By Oscarcat on 03/22/08 09:55 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
2006 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
The 530i is the most balanced of the 5 series meaning good performance & the ability to get good fuel economy. Sports suspension is a case where less is more. These cars already handle well, sports suspension makes the ride stiff. Bolsters on the sports seats makes entry and exit more difficult. (Sports suspension is distinguished by the black trim above the windows, 7 spoke wheels and contoured frt seat bolsters.) Early pdn '06 530s had traditional key start; later models had push button start/stop. IDrive: basic music and HVAC functions can be handled by dash controls; complex functions by iDrive. IDrive may not be good for occasional drivers who could be distracted by it. Fun car!
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By Bill Richter on 02/12/08 22:31 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2006 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
I'll start with the positive: the car is fun to drive. Now the negatives: There are several fatal design flaws that make ownership a real pain. For example, the six disk changers cartridge is at the back of the glove box and only accessible from the passenger seat (with all the glove box contents emptied). The center consoles is hard to access, provides limited space and lacks a power outlet or ipod connection. Unexplainably, there are two power outlets for the back seat passengers. idrive is useless. For a simply function, like shifting the air vent from the dash to the feet, it takes a dozen clicks. The 3 series is a classic and the 7 is luxury, but the 5 is downright useless.
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By LiftThis on 07/03/07 16:06 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
2006 BMW 5 Series 550i 4dr Sedan (4.8L 8cyl 6M)
Review
Ya know how you never buy a 1.0 release of software. Consider that for a car. While the dealership was wonderful, and we would definitely buy a car from them again, it took several trips back and forth to the dealership to work out some of the bugs in the cars firmware. Once that was fixed, WOW! I love this car. It's faster, handles better than my 2001 Porche 911 cabrio, and is quite the sleeper. I have also driven a 2005 E55 Mercedes Benz AMG, and I will take my 550 any day. The handling and braking are superb. Most folks won't be disappointed in the acceleration either. After a few M3s and Porsches, as a car lover, I can tell you that I love this car.
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By frankie on 04/15/07 12:04 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
This car is one of the best on the market. I love having my comfort access system in the winter because I can turn my car on and have it be warm when I get in it. Or you can just have a smart key, it opens the trunk, locks and unlocks the doors. The only thing it doesn't do that comfort access does is start the engine when you are not in the car. The handling on this car is awesome. My sister has a 525xi and it slips very rarely. The added horespower on the 530xi is worth it if you get stuck. If you have one or two kids then maybe you should get it for your wife but when they want to have friends in the car it gets kind of cramped. But for a working man it is perfect. Bluetooth is great.
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By Andy on 01/22/07 16:22 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2006 BMW 5 Series 525xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
The car is one of the most sure footed cars I have ever driven. I have two concerns - first there is a rattle in the back deck that the dealer fixed for a few day - it will be going back and second is the radio. I can't believe the tinny distorted sound I get from the radio. I brought it back to the deal and was told it was working as designed and I can't upgrade it. Looks like aftermarked to fix it. Listen well to the radio before you buy.
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By Patrick Bond on 01/22/07 13:42 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2006 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
I just recently purchased the 2006 BMW 530i from a dealer in Phoenix drove it back to Canada and the whole time I was driving it I never was once bored. Two and a half days of straight driving and I wish I were still driving it. Driving through the mountains was great - it handled the turns perfectly. I love this vehicle.
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By Kenneth Taylor on 01/19/07 07:56 AM (PST)
Vehicle
2006 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
I have owned 2 Maximas and 1 Pathfinder since I have been purchasing vehicles. Now that I finally earned enough money to purchase a BMW I cannot ever drive any other vehicle. The 530i is the most pleasurable vehicle I have ever driven. The interior and exterior quality far exceed any other vehicle I've ever driven. The new 530i design will withstand the test of time as far as style. Loving it, with no regrets on the money spent.
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By Bama on 12/28/06 14:33 PM (PST)
Vehicle
2006 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
If you are into cars, you owe it to yourself to own a BMW 5 series. The technology is seemingly endless. One can set the temperature to cool off the car 30 minutes before you are scheduled to drive off. It has a motion detector as part of the anti-theft system. How about being able to check the oil from inside electronically? It is a little pricey but if you can afford just a little more, don't hesitate. The iDrive actually becomes intuitive after a while. With so many ways to set the personal settings, the iDrive is a necessity. Don't let it turn you off.
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful
By Ross on 12/26/06 01:31 AM (PST)
Vehicle
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
Great driving car, and very handsome. Gives a lot of confidence when driving in bad weather.
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By Arth on 11/21/06 05:43 AM (PST)
Vehicle
2006 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
By far the best vehicle I have ever owned. Fast, reliable, and fun to drive.
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