Picture update: BMW 530d xDrive LCI M Sport

BMW introduced its current generation 5-series, known by the BMW-code "F10", in November 2009. Production commenced in January 2010 and the first F10s have been delivered to the dealerships in March of 2010. Compared to its predecessor (the E60 / 2003 - 2010) the new 5-series was 4cm longer while its wheelbase was 10cm longer. In April BMW introduced the 5-series Touring, known as the "F11". 
Just as the 5-series E60, the new 5-series is produced by the BMW factory in Dingolfing, Germany. Not completely true, the Long Wheel Base 5-series (F18) is produced in Shenyang China, due to the fact that this specific version is only available on the Chinese market.

In July 2013 BMW presented its 5-series LCI (Lifecycle Impulse), more commonly known as a "facelift". As already available on the 1- and 3-series, BMW now also introduced its BMW Lines in the 5-series range, both the Luxury Line and Modern Line. Another new feature are the Full HD Headlights (featured on this 530d), while the xenon headlights become a standard feature instead of an option. Also the rear lights have had a small update.
Some of the engines have been adapted, so that now all engines adhere to the EURO6-norm. New engine (types) include the BMW 518d and 520d xDrive. 

Model (Code / Model Year): BMW 530d xDrive LCI (2014 / F10)

Engine: six-cylinder TwinPower-Turbo diesel engine (2993cm³)   Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission Performance: 258hp / 560nm 0 to 100km/h: 5,7 sec Top speed: 250km/h (156mp/h) Weight: 1885kg Fuel tank (US gallons): 70 liter (18,5 US gallons) Production date: February 2014
Exterior colour: Carbon Black metallic (416) Upholstery: Black Dakota leather (LCSW) Interior trim: Aluminium Hexagon interior trim Wheels: 19" M Double-spoke style 351M alloy wheels

Optional equipment on this specific BMW 530d xDrive LCI:

€54.680,00 BMW 530d xDrive LCI F10

Included in the M Sports package

€0,00 8-speed Sport automatic transmission (automatic gearbox is standard)

€5.200,00 M Sports package

€980,00 Carbon Black metallic
€1.300,00 19" M Double-spoke style 351M alloy wheels
€0,00 Aluminium Hexagon interior trim
€1290,00 Black Dakota leather
€0,00 Headlining, Anthracite
€0,00 Exterior trim, High-gloss Shadowline
€1.630,00 Comfort seats, front
€0,00 M Aerodynamics package
€0,00 M Steering Wheel

€3.300 Navigation package ConnectedDrive

€0,00 Remote Services
€0,00 Concierge services
€0,00 Real Time Traffic Information
€0,00 Navigation system - BMW Professional
€0,00 ConnectedDrive Services
€0,00 Enhanced Bluetooth telephone with USB & Voice control

€2.000,00 Innovation package II

€0,00 Driving Assistant
€1.390,00 Adaptive LED Headlights
€0,00 Black panel display, full
€0,00 Head-up display
€0,00 Speed limit display

€2.000,00 Comfort package

€0,00 Loudspeaker system - BMW Advanced (HiFi-Lautsprechersystem)
€470,00 Air conditioning, automatic with four-zone control
€0,00 Rear-view mirror, auto dimming
€0,00 Lumbar support, driver and front passenger
€0,00 Seat heating, front
€0,00 Ambient lighting
€0,00 Park Distance Control

€350,00 Active protection
€---,-- High-beam assistant
€380,00 Sunblind - rear windscreen, electric 
€590,00 Sunblinds for side and rear windows
€3.240,00 Adaptive Drive
€480,00 Alarm system
€790,00 Comfort access
€1.250,00 Electric Glass Sunroof
€50,00 Smokers package
€390,00 Split-folding rear seats
€380,00 Seat heating, rear
€100,00 Through-loading ski bag
€0,00 TeleServices
€0,00 BMW Emergency call
€0,00 LED Fog lights, front
€0,00 Headlights wash
€0,00 Floor mats, velour
€0,00 Apps
€390,00 Exterior mirrors - folding, auto dimming
€0,00 12v power sockets

