Bigger I-6 for new X5 or facelift for 5 in 2007?

I’m considering a 530, or X5 3.0 if I want to replace my SUV first, but have held it for two reasons. Questions:

1) Will BMW increase the engine displacement, say from 3.0L to 3.5L or whatever, for model year 2007?

3.0L maybe enough for 330 and barely enough 530, but definitely not for the even-bigger upcoming new X5. Now everyone gets a bigger engine (in the 6-cylinder world), Merc/Infinit/Acura 3.5L, Lexus 3.3L, …. I guess sooner or later Audi will put its 3.6L (currently in the new Passat) to A6/Q7. Yes, in 2006 BMW bumped the horsepower from 225 to 255, but it could do much improvement for the torque. As a result, the new 6-cylinder X5 will probably the slowest in its class.

I know BMW’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” image comes not just from its 0-60 performance, but anyway, it is a key factor. You don’t want to collect the dust of other luxo cars when driving a Bimmer, right?

2) Will BMW give 5 series some facelift?

According to its 6 or 7-year lifespan schedule, 2007 might be the time for doing it for the 5, not sure. I love the 5’s gene, but I really hate its face. 7, Z4, 5, …, oh, what a stupid decision to hire a guy like Chris Bangle to ruin this esteemed brand. So will BMW do something (like what they just did for the 7) in 2007?

Thank you for your advices.

Reply » Bigger I-6 for new X5 or facelift for 5 in 2007?

BMW is known for changing their models every 7yrs so do not expect the 5 to get any major change until 2011,

Reply » Bigger I-6 for new X5 or facelift for 5 in 2007?

BMW traditionally does new bodies every seven years, with a face-lift after four years. This means that the 2008 MY 5-Series should be the first with the face-lift. What those changes will are only complete speculation at this time.

I'd say that BMW will not be releasing any new 6 cylinder engines anytime soon, with the exception of the 3.0 liter turbo which may or may not ever make it to the US in the 335i and 535i.

Reply » Bigger I-6 for new X5 or facelift for 5 in 2007?

I seriously doubt whether we'll see a displacement increase for the 3.0L anytime soon since it's an all-new engine as of this year. I think it does fine in my 530xiT which, according to Car & Driver, weighs in at just over 4000 lbs.

Reply » Bigger I-6 for new X5 or facelift for 5 in 2007?

Quote:

There won't be a bigger 6 cylinder engine, however a 3.0L 6 cylinder turbo should appear some time in 2006.... Should be around 330Bhp.

First car to get it should be E92 coupe, followed by the 5 series, and Z series...

Reply » Bigger I-6 for new X5 or facelift for 5 in 2007?

Quote:

Autocar magazine (UK) posted some grainy shots of a face-lifted E60 last week. The article reckoned on seeing it launched in late '06. This would be about right, since the car was first launched in Spring 2003 or thereabouts.

The spy photos weren't much to write home about. A smoother finish to the front bumper (in a similar vein to the 7er facelift), no change to the headlights, rear still covered in tape.

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