(continued)
Instead of being a separate casting, the
camshaft drive’s housing is integrally cast into the magnesium structure,
eliminating a production step and sealing components. As one final
weight-reducing element, the exhaust headers’ flanges are formed from 2-mm-thick
steel, significantly lighter than the 12-mm flanges used previously; for a
secure seal of this steel to the aluminum head, graphite rings are employed.
5 Series Interiors: New
Materials, Refined
Details
At the beginning of model year ’05, several detail refinements were made to the
5 Series interior:
- The steering-wheel’s leather rim was improved.
- The power windows’ control panel got new Soft Finish.
- Surfaces of interior trim panels were refined.
- In the 545i, the climate control’s rotary knobs were newly in Ruthenium.
Further changes to the Sedan interiors for ’06, which also apply to the new
Sports Wagon, are also subtle:
- Adoption of Ruthenium trim for the climate control’s rotary knobs (which
regulate temperature and blower speed) and the tabs with which occupants adjust
the direction of air from the center-dash outlets. Although the core of this
material is plastic, a true metallic surface is applied galvanically in several
layers, with a clearcoat on top to protect against corrosion. As one expects
with a metallic surface, Ruthenium is cool to the touch. After being applied to
the power-window panel for ‘05, Soft Finish now enhances the steering wheel’s
spokes – the areas outboard of the wheel’s padded center.
- Leather handbrake grip, replacing leatherette.
Sports Wagon Interior and Cargo
Area
Up front, the Sports Wagon offers essentially the same accommodations as the
Sedans. Front and rear leg room are identical for the two body styles; the
Wagon’s standard split folding rear seats offer essentially the same functions
and benefits as those that are optional in the Sedan.
The big difference, of course, is aft of the rear seats where, in terms of
load-carrying ability and versatility, the Sports Wagon offers advantages not
only over the Sedans, but also over its predecessor, last offered in ’03. As
always with a new BMW – and especially with a new BMW Sports Wagon – the 530xi
abounds with rational design and thoughtful details:
High-lift tailgate – almost 73 in. head clearance – with Soft Close feature.
The tailgate is electrically released from the exterior or interior switch or
the remote. Official EPA capacity, defined as with the seats upright and cargo loaded to the
ceiling:
- 33.6 cu ft.
- Four tie-down hooks in the floor, at the front and rear corners of the
compartment.
- A 12-volt accessory power outlet on the right-hand wall.
- An enclosed storage compartment on each side.
- Lockable storage space under the cargo floor, in flocked tray with adjustable
dividers to help secure smaller objects. (Spare tire under tray.)
- Instead of having to be hooked into its raised position, the floor rises, and
stays in its raised position, on gas struts once released via a convenient
handle at the rear of the compartment.
- A cargo net, carried in a roller assembly, that can be mounted with the rear
seats either upright or folded. At each side of the cargo area is a flat surface
on which this assembly can be slid rearward for removal from vehicle; one does
not have to reach in awkwardly and lift the assembly out.
- Cargo cover, concealing cargo when the seats are upright; automatically rises
when tailgate is opened and stays up, supported on gas struts. Cover can also be
removed from the vehicle.
- If, once raised, a rear-seat backrest is not fully locked into place, a red
tab appears to help call users’ attention to it.
- Red light at left side of window opening, for safety.
Dual-panel Panorama Moonroof
Like the Sedans, the Sports Wagon comes standard with a power moonroof; however,
the Wagon’s is a dual-panel Panorama Moonroof, a feature also seen in the X3 and
X5 Series.
With its overall roof opening of 41.9 x 34.8 in., the Panorama concept gives
occupants almost the feeling of being in a convertible. The power glass roof
consists of two panels, both of which can be tilted up at the rear. The forward,
larger panel can also be slid open; together, their glass area is almost 10
square feet. Although the glass is effectively tinted, there is also a
power-operated interior shade; a wind deflector rises at the front of the
opening to reduce wind buffeting when panels are open. All motions have 1-touch
operation, including that of the interior shade.
With its new 6-cylinder engines, available xDrive and the new Sports Wagon to
extend its capabilities, the 5 Series now moves on to even greater glory as
today’s representative of this fine tradition.
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