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BMW 5 Series (Car & Motorcycle Marque/Model)
 
 
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BMW 5 Series (Car & Motorcycle Marque/Model) (Hardcover)

by Marc Cranswick (Author) "One cannot even begin to comprehend the base from which BMW rose after the end of the Second World War..." (more)
Key Phrases: kidney grille, cylinder saloons, engine management computer, North America, West Germany, Bosch Motronic (more...)
3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)


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Editorial Reviews

Review
Review from Classic Car Weekly, February 2007 (UK magazine)

If Fords and Minis aren't your thing but BMWs push the right buttons, then Marc Cranswick's history of the legendary 5 Series is a must read. To some of you, the words 'five' and ‘series' may conjure images of a modern BMW, but in fact, the first one came out in 1972. Most of the early models are rare sights these days but it won't take long to source an Eighties M535i in the CCW classifieds – for a bargain price too.

Back in the Seventies BMW launched the 5 Series to challenge Daimler-Benz with its MB 25012805 and 280SL coupe. Since then, it has evolved and continues to be a sought-after saloon, with the bonkers M5 remaining an ultimate driver's car. Each model is covered in the 192 pages of 5 trivia, including the later E39 shape, which isn't regarded as a classic now, but no doubt the mind blowing M5 version will grace the pages of CCW in a few years.

The lack of sub headings can be challenging when you're trying to source specific pieces of text but on the other hand, Marc has been very thorough with the research, and his knowledge will turn you into a 5 buff in no time.




Classic Car Weekly, February 2007, UK Magazine

If Fords and Minis aren't your thing but BMWs push the right buttons, then Marc Cranswick's history of the legendary 5 Series is a must-read. To some of you, the words 'five' and ‘series' may conjure images of a modern BMW, but in fact, the first one came out in 1972. Most of the early models are rare sights these days but it won't take long to source an Eighties M535i in the Classic Car Weekly classifieds – for a bargain price too.

Back in the Seventies BMW launched the 5 Series to challenge Daimler-Benz with its MB 25012805 and 280SL coupe. Since then, it has evolved and continues to be a sought-after saloon, with the bonkers M5 remaining an ultimate driver's car. Each model is covered in the 192 pages of 5 trivia, including the later E39 shape, which isn't regarded as a classic now, but no doubt the mind blowing M5 version will grace the pages of Classic Car Weekly in a few years.

The lack of sub-headings can be challenging when you're trying to source specific pieces of text but on the other hand, Marc has been very thorough with the research, and his knowledge will turn you into a '5' buff in no time.


Product Description
Follow BMW's backbone, mid-range sport luxury sedan through four decades of change. The author has included historical events, design changes, and reasons behind its development. It includes 1500, e12, e28, e34, e39 series, and technological and economic strategies employed to access American markets. It also covers touring (station wagon) variants.

Product Details

  • Hardcover: 192 pages
  • Publisher: Veloce Publishing (October 21, 2002)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1903706181
  • ISBN-13: 978-1903706183
  • Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.4 x 0.7 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
  • Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,329,401 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

8 Reviews
5 star:
 (1)
4 star:
 (4)
3 star:
 (1)
2 star:
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Average Customer Review
3.5 out of 5 stars (8 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent detail, yet easy to read and great photos., October 3, 2002
By A Customer
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.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Describing the ultimate driving machine, January 26, 2004
By Eddie (Lake Crystal, MN) - See all my reviews
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.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Cool book, June 12, 2004
By Alex Tracy (Barre VT) - See all my reviews
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.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars Enthusiasts only
Whilst this book is a must have for any BMW fünf-er enthusiast, I cannot recommended it for anyone else. Read more
Published on August 30, 2006 by GregS

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Book For Overall History, So So Pictures
...good book for overall history on the 5-series...so so pictures...

...if you like bmw 'm' cars, bmw itself published a lavish 30-year anniversary book detailing all aspects of... Read more

Published on December 4, 2003 by EarthJava

4.0 out of 5 stars 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... Read more
Published on June 27, 2003 by Michael Erisman

4.0 out of 5 stars 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. Read more
Published on May 17, 2003

2.0 out of 5 stars Quite A Disappointment Especially For e39 M5 Fans
this book was quite a disappointment. the information is all here, but the photo selection and quality are decidedly 'low-budget. Read more
Published on May 15, 2003

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