Saturday, January 22, 2005
BMW 535d
Nowadays, to say that in a blindfold test you would not believe certain contemporary diesel-engined cars were not petrol-powered, has become something of a clich?. It is also fast becoming true to say that a goodly number of current derv-burners are actually better 'driver's cars' than their petrol-engined stable-mates. This is the case with BMW's new 535d, which entered the showrooms in late December.
Offered either as a saloon or an estate car - BMW prefers to use the term 'Touring' - and in either SE or Sport specification, this new variant of BMW's best selling executive express combines considerable performance and delightful handling with great refinement and fuel-efficiency.
Sales of diesel-engined BMW 5 Series models in the UK have soared in recent years. In 2002, 39 per cent of 5 Series Saloon and 56 per cent of Touring models were diesel powered, rising to 48 per cent and 68 per cent respectively in 2003, the run-out year of the previous model. In 2004, sales of diesel-engined 'new' 5 Series Saloon models accounted for approximately 54 per cent and 74 per cent for the Touring. Since around 70 per cent of BMW's UK customers are business or company car users, there's no doubt that this new diesel variant will be an important fleet prospect in BMW's product portfolio. Prices range from £36,575 for the 535d saloon to £41,225 for the 535d Sport Touring.
When first introduced, the styling of this 5-Series was regarded by some as being 'controversial'. As so often happens, familiarity breeds acceptance and with the model now a familiar sight on the streets, the 5 Series has more than acceptable presence in the top execs' bays in the company car park. The Touring especially, is a successful blend of elegance and functionality.
It is from behind the wheel that the 535d is at its most impressive. That big, three-litre straight-six diesel has a silky-smooth tick-over. Even from outside, it is a very unobtrusive engine. The unit is based on the 3.0-litre single turbo diesel engine common to the 3, 5, 7 and X5 models. Its sequential twin-turbocharger technology is claimed to be responsible for the broad spread of power throughout the rev. range. This version of the engine delivers nearly 20 per cent more power than the single turbo unit. With an immense amount of torque available from as low as 1,500rpm, acceleration is quite breathtaking. A standstill to 62mph time of just 6.5 seconds would have been thought worthy of a supercar not so many years ago. To achieve such performance with a relatively slow-revving and torquey diesel unit is remarkable. Transmission of the power is via the familiar - and excellent - six-speed ZF gearbox.
Much of the success of the 5 Series has been its appeal to corporate and fleet buyers, and BMW expects the new 535d to continue this trend. With relatively low emissions and EU4 compliancy, there's little doubt the appeal will continue. BMW's 'Service Inclusive' service and maintenance package for the 535d should also simplify the sums for fleet managers. Costing £1,000, all routine service and maintenance repairs that fall outside the comprehensive three-year warranty are covered for a period of five years or 60,000 miles. Glass's Guide expects a new BMW 535d SE Saloon to retain 41 per cent after three years or 60,000 miles.
Safety spec includes driver and front passenger airbags, door airbags, head airbags for front and rear passengers - plus a full menu of electronic aids including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) which comprises ABS, Automatic Stability Control, Corner Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control and Dynamic Traction Control. There is a Tyre puncture warning system and ISOFIX anchorages for two child seats too.
As is customary with BMWs, the general level of standard equipment is 'adequate' - but the extensive optional equipment list is always there to provide a buyer plenty of scope for adding to the basic on-the-road prices.
The stunning 3.0-litre diesel engine makes a good car even better. Performance and refinement at this level would have been unthinkable not so very long ago. Styling is not to everyone's taste, but there's no denying the eternal appeal of that BMW badge in the company car park.
Source Fleetworld.
Offered either as a saloon or an estate car - BMW prefers to use the term 'Touring' - and in either SE or Sport specification, this new variant of BMW's best selling executive express combines considerable performance and delightful handling with great refinement and fuel-efficiency.
Sales of diesel-engined BMW 5 Series models in the UK have soared in recent years. In 2002, 39 per cent of 5 Series Saloon and 56 per cent of Touring models were diesel powered, rising to 48 per cent and 68 per cent respectively in 2003, the run-out year of the previous model. In 2004, sales of diesel-engined 'new' 5 Series Saloon models accounted for approximately 54 per cent and 74 per cent for the Touring. Since around 70 per cent of BMW's UK customers are business or company car users, there's no doubt that this new diesel variant will be an important fleet prospect in BMW's product portfolio. Prices range from £36,575 for the 535d saloon to £41,225 for the 535d Sport Touring.
When first introduced, the styling of this 5-Series was regarded by some as being 'controversial'. As so often happens, familiarity breeds acceptance and with the model now a familiar sight on the streets, the 5 Series has more than acceptable presence in the top execs' bays in the company car park. The Touring especially, is a successful blend of elegance and functionality.
It is from behind the wheel that the 535d is at its most impressive. That big, three-litre straight-six diesel has a silky-smooth tick-over. Even from outside, it is a very unobtrusive engine. The unit is based on the 3.0-litre single turbo diesel engine common to the 3, 5, 7 and X5 models. Its sequential twin-turbocharger technology is claimed to be responsible for the broad spread of power throughout the rev. range. This version of the engine delivers nearly 20 per cent more power than the single turbo unit. With an immense amount of torque available from as low as 1,500rpm, acceleration is quite breathtaking. A standstill to 62mph time of just 6.5 seconds would have been thought worthy of a supercar not so many years ago. To achieve such performance with a relatively slow-revving and torquey diesel unit is remarkable. Transmission of the power is via the familiar - and excellent - six-speed ZF gearbox.
Much of the success of the 5 Series has been its appeal to corporate and fleet buyers, and BMW expects the new 535d to continue this trend. With relatively low emissions and EU4 compliancy, there's little doubt the appeal will continue. BMW's 'Service Inclusive' service and maintenance package for the 535d should also simplify the sums for fleet managers. Costing £1,000, all routine service and maintenance repairs that fall outside the comprehensive three-year warranty are covered for a period of five years or 60,000 miles. Glass's Guide expects a new BMW 535d SE Saloon to retain 41 per cent after three years or 60,000 miles.
Safety spec includes driver and front passenger airbags, door airbags, head airbags for front and rear passengers - plus a full menu of electronic aids including Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) which comprises ABS, Automatic Stability Control, Corner Brake Control, Dynamic Brake Control and Dynamic Traction Control. There is a Tyre puncture warning system and ISOFIX anchorages for two child seats too.
As is customary with BMWs, the general level of standard equipment is 'adequate' - but the extensive optional equipment list is always there to provide a buyer plenty of scope for adding to the basic on-the-road prices.
The stunning 3.0-litre diesel engine makes a good car even better. Performance and refinement at this level would have been unthinkable not so very long ago. Styling is not to everyone's taste, but there's no denying the eternal appeal of that BMW badge in the company car park.
Source Fleetworld.
# posted by Liz Laurie @ 9:18 AM 
