"BMW E60" - the fifth Bavarian "five"

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

The production of the BMW E60 began in 2003. The novelty replaced the E39 and became the fifth in a line of "fives". The model was produced until 2010, when the German company decided to start assembling the sixth generation called F10. During all this time, more than one million sedan cars and about 263 thousand station wagons rolled off the assembly line.

Appearance

The car's exterior was designed by a design team led by Chris Bengl. The hood and front fenders of the model are made of aluminum. On the one hand, thanks to this, the machine is better protected against corrosion and is also lighter. There is also a negative effect of such a decision for the BMW E60: tuning and repairing a car costs a round sum of money, since even used parts are very expensive. Compared to the previous version (E39), the car has become 66 mm longer, while its wheelbase has increased by 58 mm. The headlights are equipped with LED technology, thanks to which the light spreads around each of the twin lamps. Depending on the equipment variant,model installed different tires. Bold lines in the silhouette of the car begin at one point on the front of it and smoothly move back on the sides. All in all, sporty performance and elegance make themselves known in every detail here.

Interior

Now a few words about the salon "BMW E60". Feedback from car owners indicates that durable, high-quality materials are used in the interior upholstery. The seats of the model are a real example of a successful combination of reliability and ergonomics. It is quite spacious inside, so passengers and the driver feel comfortable. Among other things, it is impossible not to note the capacious trunk, the volume of which is 520 liters. The standard package includes climate control for two zones, the main feature of which is the ability to change not only the air temperature, but also its humidity. The steering wheel can be adjusted in two directions. The model was the first among all the "fives", where the manufacturers installed the iDrive system. As optional extras, buyers were offered active cruise control, heating and electric steering wheel adjustment.

Specifications

BMW E60 engines are a combination of harmony and unique obedience. All of them are equipped with the Double Vanos system, which is the company's own development. It is able to change the operating time of the valves, which allows you to increase not only the efficiency, but also the power of the car. Fuel consumption for power plantsso low that it ensures that the model complies with the most serious world standard - ULEV II (USA). The flagship engine was a V-shaped gasoline "eight" with a capacity of 333 horsepower. As for the simplest installation, its role is played by a 2.2-liter engine, the power of which is 170 "horses".

Specially for power plants "BMW E60" developed transmissions for six gears. Boxes provide instant hydraulic gear shifting and precise power control of the car. Due to sequential switching, they are protected from premature wear. The most common transmission option for the model was Zanrad Fabric "automatic".

Other parameters and systems

High-strength aluminum was used in the production of most of the components related to the undercarriage of the car. This allowed to significantly reduce the weight of the model and use the engine power to the maximum. The load distribution between the axles is almost 50:50. At the request of the customer, for an additional fee, the BMW E60 model could be equipped with an active driving system, the purpose of which was to change the strength of the steering column, depending on the speed of movement. Another interesting innovation was the Dynamic Drive program. It is able to create counterforces, which significantly increases the ride comfort.

Safety

One of the most significant advantages of the "BMW E60" is the characteristics of the systemsecurity. Each of its elements is based primarily on the intellect. Here it is necessary to note not only a highly efficient braking system, but also a number of innovations. Car pillows have a tubular structure, therefore they are able to protect the people inside both in frontal and side impacts. In the event of a collision with any obstacle, after a fraction of a second, the head restraints are sent forward, which helps prevent sudden head movement and protect the neck. The headlights are controlled by an adaptive system that directs their light directly onto the road ahead when the car enters a corner.

Ergonomics of control systems

The main principles on which the ergonomics of the model is based are the simplicity, transparency and logic of the control panel. The iDrive concept provides the driver with easy access and control over the controls. All of them are located next to the steering wheel or directly on it. Auxiliary devices are located on the central panel. What's more, thanks to the controller's intuitive and logical menu structure, there's simply no need for extra fixtures.

Cost

As noted above, the production of BMW E60 cars ceased in 2010. In this regard, it is now possible to purchase it only in the secondary market, where the price, as a rule, depends on the condition and mileage of the car. As practice shows, here the cost of a well-maintained car ranges from 25 to 40 thousand US dollars.