5 Series – Automobiles Review

Comparing the very best family touring and estate cars

Growing families that need a little more room than a standard hatchback or saloon will usually turn their attention to estate and touring cars. Along with a bigger boot, estate and touring car owners still benefit from impressive styling, great refinement and plenty of equipment.

In addition, running costs are much cheaper than bigger MPVs and crossovers. Simply by adding some roof bars on top, from Tesco or other retailers, the same functionality can be enjoyed.

But what are the very best family touring and estate cars currently available? Here’s a quick comparison.

BMW 5 Series Touring

Possibly the best estate car around, the BMW 5 Series Touring ticks all the right boxes. The build quality is second to none, so you won’t have to deal with many surprise breakdowns. At the same time, owners are treated to a powerful yet controlled drive behind the wheel.

Self-levelling rear suspension allows you to transport heavy loads with the greatest of ease, while the ample safety and security kit means passengers will always stay free from harm.

Ford Focus Estate

If the 5 Series Touring is too expensive, consider the Ford Focus Estate instead. Not only does this option handle just as well as the BMW, it also boasts a number of powerful yet economical engines.

Space and practicality are also best in class, while all versions come with air conditioning, a digital radio, and Bluetooth.

Audi A6 Avant

Going back to the executive market, the Audi A6 Avant provides stiff competition for the BMW 5 Series. Handling isn’t quite as sharp but the beautiful cabin is a thoroughly pleasant place to be.

You won’t need to spend much on additional extras either, as nearly every piece of equipment you could want is included as standard. Competitive running costs and strong engine performance only add to the Audi A6 Avant’s strong points.

Kia Cee’d Sportswagon

Budget-conscious buyers that don’t want to break the bank with a purchase should look no further than the Kia Cee’d Sportswagon. With lots of space, a high quality cabin, and an abundance of equipment, you can’t go far wrong.

It is probably a bit noisier than the Ford Focus Estate and won’t deliver an equally impressive drive, but if value for money is your key concern, pick the Kia Cee’d Sportswagon.

Verdict

Personal preference in terms of handling and equipment is the only way to separate top of the range estate cars like the BMW 5 Series Touring and Audi A6 Avant. However, if your budget doesn’t stretch to these options, there are some commendable alternatives available.

The Ford Focus might not be as refined, but it can’t be beaten when it comes to space and practicality. And for the ultimate in cost-effective motoring, try the Kia Cee’d Sportswagon for size.

September 4, 2015

Vilner Recreates the Eternal Battle between BMW and Mercedes-Benz

Vilner has released an exclusive interior tuning of two of the most wanted premium cars: BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The eternal competition can be viewed below and it is up to you to decide which vehicle you like better! What is more, the battle is highlighted by two very symbolic colors: blue, which was chosen for the 5-Series, and red, which goes for the E-Class. This surely reminds us of other constant derby – this one between Chelsea and Arsenal soccer teams, or even between Pepsi and Coca-Cola. And if you are fan of the “Matrix” movie series, then you’ll definitely think of Neo’s dilemma between the blue or red pill.

The tuning of the BMW 5 Series includes a lot but discrete interior modifications. Precisely, the ceiling was covered with black Alcantara, while the plastic door handles received a special coating. In fact, everything is accentuated by a decorative blue stripe.

The blue theme continues with the seat belts, but above all, the most striking element of this tuning is the ergonomic steering wheel covered with perforated nappa leather and Alcantara. The blue pointer on it creates a straight line, while the M-Sport embroidery reminds us of the joy of driving a BMW.

The latest edition of Mercedes’ E-Class also grabs the attention. Here, Vilner’s therapy is accentuated by the red color. Again, the ceiling was wrapped in black Alcantara and the same treatment was applied on some parts of the seats. Everything is accentuated by a decorative red stripe.

The Bavarian rival shows-off with red seat belts and the AMG embroidery on the headrests of the front seats. The ergonomic steering wheel features perforated nappa leather and Alcantara in black, which is contrasted by a red pointer.

