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Manufacturer Brochure - 1998 BMW 5-Series
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| 1998 BMW 5 SERIES: STATE OF THE ART IN MIDSIZE SPORTS SEDANS, WITH NEW SAFETY FEATURES, NEW TECHNOLOGY AND NEW OPTIONS |
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| Updated |
Jun 3, 2004 17:14:44 |
| Rating |
 908 ( -34 -3.74% ) |
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Description:
Upon its debut in 1997, the all-new BMW 5 Series set a new milestone in the history of sports sedans. While remaining true to BMW tradition in every respect, this new line significantly advanced BMW's pioneering sports-sedan concept - namely, a tightly dimensioned, high-quality 4-door sedan embodying brilliant performance, precise and enjoyable handling, active and passive safety engineering, appealing and tasteful design, and a high level of luxury.
Within the first year after this new Series was launched, it garnered glowing reviews and numerous "best" awards from critics around the world. In the German magazine Auto Motor and Sport, for example, a reader survey named it simply "the best car in the world." Car and Driver magazine named the Series to its Ten Best Cars list. Motor Trend declared it Import Car of the Year. New Zealand's Motoring Writers' Guild named the 5 Series Car of the Year, and Australia's Automotive Safety Award was also awarded to the 5 Series.
For 1998, the 5 Series continues in two models, the 6-cylinder 528i and the V-8 540i. And yet even these fresh and dynamic new cars have experienced considerable evolution since that 1997 introduction. Front-seat side-impact airbags were standardized soon thereafter, and the BMW On-Board Navigation System became available as an option.
Now, for the Series' second model year, the new Head Protection System (HPS) also becomes standard, further enhancing the level of protection for front-seat occupants in serious side impacts. Rear-seat side-impact airbags become available as an option. The 1998 540i includes a new driving-stability system. New option packages are added for 1998, and evolutionary refinements further enhance the capabilities and appeal of these state-of-the-art BMWs.
HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM: INFLATABLE PROTECTION FOR OCCUPANTS' HEADS IN SIDE IMPACTS
BMW pioneered the introduction of side-impact airbags in the Prestige Sedan segment with the 1996 7 Series. Now, with the 1998 5 and 7 Series, the Bavarian automaker adds two further elements to its side-impact protection system: for the driver and front passenger, the revolutionary Head Protection System (HPS); for rear passengers, optionally available side-impact airbags in the rear doors.
An automobile has virtually no crumple zone at its sides, so providing inflatable protection in side impacts presents quite different challenges from those in front impacts. Front-impact airbags, for example, are designed primarily to -
spread the restraint forces evenly on the occupant's body
allow no "hard contact" with the body
deflate quickly after impact, so that the occupant can breathe and, if possible, exit the vehicle.
By contrast, an inflatable side restraint must come into contact absolutely as soon as possible with the occupant, which calls for faster deployment. The side device must then "push" on the occupant in what engineers call "hard contact" as the vehicle is impacted and deformed from the side. It is practical for the inflatable side restraint to stay inflated longer, and indeed BMW's side airbags are designed to do so.
The side-impact airbags in the 5 Series' front doors provide welcome protection in the area of an occupant's upper torso, shoulder and arm. Now, with the addition of the Head Protection System, BMW provides comparable Protection for occupants' heads in side impacts.
To grasp the concept of the Head Protection System, imagine a hollow, flexible tube about 5 feet long and 1.5 inches in diameter. At its forward end, this tube is anchored inside the car's "A-pillar" (windshield pillar), near the bottom. At its other end, it is anchored in the roof just above the rear door. Its inflator unit, located below the instrument panel, is similar to that which fills a front airbag with an inert gas, but more compact. The entire system is concealed by cladding and upholstery above the doors and within the A-pillar.
