BMW launches E60 BMW 5-Series facelift

e60_facelift_frontal_20090808_1578101336

BMW has unveiled the mid-life facelift of it’s new BMW 5-series in both Touring and Sedan form. It will begin production in March 2007. This update is more than just an aesthetic facelift though, the 5-series now has improved engines and some funky new technology.

For one, all six-cylinder petrol engine powered BMW 5-series models now come with High Precision Fuel Injection, which is what BMW calls it’s Piezo crystal injectors. Piezo crystal injectors are more precise, delivering exactly the amount of fuel mixture at exactly the right time.

Also, as a result of BMW’s Efficient Dynamics programme R&D, the new 5-series is now equipped with Brake Energy Regeneration, something that’s usually found in hybrid cars. The BMW 5-series is the first non-hybrid car to have any form of brake energy harvesting. Brake Energy Regeneration takes advantage of energy currently lost through the engine over-run during braking, using it to recharge a high capacity Absorbent Glass Mat battery. An intelligent alternator only engages and powers up the battery when required. It offers a 3% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.

e60_facelift_rearview_20090808_1517191110

All models come with 6-speed manual as standard, except for the BMW 535d which has a 6-speed automatic as standard. But BMW expects the 6-speed auto option to be specified on most of the orders. This is the new 6-speed which uses upgraded hydraulics, and a better torque converter. This improves gear shift reaction time to the throttle pedal by 40%, which means nearly instant downshifts when you put the pedal to the metal. The BMW 530i, 540i, 550i, 530d and 535d also has paddle shift options.

When it comes to fuel economy, the improvements are impressive. You can have a look at the numbers at the end of this post, courtesy of BMW UK Corporate Communications. For example, the new facelifted BMW 525i has 20% more torque, and 25.3% less fuel consumption than the pre-faceliefted model.

Innovative equipment that can be specified include Head-up Display, Night Vision, Active Cruise Control, Stop and Go as well as a Lane Departure Warning System. The Lane Departure Warning System is interesting – a camera mounted next to the interior mirror monitors the white lines on the road ahead and, if the car crosses the line without obvious intent or without the indicator being used, the driver is notified by a vibration through the steering wheel (standard on 550i and 535d models – £350/RM2400 on other models). Active Cruise Control maintains a constant speed while monitoring traffic ahead, slowing the vehicle when another vehicle slows down ahead, while Stop and Go keeps the car moving a fixed distance from the car in front, even in slow traffic jams!

e60_facelift_inside_20090808_1981999767

On the outside, changes are subtle but noticable. The kidney grills now sit flushed with the bumper, while the headlamps now use clear glass. The air intakes are redesigned while the side sill has an additional countour line. On the rear, brake lamps now use horizontal bar LED lights to create an emphasis on the width of the rear.

On the inside, door panels have been redesigned, and the power window switches are now integrated into the horizontal arm rests. The arm rests slope downwards though, I would much prefer an upwards sloping one like what Mercedes Benz has. iDrive has also been improved with the new 8 favourite shortcut button design. You also get BMW’s new shift by wire shifter first seen on the E70 BMW X5.

Worldwide production will begin in March 2007, but it’s not known at the moment when we will get the facelifted model. Perhaps some of the CBU 5-series models will be facelifted first, as the volume sellers are being locally assembled here in Malaysia, and that takes time to prepare.

Engine changes and statistics in detail
(Source: BMW UK Corporate Communications)

The engine and performance statistics for the 5 Series Saloon range, with comparisons to the outgoing car are as follows:

BMW 550i: Eight-cylinder petrol engine with VALVETRONIC and Bi-VANOS, 4,799cc, max output 367 hp, max torque 490 Nm, acceleration 0-62mph 5.2secs (-0.3secs), top speed 155 mph (limited electronically), average fuel consumption 25.9 mpg (-2 per cent) (automatic transmission 27.4 mpg (-4.5 per cent)).

BMW 540i: Eight-cylinder petrol engine with VALVETRONIC and Bi-VANOS, 4,000cc, max output 306 hp, max torque 390 Nm, acceleration 0-62mph 6.1secs (-0.1secs), top speed 155 mph (limited electronically), average fuel consumption 26.9 mpg (-4.7 per cent) (automatic transmission 29.1 mpg (-7 per cent)).

BMW 530i: Straight-six petrol engine with second-generation High Precision Direct Injection, 2,996cc, max output 272 hp (+14hp), max torque 320 Nm (+20Nm), acceleration 0–62mph 6.3secs (-0.2secs), top speed 155 mph (limited electronically), average fuel consumption 36.7 mpg (-14.3 per cent) (automatic transmission 37.7 mpg (-24 per cent)).

