2004 BMW 5 Series Touring 523i 6AT RWD (177 HP)

Vehicle Overview

One year after the introduction of the 5 Series E60, BMW introduced the station version, which traditionally wore the Touring moniker.

In 2004, BMW finally came with the Touring version of the 5 Series E60. Unlike its predecessor, the E39, the new vehicle didn’t have the same factory coding number. Instead, it was called the E61. Other than that, it was the same vehicle with the same underpinnings and the same design flaws that affected sales. Moreover, the station wagon was sold in less than 300,000 units, slightly fewer than those from the previous generation, the E39. On the other hand, BMW wasn’t known for being a significant station wagon manufacturer. While its sports sedans were selling like hotcakes, these family-oriented vehicles with large trunks were not that much appreciated. But still, the German automaker had to have something to compete against the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and the A6 from Audi.

The car’s front looked unusual compared to any other BMW ever made. Its swept-back headlights resembled a pair of wings, while the circular daytime running lights were called “angel eyes.” On the lower part of the bumper, the automaker installed an apron fitted with a broad air intake that sported an upside-down trapezoidal shape, flanked by a pair of scoops for the fog lamps.

Like the previous two generations of the station wagons, the E39 and the E34, the E61 5 Series Touring shared its front parts with its sedan brother. Its aluminum hood and fenders helped the vehicle achieve a better weight distribution. Behind the B-posts, the automaker created a long roof extended behind the C-pillars and behind the rear axle. A raked forward tailgate adorned by a roof spoiler on its upper side ended the vehicle. BMW continued the idea of installing a rear window that could be opened without the rest of the tailgate to ease the loading and unloading of smaller items.

Inside, the double-bubble dashboard design was not everybody’s cup of tea. On the other hand, the one installed atop the center stack served for the iDrive infotainment unit and was easy to see by the side passenger. Furthermore, the system’s controller unit, a rotary dial placed on the center console, allowed both front occupants to select their favorite music or to set the navigation. In the back, a split-folding bench seat allowed customers to increase the trunk space from the usual 500 liters (17.7 cu-ft) to a respectable 1,650 liters (58.3 cu-ft).

Under the hood, the automaker installed a wide range of engines, either gasoline or turbodiesel. Regardless of the option, customers could pair them with a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. Power was sent to the rear axle or in all corners for the xDrive versions.