BMW 5-Series (2008) Features at TrueDelta: Standard and optional features by trim

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Available Features for the BMW 5-Series

Model Year	2008	2008	2008	2008
Model	5-Series	5-Series	5-Series	5-Series
Trim	528i	535i	550i	M5

Engines
3.0L I6 DOHC-4v 230 hp@6500 200 lb-ft@2750
turbocharged 3.0L I6 DOHC-4v 300 hp@5800 300 lb-ft@1300
4.8L V8 DOHC-4v 360 hp@6300 360 lb-ft@3400
5.0L V10 DOHC-4v 500 hp@7750 383 lb-ft@6100
Transmissions
6-speed manual
6-speed manually-shiftable automatic
7-speed automated manual
Drivetrains
RWD
AWD
Tires
225/50VR17 tires
245/40WR18 tires
275/35WR18 tires
245/35ZR19 tires
275/30ZR19 tires
255/40ZR19 tires
285/35ZR19 tires
Audio Systems
Unbranded, 200W, 10 speakers (with subwoofer)
Harman/Kardon, 420W, 13 speakers (with subwoofer)
Unbranded, 825W, 16 speakers (with subwoofer)
Accessories
Adaptive cruise control, all-speedAutomatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Can bring vehicle to a complete stop then accelerate back up to set speed. Replaces regular adaptive cruise control, and includes its value.
Automatically maintains set distance behind preceding vehicle as well as set speed. Can bring vehicle to a complete stop then accelerate back up to set speed. Replaces regular adaptive cruise control, and includes its value.
Cruise control
Heated steering wheel
Power door closersPulls door tight after latch is engaged. Door can be shut with very little effort.
Pulls door tight after latch is engaged. Door can be shut with very little effort.
Power front side windowsOften must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.
Often must be ordered with power rear side windows, if these are available.
Power locks
Power rear side windows
Proximity keyEnter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket.
Enter and start the vehicle without removing the key from your pocket.
Remote keyless entryUnlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.
Unlock and lock the car using buttons on the keyfob.
Remote window/roof operationOperate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob.
Operate the power windows, sunroof, and/or convertible roof using buttons on the keyfob.
Sunshade, rear, powerGreatly reduces the amount of sunlight entering the rear window. Includes the value of manual rear shade.
Greatly reduces the amount of sunlight entering the rear window. Includes the value of manual rear shade.
Sunshades, second rowGreatly reduce the amount of sunlight entering the rear side windows. Retract into rear doors.
Greatly reduce the amount of sunlight entering the rear side windows. Retract into rear doors.
Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power
Tool kit
Universal garage door openerHomelink.
Homelink.
Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety
4-wheel disc brakesRear disc brakes.
Rear disc brakes.
Active or whiplash-reducing head restraints, front seatsIf active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common.
If active, automatically move forward when the vehicle is rear-ended. Note: becoming less common.
AlarmOnly listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Only listed when pricing a single model because insufficient data for all cars.
Antilock brakes (ABS)Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.
Automatically pulse the brakes in hard stops to prevent wheels from locking up, making it possible to brake and steer at the same time.
Brake assistWhen a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.
When a panic stop is sensed, fully applies the brakes.
Front airbagsMandatory, in all cars.
Mandatory, in all cars.
Hill start assistApplies the brakes to hold the vehicle in place on an incline. Incomplete data, so only displayed when pricing a single vehicle.
Applies the brakes to hold the vehicle in place on an incline. Incomplete data, so only displayed when pricing a single vehicle.
Lane departure warningAlerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane.
Alerts driver when the vehicle seems to be wandering out of the lane.
Night visionCreates infrared-based image of the road ahead.
Creates infrared-based image of the road ahead.
Obstacle detection, frontBeeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid.
Beeps signal distance to object in front of vehicle. Parking aid.
Obstacle detection, rearBeeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.
Beeps signal distance to object behind vehicle. Parking aid.
Performance braking system (optional)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Rear side airbagsTorso-level second row airbags, usually contained in the rear door. Some also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags.
Torso-level second row airbags, usually contained in the rear door. Some also protect the head, but not as well as side curtain airbags.
Side curtain airbagsAirbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.
Airbags contained just above the window level. Except in cars without a rear seat usually cover first and second row.
Stability controlSelectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).
Selectively applies the brakes to prevent excessive understeer or oversteer (spinning).
Temporary spare tire
Tire-pressure monitorTwo types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.
Two types: a warning light when a tire is low on air and a pressure readout for each tire.
Tires, run-flatCan be driven deflated for about 50 miles. Usually harm ride quality. Cars with these often have no spare tire.
Can be driven deflated for about 50 miles. Usually harm ride quality. Cars with these often have no spare tire.
Traction controlWhen a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.
When a drive wheel slips, it is braked and/or engine power is reduced, restoring traction.
Cargo Management
Air-conditioned storage compartment
Console with shifter
Rear seat pass-throughUsually concealed behind a stowed armrest. Enables long items like skis to be carried without folding the rear seat.
Usually concealed behind a stowed armrest. Enables long items like skis to be carried without folding the rear seat.
Ski sackSack attached to rear seat pass-through. Keeps dirty skis from messing up the interior.
Sack attached to rear seat pass-through. Keeps dirty skis from messing up the interior.
Climate Control
Air conditioning
Automatic air recirculationAutomatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air.
Automatically recirculates interior air when pollution is detected in outside air.
