Press Release
The “heart� of BMW xDrive: the electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch.
The electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch in the power divider forms the very “heart� of xDrive giving it its particular abilities. Depending on immediate needs, the multiple-plate clutch controls the flow of power to the front axle within milliseconds. In an extreme case it may even fully disconnect the front and rear axles or link them rigidly to one another as one unit. Such a rigid connection is tantamount in its function to a longitudinal lock on conventional all-wheel drive.xDrive interacting with DSC.
One of the reasons for the outstanding performance of xDrive is that the system uses all the data and information offered by the DSC electronic stability management system. Via the yaw rate sensor, for example, xDrive is informed of any rotating movement of the car, while the steering angle sensor informs the system of steering wheel lock. Together with information on the speed of the car provided by the wheel sensors, data on the car’s lateral acceleration as well as engine data, xDrive is able to determine the current status of the car at an early point in time, distributing drive power perfectly between the front and rear axles. Intervening electronically on the brakes, DSC acts as a transverse lock distributing power as required to the two front and/or rear wheels: Whenever a wheel is about to spin without conveying power, it is automatically slowed down. The differential in the final drive thus automatically feeds more power to the wheel on the other side of the axle and conveys more traction to the road.Like the 5 Series with rear-wheel drive, DSC also features a DTC Dynamic Traction Control function for extreme conditions or when the driver prefers a very sporting style of motoring with more spin and a larger drift angle. As like on all BMWs, DSC may also be completely deactivated whenever required.
Hill Descent Control for safe, controlled descent on grades.
As on the X3 and X5, DSC Dynamic Stability Control features an additional program with many advantages on difficult downhill grades: Hill Descent Control HDC, an intelligent control system for driving down steep hills. On loose or slippery surfaces, for example, HDC ensures smooth and safe driving conditions without the driver having to intervene. As if it were fitted with a low-ratio gearbox, the 5 Series with xDrive proceeds downhill at a consistent, slow speed just above the usual walking pace. As an integrated feature of DSC, this automatic speed control applies the brakes as required on all four wheels to provide this effect.The HDC function is activated and deactivated from one of the two freely programmable buttons on the multifunction steering wheel, and is available at speeds below 22 mph or 35 km/h. Whenever HDC is active, the 5 Series automatically slows down to a consistent speed of approximately 5 mph or 8 km/h then maintained as along as the driver wishes. Depending on driving conditions and his personal preference, the driver can now control his speed in the HDC mode between 4 and 16 mph (6 and 25 km/h) by using the “+� and “–� function on the steering wheel lever for automatic speed control. And should the driver accelerate beyond the 22 mph limit, HDC will switch over to standby. At speeds of more than 40 mph (60 km/h), the HDC function is deactivated automatically.
Making its U.S. debut: the BMW 530xi Touring with xDrive.
In addition to presenting the new six-cylinder engines and the xDrive option on the 5 Series at the 2005 North American International Auto Show, BMW is also reintroducing the 5 Series Touring to the U.S. public. This third-generation Touring offers a harmonious balance of sporting performance, comfort, roominess and versatility. In addition, the 530xi Touring comes with many highlights and safety features, most notably standard all-wheel-drive. Other innovations will already be familiar, as BMW’s large panorama roof, the Head-Up Display, Adaptive Headlights, etc.Compared with the former model, the new Touring offers a far larger and more variable luggage compartment complete with a partition net and convenient access to the separately opening rear window. Further features are the roll cover opening automatically and automatic operation of the rear lid.
Lightweight construction: more space, less weight.
The new BMW 5 Series Touring is significantly larger than its predecessor: Dimensions are up by 1.50 inches (38 millimeters) in length, 1.81 inches (46 millimeters) in width, and 0.91 inches (23 millimeters) in height. Accordingly, the new 5 Series Touring is 190.6 inches (4.84 meters) long, 72.8 inches (1.85 meters) wide, and 58.7 inches (1.49 meters) high.From outside, however, you will hardly notice this growth – with its short overhangs, large wheels and wide track, the 5 Series Touring is both elegant and dynamic in its look. But inside these larger dimensions are very obvious indeed, with up to 1.2 inches 3 centimeters more shoulder room for the passengers, extra headroom and almost 2.0 inches 5 centimeters more kneeroom for the passengers at the rear.
Despite this increase in both interior and exterior dimensions, as well as the higher standard of passive safety, the weight of the car in standard trim with rear-wheel drive has not increased – on the contrary, the car is lighter than its predecessor thanks to the innovative combination of aluminum and steel on the body, as in the Sedan: In all, weight is down by up to 110 lbs (50 kg), depending on the model and its level of standard equipment. Even the extra weight of xDrive is largely set off by the car's intelligent light-weight technology.
Luggage compartment: larger, more variable and more comfortable all in one.
Opening and closing the rear lid on the new BMW 5 Series Touring, you do not have to get your hands wet or dirty: As an option, the lid opens and closes automatically as soon as the driver presses the appropriate button on the key. To make it easier to place small odds and ends within the luggage compartment the rear window opens separately for extra convenience. The floor is completely flat throughout the entire luggage compartment, helping to ensure safe and secure storage.Luggage compartment capacity varies from 17.5–56.6 cu ft (500–1,615 liters), with the rear-seat bench folded down and the compartment loaded up to the roof. This is 3.15 cu ft or 90 liters more than on the former model. Should the customer opt for runflat tires as an additional feature, there is no emergency wheel in the luggage compartment, providing an extra 35 liters storage area. The rear-seat bench is split 60:40 and may be fitted additionally with through-loading incorporating a ski-bag. The roof rails are standard in the U.S. for conveniently fastening a luggage box or roof carrier system with a roof load of up to 221 lb or 100 kg.
xDrive suspension with HDC, self-leveling and Servotronic.
With the exception of the modifications required for all-wheel drive, the chassis and suspension of the 5 Series with xDrive are basically the same as on the rear-wheel-drive model. 5 Series models equipped with xDrive come standard with 17-inch light-alloy wheels as RWD models do in the U.S. All Tourings also come standard with BMW’s Servotronic speed-related steering assistance (featured in the Sedan as of March 2005) as well as automatic self-leveling incorporating air springs on the rear axle.Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) complete with additional Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) also featured in conjunction with xDrive, Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Cornering Brake Control CBC and – on cars with xDrive – Hill Descent Control HDC round off the high standard of active safety provided by the chassis and suspension of the 5 Series.
A further safety feature is the optional availability of runflat tires on the 5 Series coming with all light-alloy wheels likewise available as an option: Running on these tires, the driver is able to proceed for at least 150 kilometers or 90 miles at a maximum speed of 80 km/h or 50 mph, even when the tires are absolutely flat.
All 5 Series Touring models come as standard with a Tire Pressure Indicator permanently monitoring tire pressure on the road and giving the driver both an optical and a sound warning in the event of a decrease in pressure.