BMW 525i: Straight-six petrol engine with second-generation High Precision Direct Injection, 2,996cc, max output 218 hp, max torque 270 Nm (+20Nm), acceleration 0–62mph 7.1secs (-0.4secs), top speed 154 mph (+2mph), average fuel consumption 38.2 mpg (-17.5 per cent) ) (automatic transmission 37.7 mpg (-25.3 per cent)).

BMW 523i: Straight-six petrol engine with second-generation High Precision Direct Injection, 2,497cc, max output 190 hp (+13hp), max torque 235 Nm (+5Nm), acceleration 0–62mph 8.2secs (-0.3secs), top speed 147 mph, average fuel consumption 38.7 mpg (-16.6 per cent) ) (automatic transmission 37.7 mpg (-24 per cent)).

BMW 535d: Straight-six diesel with common-rail fuel injection and Variable Twin Turbo, 2,993cc, max output 286 hp (+14hp), max torque 580 Nm (+20Nm), acceleration 0–62mph 6.4secs (-0.1secs), top speed 155 mph (electronically limited), average fuel consumption 41.5 mpg (-17.5 per cent).

BMW 530d: Straight-six diesel with common-rail fuel injection and variable vane turbocharger, 2,993cc, max output 235 hp (+4hp), max torque 500 Nm, acceleration 0–62mph 6.8 seconds, top speed 155 mph, average fuel consumption 44.1 mpg (-4.5 per cent) (automatic transmission 42.8 mpg (-13.5 per cent)).

BMW 525d: Straight-six diesel with common-rail fuel injection and variable vane turbocharger, 2,993cc, max output 197 hp (+20hp), max torque 400 Nm, acceleration 0–62mph 7.6secs (-0.5secs), top speed 147 mph (+4mph), average fuel consumption 45.6 mpg (-11.5 per cent) (automatic transmission 43.5 mpg (-21.5 per cent)).

BMW 520d: Four-cylinder diesel with common-rail fuel injection and variable vane turbocharger, 1,995cc, max output 163 hp, max torque 340 Nm, acceleration 0–62mph 8.6 seconds, top speed 139 mph, average fuel consum¬ption 47.9 mpg (automatic transmission 40.9 mpg).

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Paul Tan

After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history.

 

Comments

  • BrakeFader (Member) on Jan 18, 2007 at 2:35 am

    Magnificent car! Looks like its packed with the new S class technie gadgets too. But this face lift is very very minimal on the exterior, but a lot more inside. Sounds more like a internal-lift to me. :)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • protonGL (Member) on Jan 18, 2007 at 3:59 am

    exterior wise BEFORE facelift look more desirable than this( front especially, lower air scoop),

    lack of inspiration what,

    this is what mercedes have before got their bumper facelifted,

    ….going backward?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • nmh (Member) on Jan 18, 2007 at 4:09 am

    what…smiley bumper again….7 series also got smiley bumper after facelift…demn uglaire

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • silverfish (Member) on Jan 18, 2007 at 4:40 am

    Still ugly.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • layman (Member) on Jan 18, 2007 at 6:07 am

    Everytime I see this Ultimate Driving Machine, I get motivated to work harder.

    All power plants performance , from 520d to 550i are really ahead of others.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • mystvearn (Member) on Jan 18, 2007 at 6:42 am

    still ugly but the fuel consumption is good

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Jay (Member) on Jan 18, 2007 at 7:20 am

    Of cause Bimmer is awesome ! But is it worth it ? Yes it is if you're rich & in the right business …where you don't mind spending the money like water.

    To be honest my uncle drives a BMW 530i (2006 model). Yes he lend me his car a few times. Of cause he knows that i test at times. But i think he doesn't care. Unless i damage the car ! But i really liked the handling & luxury seating & power train. Furthemore it's metalic black with a built in mini fridge ! So imagine it has the look to kill !

    Never tested much…only about 160km/h. Excellent stability & braking. At RM 400K+ for so much fun is awesome but the big letdown is the spaciousness !

    I would rather spend RM 170K on Camry 2.4v …definitely more spacious !

    Of cause it differs between individuals ! Who is more successful ?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Goniothalamus (Member) on Jan 18, 2007 at 8:02 am

    This is the complete premium car should be, balance design and the mechanical. Of course the Datuk's will drooling their saliva again. In Malaysia, of course the price is above than it should be. (CBU car)

    Ok, for them, price is doesn't matter. They don't want the car, they just want the name of BMW. Yes, only the round icon. If this car is Ssang Yong made (they copy the Merc before), no one will proud of this 'Ssang Yong 535d'.. hehe, ironic right?

