The 2011 BMW 5 Series has been completely redesigned. Few models have sustained such a high level of excellence as the BMW 5 Series. BMW has also introduced a new eight-speed automatic transmission that boosts fuel economy and acceleration compared to last year's six-speed auto.
New feature highlights include the latest (and greatly improved) iDrive system, an automated parallel parking system, a head-up display, top-view and sideview cameras and a blind-spot monitoring system.
The 2011 BMW 5 Series sedan is offered with three available engines that correspond to three trim levels: 528i, 535i and 550i. On the inside you'll find leatherette upholstery, eight-way power front seats, driver memory functions, dual-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, the iDrive control interface, Bluetooth, BMW Assist emergency telematics and a 12-speaker CD audio system with HD radio.
Opting for the Dynamic Handling package equips the 5 Series with an adaptive suspension. Other major options, which may or may not be grouped into other packages, include keyless ignition/entry, a night-vision camera, automatic high-beam headlights, active cruise control, active four-wheel steering (535i and 550i), an automatic parallel-parking system, sideview and top-view cameras, a rearview camera, a premium audio system, an iPod/USB adapter, satellite radio, a rear sunshade, heated and ventilated front seats, rear climate control, a rear-seat entertainment system, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel and smartphone integration.
Powertrains and Performance
The entry-level 528i comes with a 3.0-liter straight-6 engine that's rated at 240 hp and 230 pound feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with xDrive all-wheel drive being optional on the 535i and 550i.
Power is directed through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic with manual-shift control. The 528i earns 22 mpg city/32 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined.
Safety
Standard safety equipment for the 2011 BMW 5 Series includes stability and traction control, antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints and the BMW Assist emergency communications system. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety testing, the 5 Series earned a top rating of "Good" in both frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests.
Driving Impressions
If equipped with the optional adaptive suspension and active steering, the 2011 BMW 5Series does an excellent job of providing both a comfortable ride and capable handling.
The Dodge Grand Caravan is an elongated version of the now-defunct Caravan, America's original minivan and one of Dodge's biggest success stories in recent decades.
In other respects, though, the Dodge Grand Caravan's performance has been less impressive. Current Dodge Grand CaravanThe Dodge Grand Caravan minivan can seat up to seven passengers and is offered in five trim levels: C/V, Express, Mainstreet, Crew and R/T.
The Mainstreet trim adds alloy wheels and power second row and rear windows.Used Dodge Grand Caravan ModelsThe current van represents the fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravann that debuted for 2008. For 2009 Dodge added standard Stow 'n Go seating and SXT options like a dedicated iPod interface, a blind-spot monitoring system and the Rear Cross Path system.
Swivel 'n Go seats, however, were discontinued.
The Dodge Grand Caravan is also available in four previous generations. The fourth-generation Grand Caravan's engine lineup included a 180-hp 3.3-liter V6 and a more powerful 215-hp 3.8-liter V6. The top-of-the-line trim level offered Stow 'n Go fold-flat seating, dual power-sliding doors, a separate rear heating and air-conditioning system, a power driver seat, 16-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and powered accessories.
Early fourth-gen Grand Caravans were available with all-wheel drive, but AWD capability was discontinued in 2005 to make room for the versatile, under-floor Stow 'n Go fold-flat seating system in premium models.The third-generation Dodge Grand Caravan featured a then-rare driver-side sliding door and unique "Easy Out" rollers on the center and rear seats to aid removal.
Dodge offered several Grand Caravan trim levels to suit different budgets and desires, and dual front airbags and antilock brakes were standard. Introduced in 1987 as a long-wheelbase complement to the original Caravan, the Dodge Grand Caravan received its first major overhaul in 1991.
All 335i models receive a new, more fuel-efficient turbocharged engine. The old twin-turbo inline-6 lives on, however, in the new 335is coupe and convertible.
This sport-tuned version produces 320 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, with an overboost function that can briefly bump torque up to 370 lb-ft. The 2011 BMW 3 Series is available in sedan, wagon, coupe and hardtop-convertible body styles. The base model for all styles is the rear-wheel-drive 328i, while the coupe, sedan and wagon also come in all-wheel-drive 328i xDrive guise.
The coupe and convertible are available as the sport-oriented 335is. The coupe comes with a sport-tuned suspension, while the convertible gets a power-retractable hardtop, an upgraded stereo and power front seats with driver memory. In addition to their different engines, the 335i and 335d add 17-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights (sedan and wagon), a sunroof (not convertible) and power front seats with driver memory.
The 335is coupe and convertible get a more powerful engine, a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels, a special body kit, sport seats and a sport steering wheel.The Premium package adds leather upholstery (heat-reflective in the convertible), auto-dimming mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity, BMW Assist telematics and, on 328i models, a sunroof and power seats with driver memory.
The Sport package (all but 335is) specifies the sport-tuned suspension for convertibles, sedans and wagons (the coupe already has this as standard) and all get larger wheels, the sport seats and steering wheel, and special "Shadowline" exterior trim. The Convenience package adds adaptive xenon headlights (328i), front and rear parking sensors, power rear sunshade (not convertible or wagon), keyless ignition/entry and manual side window shades (sedan and wagon).
The 2011 BMW 3 Series comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but all models but the convertible, 335d and 335is can be equipped with xDrive all-wheel drive.According to the EPA, fuel economy is an estimated 18 mpg city/28 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined. The 335i features a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 that produces 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. BMW's estimated fuel economy is 18/26/21 with the manual and 17/24/19 with DCT.A six-speed automatic is standard.
SafetyStandard safety equipment on the 2011 BMW 3 Series includes antilock disc brakes, stability control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags.
Interior Design and Special FeaturesThe 2011 BMW 3 Series interiors will be familiar to anyone who has spent time in a BMW product.
Driving ImpressionsDriving is what the 2011 BMW 3 Series does best. Sport package-equipped models can even keep pace with many genuine sports cars.
The 2011 BMW 5 Series has been completely redesigned. Few models have sustained such a high level of excellence as the BMW 5 Series. BMW has also introduced a new eight-speed automatic transmission that boosts fuel economy and acceleration compared to last year's six-speed auto.
