BMW 5-Series advances with touches of the 7

True to its word, BMW is bringing styling and technology cues from the redone 2003 7-Series to the rest of its product line.

The first to show up in the U.S. with some of the 7-Series’ controversial touches, including the raised trunk lid and fish-fin trim piece on the rooftop, is the 2004 5-Series, which will be introduced this fall.

The new 5-Series cars also will use BMW’s joystick-controlled I-Drive system that lets the driver or front-seat passenger control most of the climate, entertainment and on-board information systems with a center console shaped like an oversized soda bottle cap.

BMW says the 5-Series cars will come with a choice of two inline 6-cylinder engines -- a 184 horsepower, 2.5-liter version in the 525i model, and a 225 horsepower, 3.0 liter in the 530i model -- as well as a 325-horsepower, 4.4-liter 8-cylinder engine in the 545i.

The models will be available with the choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with BMW’s Steptronic gear selection mode.

The 5s will have an all-aluminum chassis and suspension and a steel and aluminum body for a lighter car, which in turn improves fuel economy and handling characteristics.