    For us, isn't reasonable (even if u have enough money) ? Oh yes we can have all the technology, the deluxe interior and the briliant engine. But many complain said that BMW will making problem after 5 years, and all the wonderful tech is not practical anymore. At the time, Bavaria Motor Workshop will earn so much money. Good! Then sell it, so the used BMW's price will drop like saliva too..

    But if u really don't know how to throw your money, u can buy the M5, it's a bargain for u as a playtoy. Is it right, Yang Mulia Datuks?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • umarss (Member) on Jan 18, 2007 at 9:47 am

    with all its upgraded engine and some interior part, the car still looks boring. why is the BMW designer so LAZY!..they are becoming more like the Porsche design team.

    who can tell the differ. of the current 911 with the old one by just looking at it??!!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Cire (Member) on Jan 18, 2007 at 4:14 pm

    Particularly like the Stop and Go features. Meaning that we just steer and let all the footwork to the car when we are in a traffic jam.

    Comparing this car with a Camry? I think not appropriate.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • megadisc (Member) on Jan 18, 2007 at 4:34 pm

    Can BMW help me fulfill my dream of owning a BMW ???

    instead of being owned by bimmer??

    get my drift?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • funbox (Member) on Jan 18, 2007 at 5:11 pm

    BMW 5 Series facelift still better than a E-class facelift. E-class is just plain simple, whereas 5 series do come with new gear shift which 1st introduce in the new BMW X5.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • RM (Member) on Jan 18, 2007 at 5:51 pm

    The gadgets and driving dynamics aside, the 5 and the rest of its siblings are perfect examples of how a car can be both beautiful and ugly at the same time. Beemers used to be just pure beauties but not anymore.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • keeekeee (Member) on Jan 18, 2007 at 7:39 pm

    so it means we will able to test drive it on March 2007 in Malaysia? confirm? my friend gonna piss off since he just purchased a brand new 523i …

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • keeekeee (Member) on Jan 18, 2007 at 7:39 pm

    so it means we will able to test drive it on March 2007 in Malaysia? confirm? my friend gonna piss off since he just purchased a brand new 523i … lucky i wait :)

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • joelsia (Member) on Jan 18, 2007 at 8:25 pm

    hmm, maybe its just me but the baggy handbrake cover just kinda spoils the whole smooth sleek feel of the interior.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • aksMs (Member) on Jan 19, 2007 at 4:03 am

    Why is it when I look at the front signal lights I feel like I'm looking at Ji Fat from the Alam Perwira comic? Was it just me?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • normal_user (Member) on Jan 19, 2007 at 4:04 pm

    Goniothalamus, camry is way out of league compared to Beemers. Even the old 1995 5-series has better ride & handling compared to the latest Camry. The solidity of Conti cars are unmatched with Jap cars. Except maybe for Lexus.

    About Beemers usually suffer problems after 5 years of ownership, that depends on how the owner treats the car since the 1st day he owned it. I knew someone who has a 12 year old beemer which still looks and feel good both interior & exterior. For reliable & affordable repairs, go to this workshop specialized in servicing Beemers, located somewhere in PJ. The owner is a very experienced ex-AutoBavarian mechanic. Not sure which section tho. But I can tell you that the maintenance cost can be as low as servicing a local car.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 1
  • mattyboy (Member) on Jan 19, 2007 at 6:06 pm

    Am I the only person that thinks this new gear shift lever looks like some cheap joystick a 13 year old buys for his PC from Low Yat?? lol

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • narrowband (Member) on Jan 22, 2007 at 12:03 am

    Funny looking gear knob but it's the same one in the X5. Anyway I don't mind one.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • yasith (Member) on Jan 25, 2007 at 12:31 am

    Face lift is great, good sporty looks.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Jay (Member) on Aug 13, 2007 at 10:30 pm

    I think not much difference from the current 5 series. I have driven the current 530i since my uncle ownes one ! Super machine with 260hp under the hood. The current model has an all black interior . This new one definitely is a pain especially it’s interior colour. Easy to get dirty. Darker interior is always the better option.

    Anyway 530i packs so much power and offers great handling but the biggest let down is the seating room. An Accord, Camry & Cefiro wins easily in this dept ! Other dept the Bimmer simply smacks the Japanese !

    Price tag of RM 440K + is way to expensive ! It’s up to different individuals in the end !

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • narrowband (Member) on Aug 15, 2007 at 11:19 am

    Damn, I hate that front bumper. Even the old one was ugle as well. But I like the one on the diesel model.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • John George on Dec 08, 2014 at 3:37 pm

    Can you let me know the workshop in PJ specialised in servicing Beemers
    to normal _ user

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required