Total price in Germany: €82.120,01*

*Prices are the German prices in September 2014

Carbon Black metallic with the blue tone in the sun

Full LED Headlights

19-inch style 351M alloy wheels

M Steering wheel

Navigation system Professional & front automatic air conditioning

Black Dakota leather & Comfort seats

Sport automatic transmission

Aluminium Hexagon interior trim

Dual zone automatic air conditioning in the rear, including seat heating

Some pro's and con's on the BMW 530d xDrive LCI M Sport:

Pro:

Good interior finish

Good HiFi system

Good grip on the steering wheel

Good engine with excellent performance

Excellent 8-speed Sport automatic gearbox + nice leather at the base of the gearshift lever (opposed to the plastic part with the standard automatic transmission)

Excellent Comfort seats

Excellent 3d navigation system

Excellent full HD Headlights and high-beam assist

Con:

Bad location of the cup holders, right in front of the airconditioning

Handling of the xDrive model is more neutral then of the rear-wheel drive model

Fuel consumption in combination with the xDrive is above average, about 0,5l ~ 1,0l / 100km more then the standard 530d 

The button to open the trunk is located in an incovenient place

Storage space for personal items is scarce

Steep price

More pictures of this BMW 530d xDrive LCI M Sport can be found here, please click and scroll down.

Other BMW 5-series F10 media:

• Pictures of a Space Grey Metallic BMW 525d xDrive can be found here.
• Pictures of a Titanium Silver Metallic BMW 520d Touring can be found here. 
• Pictures of an Alpine White BMW 520d can be found here.
• Pictures of a Sophisto Grey II Metallic BMW 530d xDrive can be found here.
• Pictures of an Imperial Blue Metallic BMW 520d Touring can be found here.
• Pictures of a Black Sapphire Metallic BMW 520d Touring can be found here.

Picture update: BMW X3 xDrive20d (2012 / F25)

Late 2010 BMW introduced the new X3 F25, as a replacement for its predecessor, the first X3 (E83) that was available between 2004 and 2010.  In contrast to its predecessor, the X3 was not produced by Steyr in Austria anymore, but the production was moved to BMWs Spartanburg plant in Greer, South Carolina, in the United States. At this production plant BMW also produced its X5 and X6 models, in a move to concentrate its SUV-activities near the largest market for these vehicles (the United States).

BMW offers the X3 with a range of different petrol engines, ranging from the sDrive18d (only available with rear-wheel drive) to the xDrive35i that produces 306hp. In the summer of 2014 the X3 will receive its facelift, with minor changes made to the exterior, interior and optional equipment.

Model (Code / Model Year): BMW X3 xDrive20d (2012 / F25) Engine: four-cylinder TwinPower-Turbo diesel engine (1995cm³)   Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission Performance: 184hp / 380nm 0 to 100km/h: 8,4 sec Top speed: 210km/h (131mp/h) Weight: 1790 - 1880kg Fuel tank (US gallons): 67 liter (17,7 US gallons) Production date: August 2012
Exterior colour: Mineral Silver metallic (A14) Upholstery: Black Nevada leather (LUSW) Interior trim: Fine woodgrain interior trim 'Fineline Wave' Wheels: 17" V-spoke style 304 alloy wheels

Optional equipment on this specific car:

