BMW 5 - Manual (Page 35)

BMW
Media
Information
11/2009
Page 35
low engine speeds, all act together to considerably reduce fuel consumption
versus the former six-speed automatic transmission.
Even this is not all: In combination with the eight-speed automatic
transmission, the six-cylinder models offer the same or even lower
consumption figures and CO
2
ratings than their counterparts with manual
gearbox. As an example, average fuel consumption of the new BMW 530d
with manual gearbox in the EU test cycle is 6.3 litres/100 km or 44.8 mpg
imp, average fuel consumption of the same model with eight-speed
automatic transmission is 6.2 litres/100km or 45.6 mpg imp.
Intelligent lightweight construction of even greater fuel economy.
Appropriate choice of the right materials helps to optimise weight also on
the new BMW 5 Series Sedan, enhancing both the agility of the car as well
as its fuel economy and emission rating.
This optimisation of weight comes together with a further increase in
passive safety and is ensured in particular through the appropriate use of
high-strength multi-phase steel, ultra-high-strength hot-moulded steel,
and aluminium.
The large share of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel gives the
safety passenger cell of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan maximum stiffness
and stability without the additional use of material. With optimised weight,
the positive properties of the steel used allow an increase in mean body
strength and stiffness by 55 per cent over the former model.
The standard of lightweight construction quality defining the torsional
stiffness of the vehicle as a function of its footprint and weight has also been
significantly improved. Spring supports made of pressure-cast aluminium
enhance the driving dynamics of the new BMW 5 Series in two respects,
making the entire front section even stiffer and, through their low weight,
further improving the overall balance of the car.
For the first time the doors of the BMW 5 Series Sedan are made of
aluminium, reducing weight by approximately 23 kg or 50 lb versus a
conventional structure. The front side panels, the engine compartment lid
and a large number of the front and rear axle components are also made
of this particularly light metal.