2008 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews

Great car but iDrive is still ridiculous

Written by: patrick on 11/11/2009

Vehicle

2008 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

The car handles incredibly well as a BMW should. It's quiet, fast, comfortable and fun. But if you are cold or hot...don't expect iDrive to help you out. It takes several minutes to get through the menus. Stupid. If you have an ipod...you better not have a lot of music on it...unlike the ipod scrolling function it takes FOREVER to get through the list. If you want to use the navigation to plot your route...don't use this system. It chokes on the simplest request. In short iDrive, if I had known how truly bad it was before I bought the car would likely have made me buy an Infiniti (and add Dynamat soundproofing). Better value. More intelligently designed user information and climate controls.

Favorite Features

The smooth shifting transmission and handling.

Suggested Improvements

iDrive really needs to be tested by people in the real world. It's not an easy to use system. It's simply not elegantly done.

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Sweet car

Written by: Manny on 11/02/2009

Vehicle

2008 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Interesting to see all of the problems with the twins 535i. On BMW number 3, first 528i after two 3 series a '99 and a '06. Traded up from the '06 325i with 16" run flats, and could not stand the ride anymore, although it cornered like it was on rails. Chose the 528i because I did not want run flats tires on the next bimmer. Car runs great and has only needed one oil change thus far. Drove a 1200 miles round trip averaging 30 mpg at 80 mph. If not sure, stick with the aspirated inline 6s they are bullet prove. Ask any service center mechanic and they will tell you that the 5s are the most trouble free BMWs in the line up. Good solid car.

Favorite Features

BMWs inline 6s have always provided sublime power and torque that no V6 can ever match.

Suggested Improvements

Would LOVE to experience the Diesel on this platform. 30% improved fuel economy vs. gasoline engines is big!!!!!

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Worst car I've ever owned

Written by: Ryan on 10/15/2009

Vehicle

2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

This is by far the worst car I have ever owned. You would think BMW would notify their customers if they had an issue with the car. The fuel injectors and the fuel pump are constantly malfunctioning and every time I take it in, they tell me there is no issue. This is my first BMW and my last.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Too many problems!

Written by: Tooo much trouble! on 10/05/2009

Vehicle

2008 BMW 5 Series 535xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Had more trouble out of this car than any I have ever owned. Replaced fuel pump twice which was under warranty. But dealer has not a clue what is wrong with this vehicle. My wife is the primary driver. The car idles like a model T Ford on a cold start. Dash lights up like a jukebox saying "engine misfire" on a weekly basis, and says "reducing power" and will not go faster than 25 mph. First they blamed it on a program, then fuel pumps, then the fuel, then it was ethanol. In the shop 27 days the last six months. More than 60 grand for this, what gives! Saw a lawyer last week about the lemon law. It's a shame, the car drives beautifully when it's right.

Favorite Features

Suspension, power

Suggested Improvements

How about producing something reliable!

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Excellent Car

Written by: bmw5xi on 10/03/2009

Vehicle

2008 BMW 5 Series 535xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Waited 22000 miles before my first review. Before I test drove this car, I did not quite understand all the hype about this being the 'ultimate driving machine'. After 22000 miles and many hours driving this car there is only one thing I can say- this car dives like no other!! I test drove the lexus GS and LS, mercedes E class, Infinity G35, M45 and Jaguar XF. This car blows them all away. Some evenings even after a tired day after work, I still look forward to taking the car out for a spin. Have had 2 minor issues with the car (faulty seat belt sensor and check engine light)-both fixed by dealer at no cost. Now I see why people fall in love with this car despite occasional minor issues!

Favorite Features

Heads up display is awesome. Keyless entry, comfort access, 20 way multi-contour seats, navigation, ride.

Suggested Improvements

simplify i drive (2009 i drive is awesome), more storage space, change location of cup holder

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Awesome with some quirks

Written by: M. Corbin on 09/26/2009

Vehicle

2008 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Had the dreaded engine issue that is common for these twin turbos but as long as I buy Chevron gas, it's no problem! Love the features and the performance capability. The fact that I won't pay for the first 4 yrs of service is a bonus. If you're looking to buy a new one, check into the European Delivery pkg so you can try it out on the Autobahn! U won't be disappointed.

