2005 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews Page 3

BMW

Written by: jambo on 12/01/2005

Vehicle

2005 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Great looks. Power is decent. The only issues I have are the tire wear (sport package) and way too many rattles in the interior. Prefer standard dash contols over the iDrive.

Favorite Features

Smooth transmission and solid feeling

Suggested Improvements

IDrive should be optional. Better build on interior components to prevent rattles.

0 out 2 people found this review helpful

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From 7-series to 545

Written by: tom on 10/18/2005

Vehicle

2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)

Review

Following 3 7-series BMWs (2 740s and a 745) I find this 545 to be a much more enjoyable car to drive. With Sport Package, road feel and handling are both outstanding, although I am not a fan of the Active Steering. The interior is at least as comfortable as the 7-series and acceleration is superior. Plenty of room for 4 large adults, icluding sufficient leg room in rear, but 5 adults should only ride for short distances.

Favorite Features

Again, with the Sport Package, the handling and road feel are outstanding. More than enough power for acceleration from standing or when accelerating from 70 MPH to 90 MPH.

Suggested Improvements

Give me an option to the iDrive, please. Even after a 745, I still object to having to go through such machinations to change radio channels.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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NIGHTMARE VEHICLE

Written by: T Rodriguez on 10/08/2005

Vehicle

2005 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This is my first BMW purchase and it has been a nightmare from day 1. The iDrive has caused problems, the steering rack had to be replaced at 6,000 miles, the run flat tire sensor continually shows up whether I have a flat tire or not. BMW is unwilling to take this vehicle back. They stated that the car has ONLY been in the shop 20 times, which is not enough according to their standards. NEVER again I will purchase a BMW!!!

Favorite Features

Handles nice, drives nice. Electronics are a nightmare!

Suggested Improvements

Get rid of the iDrive system!

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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From CL55 to BMW 545

Written by: Phil on 08/22/2005

Vehicle

2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)

Review

Having come out of a CL 55 Merc. I found the BM only slightly slower. The BM's road holding is better, however its economy is the same as the 500bhp merc. The BM is a boring drive but I can live with that. I miss my TV and seat heating.

Favorite Features

Handling

Suggested Improvements

Seat heaters, throw away the I drive give us more buttons to brighten up the Cabin. Improve the exhaust note to at least a growl. You want to hear a 4.5 V8 growl.

1 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Great Car

Written by: mapin3d@comcast.net on 08/20/2005

Vehicle

2005 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Great car. Quite a few features that make this car exceptionally fun to drive. Handles nicely hugging the road with complete confidence, very responsive, quiet interior. Overall this car meets most of ones expectations of a mid sized BMW although it is slightly underpowered for its size. At 225 HP it is sometimes not quite as responsive off the line. Although once at cruising speeds, just a slight tap on the accelerator produces quick and confident acceleration. Interior is nicely appointed and not overdone.

Favorite Features

Steptronics gear box, interior design, exterior body design although it took a little time to get use to.

Suggested Improvements

Needs more overall HP and low end torque for quicker acceleration. For those seeking more HP, without having to purchase a new vehicle you might want to consider aftermarket engine/ cold air intake modifications to boost performance.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Very Happy With This Vehicle

Written by: Jim White on 07/31/2005

Vehicle

2005 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I happened to really like both the interior and exterior styling and notice many who when I go into another lane check the car out as I pass on the highway. I had a Cadillac DTS prior to this and a Seville STS before that, neither car compared. I receive compliments from people I don"t know all the time, had two today, that makes you feel good as well. As was the case with the review writtten in this article SOME find the idrive system complicated, I don't. It took a little to get used to but it does so much, I don't know how it would have been simplified and still do as much. I ordered the car with PDC, Park Distance Control, don't overlook GPS! Both are exceptional!!

Favorite Features

The PDC and GPS get top marks. Acura has a very good GPS (quality of maps, ease of use as well as versatility) I like BMW's next better than Lexusl. I like the PDC as the acuracy of the sensors is great. It covers a bit around the corners of the vehicle and is audible as well as visual.

Suggested Improvements

I don't like the location for the heated steering wheel switch and I would like to be able to decide when the headlights are washed, not the car doing it every so often when I wash the windshield.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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A Joy To Ride

Written by: mark on 07/29/2005

Vehicle

2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)

Review

Bought the 545 with SMG/ Sports package sight unseen on the recommendation of the salesman - glad I did. This car is an absolute joy to drive - I do ~60 miles each day and it's a pleasure.

Favorite Features

acceleration, power and handling

Suggested Improvements

plug and play ipod, ability for 04 models to use bluetooth

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Fun Car

Written by: gene on 07/29/2005

Vehicle

2005 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 6M)

Review

My first BMW and I love it. I did have the car in the shop 3 times. 1st exhaust sensor went out. 2nd the car had to be towed to the shop...bad oil pressure sensor... I decided to trade-in for LEXUS reliability but after I test drove LEXUS I decided to keep my BMW. I just can't give-up the BMW performance... and I still have the warranty.

Favorite Features

performance

Suggested Improvements

cup holders, simplify electronics, need more storage.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Solid Performer

Written by: Dave on 07/15/2005

Vehicle

2005 BMW 5 Series 545i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I traded an '04 Mercedes e500 for the 545 and am happy with the decision. The 545 is sportier, a bit quicker and grippier on the roads. I have to say, I think the Benz has a few things over my 545 - interior and exterior design primarilly, though the "Banglisms" (designer) on this car are growing on me...

Favorite Features

Bluetooth - if you have a bluetooth phone, you have to get connected with this feature. The most under-promoted, awesome feature aside from the car's engine itself! Justifies the iDrive -

Suggested Improvements

Cupholders - sounds petty, but they could not have been designed more poorly by my 14-month old... Horrible and a source of frustration as cans wooble, bottled water doesn't fit and coffee is a non-option.

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A car you'll always remember

Written by: Bob on 07/13/2005

Vehicle

2005 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

A total kick every time I get behind the wheel. The quality of the car and driving experience make this car worth every penny. Everyone should own one at least once. I felt the 330i was a little small, while the 530i was a perfect fit for my life style. Treat yourself........

Favorite Features

The car sticks to the road like its on rails, especially going into turns. I love the iDrive and bluetooth integration.

Suggested Improvements

A better mic for blue tooth communication would help, but hands free phone communication is an excellent safety feature. Having my iPod integrate with the sound system would be a plus. It is really hard to find fault with a car like this.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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