Automatic climate control, frontMaintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Maintains set temperature in front row. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Dual-zone climate controlTemperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Temperature can be separately set for left and right sides of the passenger compartment. Requires air conditioning and does not include its value.
Heated windshield washer nozzles
Interior air filterFilters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.
Filters exterior air before it enters the passenger compartment. No default value because most cars have them, even in cases where they're not in the official list of features.
Rain-sensing wipersWipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.
Wipers automatically turn on and adjust their speed based on input from a rain sensor.
Rear air vents with manual controlsFan speed and/or temperature can be manually set for vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Includes value of rear vents.
Fan speed and/or temperature can be manually set for vents in the center console, B-pillars, and/or ceiling. Includes value of rear vents.
Rear defrost
Rear heat ductsDucts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.
Ducts under front seats direct heated air to the second row.
Residual heatProvides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off.
Provides heat for an extended period of time after the engine has been cut off.
Drivetrain
Limited-slip rear differentialWhen one rear wheel spins, the differential locks up, sending power to the wheel with better traction.
When one rear wheel spins, the differential locks up, sending power to the wheel with better traction.
Exterior
Body kitSide skirts and possibly a front air dam and rear apron.
Side skirts and possibly a front air dam and rear apron.
Bright-finished exhaust tip(s)Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.
Increasingly often these are not actually connected to the exhaust.
Rear spoilerCan be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.
Can be small lip spoiler or a larger raised spoiler.
Special exterior trimOnly listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Sunroof
Gas Guzzler Tax
3000
3700
Infotainment
Audio controls on steering wheel
Aux inputJack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.
Jack for an iPod or similar device. No value because of incomplete data. Will soon be standard on nearly every car.
Bluetooth cell phone linkEnables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.
Enables hands-free communication by wirelessly connecting a cell phone to a microphone and the vehicle's stereo speakers.
CD changer, remoteCD changer in the glove compartment, trunk, or cargo area, beyond easy reach. Can be in addition to an in-dash CD player.
CD changer in the glove compartment, trunk, or cargo area, beyond easy reach. Can be in addition to an in-dash CD player.
CD player
HD radioHigh-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees.
High-definition radio, which broadcasts a digital signal. Free, no subscription fees.
iPod integrationIntegrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port.
Integrates an iPod with the vehicle's controls and speakers. Usually included if there is a USB port, but can also rely on a proprietary port.
Navigation systemScreen-based navigation system.
Screen-based navigation system.
Satellite radio - one year subscriptionXM or Sirius with one-year subscription.
XM or Sirius with one-year subscription.
Surround sound
Telematics service, such as OnStarIn-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.
In-vehicle security, communications, and diagnostics system. For 2011 and newer cars often includes a remote app. Monthly fee after the first 1-12 months.
Traffic informationInformation about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.
Information about traffic conditions. Monthly fee after first 3-12 months.
Voice control for nav and audioSometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.
Sometimes also includes voice control over climate control system.
Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors
Auto-dimming driver-side mirrorDriver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Driver-side exterior mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Auto-dimming headlightsHigh beams automatically turned on and off.
High beams automatically turned on and off.
Auto-dimming passenger-side mirrorPassenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Passenger-side rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Auto-dimming rearview mirrorInterior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Interior rearview mirror automatically dims when hit by headlights of following vehicle.
Automatic headlightsHeadlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.
Headlights automatically turn on and off. Includes value of automatic-off headlights.
CompassWe haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.
We haven't given this feature a value because it's hard to tell which cars have it.
Fog lightsLight wide area close in front of the vehicle.
Light wide area close in front of the vehicle.
Head-up display (HUD)Projects various instrument readouts onto the windshield. Image actually appears to be floating over the nose of the car. Enables driver to keep eyes on the road.
Projects various instrument readouts onto the windshield. Image actually appears to be floating over the nose of the car. Enables driver to keep eyes on the road.
Headlight washers
Heated mirrorsClears ice and fog from mirrors.
Clears ice and fog from mirrors.
Illuminated visor mirror, driverIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Illuminated visor mirror, passengerIncludes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Includes value of non-illuminated vanity mirror.
Interior ambient lightingLEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.
LEDs cast a soft glow over and/or highlight parts of the interior.
Map lightsFront row reading lights.
Front row reading lights.
Mirror tilt-down in reverseOne or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb.
One or both exterior mirrors tilt down when the transmission is in reverse, to provide view of the curb.
Outside temperature display
Perimeter approach lightingArea around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.
Area around the vehicle is illuminated when the vehicle is remotely unlocked.
Power mirrorsIncludes value of manual remote mirrors.
Includes value of manual remote mirrors.
Power-folding mirrorsMirrors fold and unfold with the touch of a button inside the vehicle. Good for narrow roads and parking lots.
