2006 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews

Nice blend of sporty and practical

Written by: ATLplayax on 07/04/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I originally bought the 530 when my daughter was born (traded in my 04 Infiniti G35 coupe). I needed a car that was sporty but could also be used as a family vehicle, the 530 did not disappoint. This is my second 530, the first was an 05 which was totaled in an accident, I was so impressed with the way the BMW safety that I bought the 06 530 to replace it. This car is awesome, the BMW free maintenance that comes with the car is also amazing since any issue within the first 50000 miles are covered at no out of pocket cost, including the cost of the loaner car. I have had a lot of issues with break squeaking and brake dust, BMW needs to address this.

Favorite Features

Handsfree bluetooth phone integration through speakers, iPod hookup,way the front of the car looks at night with the lights. Cornering, solid feel, quality of interior materials (besides cup holder).

Suggested Improvements

Navigation system is not as good as on my Infiniti, not intuitive. Cup holder is inferior for such a classy vehicle. Brakes (fix brake noise). Convenience package should be standard. Premium gas - need to reengineer future vehicles to use regular run flat tires are too noisy.

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Dissapointing 524i

Written by: Ben Bimmer on 07/02/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This car first and foremost is weak. It is a big car with no wow factor. Do not purchase premium package because you'll get bored quickly. There is no exhilaration factor, nothing that stands out except good steering. The weird curves on this car make it somewhat confusing when backing up as it is very bloated. Electronic throttle makes the car seem not connected with the driver, there seems to be a delay. The looks are not impressive, I thought this was a car and not a spaceship. This car is a huge disappointment as I have compared it to my brothers 2001 BMW 525i which looks better and somehow feels more reliable and nicer to drive, has some more oomph to it. Do not be fooled.

Favorite Features

Steering feel is decent with the prem. package, safety features, good for trips and highway driving.

Suggested Improvements

Weak stereo, better design, loose the bloated look, give us something decent in terms of power. Fix front seat - they look and feel cheap. No more iDrive. No more run-flats. Make the car a bit more sporty, feels more like a luxury car and change interior completely, it's horribly constructed.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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530xi review

Written by: Deke on 06/04/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This car is the best performing automobile that I've ever owned. With that being said, it is the worst car ergonomically that I've ever seen. The iDrive system is a total disaster. Just trying to change the heat/AC is actually dangerous when driving because you must use the isDrive to do it! Almost all setting on this car must be changed through the iDrive which is very finicky.

Favorite Features

Heated steering wheel and lane change signal indicaters are great.

Suggested Improvements

Trash the iDrive all together

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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1st time BMW owner-bad experience

Written by: Jeniffer on 05/25/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

My husband bought this car for my 40th birthday, this was a bad gift. I've had my car in the shop 23 times, multiple times for brakes and wheels/tires. The car has been in the shop 5 times in the last two and half months. I will never buy another BMW. I want to be able to get in my car and drive without wondering if my caliper will fall off.

Favorite Features

Performance when not in the shop

Suggested Improvements

Improve tire sensors to tell you which tire is flat or low. Brakes sqeak too much.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Loving It

Written by: Phil on 05/20/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW 5 Series 550i 4dr Sedan (4.8L 8cyl 6M)

Review

Great car! Powerful, fast and fun, yet refined. I can sum up driving this car in one word: confidence! This is a car for persons who love to drive and to feel the car interact with the road (as opposed to being shielded from it). The iDrive is fine (even helpful) once you get the hang of it. Try it, you'll like it.

Favorite Features

Blowing away "sports cars" and the look of the other driver's face after you do it. This baby rocks!

Suggested Improvements

The iDrive is too complcated-- there must be an easier way. Cup holders are bad! No sunglass holder! Comfort Access feature should be standard.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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A Car for the Enthusiast!

Written by: Cosmo on 04/04/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Some people purchase cars strictly to get from point A to point B, I am not one of those people. I have always been a car enthusiast, and the 1st time I drove a BMW, I got a rush similar to the moto-cross racing days of my youth. What a machine! The sweet sound of a BMW in-line six approaching the red line is unmatched by any other manufacturer. I test drove Lexus, Mercedes, Infiniti, Audi, all fine cars, but they just don't have the BMW "tight" feel as you carve through corners and rip down the highway.These cars feel solid and planted to the road. The iDrive system is a breeze to use, no complaints. I did put two 10 inch subs in the trunk to boost the bass, and all is well!!

Favorite Features

Handling, seats, clean looking uncluttered dash, exterior styling, sweet sounding engine through the revs, bluetooth, voicecommand, heated steering wheel and seats.

Suggested Improvements

I guess I could suggest slightly larger outside mirrors.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Absolutely Perfect!

Written by: femmedrive on 04/03/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Love this car more than any other. Purchased sports package, winter package and upgraded further to 19" special order BMW rims w/new michelins (handles even better than with stock), had dealer tint windows (hot in NC during summer). Handling is perfect. Also negotiated for iPod hook up which is now a necessity. iDrive & bluetooth easy to use if you spend a few minutes with it. Less buttons on dash is good - hate a cluttered console. Haven't had a single problem with anything. This car is absolutely gorgeous. I can't count the number of compliments I get on it and mostly from men who are surprised it's driven by a woman :-)

Favorite Features

iPod hook up, heated seats, handling, bluetooth, overall aesthetic, drivability, comfort on long trips, adjustable seats for more the more petite, room in back seat.

Suggested Improvements

none

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Considerations when choosing

Written by: Oscarcat on 03/22/2008

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!

Favorite Features

Fit & finish; driving enjoyment; safety features; ride quality & comfort w/standard suspension; hugh trunk; good rear seat space; good fuel economy

Suggested Improvements

The iDrive can be distracting, cup holder placement for driver sub-par, outside mirrors a bit on the small side.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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BMW's Worst

Written by: Bill Richter on 02/12/2008

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.

Favorite Features

Handling, cornering and blue tooth phone integration.

Suggested Improvements

Redesign interior as suggested above, eliminate idrive.

7 out 17 people found this review helpful

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Worth the patience

Written by: LiftThis on 07/03/2007

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.

Favorite Features

Handling, braking, acceleration. If you like to drive, you will love this car.

Suggested Improvements

Quality assurance!

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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