BMW 5 Series

by Marc Cranswick

A history, including motorsport, of the BMW 5 series executive cars. The text chronicles the series' the evolution - through changing design and specification - and marketing of the mid-range BMW... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1903706181
• ISBN13: 9781903706183
• Release Date: October 2002
• Publisher: Veloce Publishing
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 2.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 8.4" x 10.2"

Customer Reviews

Cool book

Has the best coverage of the eta 528e, an e28 I happen to own. Unlike the James Taylor book which is mostly b/w, this one is almost full color. There's an X5 shown with Stars & Stripes paint scheme, nice work.

Describing the ultimate driving machine

I have been a long time 3 series fan, right back to the days of the e21, but after buying a 2002 530i I have started taking more interest in 5 series models. It was this move that caused me to buy this title. Echoing the views of the person from Denver the book would be better if it adhered to model chronology more closely. However, I found the coverage of my 530i, and the various 5 series versions in general to be good. The book doesn't favor one model generation over another. In some books they tend to be pro younger models, but this title seems to give each its fair due. In addition there are some very nice e39 color pictures, including exotic Alpina e39s. In conclusion a nice book which confirmed my belief that these cars are indeed the ultimate driving machines.

Great book, although not quite complete.

I recently purchased a "classic" 5 series BMW. I love the older style of the E-12 and the E-28 models to the all-too-common look of recent 5 series, which look way too much like Toyota Camry's. "Not that there is anything wrong with that"! (an homage to the millions of Camry owners). So, I had great interest in this book as a recent convert to the marquee.Sadly, there was no mention of my particular model, the US 1987 535is. Despite this disappointment, the book is excellent and the photos of rare and European models not often seen here in the States are wonderful. The text is also quite interesting as were the unexpected photos of US cars like the Camero and the Pacer, shown as examples of what was "also" being produced in those years.My only complaint about the book is that it is not laid out quite right. While loosely chronological, the book does skip around a bit, and would be improved greatly by back-to-back photos of all 5 series models to show the change and development of the series over the last 30 years. Also rarely mentioned was the precursor to the 5 series model - the Bavaria. Like all things BMW, the book is more expensive than it needs to be. Nonetheless, a good book for the enthusiast.

Thoughtful account of 5 series history

A well researched and written book on the history of the e12, e28, e34 & e39 5 series generations. Some interesting new facts revealed by this title. The good coverage of US spec 5 series models made a refreshing change from the usual UK publications. Pricey, but worth a look.

Excellent detail, yet easy to read and great photos.

This excellent book provides a very detailed history of BMW's 5 Series from its initial design to the current model - the E39. 192 pages and around 200 photos - most of them in colour. The text is very complete, yet the author's style makes it a delight to read through. Particular attention has been paid to BMW's turbo-diesel engines, including the latest generation of common-rail engines and the magnificent 530d.The author displays exceptional technical knowledge and highlights the salient points. I was very disappointed by James Taylor's "BMW 5 Series - the complete story", but Mr Cranswick's latest work is well worth getting, in spite of the fairly high purchase price.