The 5 Series of sport sedans shows up in BMW's 2004 line with new designs set on a new platform that represents the fifth generation for mid-size models. The look is tipped decidedly toward styling for 7 Series sedans with curvy corners and a higher trunk deck in order to carve out more cargo room within the trunk.

Up front, multi-lens headlamp clusters wrap around front corners with unique brows studded by parking lights as shelters for primary lamps. Beneath this sculptural skin, 5 Series cars carry new lightweight aluminum components in suspension and structure that pares overall mass and enhances acceleration and fuel economy figures.

A new adaptive steering system will be available on 5 Series sedans with an electronically-controlled device that can vary the steering ratio to match a driver's style and the pavement conditions. The AHC adaptive headlamp controller also appears on the 5 Series list of options.

Cabins have been restyled with luxurious appointments and BMW adds computerized gear with the iDrive system off the 7-Series but in a simplified and easy-to-master format.

Engines for 5 Series sedans essentially repeat, although transmissions change. In-line six-cylinder powertrains from the 3-Series drop into two of the 5 Series models - the 2.5-liter six for 525i and 3.0-liter version for 530i. Top-model totes a 4.4-liter V8 that romps to 325 hp. All come with either a six-speed manual transmission or five-speed Steptronic automatic mode for clutch-less shifts.

All 5 Series cars also provide the entire spectrum of BMW mechanical systems for performance and safety, including HPS air bags and BMW's computerized Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) mechanism that can correct potentially dangerous car movements when wheels slip laterally.

Read our Review: BMW 5 Series X3

The majority of all cars sold with a BMW badge come from the 3 Series class of compacts. These vehicles - in designs of a four-door sedan, five-door station wagon and two-door coupe or convertible - set a high standard for performance, handling and agility.

Model nomenclature amounts to alphanumeric designations to describe the body style and displacement of an engine. Two in-line-six aluminum-block engines - measuring to 2.5 liters and 3.0 liters - power the class, earning 170 hp and 225 hp, respectively. Sedans and wagons with the 2.5-liter engine are labeled 325i for RWD and 325xi for AWD; for the 3.0-liter plant, the two sedans are the 330i (RWD) and 330xi (AWD).

Coupes and convertibles carry similar designations as 325Ci and 330Ci, each with rear-wheel driveline. The coupes and convertibles have a revamped front-end design for 2004 and standard automatic headlight control system, with xenon HID headlamps optional for the adaptive headlamp control system. The 330i and 330xi sedans and wagons show new front grilles and headlight surrounds trimmed in black.

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