2008 BMW 5 Series Revealed

OK, we were just at one of the largest automotive shows in the world, and BMW was there, too. You’d think that would be a good opportunity to bring out a revised 5 Series, but nope. We get home and find the notice waiting for us, along with these photos. From the outside you won’t notice significant changes, but the front and rear have been altered to give it a more streamlined look, and the inside has gotten a slight update as well.

The engines have also gone through a change. Most significantly, the 535i gets the same twin-turbo six-cylinder we loved in the latest 335i coupe. It produces the same 300 hp and 300 pounds-feet of torque here. The 528i has a much lesser six-cylinder with 230 hp. Then there’s the 550i’s 4.8-liter V-8 pumping out 360 hp. All 5 Series come with a six-speed manual standard, but moving to the six-speed automatic is now a no-cost option.

BMW’s all-wheel-drive system, called xDrive, is available with the six-cylinder engines in the 528xi and 535xi sedans and the 535xi wagon. Prices and availability have not been released, but these alterations are a needed boost to the aging 5 Series.

Comments

It's a striking example of their arrogance that they couldn't be bothered to introduce their new product with everyone else at the Detroit Auto Show.

When will they upgrade the 5-series to front-wheel drive?

Toyota Troll...I don't see enough change here that would bring any buzz at Detroit. I'm certainly not downplaying arrogance, but I don't think front-wheel drive would be an "upgrade" in any driver's car. All-wheel and rear wheel are far supperior as far as performance aspects. Typically your more practical cars i.e. affordable cars are front drive. You can't put as much hp and torque down on the front wheel cars as torque steer is a real problem.

BMW is BMW because it's RWD. There's no reason for them to go FWD unless its a 1 series.
Anyway!!! it isn't arrogance its more scheduling. the 3 series vert is a big deal in the US and detroit is the biggest show, the 5 series will be shown in Chicago most likely next month. It was just the timing of the release today that was odd.
The engine and interior upgrade are a big deal.

"Upgrade" to front wheel drive? Are you kidding? The cheapest, junkiest, worst-handling, slowest cars in the world are front-wheel drive. That would hardly be good for any BMW. Other major manufacturers are returning to rear wheel drive for its qualities. Anyway, as for the 5 Series...its NICE!!

You guys are bozo's. It's clear that Toyota Troll was being sarcastic with the 'upgrade to front wheel drive' comment.

I don't notice any changes, who is in charge of BMW an MINI! too scared to make a change? wuss!

i have a desin for part of your cars

Toyota Troll's a pretty funny person!

After driving Volvo flying brakes (station wagons) for many years, I "upgraded" to FWD with a V70--couldn't have the XC because it wasn't available with a transmission (of course I realize automatics do transmit, and they're 1000% better than they used to be, but I'm too old--started on a Farmall, then graduated to a Pontiac straight-8--to learn how to drive one, and I'm deathly afraid my left foot will atrophy), so I had to settle for a 250 hp car that would spin its front wheels if it looked like it might rain tomorrow. Volvo should have stuck with what it knew and left the FWD business to SAAB! Within a few months I was in a 320-hp (amazing what one can do with one electronic chip) Audi Allroad, and now an RS 4.

Back to the matter at hand: my wife gets a new BMW 535 so I won't constantly attempt to shift her car into 6th (read reverse on her 5-speed)--any excuse to "invest" in a fine new RWD or AWD car!

People need to keep in mind this is not a redesign, just a facelift. It will be a couple more years until the new 5er comes out. I've seen some sketches of the upcomming 5 series and it looked hot hot hot.

The 5 hasn't aged well in my opinion. It really needs an overhaul. Compared to the 1997-2003 generation, this 5 has always been a disappointment.

This was a facelift?
Anyway, BMWs have never aged well...
The 5 Series was a dog since day one

I'm feeling everything except for the new front bumper air intake. The car looks like it's smiling now and has lost that aggressive appearance up front. From the side, it looks just plain awful.

I don't understand why BMW detune the engine to only 177hp for the 523i and now than they bring up to 190hp, they should do it in the first place! Or totally scrap the 523i and just do with 525i with 218hp.

i honestly dont see a change..maybe "toned" as ive been seeing but the average person wouldnt notice a difference

I bought a 2008 528i about 2 month ago and after owning 4 others this is the best! The quality is pure BMW, the Idrive with bluetooth is great. The car corners better than any other BMW I have owned with the exception of my wifes Z3. 30 miles to the gallon on the highway @ 75 mph average, based on a 1000 mile trip.
Quiet, smooth with plenty of power for a family car. I have owned and driven alot of cars over the years, but nothing can touch the all around
performance of a BMW.

Americans .... you have NO right to comment on or offer words of opinion regarding motor vehicles. You have never and will never build a car that will rival a european designed car . .. so keep your shiny dodges and buicks and carry on sliding down the free way in your boat-like suspension junk tanks! .

oh .. and get a passport too