re celebrating our 20th episode of bringing you the best BMW news via the original BMW podcast and this week we’re fresh off drives of the 335is and the Z4 35is. We talk about both cars and how they bring M levels of performance to BMW’s “series” cars. Steering feel is back in the Z4 and the 335is sounds like a race car. What’s not to like? We also get you updates on the latest news around the 1M that will debut in Paris.
Did someone say wagons? We talk the ultimate wagon killer, the 550 GT and how it compares to the 5er wagon as well as wagons in general. It’s big, fast and surprisingly capable. Is it truly a replacement for wagons? You’ll have to listen.
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BMW is rolling out the latest iteration of its new 550 GT. With the 550i and the 535i already out, it’s not time for all wheel drive and diesels options to bow. In the US that means we will be seeing xDrive options for both the 550i and 535i. The diesels will not be available in the US at this time.
Official Release: BMW, the world’s leading manufacturer of premium cars, is consistently enlarging its wide range of all-wheel-drive models. Starting in June and, respectively, September 2010, all engine variants of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo will also be available with intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive technology. And also starting in September, the BMW 740d xDrive will become the top diesel in the luxury sedan class to feature this innovative drive system.
As you may have picked up from our recently posts, BMW is being very aggressive with changing to relatively new models across the range this spring. So aggressive in fact that they’ve decided to begin 2011 model year starting with Spring production of most models. Some highlights:
The M3 Competition Package is real and includes 10 mm lower suspension, 19” M3 GTS wheels, remapped Electronic Damping Control and Dynamic Stability Control systems.
X5 now comes with the N55 single turbo inline six
BMW has introduced value packages to the aging 1 and 3 series models
Most models equipped with the twin turbo N54 inline six will be transitioning to the N55 single turbo for 2011.
Most vehicles receive minor changes for MY2011 in the form of options and new or revised packages, but some models are either all-new (for example, the new BMW 5 Series sedan and BMW ALPINA B7) or substantially updated (3 Series Coupe and Convertible). For existing models, what will not change for the start of the MY2011 are base Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices. You can get all the details for the entire range in the official release below:
With NAIAS behind us it’s time to look back on the show and what was released. For starters this was the public debut of the ActiveE 1 Series, Z4sDrive35is, an upgraded 135i with the new inline six N55 and Dual Clutch Transmission as well as the US debuts of the 740i and 535i GT. For the full wrap-up we’ve taken it upon ourselves to bring you every second of video from BMW’s press conference. If that wasn’t enough, we’ve also included our full gallery of images and video from the two days. Enjoy.
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We believe in the old school BMW ownership experience. We believe in garage nights with a six pack and some friends. We believe in 2002s, in E30 M3s and E34 540s with the 6 speed. We believe in progress in both design and engineering but we haven't lost sight of what made the brand and its products great all those years ago. And yes, we believe in the manual transmission.
We long for the days of the wave and for the days of roll-up windows. Yet we love the gadgets on the inside and the xenons on the outside.
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Sections: F07 PAS, F10 5 Series Jul 14th, 2010 3 Comments 