Favorite Features

Versatile auto trans BMW Assist free for life of warranty 300 HP! Auto wipers and high beams

Suggested Improvements

Can't think of any

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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The BEST Car I Have Owned

Written by: rsulliuvan on 09/14/2009

Vehicle

2008 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Sports and premium pkgs. This car is amazing. Handling is superb, wet or dry. Dunlop run flats hold the road as if you were on rails. The most comfortable seats you have ever placed your tail on. Design is flawless, in and out. Fantastic on long trips, 33 mpg., and a great way to commute. Why I waited so long to purchase THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE is beyond me. Of the dozen or so autos I have owned, this is by far the best. 100% class.

Favorite Features

Sport package (I do not wish to drive my sofa), I Drive, style, bluetooth, ventilation system, window shades, SEATS. 33 MPG. Angel eyes, Generous trunk space (3 golf bags with ease).

Suggested Improvements

May sound picky but cup holders are cheep. Easily overlooked.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Simply a Pleasure

Written by: NY, NY on 09/09/2009

Vehicle

2008 BMW 5 Series 535xi 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

The car is fantastic. Looked/test drove numerous luxury SUVs and crossovers - none compare. The car is incredible to drive never reminded you are driving a WAGON. Have all avail packages and most options aside from heads up display and performance tires. Comfort seats are unbeatable for long drives. Find the interior space is perfect. front and rear seats are very comfortable and incredibly supportive, and storage space is plentiful. Finally, have to say my wife and I found the iDrive to be far easier to master than expected having read the poor reviews. X-drive is great especially in snow in rain conditions. Have had some silly QC issues that should not take place in a car of this caliber,

Favorite Features

Handling/road manners - superb. Very comfortable ride doesn't interfere with road feedback, all wheel drive, panoramic sunroof, POWER-the torque is awesome, included maintenance that covers EVERYTHING.

Suggested Improvements

Navigation route update is slow, some silly quality control issues, Logic-7 sound system while nice could be better. Seat bolsters don't inflate/deflate automatically when cornering as in sedan - why is that???

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Uber Wagon 18 Months Later

Written by: Ian T on 09/03/2009

Vehicle

2008 BMW 5 Series 535xi 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

2nd Review. Everything I wrote in 6/08 same except for one recurring power delivery problem. The car has small power interruptions at intermittent intervals. Very annoying but not disabling. Only set a "code" once. 3 trips to dealer to fix plus 1 with a factory engineer in attendance. Never fixed. Destroyed driving experience. Finger pointing between BMW and Dinan. Removed Dinan software but problem remained. 6SM no longer notchy. No other problems but this one caused me to Lemon Law. BMW made a deal for new 2010 w/me instead. My 535i sedan 6sm to be delivered soon. Fingers crossed. The wagon is still beautiful inside and out. It is a piece of art but this aggravation isn't worth it.

Favorite Features

Smooth, powerful turbo motor, unflappable awd in wet, 6sm shifter and clutch work like butter, beautiful interior. Lots of room compared to 3 series esp rear seat. Heated seats and steering wheel.

Suggested Improvements

Get Apple to totally re-do iDrive. Get Garmin to re- do Nav. Storage cubbies way over designed- simplify. You shouldn't need to read the manual to store items in back. Fire engineers that designed all. Standard seats should be more supportive. Get hints from Honda on Human factors engineering.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great auto

Written by: Professor on 08/29/2009

Vehicle

2008 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This is my 4th BMW in the past 15 years and by far the best. The smooth engine/transmission cannot be beat. Local mpg is about 25 and highway is always 31-32 mpg at speed limit plus. The seats are comfortable even after 15 hour interstate runs. It has operated perfectly in all ways with the only trips to the dealer for oil and regular service. I did not originally like the body design but the driving balance and smooth functioning of the car have won me over. i-drive works easily if you spend 10 minutes to learn it rather than fearing and griping about it.

Favorite Features

smooth engine, seating comfort, fuel mileage, driving balance, xenons

Suggested Improvements

standard folding back seat, put usable cup holder in the console

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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