6-speed for 5 wagon

14 April 2004: The third generation of BMW 5 Series Touring will be launched in spring 2005 will feature a six-speed manual gearbox as standard.

A six-speed automatic gearbox with Steptronic is available as an option, as is a six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox with steering wheel-mounted paddles on the BMW 525i and 545i SE variants.

The new wagon measures 4.48 metres in length, 1.85 metres in width and 1.49 metres in height, and is larger than the car it replaces. Internally the car offers 3cms more shoulder room, 4.5cms more rear passenger knee room and increased headroom for all occupants.

Load capacity has increased, with up to 535 litres available with the 60:40 split folding rear seats in place and 1,650 litres with them folded down. This is an increase of up to 125 litres more than the previous model.

But the new BMW 5 Series Touring is up to 50 kgs or 110 lbs lighter than the car it replaces, due to the innovative use of lightweight materials throughout the car. It features an all-aluminium front end: the bonnet, wings, brake callipers and front suspension are all made from this light metal.

The chassis is also made from aluminium and includes an integral arm rear axle and automatic self-levelling rear suspension as standard. Differing in design from its Saloon counterpart, the rear axle arrangement ensures the boot floor remains completely flat.

Additional storage space is also available below the luggage floor with a lockable floor panel supported by gas struts. Below this is a 35-litre area for the spare wheel and tyre that becomes useable storage space when the car is specified with run-flat tyres.

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