With minor changes to its exterior, the 2008 BMW M5 Sports Sedan is still a classic 4-door 4-passenger sports sedan that satisfies all the requirements to be hailed as a super car. The M5 deserves such superlatives due to what is under its sculpted hood: a totally new 5-liter 10-cylinder engine that lives up to its displacement specs by pumping out 500 horsepower and accelerating from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. To feel the full extent of the V10’s wrath, the optional fully manual transmission can put the M5’s 383 ft-lb of torque at your beck and call. The single trim level has enough standard equipment and options to satisfy the ardent road raptor as well as the incurable technophile.

The majority of the 2008 changes go to the interior of the M5 with the driver-centered cockpit more stylish and ergonomic than ever. Cowhide wraps the tiller and covers the super comfortable seats while wood accents the dash and doors to impart an aura of understated elegance. To amplify the excitement of driving the BMW M5, slip in your favorite CD and marvel at the 360 degree rotunda of sound that envelopes you, created by the Logic7 acoustics platform. Testament to BMW’s penchant for technology, the 2008 M5 boasts an intrinsic wireless system which has GPS, emergency assistance, and theft protection.

The high price tag on the 2008 BMW M5 is, in part, accounted for by its legion of standard features including, 7-speed sequential transmission, aluminum alloy 19-inch wheels with high-traction tires, fully adjustable seats, hydraulically enhanced energy-absorbing collision protection, and a tire deflation sensor system. Optional on the new M5 is the fully manual transmission, a heads up driver information display, and a fold-down rear seat with trunk pass-through. Only you can say which accessories best fill your individual needs in your M5. BMW has taken your requests and made some of the more popular accessories available like a sun visor CD holder, manual or digital tire pressure gauge, or a security alarm system.

Standard Engine:
5.0L V10, 40 valve, 500 hp @ 7750 rpm
7 speed manual (standard) or 6 speed manual transmission
Not Available city / Not Available hwy
Green Rating: Unavailable

Standard Features:
Advanced Head Protection System (AHPS II) Front and Rear Side Head Curtain Airbags
Electronic Brake Assistance
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Pre-Programmed Equalizer

The 2008 BMW 5-Series Sports Wagon receive similar updates to the sedan with refreshed exterior styling, a horsepower upgrade and a redesigned interior. Replacing the 530xi is the 535xi and is powered by a new twin-turbo inline-six 300-horsepower engine. The exterior is highlighted by revised headlights and taillights, front fascia and relocated DOT lenses. The interior is fitted with more storage space and ergonomic design. Other additions include a Lane Departure Warning system and Active Cruise Control with “Stop & Go” feature. The optional Sport Package upgrade adds 18-inch wheels and tires.

BMW Assist with Bluetooth wireless technology - For hands-free calling (with Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone) [Check for a list of BMW-compatible Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones at your authorized BMW center or bmwusa.com], phonebook downloading and speech recognition capabilities
Adaptive Brake Lights
Remote keyless entry security alarm system with selective unlocking and double-lock feature (programmed at BMW center), remote trunk opening, interior motion detector, and panic feature
Coded Driveaway Protection - Prevents engine start when your key with constantly changing electronic code is not used
Impact sensor that activates Battery Safety Terminal disconnect of alternator, fuel pump and starter from battery, turns on hazard lights, interior lights and unlocks doors
BMW’s Advanced Safety System for integrated deployment of passive and active safety features
Interlocking door anchoring system to help protect against door intrusion in side impacts
Automatic locking retractors (ALR) on all safety belts - For installation of child-restraint seats
Front safety belts with automatic pretensioners and force limiters
Front-seat side-impact airbags
Driver’s and passenger’s front airbag supplemental restraint system
Front-and rear-seat Head Protection System

The 2008 5 Series is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, luxury sports sedan, or luxury wagon, available in 6 trims, ranging from the 528i Sedan to the 550i Sedan.Upon introduction, the 528i Sedan is equipped with a standard 3.0-liter, I6, 230-horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 27-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional. The 550i Sedan is equipped with a standard 4.8-liter, V8, 360-horsepower engine that achieves 15-mpg in the city and 22-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard, and a 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is optional.

The 2008 5 Series is freshened for 2008.

When people ask us to recommend luxury cars, the BMW 5 Series is invariably high on the list. Wealthier shoppers may gravitate toward the newer models loaded with technology, but older 5 Series cars can be just as satisfying to drive and own.

Introduced for 2004, the current BMW 5 Series is by far the most radical. On the surface, it incorporates bold styling cues that depart from BMW’s traditional styling language established over the preceding four generations. Inside, a system called iDrive corrals audio, climate, navigation and communication functions using a central LCD screen and console-mounted control dial. We’ve found iDrive cumbersome to use, although it is more sophisticated than the button-heavy layout in older 5 Series cars.

The driving experience hasn’t changed much, as the 5 Series still has sharper reflexes and more road feel than any other car in its class. There’s still a choice of inline six or V8 power, and you can still get a manual or automatic transmission on whichever model you choose. But there’s a lot more technology working behind the scenes, including a stability control system that can do everything from helping you avoid skids to drying off the brakes when it’s raining. An optional active steering system can vary the steering ratio to reduce effort in tight turns.

If you like the styling and aren’t intimidated by its hefty dose of electronics, the current-generation BMW 5 Series is an excellent choice for a midsize luxury car. The only significant drawback is high pricing.

2008 5 Series Models:
2008 BMW 5 Series 528i Sedan
2008 BMW 5 Series 528xi Sedan
2008 BMW 5 Series 535i Sedan
2008 BMW 5 Series 535xi Sedan
2008 BMW 5 Series 550i Sedan