Powering the BMW 5-Series: although there are some moderate changes to the model, the bigger differences are under the hood.Although BMW BMW in full Bayerische Motoren Werke AG German automaker. Founded as an aircraft engine manufacturer in 1916, the company assumed the name Bayerische Motoren Werke and became known for its high-speed motorcycles in the 1920s. has made big changes to the 7-Series and 3-Series models, the 5-Series has not gotten the same sort of attention. Think of it as the middle child. What the company has done is to leverage some of its resources--particularly in powertrain--by deploying them in the latest versions of the 5-Series. The most prominent change is the replacement of the base 2.5-liter in-line 6-cylinder engine with the 3.0-liter N52 6-cylinder found in the 3-Series Coupe, resulting in the base 5-Series carrying the "528i" and "xi" (all-wheel drive) monikers. The engine produces 230 horsepower, a 15 horsepower increase from the outgoing 525i. The 530i and xi models are sent packing, replaced by the 535i and xi, both of which get the 3 coupe's new N54 twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower, a 10 horsepower increase over the 525 engine. What's interesting to note about this is that this is the first turbocharged engine that BMW has offered in more than 30 years, so evidentially it is finding it to be of greater applicability. The top-range 550i, meanwhile, retains its 4.8-liter V-8, producing 360 horsepower. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Setting the Standard BMW is particularly proud of the N52 engine because it marks several significant milestones for the automaker. Claiming it is the first full-production aluminum/magnesium composite engine ever offered, BMW says the materials help to reduce overall weight, enhancing overall vehicle weight distribution. The lower portion of the block is constructed from magnesium-aluminum alloy and devised from the V10 engine A V10 engine is a V engine with 10 cylinders in two banks of five. Mechanicals The V10 configuration is not an inherently balanced design like a straight-6 or V12. It can be balanced with crankshaft counterweights as an odd firing 90 degree V engine (BMW M5, Dodge Viper). found in the M5 and M6, while the insert utilizes a silicon-impregnated aluminum alloy (Alusil), similar to the material used in BMW's V8 and V12 engines. Added weight savings are derived from the use of hollow camshafts (cutting 2.6 lb. each) and the composite material composite material or composite, any material made from at least two discrete substances, such as concrete. Many materials are produced as composites, such as the fiberglass-reinforced plastics used for automobile bodies and boat hulls, but the used for the camshaft cover, along with the 2-mm thick exhaust headers' flanges, which were 12-mm thick in the outgoing M54 engine. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] N52 utilizes a revised version Revised Version n. A British and American revision of the King James Version of the Bible, completed in 1885. Revised Version Noun of BMW's Valvetronic variable valve lift technology, varying valve lift to better control engine power without the need for a conventional throttle. The decision to use more rigid reciprocating parts resulted in a maximum engine speed increase of 500 rpm and maximum intake-valve lift has been increased from 9.7 mm to 9.9 mm, helping to boost maximum power output. Engineers redesigned the combustion chamber Combustion chamber The space at the head end of an internal combustion engine cylinder where most of the combustion takes place. See Combustion shape of the N52 to maximize intake-valve phasing to produce a more stable combustion process and improve emission control The selective and controlled use of electromagnetic, acoustic, or other emitters to optimize command and control capabilities while minimizing, for operations security: a. detection by enemy sensors; b. mutual interference among friendly systems; and/or c. . Higher fuel injector a device for actively injecting fuel into an internal-combustion engines by directly forcing the liquid fuel into the combustion chamber at an appropriate point in the piston cycle; - an alternative to a Turbo Returns to the Mix The turbo-charged N54 engine utilizes two small turbos--each supplying three cylinders--to eliminate any concerns in regards to turbo lag and overall durability. Utilizing materials derived from technology used in the space program, the N54's turbochargers can withstand the most extreme heat from the exhaust stream at upwards of 1920[degrees]F. Borrowing the piezo "Piezo", derived from the Greek piezein, which means to squeeze or press, is a prefix used in:
Nips and Tucks Even though being the middle child results in gaining a number of hand-me-downs, the 2008 5-Series does manage to get a few cosmetic upgrades to keep it fresh, most notably the new front headlamp treatment, complete with BMW's signature furrowed brow and a new front air dam design. The rear fascia fascia (făsh`ēə), fibrous tissue network located between the skin and the underlying structure of muscle and bone. Fascia is composed of two layers, a superficial layer and a deep layer. features a new tail lamp design and a reshaped rear bumper, with a new diffuser dif·fus·er n. 1. One that diffuses, as: a. A light fixture, such as a frosted globe, that spreads light evenly. b. A medium that scatters light, used in photography to soften shadows. c. design. The cabin has also been redesigned with trim pieces flowing throughout the instrument panel into the doors, providing a more integrated appearance. The iDrive control system has been dumbed down--thankfully--to include six new favorite buttons for easy access to frequently used features, including address book and radio station presets. Kevin M. Kelly kkelly@autofieldguide.com by Kevin M. Kelly SENTOR EDITOR Four our impressions of the changes to the 3-Series Coupe, check out the Driven section of our website at http://www.autotieldguide.com/driven/0806dri14.html. RELATED ARTICLE The 2002 Turbo was introduced at the 1973 Frankfurt motor show. Powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder producing 170 horsepower, the Turbo featured a Kuhnle, Kopp & Kausch turbocharger tur·bo·charg·er n. See turbosupercharger. tur  bo·charged adj. mounted low on the
right front of the engine.
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