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BMW's midsize car gets available all-wheel drive, a wagon body style, and more powerful 6- and 8-cylinder engines for 2006. The lineup consists of 525i and 530i sedans, an all-wheel-drive 525xi sedan, AWD 530xi sedans and wagons, and the 550i sedan. The 525 models swap a 184-hp 2.5-liter inline 6 for a 215-hp 3.0; the 3.0 in 530 models gain 30 hp to 255. The new V8 model is the 550i with a 360-hp 4.8-liter; it replaces the 545i, which had a 325-hp 4.4. Six-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions are available for all models. Optional on the 530i and 550i is BMW's 6-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox. This sequential manual transmission (SMT) is essentially a manual transmission without a clutch pedal. Gear changes are via a floor shifter or steering-wheel paddles; it can also be set to shift like an automatic.

Standard features include ABS, antiskid/traction control, front side airbags, and front and rear head-protecting tubular side airbags. Rear torso side airbags are optional. Also standard are BMW Assist emergency and concierge service and a tire-pressure monitor. All models have BMW's iDrive, which uses a console "joystick" knob to control entertainment, navigation, communication, and climate functions. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard, with 18s optional on 530s and the 550i.

Options include a sport suspension teamed with run-flat tires, BMW's Active Roll Stabilization designed to counteract body lean, and BMW's Active Steering that electronically varies steering ratio and assist. Also available are head-up instrument display, satellite radio, and adaptive cruise control designed to maintain a set following distance. A Navigation system, front and rear obstacle detection, heated front and rear seats, and xenon headlights are also optional features.

Also for 2006, a high-performance M5 returns to the lineup. It has a 500-hp V10, 7-speed SMT, unique sport suspension tuning, and 19-inch tires. At FleetRates.com, we pride ourselves on being able to provide our clients with the best prices on BMW 5-Series nationwide.