2003 BMW 5-Series

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BMW

Consistently recognized around the world for machines of incomparable performance, BMW of Germany orients a 2003 fleet around elegant flagship 7-Series full-size sedans now in fourth-generational expressions as perhaps the most sophisticated production cars on the planet. Badged as the 745i (standard wheelbase) and 745Li (stretched edition) plus new 12-cylinder 760Li, the big BMW sedans pack powerful engines and contain the world's first high-volume application of a six-speed electronic automatic transmission, along with an aluminum suspension, high-tech electronics governing power production and vehicle stability, and dazzling interactive voice commands for operating navigation, climate and communication equipment. Mid-size 5-Series sedans and sport wagons boost safety elements on all 2003 models by adding the BMW Head Protection System (HPS) to rear quarters as a standard feature. Anchoring BMW's line, the 3-Series line of compact cars -- including coupes and sedans plus sport wagons and convertibles -- offer an in-dash CD deck in combination with the optional navigation system that includes a DVD database. The racy Z3 roadster gives way to a new edition upgraded in power, which forces an upgraded name: Z4. And high-performance M-Series vehicles continue with M5 sedan and M3 coupe and M3 convertible plus a sport package with M suspension kit for the 540i sedan. BMW's X5-Series of sport-utility wagons includes three distinct variations capped by high-performance X5 4.6is with V8 power.

7-SERIES: The full-size luxury/performance sedans of BMW for 2003 expand to include a new flagship version toting a 12-cylinder engine. Tagged as the 760Li, the elite BMW carries a new 6.0-liter aluminium V12 engine that develops 408 hp. The V12 features BMW's Valvetronic system plus fully variable bi-VANOS camshaft controls. The 745i edition and stretched-wheelbase 745Li draw from BMW's 4.4-liter V8 rated at 333 hp. Both engines mate with a sophisticated six-speed automatic transmission that brings shift-by-wire technology through selector controls mounted behind the steering wheel. Driving the BMW flagship reveals it's in a class of its own: A large four-door luxury vehicle that delivers a smooth ride quality but can charge through a set of curves with the agility of a sports car. A spacious cabin, lined with fine leather and trimmed in rich hardwoods, features a simplified dash design oriented around a center-mounted terminal display and a round joystick-style controller mounted at the front end of the center console's padded armrest. The rotary joystick, acting like a computer mouse navigating through cyberspace, accesses various car controls as well as climate, navigation, audio and communication equipment. Platform for the 7-Series cradles an aluminum suspension rigged with computerized active roll stabilization. Extensive safety measures also apply, like inflatable HPS protection for front and rear passengers, active head restraints, even inflatable air bags for knees of front-seat riders.

5-SERIES: Three sport sedans and a sport touring wagon comprise BMW's mid-size cars for 2003. Sedans vary with the size and type of engine applied. In-line six-cylinder powertrains from the 3-Series drop into two of the 5-Series models -- the 2.5-liter six for 525i and 3.0-liter version for 530i. Top 540i sedan and 540i wagon carry the 4.4-liter V8 that runs up to 290 hp. All 5-Series cars provide the entire spectrum of BMW mechanical systems for performance and safety, including HPS air bags, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), All Season Traction (AST) and anti-lock brakes (ABS). A moonroof has been added as standard equipment on six-cylinder models and HPS air bags reach to rear seats. For 540i with a six-speed manual transmission, a new sport package mounts spoilers front and rear, plus black side molding, M5 suspension components, 18-inch wheels and keen exhaust pipes.

