Interior Features

Interior Features

General







The interior has been completely redesigned with added emphasis on ergonomics, luxury and convenience. The overall increase in the wheelbase of 2.7in. and the length of 2.2in. has added to the interior room for passenger comfort.

The design of the dash is taken from the E38 with new style IHKA face vent grilles.

The multi-function steering wheel (MFL) is adopted from the E38 with controls for the radio (phone on the 540), cruise control and recirculation air button for the IHKA.

With the heated steering wheel option, the control for the heater is mounted on the MFL.

The display of driver information is concentrated in two areas as on the E38. Two different instrument clusters are used depending on the model. The power window switches are in the door panel. The central locking switch is located in the center console as on the E38.

The parking brake lever remains in the center console in keeping with the E39's sporty character.

The center armrest incorporates the recess for the mounting of the cellular phone.

Center Console

The center console contains the following:







Front Seats







Ten way adjustable, power front seats are standard on both the 528i and 540i. The design of the front seats is taken from the E38 with refined padding and contours for added support and comfort.

The 4- way power adjustable lumbar support is optional on both models with the standard seats. The lumbar support offers both firmness and height adjustments as on the E38.

The "Comfort" seat with the articulated back rest adjustment is also optional equipment on both models. This seat was introduced on the E38 and incorporates a total of 16 power adjustments including:

- Seat base - forward/backward
- Seat cushion - tilt angle
- Seat height - up/down
- Primary back rest - tilt angle
- Upper back rest - tilt angle
- Head rest - up/down
- Firmness of lumbar support
- Height of lumbar support

Both models will have the seat/mirror/steering column memory as standard equipment. The memory switch will be located in the door panel and contains three memory positions for storage of seat, mirror and steering column adjustments.

The sports package can be ordered with either manual adjustment sports seat with thigh support or the standard 10-way power seat.

Rear Seats







New to the 5 series is the "Split Folding" rear seatback option. The lockable 1/3 - 2/3 split offers increased cargo carrying capacity and includes an integrated ski bag in the right side back rest. With the folding rear seat option, the backrest of the front seats are reinforced with steel to guard against objects sliding forward in the event of a collision.

All three rear seat belts have the 3-point attachments with the automatic locking retractors for childseat use.