BMW hikes 2008 5 Series prices modestly: $45,075, $50,175, $59,275

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BMW’s 2008 5 Series models carry price tags 1%-3% higher, factoring in the now-standard Steptronic automatic. A 535i with the premium, sport, and cold weather packages lists at $56,600. (Bill Howard photo)
Bill Howard, BMW CCA
April 6, 2007</p> What’s this, a price cut on a new BMW? While base prices are up a couple hundred dollars on the just-announced and slightly reworked 2008 5 Series that went into production in March, the base price now includes the six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission that was a $1,275 option (except the 550i where it was already a no-cost offering).
Base prices including $775 freight, itself up $80, are $45,075 for the entry 528i (replacing the 525i), $50,175 for the twin-turbo 535i (replacing the 530i), and $59,275 for the 550i. Add $2,200 for all-wheel drive (528i, 535i) or $4,600 for the AWD 535i sports wagon.
For the entry 5 Series, that’s an increase of 2% or $880, but if you factor in Steptronic, it’s $395 or 1% less. And BMW says performance of the new 528i equals the outgoing 530i, which listed at $49,170 with freight and Steptronic. The midrange 535i is up 4% or $1,980 (1% or $705 factoring in Steptronic), but its horsepower jumps from 255 to 300. Fear not: The six-speed manual transmission is still available (for the same price) across the 5 Series line. The much-maligned sequential manual gearbox (SMG) is a goner now, replaced by a sport automatic transmission on all but the 528i, for another $500. Since few BMWs are available without the premium package (leather upholstery, lumbar support, better folding and dimming mirrors, garage door opener), the cheapest 5 Series you’re likely to see is a Premium Package 528i at $47,375 list, or $48,125 with the Cold Weather Package (heated seats, heated steering wheel, headlamp washers) that’s common in northern states.


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