Which one is more aggressive? What do you choose?

Source: Vilner

December 5, 2014

JMS BMW 5-Series F10

JMS has announced their latest project based on BMW 5-Series F10. The premium saloon comes with styling and performance ugprades.

The exterior boasts a new front lip spoiler – €299 – mounted onto the existing bumper easily. There is also a set of enormous 9J x 20” (front) and 10.5J x 20” (rear) MB Design KV1 wheels fitted with performance tires – 245/35 ZR20 and 285/30/ ZR20. The price for entire set is €3599.

Other highlights include an adjustable KW coilover suspension that reduces the ride height by 55mm at the front and 45mm at the rear – €1929.

All customers can also order sports exhaust systems, ECU re-map and a “speedpedal” that adjusts the characteristics of the throttle response. There are upgrades for all engines in the range.

All components are TUV approved and made in Germany .

Source: JMS

July 8, 2013

2013 BMW 5-Series 518d – UK Price £29,830

BMW is now offering 2013 5-Series 518d available as Saloon and Touring model. The luxurious passenger car minimises buying and operating costs, and will be of particular appeal to UK business drivers.

The engine is a 2.0 liter common rail turbo diesel with 143HP (106 kW) and 360Nm (267 lb-ft) of torque. The fuel consumption is sensational – 62.8 mpg (Saloon) and 58.9 mpg (Touring) – 4.5 to 4.8 liters per 100 km on combined cycle. The emissions are just 119 g/km CO2 (Touring 127g/km). Other important feature is that the 518d already complies with EU6 regulations. 0-100 km/h in 9.7 seconds for the Saloon and 10.1 seconds for the Touring.

Standard equipment has also been enhanced to include Business Navigation, Xenon headlights, BMW Emergency Call and Teleservices. The Saloon and Touring also have new-style tail lights with slender, elegant LED light strips and along with an additional crease in the rear apron they emphasise the car’s width and sporting stance.

2013 BMW 5-Series 518d SE costs £29,830 and the M Sport is £32,630. The Touring 518d SE is £32,155 and Touring 518d M Sport costs £35,080.

Source: BMW

May 29, 2013

BMW 5-Series F10 and F11 Exclusive Sport Edition for Japan

BMW has introduced a limited edition 5-Series F10 and F11 (Sedan and Touring) exclusively for Japan. The special edition series is called Exclusive Sport and will be limited to just 300 units.

The engine range includes a 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol (523i) and 2.0 liter diesel – 523d. The 5-Series F10 and F11 come with more standard equipment which normally would be available at an additional cost. The upgrades include a set of 19” alloy wheels, three-spoke M steering wheel, contoured sports seats and an ///M aerodynamics package including aggressive front and rear bumpers and a pair of new side skirts. The exterior can be finished in white or carbon-black.

The interior boasts Cinnamon Brown leather covering the lower section of the dashboard, door panels and seats. There is also a premium audio system, a HUD and an “Exclusive Sport” plaque.

The BMW 5-Series Exclusive Sport starts from ¥7,490,000 ($75,200).

Source: BMW

April 12, 2013

BMW 5-Series F10/F11 – Best-Seller in Its Segment of Business Automobiles

The BMW 5-Series F10/F11 remains the best-selling car in its segment of business automobiles. Totally 359,016 customers worldwide opted for a BMW 5 Series model in previous year. This includes all Sedans, Tourings, Gran Turismos and the high-performance M5 models.

The 2012 5-Series offers everything that driver’s needs – comfort, stability, safety, performance and great fuel economy. The modern four, six and eight cylinder engines offer high output and great efficiency.

Speaking for efficiency, the 520d EfficientDynamics Edition offers unsurpassed fuel consumption of just 4.5 litres of diesel per 100 km. The powerful 535d has 313HP (230 kW) and 630Nm (467 lb-ft), while returning 100 km for only 5.4 liters of fuel. The new 5-Series also offers world’s most powerful 3.0 liter diesel – the M550d xDrive boasts 381HP (280 kW) and 740Nm of torque. All that performance comes with average fuel consumption 6.3 litres per 100 km.

