BMW 520i/BMW 520d/BMW 520Li/BMW 523i/BMW 523Li/BMW 525i/BMW 525d/BMW 525Li/BMW 530i/BMW 530d/BMW 530Li/BMW 535d/BMW 540i/BMW 545i/BMW 550i/BMW M5/BMW B5 Alpina (E60/E61). 2003–10 (prod. 1,369,817 sold to end of 2009). 4-door saloon, 4-door LWB saloon, 5-door estate. F/R, F/A, 1995 cm³ petrol, 1995 cm³ diesel (I4 DOHC), 2171, 2494, 2497, 2979, 2996 cm³ petrol, 2497, 2993 cm³ diesel (I6 DOHC), 4000, 4398, 4799 cm³ (V8 DOHC). Controversial 5er, while Chris Bangle headed BMW’s designs. Design, done with Davide Arcangeli, criticized at launch for lacking the elegance of its predecessor, but sold very well, accounting for 20 per cent of BMW’s profits. Longer, wider and taller than before, but use of aluminium helped save weight. Idrive system not the most logical, and also criticized. However, very balanced, nearly perfect weight distribution, next to no body roll, excellent handling. Active steering not favoured by all drivers. Mid-term refresh in 2007. Long-wheelbase models for China.

Manufacturing locations: Dingolfing, Germany; Rayong, Thailand; Shenyang, China; Kaliningrad, Russia

Marque: BMW | Model: BMW 5er-Reihe | Predecessor: BMW 5er-Reihe (E39) | Successor: BMW 5er-Reihe (F10)