3-SERIES: The majority of all cars sold with a BMW badge come from the 3-Series class of compacts. These vehicles -- in designs of a four-door sedan, five-door station wagon and two-door coupe or convertible -- set a high standard for performance, handling and agility. Model nomenclature amounts to alphanumeric designations to describe the body style and displacement of an engine. Two in-line-six aluminum-block engines -- measuring to 2.5 liters and 3.0 liters -- power the class, earning 170 hp and 225 hp, respectively. Sedans and wagons with the 2.5-liter engine are labeled 325i for rear-wheel-drive (RWD) and 325xi for all-wheel-drive (AWD); for the 3.0-liter plant, the two sedans are the 330i (RWD) and 330xi (AWD). Coupes and convertibles carry similar designations as 352Ci and 330Ci, each with rear-wheel driveline. All 3-Series cars for 2003 have an in-dash CD player available when combined with the optional DVD-based navigation system. For 325i and 325xi sedans and wagons, a third headrest has been added in center spot of the rear bench, along with armrests for front bucket seats and a rain sensor for automatic headlight controls in a premium package. The 325i and 325xi wagons also show a new moonroof. For coupes and convertibles a tire pressure monitor is now optional. The 330xi sedan also gains spoke alloy wheels with run-flat tires in the optional sport package.

M-SERIES: A line of ultra performance cars from BMW continues with the M5 and M3 coupe and convertible. Nomenclature for the series uses the alphabetical designation of M, as in muscle. The number 5 signifies BMW's mid-size 5-Series car based on the 540i sedan, and a 3 represents a 3-Series coupe and convertible out of the 330Ci. M5 stocks a 5.0-liter V8 netting 400 hp as teamed with a six-speed manual stick. M3 coupe and M3 convertible pull from a 3.2-liter in-line-six that knocks down 330 hp. The 2003 M5 adds HPS air bags over rear doors and modifies the navigation system with DVD-based data. M3 coupe and convertible show a rain sensor among standard items with automatic headlight controls and aluminum trim as a stand-alone option.

Z-SERIES: BMW's two-seat roadster, produced at a BMW plant in South Carolina, transforms for 2003 into an upgraded second-generation design featuring a racy exterior, larger engines and more equipment aboard. Even the name grows -- from Z3 to Z4. The package size expands due to a longer wheelbase and broader track which forge a larger vehicle with more room in the cockpit. Two engines enrich the new roadster. Z4 2.5i gets the BMW 2.5-liter in-line-six tuned to 184 hp with transmission choices of a five-speed manual or Steptronic five-speed automatic. Z4 3.0i brings a 3.0-liter six worth 225 hp and either a six-speed manual or the Steptronic automatic. Later in the year, BMW's sequential manual shifter will also be available. Suspension upgrades for Z4 come out of 3-Series cars with modifications plus a new trapezoidal-link arrangement at the rear, with DSC stability control on hand as well as run-flat tires. The convertible's soft top with optional power controls contains a glass rear window and heat element plus a tight tonneau cover.

X5-SERIES: The X5 is what happens when BMW's performance-oriented designers direct their attention to a sport-utility wagon. It looks remarkably like one of BMW's big sports sedans, only jacked in height and with the backpack of a wagon's cargo compartment. An engine fits in front of the four-door cabin that holds two rows of seats for five and the cargo bay accessed through a clever clamshell tailgate. What makes BMW's SUV different from the lot concerns its unitized structure and the application of performance-oriented mechanical paraphernalia. A computerized electronic controller distributes power to all wheels through a planetary center differential. Slippage of a wheel can prompt the smart system to redirect torque to whichever set of wheels can maintain forward momentum. X5 divides into three different models based on powertrain. The X5 4.4i stocks a 4.4-liter V8, delivering 290 hp through a five-speed automatic tied to BMW's Steptronic shift controller. A 3.0-liter in-line-six rated at 225 hp goes into X5 3.0i with Steptronic automatic or five-speed ZF Type C manual. The power wagon is the X5 4.6is rigged with a 4.6-liter high-performance V8 spiked to 347 hp. New equipment comes with editions of 2003, such as a Brake Force Display in the instrument panel, rear-seat HPS air bags and the optional navigation system upgraded with DVD database. In addition, an available sport package includes adjustable ride height controls and V-rated tires. New Dakota leather covers seats in X5 3.0i and X5 4.4i.