| Model year | 2011 |
| Make | BMW |
| Model | 5 Series |
| Style | 550i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl Turbo 6M) |
| Base MSRP | $60,575 |
| Options on test vehicle | Premium Package 2 ($2,800 -- includes rearview camera, rear sunshades, heated front seats, satellite radio, premium audio system and iPod adapter); Dynamic Handling Package ($2,700 -- includes variable-rate electromagnetic shock absorbers and hydro-electrically actuated stabilizer bars); Sport Package ($2,200 -- includes 19-inch wheels, run-flat performance tires, Shadowline exterior window trim, multicontour front seats and sport steering wheel); Integral Active Steering ($1,750); Driver Assistance Package ($1,750 -- includes parallel-parking assist, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection and high-beam assist); Convenience Package ($1,700 -- includes remote keyless ignition/entry, power-operated trunk lid and soft-close automatic doors); Side and Top-View Cameras ($800); Split Fold-Down Rear Seat ($475). |
| As-tested MSRP | $74,750 |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel Drive |
| Engine type | Twin-turbocharged V8 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 4,395cc (268 cu-in) |
| Block/head material | Aluminum/aluminum |
| Valvetrain | Double overhead camshaft |
| Compression ratio (x:1) | 10.0 |
| Redline (rpm) | 7,000 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 400 @ 5,500 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 450 @ 1,750 |
| Fuel type | Premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission type | Eight-speed automatic with console shifter |
| Transmission and axle ratios (x:1) | I=4.714, II=3.143; III=2.106; IV=1.667; V=1.285; VI=1.000; VII=0.839; VIII=0.667; R=3.317; Final=2.813 |
| Suspension, front | Double wishbone |
| Suspension, rear | Multilink |
| Steering type | Electric speed-proportional power steering |
| Tire type | All-season front and rear |
| Tire size, front | P245/40R19 |
| Tire size, rear | P275/35R19 |
| Wheel size | 19-by-8.5 inches front -- 19-by-9 inches rear |
| Wheel material | Alloy |
| Brakes, front | Ventilated disc |
| Brakes, rear | Ventilated disc |
| Elevation (ft.) | 0 |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | 17 city/25 highway/20 combined |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 18.5 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 4,343 |
| Length (in.) | 193.1 |
| Width (in.) | 73.2 |
| Height (in.) | 57.6 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 116.9 |
| Track, front (in.) | 63.0 |
| Track, rear (in.) | 64.1 |
| Turning circle (ft.) | 39.2 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 41.4 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 36.1 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 40.5 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 38.3 |
| Shoulder room, front (in.) | 58.3 |
| Shoulder room, rear (in.) | 56.2 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 14.0 |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | 14.0 |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 12 years/Unlimited miles |
| Roadside assistance | 4 years/Unlimited miles |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Dual front |
| Head airbags | Front and rear |
| Antilock brakes | Four-wheel ABS |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Braking assist, electronic brakeforce distribution |
| Traction control | Traction control |
| Stability control | Stability control |
| Tire-pressure monitoring system | Tire-pressure monitoring |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | Not tested |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | Not tested |
| IIHS offset | Not tested |
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