• Automatic Gearbox - Steptronic 8-speed (S205A)
• Servotronic Steering (S216A)
• Electronic Damper Control (EDC) (S223A)
• Multi-function controls for steering wheel (S249A)
• Sport Steering Wheel (S255A)
• Run-flat tyres (S258A)
• Performance Control (S2VGA)
• Variable sport steering (S2VLA)
• Reversing Assist camera (S3AGA)
• Roof rails, matt aluminium (S3ATA)
• X Line (S3XLA)
• Panoramic glass sunroof (S402A)
• Luggage compartment separating net (S413A)
• Floor mats, velours (S423A)
• Exterior mirrors - auto dimming (S430A)
• Interior mirror - auto dimming (S431A)
• Electric front seats + Driver Memory (S459A)
• Split-folding rear seats (S465A)
• Extended storage (S493A)
• Seat heating, front (S494A)
• Instrument panel embellishers, black (S4NGA)
• Smoker package (S4U3A)
• Headlight wash (S502A)
• Xenon Headlights (S522A)
• Park Distance Control (PDC), front and rear (S508A)
• Automatic air conditioning (S534A)
• Cruise control with brake function (S544A)
• Light package (S563A)
• Navigations system - BMW Professional Multimedia (S609A)
• BMW Assist (S612A)
• Internet, preparation (S614A)
• Expanded BMW Online Information (S615A)
• BMW Online (S616A)
• Preparation, mobile phone, Business (S633A)
• HiFi speaker system (S676A)
• BMW TeleServices (S6AAA)
• Control for Teleservices (S6ABA)
• Music interface for Smartphone (S6NFA)
• Connection Bluetooth + USB devices incl. (S6NLA)
• Apps (S6NRA)
• Navigation Professional / cellphone preperation Bluetooth (S7SPA)

Fine woodgrain interior trim 'Fineline Wave'

Electric seats with memory

Reversing assist camera with Park Distance Control

Standard seats with Black Nevada leather

Navigation system professional

8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission

Some pro's and con's on the BMW X3 xDrive20d:

Pro:

• Excellent automatic gearbox
• Good satellite navigation system with a large screen
• Bluetooth connection for both the phone and MP-3 function works perfectly
• Decent amount of space for four persons
• Large panoramic sunroof
• Considering the drag (higher position) and all-wheel drive, the fuel consumption of the 2.0 liter diesel engine is good (7.0l / 100km after 800 kilometers of mixed driving)

Con:

• Steep price
• Standard seats are "ok", but not great
• Location of the USB-connection in the center console instead of armrest, makes the car look untidy if the phone flies around the center console

Other BMW X3 F25 media:

• Video update: BMW X3 xDrive20d (2012 / F25)
• Picture folder: BMW X3 xDrive30d (2012 / F25)

Picture update: BMW X5 xDrive30d LCI (2012 / E70)

In 2006 BMW introduced its second generation X5 (in the US, in Europe in 2007), known by its BMW code "E70", and has been in production from 08/2006 till 08/2013. It was preceded by the E53 (1999 - 2006) and has succeeded by the new X5 F15 (since 2013). Production of the E70 took place in Spartanburg, United States, but kits have also been assembled in Toluca, Mexico and by Avtovor in Kaliningrad, Russia.

The BMW X5 E70 underwent a "Life Cycle Impulse" (LCI) update in 2010, which debuted at the New York Auto show in April 2010. Changes included revised styling, primarily of the front and rear bumpers, air intakes and headlights, but also included new exterior and interior colours and BMW's latest infotainment system. Apart from these changes a new range of engines was also introduced, while other engines received updates and the new 8-speed automatic gearbox was available for the X5.

In this post we take a closer look at a 2012 BMW X5 xDrive30d LCI and compare it to a pre-LCI BMW X5 3.0d, but equipped with the (optional) M-package. 

On the left a pre-LCI X5 and on the right an X5 that already has the LCI specifications, which include revised spoilers and different angel eyes (instead of beige they are white). 

Model (Code / Model Year): BMW X5 xDrive30d LCI (2012 / E70)

Engine: straight-six diesel engine (2993cm³) with variable geometry turbochargers  / engine code: N57D30OL Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission Performance: 245hp (180kW) / 540nm 0 to 100km/h: 7,6 sec Top speed: 222km/h (139mp/h) Weight: 2125–2380 kg Fuel tank (US gallons): 85 liter (22,5 US gallons) Production date: August 2008, Spartanburg USA

2012 BMW X5 xDrive30d:

Exterior colour: Alpine white (300)
Upholstery: Tobacco Nevada leather (LUF1)
Interior trim: Fine-wood trim bamboo grain dark
Wheels: 19-inch styling 223M alloy wheels (part of the M-package)

Most notable changes compared to the pre-LCI (left) are the different exhaust pipes and the introduction of the L-shaped LED-taillights.

