Press Release on New X5 from BMWUSA
 

BMW Manufacturing Launches New X5

• 23.03.2010
• Press Release

New Model includes 4,000 new parts
Spartanburg, S.C. – March 23, 2010… More dynamic, efficient, and luxurious than ever, the new BMW X5 continues to strengthen its leading position within the four-wheel drive, premium vehicle segment. The new BMW X5 has a fresh new look and features new engines, drive trains, and thousands of new parts. The associates at BMW Manufacturing have been planning the launch of this new model for over 18 months, which involves nearly 4,000 new parts.
Since launching the original BMW X5 in 1999, this new model X5, the fourth generation, features a completely revised range of engines, standard eight-speed automatic transmission and innovative driver assistance systems that ensure the driving pleasure of the new X5 offers even greater fascination. The production launch of this new model occurred as a digital changeover within Plant Spartanburg, meaning that production associates learned new vehicle processes alongside existing processes and parts were seamlessly transferred into the new model X5. This changeover took place over a single weekend, with no ramp-down of the 2010 model on March 19 and no ramp-up of the 2011 model on March 22.
“The new model X5 features exterior design changes including new front and rear bumpers, new front fenders, new headlights and new tail lights. This adaptation significantly enhances the presence of the new X5, making it look fresher and more elegant,” said Bobby Hitt, Department Manager for Corporate Affairs, BMW Manufacturing Co. “In spite of significantly improved performance, thanks to BMW EfficientDynamics, fuel consumption and emission levels are lower by up to 10%.”

“One of the most significant changes for our plant was the introduction of a completely new range of gasoline and diesel engines. Almost every new X5 is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. Further, each new drive train offers a new transfer case, new front and rear differentials, and new drive shafts,” states Craig Westbrook, BMW Manufacturing’s Project Manager for the New Model X5.
With the addition of BMW ConnectedDrive and new driver assistance systems, several new safety features come standard on the new BMW X5. The Lane Departure Warning feature alerts the driver to unintentional drifting from the roadway by sending a vibration through the steering wheel. Side View cameras integrated into the front of the car allow the driver to see traffic coming from the left or right. Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function ensures that the selected distance from the vehicle ahead is maintained; the system will slow the car down and even come to a complete stop – without the driver ever touching the brake pedal.

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MOAR pics!!!

Cool. :thumbup:

awesome!!

Are those wheels going to be a low-cost option or are they like the 215s, which run $6000?

+1,

thanks.

More pictures pls?

4000 new parts. New drive trains. It will be just like any other first year model. Early adopters should be aware of what they are getting into.

For years I thought she was only a myth, but this photo is proof that she does in fact exist. This is Rhonda. She is responsible for making 100% certain that every finished BMW X5 bound for the USA is stripped of all the coolest options (Individual program options, active seat for passenger, fire extinguisher, warning triangle, first aid kit, etc)

Rhonda's job also includes making sure that a not so insignificant percentage of X5s (proudly made in the US) will have at least one major manufacturing defect, like DEF lines NOT connected to the corresponding tank, or DEF tanks NOT filled with DEF, or battery drainage issues that BMW will blame on driver habits, or audio system issues that BMW will blame on the driver's cell phone choice, or inexplicable auto-opening of all windows and sunroof that BMW blames on drivers keeping the key fob in their pocket or too close to the parked car, or significant blemishes/holes/cuts on door panels of cars shipped fresh from the factory (this one BMW does not know how to blame customers for yet, but they're working on it). Judging by the number of posts about such complaints, Rhonda must me working 24/7, everyday of the year and she's doing a heck of a job!