BMW 5 Series: Using Arithmetic
The car lost weight, but became only bigger and more spacious (+66 mm in length; +46 mm in width; +33 mm in height). For the first time in the world, the Active Front Steering is used on the production car: this electronic system makes the steering wheel sharper in the range of low and medium speeds and less nervous at higher "strokes" depending on the speed of movement.
In the career, each literary critic gives enough time to study the magic of numbers at this or that author. How many steps Raskolnikov took to the house of an old woman, what allusions are caused by the number twelve in the Blok's poem of the same name, whether there is any sense in Bulgakov's number mythology at all... But why not the car journalist to approach similarly to the analysis of one of the greatest products of "Bavarian engine factories" - BMW 5 Series? Having five in the name, let's remember that the current model will be the fifth one if to count on generations - neither to give nor to take a divine coincidence! Now we know that Bavarian engineers certainly put special sense in words about "perfection" of this model. Let's look further - the new "five" are published in July 2003 (the seventh month and the third year of the new millennium), initially equipped with three engines. And in comparison with its predecessor, its weight has decreased by 75 kilograms. Three, five, seven! Sacred figures for any fan of the brand indicate to us that we are on the right track. Oh, and more: not without reason that all the press releases mentioned the dynamism of the 3 Series and the solidity of the new "seven", combined in the last representative of the 5th series of BMW. And on the sweet side - the index of the model (E60) and the new six-speed gearbox, which by their "number" clearly hint at the imminent appearance in the model range of the long-awaited coupe under the name of 6 Series... And believe me, it is much more interesting to think over such numerical coincidences in digital indexes of BMW cars than to scratch the tongue about Chris Bangle's next controversial design. Just as the players challenge the referee's decision, which he will never cancel, it is unlikely that the wave of popular protest will make the company return to the "ideal" body of the E34 or stay with the "beautiful" E39. However, the design has never been the strongest strength of the Bavarians, and everything they can be proud of remains with us. And even more. Six-cylinder engines of 520i (170 hp), 530i (230 hp) and 530d (218 hp) models are now equipped with six-speed gearboxes as standard. At the end of the year, the range should include models 525i (192 hp) and 545i (333 hp).
The car lost weight, but became only bigger and more spacious (+66 mm in length; +46 mm in width; +33 mm in height). For the first time in the world, the serial car is equipped with "active steering", Active Front Steering: this electronic system changes the ratio of steering gear depending on the speed of movement, making the steering wheel sharper in the range of low and medium speeds and less nervous at large "strokes". Thus, in city streams, the steering wheel will always be a little easier, and on a country track, nothing will interfere with stable straight-line movement at high speed. Thanks to AFS, the company managed to take a step forward, keeping the steering wheel as one of the key values, and after all, the desire to completely break the mechanical links between the wheels and the steering wheel, replacing them with electronic, for sure was great. ASF's capabilities provide additional levers for the DSC Dynamic Stability Control system, which now works not only with engine control but also with steering, changing the steering angle in a critical situation. Fearlessly realize the engine power of the car will be helped by the finely tuned and fully aluminum suspension of the car, as well as an interesting system of Dynamic Drive, which, thanks to the presence of two active stabilizers of lateral stability allows you to get rid of most of the rolls in corners.
Adaptive headlamps have long been no longer a sensational innovation, but in the new "five" they are able to rotate 15 degrees in both directions, providing optimal road lighting when driving in a corner. Adaptive stop-lights that change the area of glow depending on the intensity of braking have not yet passed the European homologation, but the company still decided to start their installation - after completion of the checks, this function can be activated by software.
In 2004, the company plans to introduce vehicles equipped with Active Cruise Control (Active Cruise Control) and Head-Up Display, which take the information required by the driver directly onto the windshield - a system borrowed from the combat aviation and used on Chevrolet Corvette vehicles.
In order to manage internal electronic systems, future customers will have to master the second generation of the iDrive system - the famous controller has become smaller and the control algorithm - easier. The list of standard equipment elements includes climate control with adaptive evaporation temperature control, which helps to prevent overcooling or excessive dryness, than conventional air conditioning systems often sin.
As early as July this year, customers will be able to order a new top five in five equipment options and four color finishes. And we will be waiting for the new "six" to fold and subtract...