In place of the recirculating-ball steering system traditionally used in the 5-Series, the new 528i features a lighter-weight rack-and-pinion system similar to that used in the 3-Series. It employs a variable-ratio design (in addition to the usual variable power assist), in which the steering ratio becomes quicker as the steering wheel is turned away from the center position. From behind the wheel, the change in componentry is almost imperceptible, with the steering retaining the tight, linear BMW feel, which provides equal measures of precision and confidence.
Like its predecessor, the 528i uses a four-wheel disc brake system with standard ABS. For '97, the rear rotors are vented to match the fronts, while new aluminum calipers and brake shields further reduce unsprung weight. Providing a firm point of contact with the pavement are 225/60HR15 tires on 15-inch alloy wheels.
The new 2.8-liter DOHC 24-valve inline-six engine is the same used in the 328i. An additional 299 cubic centimeters of displacement over the previous 2.5-liter six come from a nine-millimeter-longer stroke. And although horsepower is up by only one for a 190-horse peak, useable torque is significantly improved. The 2.8's flat torque curve tops out at 207 pound-feet-a 23-pound-foot improvement-at a lower 3950 rpm. In fact, by 2000 rpm, the 2.8 is churning out as much torque as the 2.5 did at its peak of 4200. This is noticeable in a stronger off-the-line launch and more response at low and medium engine speeds. In addition, noise and vibration are masterfully damped, with the engine never allowing itself to become a distraction.
The 2.8-liter six can be mated with either a five-speed manual transmission (essentially carryover) or a four-speed automatic, which now offers BMW's Adaptive Transmission Control system. This electronically monitors driving style and road/environmental conditions to program the appropriate shift points for the situation. Additionally, traction control now comes standard on all 5-Series models.
BMW claims the 528i can dash from 0-60 mph in 7.4 seconds with the manual transmission or in 8.2 seconds with the automatic. The latter figure would put it in the company of an Acura Legend (at 8.1 seconds), V-8-powered Oldsmobile Aurora (8.2), and Lexus ES 300 (8.4), and only slightly off the pace of a 740iL (7.9).
Inside the passenger cabin, the 528i reflects the functionally Teutonic look of past BMWs sifted through the ergonomic filter of the '90s. Supplementing dual front airbags, the 5-Series offers front side airbags, consisting of a large-area torso bag housed in each front door panel. In another year, BMW expects to install a second tubular bag housed above each front door, to provide extra head protection in a side impact. Yes, that would be six airbags.
Notable standard features for '97 include a 10-speaker, 200-watt audio system (a 14-speaker, 440-watt system with subwoofer and digital sound processing is optional), one-touch up-and-down power operation for all four windows, a power tilt/telescopic steering wheel with integrated controls for cruise control and the audio system, and dual cupholders in both front and rear. The BMW also has an automatic dual-zone climate control package, and a recirculation control system (adapted from the 7- and 8-Series) that automatically switches to recirculation mode when outside air pollutants rise above a predetermined level.
Pricing for the '97 models hasn't been made public yet; it shouldn't stray far from that of the current 5-Series if BMW is to stay competitive with the aggressive E-Class pricing recently announced by Mercedes-Benz (which runs from $43,500 for the E320 to a reduced $49,900 for the E420). This is free enterprise at its best.
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