Mirrors fold and unfold with the touch of a button inside the vehicle. Good for narrow roads and parking lots.
Steering-linked headlightsHeadlights swivel when steering wheel is turned.
Headlights swivel when steering wheel is turned.
TachometerReports engine speed.
Reports engine speed.
Trip computerReports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.
Reports average fuel economy, and perhaps also instantaneous fuel economy, distance to empty, average speed, and other stats.
Turn signals on or near mirrors
Xenon HID headlightsProvide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.
Provide a brighter, whiter light than halogen headlights.
Seats and Interior Trim
Front buckets
Front sport buckets
Second-row 3-person bench
Second-row 2-section 3-person split bench
Aluminum trimReal aluminum trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. Deleted by wood trim even if they appear together.
Real aluminum trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console. Deleted by wood trim even if they appear together.
Automatic seat bolsters, driverThe outside seatback bolster automatically firms up in hard turns.
The outside seatback bolster automatically firms up in hard turns.
Automatic seat bolsters, front passengerThe outside seatback bolster automatically firms up in hard turns.
The outside seatback bolster automatically firms up in hard turns.
Center armrest(s), front row
Center armrest(s), second row
Cooled or ventilated front seats
Door sill trim plates
Floor mats
Folding second row seatsSeat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.
Seat folds to enlarge cargo area. Unless the seat is also removable, it usually folds flat or nearly flat.
Heated front seats
Heated second row seats
Leather door panel trim
Leather seating surfacesSeating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.
Seating surfaces are trimmed in leather; other upholstery tends to be leatherette.
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Memory system, driver seat
Memory system, passenger seat
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, driver seatLower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, passenger seatLower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.
Lower back support power-adjustable vertically as well as in and out.
Power fore-aft adjuster, driver seat
Power fore-aft adjuster, passenger seat
Power headrest height adjuster, driver seat
Power headrest height adjuster, passenger seat
Power height adjuster, driver seat
Power height adjuster, passenger seat
Power recliner, driver seat
Power recliner, passenger seat
Power seatback bolsters, driver seatPower adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns.
Power adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns.
Power seatback bolsters, passenger seatPower adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns.
Power adjustable bolsters on the seatback, to provide lateral support in hard turns.
Power thigh bolsters, driver seatPower adjustable bolsters on the seat cushion, to prevent sliding out of the seat in hard turns.
Power adjustable bolsters on the seat cushion, to prevent sliding out of the seat in hard turns.
Power thigh bolsters, passenger seatPower adjustable bolsters on the seat cushion, to prevent sliding out of the seat in hard turns.
Power adjustable bolsters on the seat cushion, to prevent sliding out of the seat in hard turns.
Power thigh support length adjuster, driver seatPower-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs.
Power-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs.
Power thigh support length adjuster, passenger seatPower-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs.
Power-adjustable cushion length; provides better support for long legs.
Power tilt adjuster, driver seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power tilt adjuster, passenger seatPower tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power tilting seat cushion; can take the form of a second height adjustment.
Power upper seatback recliner, driver seatThe upper part of the seatback be be adjusted separately from the lower part.
The upper part of the seatback be be adjusted separately from the lower part.
Power upper seatback recliner, passenger seatThe upper part of the seatback be be adjusted separately from the lower part; especially useful when the seat is heavily reclined, to better support the upper back.
The upper part of the seatback be be adjusted separately from the lower part; especially useful when the seat is heavily reclined, to better support the upper back.
Synthetic leather seating surfacesA.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe.
A.k.a vinyl, leatherette, MB-Tex, NuLuxe.
Synthetic suede headlinerUsually also includes synthetic suede on the pillars.
Usually also includes synthetic suede on the pillars.
Upholstered instrument panel, leather
Wood trimReal wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console.
Real wood trim on instrument panel, door panels, and/or center console.
Suspension, Wheels, and Tires
Active stabilizer barsMotors joining the left and right halves of the stabilizer bars twist them to further reduce roll in turns and disengages them to improve ride quality when not turning.
Motors joining the left and right halves of the stabilizer bars twist them to further reduce roll in turns and disengages them to improve ride quality when not turning.
Active steeringThe steering ratio is automatically varied based on vehicle speed and other factors.
The steering ratio is automatically varied based on vehicle speed and other factors.
Adaptive dampers - electricalShocks that electrically adjust their firmness based on sensor readings of the road surface. The driver might also be able to select a \"sport\" setting.
Shocks that electrically adjust their firmness based on sensor readings of the road surface. The driver might also be able to select a \"sport\" setting.
Alloy wheels
Alloy wheels, optional designSame value as regular alloy wheels because no way to compare across models.
Same value as regular alloy wheels because no way to compare across models.
Sport suspension (upgrade)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Ultra-sport suspension (upgrade)Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Only listed if not standard on all trims. No value because no way to compare across models.
Transmission
Steering-wheel-mounted transmission controlsPaddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission.
Paddles or buttons that can be used to manually shift the transmission. Only listed when optional or not always included with an automatic transmission.