The tube has two elements: a relatively airtight, polyurethane inner tube to manage the inflation, and a woven polyester outer tube to control its shape. Upon side impact, the inflator is triggered electronically, filling the inner tube with the inert gas. As the inner tube inflates, the woven tube, with inflation forcing its diameter to increase, shortens in length. No longer fitting inside the area where it is stored, the assembly pops out to form a straight tube 5.1-in. in diameter and stretched in an angled straight line from the lower windshield pillar to the roof. Now the inflated tube is in just the area where an occupant's head could contact the side of the car - windshield pillar, window, center pillar (B-pillar),
Because of the sloping position of the inflated HPS, it protects persons of small or large stature equally. And because of its own structural stability once inflated, the tube can retain much of its effectiveness even if the window is broken or popped out by the impact.
A severe side impact, with little crush space to absorb its energy, is potentially much more lethal than an equivalent front impact. In BMW tests, a simulated side-on collision against a tree with head contact resulted in a head-acceleration factor of 2500, which generally would mean fatal head injury. In the same test of an HPS-equipped vehicle, this was dramatically reduced to an uncritical 330 points.
To date, only BMW offers a head protection system. Thus the BMW 5 Series, with HPS plus standard front side-impact airbags plus an effective interlocking door anchoring system (which structurally links the doors with the body sides in a side impact), offers a truly impressive level of side-impact protection for front-seat occupants.
ALSO NEW FOR 1998: AVAILABLE REAR SIDE-IMPACT AIRBAGS
A further safety refinement for the 1998 BMW 5 Series is the optional availability of side-impact airbags in the rear doors. Positioned and functioning similarly to those in the front doors, these airbags add protection in the area of each outboard rear passenger's upper torso, shoulder and arm. Equipped with rear side airbags, the 5 Series offers a level of equipment for all-around occupant protection in side impacts presently unmatched by other vehicle manufacturers.
DUAL-THRESHOLD DIFFERENTIATED DEPLOYMENT SYSTEM CONTINUES FOR 1998
The front-impact restraint system that is standard in not only the 5 Series, but all other current BMW models, also embodies advanced thinking in occupant protection - and in the moderation of vehicle damage in severe collisions. These restraints are controlled by the BMW Differentiated Deployment System.
This system employs "smart" technology to choose the appropriate deployment threshold, depending upon whether the occupant is belted or unbelted ~ and whether or not the front passenger seat is occupied. There are two thresholds of frontal-impact severity. If the safety belt is in use, the airbag will deploy only at the higher, more severe threshold; at the lower, less severe threshold, only the automatic safety-belt tensioner deploys to reduce belt slack and enhance the belt's effectiveness.
If the safety belt is not in use, then the airbag will deploy at the lower severity threshold. Finally, if the passenger seat is unoccupied, neither the passenger-side airbag nor tensioner will deploy - a feature that is recognized and rewarded by certain insurance companies in setting rates.
All these features - side-impact airbags, HPS, automatic front safety-belt tensioners, differentiated deployment - are part of BMW's F.l.R.S.T. system (Fully Integrated Road Safety Technology), which helps confirm BMW as one of today's most safety-conscious vehicle manufacturers. In assessing the safety features of the BMW 5 Series following a recent crash test of the 540i and other luxury vehicles, Brian O'Neill of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety made the following statement: "If all cars performed this well, we would stop this kind of testing."
ANOTHER EXCLUSIVE SAFETY FEATURE: THE NEW BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL
Another BMW first is the new Battery Safety Terminal, which in case of a severe impact fires a tiny pyrotechnic charge to break the connection between the battery and starter cable. This helps prevent a possible short circuit at a critical point: Because of the high voltage carried by the starter cable, unlike most electrical circuits in the vehicle this connection is not protected by a fuse or circuit breaker. Once the connection is severed, the engine cannot be cranked; but separate wiring provides power to all operating and safety systems.
BROADER AVAILABILITY OF SPORT-EQUIPPED 5 SERIES MODELS
As in 1997, the 540i comes in two versions. One is the "standard" model, with 5-speed automatic transmission, standard suspension settings, 1 6-in. wheels and tires, and 1 0-way power front seats; the other is a sport-equipped model with 6-speed manual transmission, sport suspension, 17-in. wheels and tires, new-for-1998 Shadowline exterior trim, and sport seats.
