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Photo Gallery, Review & Specifications

2006 BMW 530xi Sports Wagon

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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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