The petrol engines also offers great performance and low fuel consumption. The 520i and 528i feature turbocharging system based on the twin-scroll principle, variable valve control VALVETRONIC and variable camshaft control double VANOS.

The top-of-range M5 has a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 560HP (412 kW) at 5750RPM and 680Nm(502 lb-ft) at just 1500RPM. The engine features M TwinPower Turbo technology, twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and a cross-bank exhaust manifold. 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 13 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – limited.

The BMW 5 Series offers the perfect compromise between sporty flair and suspension comfort. Over and above the excellent standard suspension, numerous technologies are optionally available to further enhance Sheer Driving Pleasure.

BMW ConnectedDrive offers interconnection between driver, vehicle and the outside world is becoming increasingly important. The BMW 5 Series offers numerous innovations in this essential and fast-developing area.

RTTI (Real Time Traffic Information) provides traffic information in real time, suggesting appropriate alternative routes in the event of a traffic jam.

BMW Night Vision uses a thermal image camera to detect people and animals from a distance of up to 300 metres, warning the driver of potential collisions.

The full-colour Head-Up Display projects relevant information into the driver’s field of vision such as current speed, speed limits, navigation directions and warnings.

It is difficult to resist to everything that a new 5-Series offers and 359 thousand customers proved it.

Source: BMW

January 17, 2013

BMW M Performance upgrades 3-Series and 5-Series

BMW announced new M Performance Parts specially designed for the new 2012 BWW 3-Series Sedan and 2011-2012 5-Series Sedan. The manufacturer is continuing the tradition, which already offers such kind of parts for the high-performance M3, 1 Series M Coupe, X5 M and X6 M.

All components are specifically designed for 3-Series and 5-Series models. These include a gloss black grille, carbon fiber mirror caps, body stripes for the 3-Series and a carbon fiber rear spoiler for the 5-Series. Other exterior goodies are a set of 20” alloy wheels and a stainless steel sports exhaust system with two chrome-plated 80mm exhaust tips for the mighty 335i and the 535i.

To accent the 20″ wheels and to improve braking performance, a Brembo big-brake kit with painted calipers is now available. It consists of 4-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the front axle and 2-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the rear axle. The discs are cross-drilled, internally-vented in diameter 370 mm front and 345 mm rear.

The interior boasts a new Motorsport-derived steering wheel for the 3 Series Sedan. There is also a 7-piece carbon fiber and Alcantara interior trim set inspired by the world of Motorsport.

Lastly, the cabin can be equipped with a carbon fiber gear knob and a seven-piece carbon fiber and Alcantara trim package.

A BMW M Performance carbon fiber gear shift knob and selector lever is available for vehicles with manual or automatic transmissions. The same open-pore technology used in the interior trim kit can be found on these products as well. The gear shift knob also has an integrated shift boot made of Alcantara.

All products installed on or in the vehicle carry a BMW 4 year/ 50,000 mile warranty on the items if installed prior to delivery of the new vehicle.

Source: BMW

May 7, 2012

BMW recalls 1 300 000 cars

Usually, we don’t report anything related to manufacturers, but this is very important and potentially dangerous. BMW AG is the world’s largest premium car manufacturer and one of the most expensive brands in the world. It is reccaling around 1.3 million cars for repair due to a possible problem with a battery cable cover in the trunk. Because of this, the car can catch fire, which is extremely dangerous and hard to cope with.

This can happen with all models from 5- and 6-Series BMWs built between 2003 and 2010. This includes all E60, E61, F10 and F11 from the 5-Series and E63 and E64 from the 6-Series.

BMW stated: “In some remote cases, the battery cable cover inside the boot of these vehicles may be incorrectly mounted, This can result in the electrical system malfunctioning, the vehicle failing to start and, in some cases, to charring or fire.”

Still, less than 1% of the problematic vehicles have exhibited the problem and there are no reports of fires. The repairing procedure is really easy and would take around 30 minutes to an hour. Of course, It would be free of charge to customers.