As part of a broader offering of sport equipment for 1998, the automatic-transmission model becomes available with a Sport Package that outfits it much like the manual-transmission model. Specifically, this package includes:
Sport suspension
17 x 8.0 7 Spoke, 2-piece alloy wheels (cast centers, forged rims)
235/45R- 17 93W performance tires
Shadowline exterior trim (matte-black window frames, door sills and bumper trim strips).
Front seating for the 540i is newly organized, as follows:
With automatic transmission - 10-way power seats standard; 12-way power sport seats available at no extra cost in combination with Sport Package
With manual transmission - 12-way power sport seats standard.
With both models - 16-way Comfort Seats available as an option
A new Sport Wheels option is available to make the sporty 540i with manual transmission even sportier: 17 x 8.0 front / 17 x 9.0 rear wheels with 235/45R-17 front / 255/40R-17 rear tires. The new wheels are in a Radial design, with 15 spokes and plenty of open space for brake cooling.
Yet another new possibility for 1998 is the 528i Sport Package, available for both manual and automatic transmission versions of this 6-cylinder model. This package, which sport-equips the 528i for the first time from the factory, consists of:
Sport suspension
17 x 8.0 bolted Cross Spoke 2-piece alloy wheels (cast centers, forged rims)
235/45R-17 93W performance tires
Shadowline exterior trim
Leather upholstery, combined with the Technical Surface interior trim.
NEW TECHNOLOGY AT THE DRIVER'S SERVICE: DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL 111
In a move that furthers BMW's tradition of active driving safety, the 540I with automatic transmission is newly equipped with the 3rd-generation Dynamic Stability Control, which employs a variety of sensors, plus sophisticated new electronic logic, to help stabilize the vehicle under critical cornering and accident-avoidance circumstances. DSC 111 is a refinement of a system previously found on the 750iL luxury sedan, and encompasses the functions of the anti-lock braking system (ABS) and All Season Traction (BMW's traction control system) in a fully integrated electronic system.
For its inputs, DSC 111 employs:
The ABS wheel-speed sensors
A steering-angle sensor (measures turning of the steering wheel)
The speedometer sender (measures vehicle speed)
A lateral-acceleration sensor (measures how "hard" the vehicle is cornering)
A yaw sensor (measures the vehicle's rotation around its own vertical axis)
A brake-pressure sensor (alerts the system to any application of the brakes by the driver).
Together, these sensors give a precise measurement of the vehicle's cornering motion. Their inputs are processed by a very powerful microprocessor to detect any deviation from the normal cornering path (abnormal understeer or oversteer), which then directs a reduction in engine power and/or application of individual wheel brakes to help balance the vehicle and aid the driver in keeping the vehicle on the intended path. (DSC 111 is able to act selectively on the front and rear brakes at either side of the car, as needed.) Thus in these critical situations, when the driver may be attempting a maneuver beyond the normal control range of the vehicle, the driver is more likely to be able to retain control and avoid an accident.
WHAT A 5 SERIES BMW IS ALL ABOUT: THE BODY AND CHASSIS
Whether 6-cylinder 528i or V-8 540i, the BMW 5 Series is a midsize sports sedan, seating five occupants within its trim 111.4-in. wheelbase and 1 88.0-in. overall length. Its dynamic, elegantly styled unit-construction body/chassis unit is engineered for very high rigidity, with natural frequencies of 29 Hertz in torsion and 26 Hertz in bending, for a solidity that contributes to razor-sharp handling, a remarkably supple and comfortable ride, relative freedom from rattles and squeaks, and passive safety.
Along with the highly rigid all-steel body/chassis structure, an advanced aluminum suspension system helps the 5 Series achieve its dazzling mastery of the road, whether smooth or rough. Compared to steel, aluminum reduces weight. Reducing weight in the suspension cuts unsprung weight, which means the suspension can cope more quickly and smoothly with road irregularities. In the 5 Series' double-pivot strut-type front suspension - itself an exclusive BMW concept - the steering knuckles, both lower suspension arms, strut tubes (containing the shock absorbers) and the pad against which the spring seats at the top are all made of weight-saving aluminum. On the 528i model, additionally the subframe that carries the front suspension and engine is made of aluminum - not unsprung weight, but contributing to the vehicle's overall weight efficiency.
