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2011 BMW 5 Series priced from $50,475*

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:32:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW 535i - Click above for high-res image gallery

On the whole, we're pretty impressed with the 2011 BMW 5 Series, and after conducting our first drive in Portugal, we're confident that the F10 Fiver will make its way to the head of the class once again. Next week, the car will officially debut for the North American public at the New York Auto Show, and it will officially go on sale in June of this year, priced from $50,475 for the 535i and $60,575 for the 550i (including $875 for destination and handling).

The first key item to note is the base prices for both models are actually less than the current cars (only slightly, truth be told). However, in true German business-class luxury form, it's the options list that'll get you. Naturally, you'll want to shell out $2,200 for the Sport Package, and we'd recommend adding $2,700 for the Dynamic Handling Package, as well. Other fancy-shmancy add-ons include the usual Premium ($1,800, 535i only) or Premium 2 ($4,900/$2,800, 535i/550i) packages, Nappa leather ($2,450/$1,000), rear-seat entertainment ($2,200), integral active steering ($1,750), active cruise control ($2,400) and night vision with pedestrian detection ($2,600). The full list of options is available after the jump.

Still, even with the exhaustive options list, the 5 Series is competitively priced against its key competitors - the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. And with a choice of two turbocharged engines, top-notch interior refinement and some shiny new sheetmetal, we're sure that prospective 5 Series owners will be quite pleased.

Gallery: First Drive: 2011 BMW 535i

Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2010 Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading 2011 BMW 5 Series priced from $50,475*

2011 BMW 5 Series priced from $50,475* originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Mar 2010 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Preview: BMW 535i Gran Turismo also gets a six pack

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW

2010 BMW 535i Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW is rounding out its Detroit Auto Show premier lineup with the North American debut of the 535i Gran Turismo. The 550i GT that's powered by the 4.4-liter twin turbo V8 is already on sale in the U.S., but we won't get our shot at the six cylinder model until the spring of 2010. Like the recently-announced 5 Series sedan, the Gran Turismo is getting a new version of the 3.0-liter inline six cylinder turbo.

The current 535i and 335i both use a version of the six with two turbochargers. The version in the GT produces the same 300 hp and 300 pound-feet of torque with a single twin-scroll turbocharger. The engine also incorporates BMW's Valvetronic valve control system to reduce fuel consumption by eliminating the throttle and reducing pumping losses. The six will be mated up with the same new ZF eight-speed automatic used in the 550i and the ActiveHybrid 7. Want more details? Click past the break for the press release.

Gallery: First Drive: BMW 535i Gran Turismo

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: BMW 535i Gran Turismo also gets a six pack

Detroit Preview: BMW 535i Gran Turismo also gets a six pack originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW owners claim software update degrades performance

Merritt Johnson — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Maintenance, BMW

BMW's N54 engine has won the International Engine of the Year award for the past two straight years. It has also been listed as one of Ward's 10 Best Engines during the same period. The engine produces 306 hp and 295 ft-lbs of torque in a 3.0L inline six package thanks to the use of twin Mitsubishi turbochargers and direct injection. The N54's quick response and smooth torque curve has been an attraction for many enthusiasts, including myself - I call my Montego Blue coupe the turbo Cookie Monster. That is why a few BMW 335i owners are miffed by a feeling of reduced performance after a recent service update. Posters on the BMW forum e90post.com claim that a software update to adjust rattling wastegate valves has induced lag into the turbochargers that wasn't there before.

As illustrated in the gallery below, the N54 turbochargers differ from most setups in that the wastegates default to the open position. This allows for better emissions due to the ability of the exhaust gas to bypass the turbochargers on start up so the catalytic converters can heat up faster. It certainly follows suit that BMW has the ability to adjust the ECU settings in order to hold those wastegates open, thus altering the turbochargers' peak boost point and adding to the perception of lag. Currently all performance degradation discussion has been based on seat of the pants feel, along with increased exhaust noise and fuel consumption. Despite the claims, BMW North America and service centers have, thus far, found no critical issue with the new settings. If owners want to present true evidence, they should use a simple OBD scanner device to data log the manifold pressure or simply run a dyno comparison test. Thanks for the tip everyone!

Gallery: BMW N54 Engine and Turbos

[Source: e90Post.com]

BMW owners claim software update degrades performance originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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