However, the recall affects more than 368 000 car in the US, 293 000 cars in Germany and another 109 000 cars in UK.

So, if you have such car, be hurry and check your local dealer to eliminate possible problem.

Source: Reuters

March 27, 2012

The Exceptional Vilner BMW F10

Vilner BMW F10 is the latest project that has just been finished by the exceptional Bulgarian tuning company Vilner. The car already has got the perfect forms, design and technical characteristics. What makes it unique however, is the astonishing interior design, which is everything that one could possibly want. In details, the interior is in white and carries a well outspoken personality. This is achieved due to the high-quality materials used: white leather for the seats and for the internal par of the doors, the lower part of the panel; and black Alcantara for the attic and the inner part of the seats. The leading motive is the red line, which is featured in key parts of the coupe and makes a great accent on the gearshift and the steering wheel. More importantly, the latter is entirely recreated and now has new more ergonomically improved design. This exceptional work from the Vilner Tuning Company is once again a proof of the quality of work they are delivering. The result after this modification is an interior, which can be a proud rival to any new conceptual vehicle. What Vilner has done here is to bring even more energy, style and appeal to the already amazing BMW F10.

Source: Vilner

February 29, 2012

VMS M Sport 5 series

Vorsteiner have unveiled their latest project – V-MS for the BMW 5 series (F10) equipped with M Sport package. It involves an aerodynamic kit, new wheels and some exhaust system tweaks.

The aerodynamic kit consists of a front air splitter (designed to fit the M Sport bumper), a rear diffuser and a trunk lip spoiler – all in carbon fiber. These add-ons give a type of character to the 5 series while having a purposeful balancing role. A newly installed full cat back exhaust system ups the power by 12HP and enhances the output sound.

To round it up, the tuning house has also included a selection of 20 and 21 inch forged wheels. Feel free to browse around the gallery and see if you like it.

Source: Vorsteiner

January 3, 2012

Prior PD-R Aerodynamic Kit

Prior, the company that indulges in manufacturing perfect-fit aerodynamic kits for luxury performance cars and such, have a new offering – The Prior PD-R kit for the BMW 5 series (F10).

The company takes great interest in subtle elegance and this product is here to reinforce their stance. We have sleek sideskirts compatible with all F10 BMW’s, a sporty front bumper and a specially designed diffuser at the back. The latter two wont go on the M models but on any other specs they fit perfectly. The kit also includes all the nuts and bolts needed to seal the deal. Export only.

Source: Prior Design

January 3, 2012

2012 BMW Active Hybrid 5

BMW has introduced a new hybrid version of the latest 5-Series – F10. The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 combines the famous TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder petrol engine, an electric drive system and an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is powered by a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged I6 with 306PS (225 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque coupled to a 56PS (40 kW) and 210Nm (155 lb-ft) electric motor. The interesting about the drivetrain is that the electric motor is integrated into the housing for the 8-speed automatic gearbox. The car have an auto Stop/Start system as well as an ECO PRO mode. The Active Hybrid 5 can also coast with the engine shut off at speeds of up to 160 km/h (100 mph).

So, the combined power is 340PS (250 kW) and 450Nm (332 lb-ft), which is enough to catapult the car from stand still to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, so this is more like a sports car not a family saloon with hybrid powertrain.

The lithium-ion battery pack provides range up to 4 km (2.5 miles) only on electricity with maximum speed of 35 km/h (22 mph). This is perfect, if you have incredibly short trips to the neighbourhood store for example.

The fuel economy is just great – 6.4 liters per 100 km (44 mpg) with only 149 g/km of CO2 emission.

To further enhance comfort and individuality, the standard-specification includes 4-zone automatic climate control and navigation system Professional. You can also order active seats, active seat ventilation, Comfort Access, the Smart Opener for the tailgate, the Soft Close Automatic function for the doors, a power-operated glass roof and high-end audio and rear entertainment systems.

Source: BMW

October 1, 2011

Tag: 5 Series