2010 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews

535i with M-Sport

Written by: gene1680 on 11/14/2009

Vehicle

2010 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

A great car. A right blend of sportiness and luxury. The only thing I find less satisfying is the shifter (small knob and the parking button) but this is a small thing in comparison to all the great things about this car.

Favorite Features

Driving, beautiful exterior (M Sport package), elegant interior (beige leather, black bamboo trim), 20-way sit comfort, i-drive (yes, it's great)!!!

Suggested Improvements

Navigation should change from day to night mode automatically, traffic should be seen on the night mode as well, the shape of the shift knob - too small for a hand, park button is annoying.

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Worth the Wait-Factory Order-6sp Manual

Written by: Ian T on 11/11/2009

Vehicle

2010 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Replacement vehicle for a 2008 535xi wagon with engine hesitation issues. This sedan is perfect however, after a month. Optioned w/manual trans, value pack, cold wx pack, Sat radio, fold rear seats, and nav. The turbo motor/manual trans combo is flawless. Ample, smooth power w/lots of torque early. Great clutch. Standard tires and suspension sublime over all surfaces and silent on highway. Handling tight and neutral-no drama. DSC kicks in too early but is defeatable. Much less ponderous than wagon. Interior is artwork. Newest idrive much friendlier than 08. Cup holders still too small. Front pax one will break if left open and long legger gets in. 20mpg city. Overall beautiful in and out!

Favorite Features

3.0 turbo. Manual transmission. Hill holder clutch. Auto up/down on all windows. Fold down rear seats. Turning headlights. Mileage. Small turning circle-great parkability. Heated seats and steering wheel. No dumb badges yelling out "TURBO."

Suggested Improvements

Could use a power bump like Dinan software but wish BMW would do it. Console storage still strangely over-engineered and thus less useful. Talk to Acura about cup holders.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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BMW xi 2010

Written by: gregoryx on 09/29/2009

Vehicle

2010 BMW 5 Series 535i xDrive 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

this is my 2nd 535xi. bought my first after considering + test driving infiniti,lexus,volvo,buick. i found the bmw to be a more pleasurable drive than all of them. it's nice to know that you are in a vehicle that seems engineered for the driver. it's the best vehicle i've owned. i highly recommend this vehicle. i also have lived in 3 states in the past 4 years and i have to say that the service experience has been excellent in every dealership so far. the service departments seem to understand the value of customer service as part of the consumer's brand loyalty. cup holders don't bother me - i don't eat in my car nor do i let my kids (smile) so no big deal

Favorite Features

comfort access, voice control works much better in 2010 than 2008 model, sat radio

Suggested Improvements

ipod interface in storage area is incovenient and difficult to access. dealer installed option puts in glove compartment. either way, there should be better place for it.

4 out 7 people found this review helpful

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BMW xi 2010

Written by: gregoryx on 09/29/2009

Vehicle

2010 BMW 5 Series 535i xDrive 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

In 2008 i test drove the GS300, MB Eclass, Buick Lacross, Infiniti, and the Volvo S80 and saved the BMW for last. i loved the vehicle and purchased my first BMW . . . i didn't appreciate the logistical difficulty of operating a vehicle with both a push button start AND a key. i loved the vehicle, the build quality, and the performance. A few weeks ago, i decided to give myself a gift and i bought the 2010 model with the comfort access, sat radio, and active cruise control. i took delivery a few days ago and this vehicle is even better than the 2008 model. the I drive interface is vastly improved and much more intuitive than my 08 model . . . and the voice recognition works much better

Favorite Features

Voice recognition, Comfort Access, upgraded seats, overall ride quality (no rattles at ALL)

Suggested Improvements

the mirrors on the 2010 are noticeably smaller than prior year, should come standard with 18" tires,

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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550i with M-Sport Package

Written by: New BMW Guy on 09/15/2009

Vehicle

2010 BMW 5 Series 550i 4dr Sedan (4.8L 8cyl 6M)

Review

There is no other way to buy a 550i. The M-sport package is a must. The wheels and more aggressive styling gets everyone's attention when you drive by. The Logic 7 system is the best sound system I have ever heard in a car. The growl when you take off on the highway is euphoric. The heads up display is awesome especially when you get the nav directions on the windshield. I now know why everyone who owns a BMW will never own another car. The hard drive lets you burn your CDs and lets you hear your favorite music instantly - no waiting for tracks to pull up and better than my Infiniti hard drive system. The updated iDrive is very quick and intuitive. Bluetooth phone connection is impeccable.

