The 5 Series lineup got a considerable makeover earlier this year, but the 2006 550i model (MSRP $78,600) replaces the 545i as "the fastest non-Motorsport 5 Series model ever." Its features include a new 4.8-litre V-8 good for 360 hp and 360 lb-ft of torque (up 35 and 30, respectively, from its 545i predecessor), Servotronic vehicle speed-sensing power steering, Dynamic Stability Control with enhanced functionality including Hill Start Assist and Brake Drying, and lumbar support for the driver and front passenger.
On top of that, all 5 Series models for 2006 get a revised iDrive controller and will incorporate the Start/Stop button that's on the 3 and 7 Series models.
So, the 5 Series lineup includes the 525i with six-speed manual for $58,600, 525xi with six-speed manual for $61,500, 530i with six-speed manual for $67,800, 530xi with six-speed manual for $70,700, 530xi Touring with six-speed manual for $72,800, and the new 550i with six-speed manual for $78,600.
As the two-door version (in coupe and convertible) of the 550i, the 650i (the "C" designation has been dropped) for 2006 gets the same bigger
and more powerful engine and the other upgrades, as well as two new metallic paint colors -- Monaca Blue and Barbera Red.
Additionally, the options list for the 6 Series now includes new 19-inch Star Spoke Alloy wheels available with the Executive Package and Head-Up Display available as a stand-alone option.
For 2006, the 650i Coupe retails for $101,500 and the 650i Cabriolet goes for $111,500. Both have six-speed manuals, by the way.
The 7 Series was new in May, so there's not much new in September. The lineup for 2006 starts with the 750i with six-speed Steptronic Automatic for $100,500, the 750Li with six-speed Steptronic Automatic for $106,900, and the 760Li with six-speed Steptronic Automatic for $174,500.
Moving from cars to trucks, there are some very minor changes to note for the X3 and X5 SUVs.
In terms of new standard equipment across the range, there's only telephone pre-wire to talk about. But the X3 3.0i receives partially painted M aerodynamic bumpers, front and rear, "considerably enhancing the visual appeal of this model and distinguishing it from its 2.5i cousin."
The X3 option list also expands to include Servotronic steering as a
stand-alone option, to help optimize steering effort at parking speeds. This technology is already standard on 5, 6, 7 Series and X5. 4.8is models.
The 2006 X3 3.0 option list also features a new M Sport Package which contains sport suspension, sport seats, M leather sports steering wheel, an M Aerodynamics Package with fully painted bumpers fore and aft,18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels with 235/50 all season tires, an anthracite roof liner, and a high-gloss shadow line exterior trim.
With the base six-speed manual, the X3 for 2006 starts at $44,900 for the 2.5i model and goes up to $50,200 for the 3.0i.
On top of that, all 5 Series models for 2006 get a revised iDrive controller and will incorporate the Start/Stop button that's on the 3 and 7 Series models.
So, the 5 Series lineup includes the 525i with six-speed manual for $58,600, 525xi with six-speed manual for $61,500, 530i with six-speed manual for $67,800, 530xi with six-speed manual for $70,700, 530xi Touring with six-speed manual for $72,800, and the new 550i with six-speed manual for $78,600.
As the two-door version (in coupe and convertible) of the 550i, the 650i (the "C" designation has been dropped) for 2006 gets the same bigger
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| 2006 BMW 650i (Photo: BMW AG) |
Additionally, the options list for the 6 Series now includes new 19-inch Star Spoke Alloy wheels available with the Executive Package and Head-Up Display available as a stand-alone option.
For 2006, the 650i Coupe retails for $101,500 and the 650i Cabriolet goes for $111,500. Both have six-speed manuals, by the way.
The 7 Series was new in May, so there's not much new in September. The lineup for 2006 starts with the 750i with six-speed Steptronic Automatic for $100,500, the 750Li with six-speed Steptronic Automatic for $106,900, and the 760Li with six-speed Steptronic Automatic for $174,500.
Moving from cars to trucks, there are some very minor changes to note for the X3 and X5 SUVs.
In terms of new standard equipment across the range, there's only telephone pre-wire to talk about. But the X3 3.0i receives partially painted M aerodynamic bumpers, front and rear, "considerably enhancing the visual appeal of this model and distinguishing it from its 2.5i cousin."
The X3 option list also expands to include Servotronic steering as a
 |
| 2006 BMW X3 (Photo: BMW AG) |
The 2006 X3 3.0 option list also features a new M Sport Package which contains sport suspension, sport seats, M leather sports steering wheel, an M Aerodynamics Package with fully painted bumpers fore and aft,18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels with 235/50 all season tires, an anthracite roof liner, and a high-gloss shadow line exterior trim.
With the base six-speed manual, the X3 for 2006 starts at $44,900 for the 2.5i model and goes up to $50,200 for the 3.0i.