Most notable changes in the interior is the new software and the new iDrive controller that features more buttons that take you to the respective menu. 

Optional equipment:

The optional M-package includes the following equipment:

• Interior trim fine-wood bamboo grain dark, Exterior aluminium, roof rails high-gloss aluminium, 19-inch alloys styling 223M, comfort seats with memory, anthracite headliner, M sport steering wheel (with paddle shifters), M sport bumpers, special exhaust pipes, Adaptive Drive suspension
• Alpine white exterior colour
• Tobacco Nevada leather

Tobacco Nevada leather with fine-wood trim bamboo grain dark

M-sport steering wheel with paddle shifters

19-inch styling 223M alloy wheels

Oval exhaust pipes are part of the M-package, otherwise they are only fitted to the X5 4.8i or xDrive50i (V8 petrol engines)

Sport seats come standard with the M-package, but for a small price it is possible to upgrade to comfort seats

Separate optional equipment:

• Active steering
• Adaptive Drive*
• Automatic tailgate operation
• Comfort access
• Soft-close automatic doors
• Backup camera and Top view
• Panoramic glass sunroof
• Extended storage package
• Sunblinds for side windows
• Floor mats, velours
• Exterior and interior mirrors - folding, auto-
• Rear-view mirror, auto dimming
• Smokers package
• Comfort seats with memory*
• Ski bag
• Lumbar support, driver and passenger
• Storage package
• Seat heating driver / passenger
• Seat heating, rear
• Headlight wash
• Xenon headlights
• Adaptive headlights
• Automatic air conditioning
• Auxiliary heating
• Cruise control with brake function
• Light package
• Supplementary 12v sockets
• High-beam assistant

Park Distance Control and backup camera

Park Distance Control and top view camera

• Navigation system Professional - with bluetooth preperation
• BMW Assist
• Internet, preparations
• Expanded BMW Online Information
• BMW Online
• BMW TeleServices
• USB / Audio interface
• Speed Limit Info

Navigation system Professional - satellite view

Navigation system Professional - showing traffic information, including police speed traps

• Head-up display
• Voice control
• Preparation, mobile phone, business
• HiFi System Professional DSP
• Headlining anthracite*
• Innovation package
• Comfort package

Head-up display including the speed limit info

Some pro's and con's on the BMW X5 xDrive30d LCI:

Pro:

• Refined and powerful (diesel) with an acceptable fuel consumption
• Smooth 8-speed gearbox
• Park Distance Control combined with top view camera make parking a vehicle of this size easy
• Up-to-date navigation and entertainment system
• Three passengers have enough room in the back
• Large booth

Con:

• Previous generation interior layout
• Previous generation HUD
• Smaller navigation screen compared to current generation BMWs
• Build quality is ok, but of a lesser standard then "German" BMWs

Despite its age and being of the previous generation BMWs, the X5 E70 in the later years still is a relatively modern vehicle. Continuous updates to the vehicle, for example the new soft- and hardware for the navigation system, the use of high quality backup and topview cameras and the introduction of BMW Online / Teleservices, have resulted in a product that still feels up-to-date.

However, when compared to the newer generation BMWs (7-series F01, 5-series F10) there is a notable difference, making the X5 E70 feeling somewhat outdated. The cockpit layout is still of the previous generation BMWs, the screen size is smaller then that of the current generation BMWs, the HUD only has two colors and has a lower resolution, and there is no digital speedometer. But overall the X5 E70 is still a very enjoyable car.

More pictures of this particular BMW X5 xDrive30d can be found by clicking here.

Other BMW X5 E70 media:

• Spotlight: BMW X5 3.0d (2009 / E70)
• Video update: BMW X5 xDrive30d LCI (2012 / E70)