Favorite Features

Logic 7 Sound System!!! M-sport look, heads up display, excellent Bluetooth mic and system, new iDrive system, interior layout, dynamic head lights.

Suggested Improvements

Place to store your sunglasses, car unlocks when you turn the ignition off, night mode on nav in single screen mode, more responsive comfort access key system.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Very pleased so far with 2010 535i

Written by: Ron on 09/04/2009

Vehicle

2010 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Special ordered it with premium package, Logix 7 audio and active steering. Been driving it a little more than a month and extremely happy. It's simply the smoothest car I've ever driven. It feels so light and nimble, yet a very comfortable ride. This may sound corny, but I have a "melting" feeling whenever I drive it! And it's so quiet, like driving an electric car, even when stomping the gas. Active steering adds a whole new dimension to driving, both at low and high speeds; I'm very glad I went for it. It's at its best doing 80 MPH on a moderately crowded freeway, zipping around other cars. And what's all this fuss about idrive and the cup holders? No problems here!

Favorite Features

Active steering is awesome. Premium stereo is clean with lots of bass (but could use more volume). Interior is beautiful; admiring it while driving can be hazardous! Pop-out cup holders beat holes-in-console type, which are bad for collecting trash. Seats are very comfortable. Ample interior space.

Suggested Improvements

It does not like arrow-straight highways, possibly due to active steering. I'm still struggling with the cruise control. MPG gauge is just worthless; I'd rather a temperature gauge. Tiny glove compartment and console bin. Too much spring in trunk. Turbo lag is noticeable, if not irritating at times.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Great Car

Written by: Ron on 09/03/2009

Vehicle

2010 BMW 5 Series 535i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Have had a great time driving this car - definitely get the parking assist feature and the comfort access option - the i-drive system takes a little getting used to, but once I got a hang of the voice activation it was a cinch!

Favorite Features

Voice activation, parking assist, head turning exterior look.

Suggested Improvements

A passenger cup holder that doesn't interfere with getting in and out of the passenger seat if the holder is left extended.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Get it now!!! I ain't going back...

Written by: Bimm'ing happy on 09/01/2009

Vehicle

2010 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

Came from 2006 GS 300 and now into the 535i with M Sport package. What a difference! Got mine this past Wed on a lease. 1. Handling, off the line, and comfort very good. I am picky when it comes to road and general noise and so far the Dunlop run-flats are fine. 2. Fit and finish indeed are unmatched. 3. New iDrive actually is very intuitive; voice commands are natural. 4. Head up display is the coolest and should be standard on cars in this class. 5. The 20-way seats that I got "hug" me when I start the engine; picky about lumbar and it sure does not disappoint. I am so glad I went with the Bimmer; ain't going back! If you've been thinking about one like me (for a long time), go for it.

Favorite Features

20 way comfort seats; head up display; handling; voice command/iDrive; speed and power; M Steering wheel with shift paddles; looks; and I don't mind the placement of the cup-holders to be truthful.

Suggested Improvements

Minor suggestions: 1. Plastic light switches should be replaced with higher quality material for this class of vehicle. 2. Run-flats should be optional. 3. Side mirrors could be a bit larger. 4. Interior trunk release could be more accessible.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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The best 5 yet

Written by: LG on 08/29/2009

Vehicle

2010 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This is my wife's third 5 Series. She is a White and Blue owner for the past 15 years and this is by far the nicest of the almost perfect 5s. She drove the new 2010 E-Class and said take to BMW. One drive and a week of searching for the options and color plus a fair price was all it took. I get to drive it a little and I must say it is even nicer than my Lexus which I really enjoy.

Favorite Features

Handling, Sirius Radio, car interior.

Suggested Improvements

Lower price and included Comfort Access which is now $1K.

2 out 4 people found this review helpful

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My Birthday Present

Written by: Dave Marshall on 08/22/2009

Vehicle

2010 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I have wanted to own a BMW for most of my adult life but thought that they were woo expensive. I have owned three Acura TLs and always thought that they were great cars. Two things happened this year to make my decision to get a 535i. First I turned 65, and secondly the new TL is ugly so I sprang for a BMW for my birthday. Thinking that if I was ever going to get a Beemer and enjoy it, I needed to do it this year. I picked it up two weeks ago yesterday. It is great. The ride is quick and positive. Steering control is excellent and balance is great. BMW even put the interior that we wanted in the car. This was a special order and filled without complaint or extra cost. I love it.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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