At the rear, an advanced multi-link suspension system, with aluminum for all 4 links on each side, the shock-absorber tubes, the spring pads and the subframe, provides a precise and responsive connection to the road. Brake calipers, another item of unsprung weight, also partake in the weight-reduction program: Front and rear calipers are aluminum on the 528i, the front ones on the 540i. (The 5 Series' brakes are generously dimensioned ventilated discs all around, with larger front discs on the 540i.)
Always praised for its precision and road feel, BMW steering appears in two forms in the 5 Series. In the 528i, a variable-ratio rack-and-pinion mechanism gives virtually sports-car-like response and saves further weight; in the 540i, a recirculating-ball mechanism gives a more luxurious feel while retaining typical BMW precision. Standard wheels and tires are generously dimensioned, with 15-in. equipment on the 528i and 16-in. on the automatic-transmission 540i; the other wheel-and-tire possibilities are described previously.
6-CYLINDER AND V-8 POWER, EACH WITH A CHOICE OF MANUAL OR AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Both 5 Series engines illustrate a key BMW philosophy: to deliver strong, usable power throughout the speed range with pleasing sound character, moderate noise levels and fuel efficiency that is excellent in view of the performance offered.
In the 528i, this means a 2.8-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that typifies BMW's tradition of inline sixes: smooth, strong, great-sounding. It develops 190 hp at 5300 rpm, and delivers its maximum torque of 206 Ib-ft. at a moderate 3950 rpm for excellent low- and midrange response. The engine's basic architecture includes a cast-iron block, aluminum cylinder head, thermoplastic intake manifold, dual overhead camshafts, 4 valves per cylinder and variable valve timing. With its standard 5-speed manual transmission, the 528I accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 7.0 seconds; with automatic, 60 comes up 7.7 sec. - both times decidedly lively.
As the top of the Series, the 540i is powered by a 4.4-liter V-8 engine, with aluminum block and heads, thermoplastic intake manifold, four overhead camshafts (two per cylinder bank) and 4 valves per cylinder. The cylinder block is of a premium construction that is highly durable and weight-saving, with silicon-impregnated cylinder surfaces. Even more brilliant performance is available here: 0-60 mph in 5.8 sec. with the 540i's 6-speed manual transmission, 6.4 sec. with its available 5-speed automatic.
Both transmissions are premium equipment. The 540i's 6-speed manual can provide optimum gearing for any speed, right from a standing start to cruising at the highest legal speeds. The alternately available 5-speed automatic imparts the same benefit to those who prefer automated shifting; it includes Adaptive Transmission Control (by which the shifting strategy "learns" the driver's driving style as well as environmental and road conditions) and a Sport mode for those times when the driver wants especially eager response.
The 528i also provides a satisfying choice of transmissions. "Both manual gearboxes," wrote Car and Driver in March 1997 of the 528i and 540i, "are built by Getrag, and both feel alike in operation, with light, fluent throws and polished selections." Of the 528i, the same magazine's August 1996 issue reported that "You're aware, too, that [the engine] seems happily married to its four-speed automatic; part-throttle downshifts arrive on the just-in-time plan."
A CABIN BUILT FOR ACTIVE DRIVING AND LUXURIOUS RIDING
Entry into the 5 Series, facilitated by a multi-function remote control that unlocks the driver's door first, then the other doors, reveals a cabin designed for active driving in the BMW tradition and elegant luxury befitting a contemporary luxury performance sedan. The steering wheel is power-adjustable both vertically and longitudinally (tilt/telescopic); the power front seats include power height adjustment of the head restraints, and the front safety belts' upper anchor point automatically adjusts with the seats. All four windows have 1-touch down and up operation; the power tilt-and-slide moonroof (optional 528i, standard 540i) has.1-touch opening and closing. Four-way power lumbar support is available, as are 16-way front seats that include the 4-way lumbar support plus articulated backrests.
