BMW 540i M Sport Package

The arrival of two new V8s and a raft of detail changes mean that the BMW 5 Series family is now fully configured for 2006.

The new V8-engined 540i and 550i models are positioned between the six-cylinder 5 Series models and the tremendously powerful flagship of the range, the 373 kW V10-engined M5.

With outputs ranging from 225 kW to 270 kW, the 540i and 550i bring more performance without fuel consumption penalties.

In fact the new BMW 540i returns an exceptionally efficient 10.4 litres per 100 km on the combined highway and city cycle.

This is despite the fact that, with the standard six-speed automatic Steptronic gearbox, the 225 kW engine is able to accelerate the 540i to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds, on the way to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h.

The 550i is even faster, yet similarly impressive in terms of its economy. For all its explosive 270 kW performance, which will see it reaching 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, the 550i consumes just 10.8 litres per 100 km on the combined cycle.

The new 540i’s 4.0-litre engine, which debuted in the BMW 7 Series, is packed with high technology that allows a combination of muscular torque and high-rpm power that delivers unequalled flexibility, while producing the melodious sound that is an essential characteristic of all BMW engines.

This is a high-performance V8, with its 225 kW developed at 6,300 rpm and the maximum torque of 390 Nm coming in at 3,500 rpm.

The all-alloy engine achieves its efficiency and power through the use of BMW’s VALVETRONIC system, which controls both valve lift and duration, as well as Bi-VANOS variable camshaft timing that operates on both the inlet and exhaust valves.

The 550i’s 4.8-litre V8 engine also debuted in the 7 Series and replaces the previous 4.4-litre 545i, bringing with it a 25 kW increase in power, as well as an additional 40 Nm of torque.

Its 270 kW power output is produced at 6,300 rpm, while the massive 490 Nm of torque is available from 3,400 rpm.

Both 540i and 550i are richly equipped and extremely competitive in their respective classes.

Features such as ABS, Dynamic Brake Control, Dynamic Stability Control and BMW’s ASC+T traction control system are standard. Like all 5 Series models, 540i and 550i are equipped with eight airbags, rain-sensor wipers, automatic headlight control, BMW Active Steering and dual-zone automatic climate control.

Compared with the six-cylinder BMW 530i, the 540i gains the following equipment: a pair of chromed 65 mm diameter exhaust pipes, alarm system, lumbar support, headlight washer system, adaptive Xenon headlights, 18-inch Star spoke light alloy wheels, Professional Navigation, TV tuner and Voice Recognition, ConnectedDrive (no cost for the first year) and High-Beam Assist, a technological innovation that monitors traffic conditions and independently activates or deactivates the high beam to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic.

BMW 550i

The 550i adds Head Up Display to this extensive list of equipment.

The core of the High-Beam Assist system is a camera sensor in the interior mirror that monitors traffic conditions and independently activates or deactivates the high beam. In the process, the system detects the headlights and rear lights of other vehicles as well as ambient light conditions on the road.

The Head Up Display allows the driver to instantly check road speed without taking attention off the road, while visual readout of functions such as low fuel, cruise control setting and low-temperature frost alert are also provided.

The new 540i and 550i feature the redesigned iDrive Controller, in Ruthenium with a leather insert, and a start/stop button on the instrument panel.

Apart from the revised V8s, the additional safety and comfort features of the latest generation DSC+ are now standard across the 5 Series range.

The DSC+ system offers extensive benefits, including Hill Start Assist, which enables the driver to start off conveniently on uphill gradients without having to use the handbrake. The system also offers a Brake Standby function, Brake Drying function, Brake Fade Compensation and Comfort Stop features.

To complete feature additions for the 5 Series line-up in 2006, Bluetooth mobile phone preparation will become standard on 525i, 530i Touring, 530i and 530d, in addition to a 10 speaker Hi Fi system on 530i, 530d and 530i Touring models.

In addition, with the inclusion of new start-stop buttons for 5 Series, Comfort Access becomes available as an option across the model range.

The new 540i and 550i are available now.

BMW 5 Series line-up:

(Please note new prices for 5 Series range from January 1st, 2006)

525i
6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic $93,900

525i with M Sport Package
6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic $98,900

530i
6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic $112,500

530i with M Sport Package
6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic $116,500

530d
6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic $114,500

530d with M Sport Package
6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic $118,500

530i Touring
6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic $118,500

530i Touring with M Sport Package
6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic $122,500

540i
6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic $135,500

540i with M Sport Package
6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic $139,000

550i
6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic $162,400

550i with M Sport Package
6-speed automatic transmission with Steptronic $165,400

M5
7-speed SMG Drivelogic transmission $229,400

© Copyright 2006 Driveguide.com.au

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