:: The Discussion ::

Have you seen the new 5er? Yea I got smoked by one on the Autobahn today! I love the new look! Yea me too! I want to get a new car before we leave Germany to take back to the States. What are we waiting for? We should get it now so we can do some Autobahn testing of our own. What do you think about black? It's up to you as long as you will consider the bigger engine. OK, let's do it!

:: The Test Drive ::

Our dealer in Kitzingen Germany was not able to locate a 545i for us to test drive so he arranged to have a 530i so we could get a feel for the 5 Series and a 645Ci Coupé to get the feel for the power the 545i would have. We drove the 5er first and then got in the 6er for the second phase of our test drive. Well it took about a second! Have you had a V8 lately?

:: The E60 ::

We ordered our E60 in May 2004, and it was built in July 2004 during week 30 production at the BMW Dingolfing Plant outside Munich Germany. We took delivery of our E60 on August 6 at BMW Tief-Dörfler in Kitzingen Germany. E60 stands for Entwicklung 60 (development 60) or Evolution 60. This means the new 5er is BMW's 60^th model design since the beginning of the company.

:: The Ultimate Driving Machine ::

E60 Sedan 545i (NB33) U.S. Specifications

4.4-liter DOHC, 32 valve, 325-hp V-8 engine with Valvetronic
6-speed STEPTRONIC Automatic Transmission (205)
iDrive system with on-board computer and controller
Black Dakota Leather Upholstery and Door Trim (LCSW)
Jet Black (668)
Poplar Grain Wood (438)
BMW Double Spoke Style 116 Light Alloy Wheels
Continental ContiTouringContact VR17's

Standard Features

Bi-Xenon Adaptive Headlights
Adaptive Brake Lights
Rain-sensing Windshield Wipers
Autodim Heated Exterior Mirrors
Micro-filter Ventilation System w/ Auto Recirculate
Moonroof with remote and "one-touch" operation
10 Speaker Audio System w/ two subwoofers
Remote Keyless Entry Security Alarm System
Warning Triangle, First Aid Kit

Optional Features

Heated Steering Wheel (248)
Rear Side-Impact Airbags (261)
Rear Electric Sunshade (416)
20-way Comfort Seats (456)
Heated Front Seats (494)
Heated Rear Seats (496)
Headlight Cleaning System (502)
Parking Distance Control (508)
DVD Navigation/Voice Command System (609)

Aftermarket Features

European Spec. Rear Reflectors
Poplar Grain Wood Lower Dash and Rear Console inserts
Auxiliary Stereo Input
BMW Ellipsoid Spoke Style 121 Light Alloy Wheels
Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3 ZR19's
Klasse Twins