The 528i comes standard with durable, attractive leatherette upholstery and contemporary Technical Surface interior trim. Leather upholstery and genuine wood trim are available via the 528i Premium Package, and standard in the 540i. Lockable split folding rear seats and a ski bag, an option for both models, offer an extra measure of utility.
Standard in both models is a powerful 1 0-speaker AM/FM/cassette audio system; a more powerful and otherwise upgraded 12-speaker system (including Digital Sound Processing) is available optionally, as is a 6-disc CD changer. The automatic climate-control system includes dual activated-charcoal microfilters, independent left/right temperature settings, automatic recirculation control (which selects recirculating air anytime outside air pollution reaches a certain level) and the ability to program interior ventilation when the car is left standing.
THE BMW ON-BOARD NAVIGATION SYSTEM, UPGRADED FOR 1998
BMW was early to offer an in-dash system incorporating GPS navigation and other functions; available optionally in both 5 Series models, this BMW On-Board Navigation System has been refined in numerous ways for 1998. A gyroscope replaces the former magnetic sensor, eliminating even an occasional need for calibration. The system's "Mayday" function now automatically transmits latitude, longitude, cell-phone number and Vehicle Identification Number (YIN) to BMW Roadside Assistance; screen displays and voice instructions have been improved and various functions enhanced.
BMW Cellular Phone Systems have been updated as well. New-generation fixed and in-car/portable systems are now available for retailer installation in 5 Series models, which are pre-wired for them at the factory. When the vehicle is so equipped, extensive phone memory functions are accessed through the On-Board Navigation System; if not, they can be operated from the standard Multi Information Display in the dash.
OTHER INTERESTING AND APPEALING OPTIONS
In addition to those already described, the 5 Series offers buyers further interesting and appealing options. Front seats with continuously variable heating may be ordered either alone or in combination with a heated steering wheel. For privacy and protection from heat and glare, a power-operated rear-window sunshade is offered in combination with manual pull-up shades for the rear side windows. Finally, as of March 1998 production, a Security Car version of the 540i will become available on special order. This "light armored" vehicle features Aramid-fiber armor layers in the doors, roof pillars, roof and rear deck; bulletproof glass incorporating a polycarbonate protective layer; and available inside/outside communications equipment and run-flat tires. The Aramid adds less extra weight than traditional steel armor; the protective measures have been conceived to protect against blows from large stones, sledgehammers and similar impact objects, and gunshots up to .44 Magnum. The 540i Security Car will be warrantied just like any other BMW and, thanks to a weight increase of only 130 kg (265 lb.) over the standard model, also involves only moderate penalties in performance and handling.
SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE IS INCLUDED IN THE BASE PRICE OF EVERY 1998 BMW
In developing today's range of BMW models, BMW endeavored to keep routine maintenance requirements moderate. Instead of fixed service intervals, for example, BMW's built-in Service Interval Indicator tracks actual vehicle use and recommends Maintenance (via an instrument-panel display) only when it is actually required. The engines' hydraulic valve lifters and electronic management system require no routine service. And yet this is only half the story: All scheduled maintenance for 3 years or 36,000 miles is included in the base price of every 5 Series model. Owners wishing even more predictability in their service outlays can upgrade the prepaid BMW Maintenance Program to cover scheduled maintenance for 4 years/50,000 miles, or full maintenance (including many wear-and-tear items) for 3/36,000 or 4/50,000. (Naturally, some exclusions apply.) And finally, there's the BMW Limited Warranty, which provides 4-year/50,000-mile basic coverage and 6-year corrosion coverage without mileage limit.
BMW IN NORTH AMERICA
BMW of North America, Inc. was established in 1975, at which point the company assumed marketing and distribution responsibilities of BMW automobiles in the U.S. from the previous private distributor. Motorcycle marketing and distribution was added in 1980. Since then the company's North American operations have grown to include marketing, sales and financial services organizations in the United States and Canada; a South Carolina manufacturing operation; a design firm in California; and various other operations throughout the U.S. and Canada. BMW is represented in North America through a network of more than 375 automobile and 190 motorcycle retailers in the United States and Canada. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the brand's North American headquarters, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey. |
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