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Option Package Contents

Cold Weather Package

Features
Heated steering wheel
Headlight washers

Premium Tier

Features
Leather seating surfaces
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, driver seat
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, passenger seat
Universal garage door opener
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Auto-dimming driver-side mirror
Auto-dimming passenger-side mirror
Leather door panel trim
Leather door panel trim

Multicontour seats

Features
Active or whiplash-reducing head restraints, front seats
Power thigh support length adjuster, driver seat
Power seatback bolsters, driver seat
Power upper seatback recliner, driver seat
Power thigh support length adjuster, passenger seat
Power seatback bolsters, passenger seat
Power upper seatback recliner, passenger seat
Memory system, passenger seat
Front sport buckets

Executive Tier

Features
Power thigh support length adjuster, driver seat
Power thigh support length adjuster, passenger seat
Special exterior trim
Front sport buckets

Cold Weather Package

Features
Heated steering wheel
Headlight washers

Premium Tier

Features
Leather seating surfaces
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, driver seat
Power 4-way lumbar adjuster, passenger seat
Universal garage door opener
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Auto-dimming driver-side mirror
Auto-dimming passenger-side mirror
Leather door panel trim
Leather door panel trim

Multicontour seats

Features
Active or whiplash-reducing head restraints, front seats
Power thigh support length adjuster, driver seat
Power seatback bolsters, driver seat
Power upper seatback recliner, driver seat
Power thigh support length adjuster, passenger seat
Power seatback bolsters, passenger seat
Power upper seatback recliner, passenger seat
Memory system, passenger seat
Front sport buckets

Executive Tier

Features
Power thigh support length adjuster, driver seat
Power thigh support length adjuster, passenger seat
Special exterior trim
Front sport buckets

Individual Composition

Features
Body kit
245/35ZR19 tires
275/30ZR19 tires

Cold Weather Package

Features
Heated steering wheel
Headlight washers

Multicontour seats

Features
Active or whiplash-reducing head restraints, front seats
Power thigh support length adjuster, driver seat
Power seatback bolsters, driver seat
Power upper seatback recliner, driver seat
Power thigh support length adjuster, passenger seat
Power seatback bolsters, passenger seat
Power upper seatback recliner, passenger seat
Memory system, passenger seat
Front sport buckets

M Multi-Function Sport Seats

Features
Active or whiplash-reducing head restraints, front seats
Automatic seat bolsters, driver
Power upper seatback recliner, driver seat
Automatic seat bolsters, front passenger
Power upper seatback recliner, passenger seat

See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans and Wagons.

See TrueDelta's information for all BMW models.

What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2008 BMW 5-Series

2008 BMW 5-Series Available Features: Pros
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2009	4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD	I-Drive and voice/nav system are first-rate. see full BMW 5-Series review
2008	4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD	The hands free phone system is wonderful. My blackberry integrates seamlessly through bluetooth. My ipod integrates seamlessly as well. Phone lists and playlists from the devices all show up on the iDrive system. The auto climate system is excellent. see full BMW 5-Series review
2008	4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD	Many more than the 3-series. see full BMW 5-Series review

2008 BMW 5-Series Available Features: Cons
Year	Body/Powertrain	Comment
2008	4dr Sedan 360-horsepower 4.8L V8 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD	The "iDrive" computer controls are a little confusing and difficult to use, but not a big deal. see full BMW 5-Series review

BMW 5-Series Features

Available Features for the BMW 5-Series

Option Package Contents

Cold Weather Package

Premium Tier

Multicontour seats

Executive Tier

Cold Weather Package

Premium Tier

Multicontour seats

Executive Tier

Individual Composition

Cold Weather Package

Multicontour seats

M Multi-Function Sport Seats

What Our Members Are Saying about the Available Features of the 2008 BMW 5-Series