BMW gets professional

BMW is offering buyers of its 5 series exec saloons and Touring the option of going Professional.

The new BMW 5 Series Professional Package is offered on both six-cylinder and V8-engined vehicles and is "ideally suited to the ambitious and successful executive who owns the latest laptop, the most multi-functional mobile, and the cinema-sized plasma screen" says the car maker.

Enough of the marketing waffle -- what do you get for your dollars. That depends... On what 5 Series you're planning to buy.,

All Professional Package 5 Series cars are equipped with Professional Navigation and Head-Up Display. The Professional Package also features Bluetooth phone preparation for "seamless wireless connection of mobile phone to vehicle."

In the 525i Sedan, Park Distance Control is also included, while in the 530i Sedan, Touring and 530d models, the Professional Package incorporates Comfort Access which delivers keyless entry and a dash-mounted engine start/stop button.

In the V8-engined 540i and 550i sedans, the Professional Package further adds a power sunroof (540i) and LOGIC7 sound system and Active Cruise Control (550i).

The Professional Package is priced at $2500 for six-cylinder cars and $3500 for V8 powered cars.