Vehicle Overview BMW’s 5 Series is the automaker’s next step up in size and price from BMW’s best-selling 3 Series. The top-level 550i is only available as a rear-wheel-drive sedan, unlike other 5 Series that can be had in wagon or all-wheel-drive configurations. The 5 Series competes with luxury sedans like the Audi A6, Lexus GS and Acura RL.
New for 2009 There are minimal changes for 2009. The 5 Series offers a new Google Maps function in navigation-equipped 5 Series; it allows drivers to search through Google Maps for restaurants, gas stations or other businesses.
Exterior The 5 Series was given a going-over for 2008, when it received minor front, rear and side styling changes.
Xenon headlights
Adaptive headlights turn in the direction of the steering wheel
LED turn signals
Front and rear parking sensors with graphic display
Metallic paint
17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires
Rain-sensing wipers
Optional 19-inch light-alloy wheels with performance run-flat tires
Optional headlight washers
Optional Aero package shares many of the same enhancements of the high-performance M5
Interior Over the past few model updates, the 5 Series has received larger door pockets and increased storage capacity in the center console.
Leather trim
Power tilt/telescoping steering wheel
Auxiliary input for MP3 player
Push-button start
Available navigation system with iDrive
Available head-up display projects car’s speed and navigation directions on windshield
Available heated front and rear seats
Available HD radio
Available active cruise control automatically slows car when approaching a slow-moving car
Under the Hood While other 5 Series use six-cylinder engines, the 550i uses a 4.8-liter V-8 making 360 horsepower and 360 pounds-feet of torque.
Six-speed manual transmission
Available six-speed automatic
Rear-wheel drive
Safety Safety features include:
Electronic stability system
Antilock brakes
Front, side-impact and side curtain airbags standard
Rear side-impact airbags optional
Lane departure warning system sends vibration through steering wheel when car veers from lane
