The 2008 BMW 5-Series lineup makes its U.S. debut at the New York International Auto Show with two new 6-cylinder engines that were first offered in the 2007 3-Series lineup.

The 5-Series will now offer the 528i, 535i and the 550i. The 525i becomes the 528i for 2008 with the addition of the 230-horsepower 6-cylinder engine and the 530i becomes the 535i, powered by the new twin-turbocharged inline 6-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.

The 550i continues to be powered by the 360-horsepower 4.8-liter V8 engine. The optional Sport Package adds more equipment including new sport suspension, 19-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, aerodynamic body kit and a sportier exhaust sound.

The new engines raise the level of performance for both the 528i and the 535i. With the 6-speed manual transmission the 528i accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and 7.1 seconds with the automatic transmission, an improvement of approximately 0.5 seconds over the previous 525i. The 535i equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission accelerates from zero to 60 mph 0.8 seconds quicker than the 530i that it replaces, making the run in just 5.6 seconds with the 6-speed and 5.7 seconds with the automatic.

The standard transmission for all 5-Series versions is the 6-speed manual transmission and the manual transmission for the 535i will be available beginning with September 2007 production. A new, ergonomically designed E-shift automatic transmission is available at no extra cost and a new optional Sport Automatic transmission with paddle shifters for manual shifting will be offered for the 535i and 550i beginning with June 2007 production. The Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) will no longer be offered for the 5-Series.

In addition to the new powertrains, the 2008 5-Series receives both exterior and interior updates. At the front, the lower air dam is revised and the headlights have new lenses with the required yellow side reflector moved from the headlight unit to the side of the front bumper near the wheel well. At the rear, the taillights have a new design with LED technology.

Refined Interior With More Features

The interior is more luxurious with additional storage space and a more ergonomic design. The door panels are new with the window controls moved to the armrest, leather trim and larger storage pockets. The center console is also trimmed in leather and a storage area was added near the shifter. The iDrive system now includes six programmable memory buttons to give direct access to the functions that are used most often. The climate control buttons now allow direct control of ventilation and air distribution.

A new lane departure warning system uses camera technology to monitor the vehicle and warns the driver by shaking the steering wheel if a lane change is made without the use of the turn signal.

An optional iPod/USB adaptor allows the iPod to be played through the audio system with fully integrated iPod functionality. The USB is compatible with most flash drives and will allow music files stored on the drive to be played through the audio system.

Tom Purves, chairman and CEO of BMW (U.S.) Holding Corp. announced that the all-new X6 model that will join the lineup in 2008 and will be built at BMW’s Spartanburg, S.C. plant. He also announced that a twin-turbo diesel engine will be offered for the U.S. mark as soon as next year.