2005 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews Page 9

A Pleasure to Drive

Written by: Jon Goldman on 01/10/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

Silver grey color looks great. Took a few weeks to become comfortable with iDrive, but easier to master than I thought it would be. First two months with over 4,000 miles and no quality or operational glitches whatsoever. Wife has '03 525 that we have had great fun with. Seats in wife's car much more comfortable, but otherwise she would rather drive mine and so would I.

Favorite Features

Terrific suspension and transmission. Quiet cabin. High quality build. Adaptable Xenon headlamps a fine feature. Had many favorable comments about styling.

Suggested Improvements

Return to'03 seat design and put temperature gauge back on dashboard. Too much fancy computer stuff - this is great car that doesn't need the fluff.

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Best Vehicle I've Ever Owned

Written by: Michael in Florida on 01/07/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

I've owned Mercedes, Lexus, Cadillac, Audi, Porshe, to name a few, but never had a BMW until I bought the new 525i 8 weeks ago. I was, and continue to be, totally awed by the vehicle. This is a well-built, eye-catching and unbelievably performing machine in every way. The styling is unparalleled; the interior is roomy and erognomically satisfying; the trunk is spacious and can hold 4 sets of golf clubs; the horsepower is deceiving, only 184, but it responds assertively and appropriately to any demand I place on it. I recommend the xenon package with adaptive headlights, the premium package, and the satellite radio. Great surprise and highly satisfying - best of over 40 cars I've owned.

Favorite Features

Styling, roominess, ergonomics, ride and handling, technology, drivability, smoothness, comfortable seating for 5.

Suggested Improvements

Take vent setting out of I-drive and enable driver to select settings without having to go into the I-drive.

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BMW is the only car for me

Written by: Mike on 01/06/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

This is my 11th or so BMW. Last was the 1999 528i which I loved. At first, didn't like the direction of the new styling, but at least it is not as gaudy as the 7 Series. Forget Audi A6 and Mercedes E class. There is no drive like this one and it gets better all the time. The new sports trans is really nice. I basically drive in that and use regular drive like an overdrive on the highway. There is no ride like the the BMW, the ultimate driving machine.

Favorite Features

Ride, standard stereo is like driving in a concert hall. Mileage is also surprisingly good.

Suggested Improvements

Throw in satellite radio, or make it more affordable. Cupholders are really a disappointment, need better armrest storage. Need a place to stick my cell phone. Also, how about headphone jacks in the dash when passengers sleeping. Make backseat fold down standard.

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Fun to Drive

Written by: ffarnesi on 01/05/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

The 530i is a fantastic car to drive. iDrive takes some time to learn but spend the time in learning at the front end and you will eliminate the frustrations. Handling is wonderful, pick up is great, and I personally like the styling. I can't say enough about this car.

Favorite Features

Handling and styling

Suggested Improvements

The middle compartment has a section for a phone, which is wasted space if you don't have a phone. They should take it out. There is no space to hold change. They should incorporate this in the console. You e-pass might not work in all tolls around the country.

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Fun Vehicle

Written by: Coaster on 01/04/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

Only drawback is accepting the i drive each time you start the car, Its a pain in the butt. I know the system, took a little time to learn but You should have the right to adjust its features, more than they allow.

Favorite Features

Seating and drivability, it is a joy to travel.

Suggested Improvements

Allow owner input on the way the I drive computer should work for that individual. I will sign and not hold BMW accountable.

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Check that steering wheel.

Written by: Mark II on 12/30/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

This is my second 5-series unit. It's very impressive - quite a jump from its immediate predecessor - both in technology and design. Great car!

Favorite Features

Plenty! - I like its sporty exterior design, iDrive, engine and stopping responsiveness, great handling aided by active steering, overall car intelligence, comfortable seating, the many thoughtful design details - and most of all, the smooth suspension.

Suggested Improvements

The steering wheel aligns with the convex dashboard, tilting outward towards the door. This is very annoying and could be tiring on a long drive. I miss my old 523 with its steering wheel facing the driver flat. My dealer says they can't - but I hope BMW can do something about this.

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love it

Written by: smack on 12/29/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

Test drove Mercedes E320 and BMW 520 at least three times each. The BMW had a better suspension, more responsive engine, smoother acceleration and overall much more fun to drive than the E320. The Mercedes was slow to respond during acceleration, required too many RPM's to move the car and shifting was not smooth. The E320 has a more elegant exterior, but felt like nothing more than a pretty version of a toyota.

Favorite Features

Engine performance and suspension.

Suggested Improvements

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Not what it used to be...

Written by: JWestley on 12/25/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

I am not impressed with this car at all. I leased it even against my own instincts. I was trying to decide between BMW and Mercedes. Even though Mercedes had one heck of a deal, I opted for a younger, more exciting look, but the car has been everything, but... I think BMW needs to go back to the drawing board and redo this model. Otherwise in 24 months, I will not be shopping for this car.

Favorite Features

Still looking for them...

Suggested Improvements

Spacing, dashboard, more power to the engine. I think this may be a testament to the adage "if it ain't broken, don't fix it".

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Elegant Muscle

Written by: bugatti46 on 12/23/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

Last car a 2000 540, this car is larger and more feature packed. Maybe not a good thing. idrive is easy after a couple of minutes if you have a handful of common sense.

Favorite Features

Controls are easy, comfort and power are off the charts.

Suggested Improvements

tame the exterior and fight the urge to "GORP" up the car with all the "bells and whistles" BMW drivers are more Spartan than you think.

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Another Beemer Success

Written by: L. Rogoway on 12/22/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

This is the third 5 series we have picked up and driven in Europe. Our previous 5 was a 1997 540i, a dynamite aggressive vehicle. This 530i, while having a less powerful engine is similarly aggressive in due partly to the six speed automatic transmission. It is quick from the get-go while being very miserly in fuel consumption. We absolutely love the i-drive and seriously disagree with those who criticize it. It sure beats hunting for which button to push on the dashboard to change something.

Favorite Features

The comfort seats, the ease of using the i-drive features after a fairly short learning curve and the smoothness of the six speed automatic transmission.

Suggested Improvements

The outside mirror control switch. It would help if it was changed to a three position switch with the middle position being the "off" position.

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