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Used 2006 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
172 reviews

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3.5 out of 5 stars

First...maybe last. Great to drive. Post-warranty fears...

vengefultick, 04/26/2011
2006 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 8 people found this review helpful

I bought my 525i as a CPO with ~32,000 miles on it. By the second day I had an appointment to get the rotors replaced as they were warped. November '10 I had to have the radiator replaced as it developed a sizable whole. The transmission engages rather hard from near-stop or even a full stop at times. It occasionally shifts hard at speed. The dealership swears this is my driving style. I find it commical that I did not have this problem with a '99 Ford Escort, '98 Suzuki Sidekick, '98 Toyota Tacoma, '04 Mazda Protege5, or an '05 Chevy Silverado....but I do with the expensive BMW. The car is fun to drive, the stearing and handling are great.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Best 4door car ever made

shakaeagle, 12/26/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I traded in my 2006 530i, which I thought was the best handling sedan I'd ever driven, for the 530Xi. The 530Xi's handling is beyond description, it goes around turns as if on rails, irrespective of road surface, rain, snow or gravel. The combination of X drive with Dynamic Stability Control is brilliant - as you enter turns, power balance is to the rear, then near apex it is 50/50 and then as you exit, it seamlessly shifts forward pulling you around the turn. The N52 engine hauls like a grand prix engine, generating breathtaking g-forces as you rocket around the corners. I don't find any acceleration deficit vs the 530i - bottomline - the 530Xi is awesome!!! Porsche/Ferrari drivers take note.

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5 out of 5 stars

My First Ultimate Driving Machine

AAK, 12/29/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This was my first luxury car. I bought this after a lot of research. I had to wait for 6 weeks to get the Comfort Access as part of the package. But the wait proved to be good. It is a great mid size luxury car. I took this car out for a long drive from BWI to PIT and I enjoyed its handling in curves and drive in bad weather (ice and snow storm).

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4.13 out of 5 stars

530 xi review

james67812, 01/18/2006
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car has styling which you can sum up by saying, either you like it or you don't. The Continental tires are horrible. The front tires lose traction easily. Two weeks ago I checked the pressure, the tires lost 15 psi. The iDrive is more of a hassle than help. Also the brakes are pitiful. There is a lot of brake dust, (The dealer said that they are the best brakes in the industry) and there is a huge shock when the car stops. I don't care that they are the best brakes if they have so much dust. I can not even take it off.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

So What's Not to Like?

Happy Owner, 01/22/2006
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Drove top line Saabs for 20 years. Worries about GM's support of Saab and desire for an AWD vehicle for Northeast Winters sent me looking. 530xi was the hands down winner after jarring rides in M35, A6 etc., minature trunk in Acura RL and worries of Mercedes quality declines. Strange to drive rear wheel car at first, but now love the whole thing. Perfect fit and finish like you cannot imagine. IDrive angst is overrated unless you have never talked on the phone and worked on-line at the same time. In that case this car wasn't meant for you anyway. Navigation system is terrific. Sound system, leather interior and service all top rated. So what's not to like?

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3.63 out of 5 stars

bmw 5

frankbank, 04/13/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Many bugs in my 5 series. 530 is under powered, get the 540!! In the shop 5 times for minor problems ie computer chip malfuctions, iDrive, and tires.

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5 out of 5 stars

I Finally Got It

Finally Got It, 04/15/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Just took delivery of my new 2006 BMW 530i Automatic. What a difference from the 05 model I had. It's quick, handles better, and the premium sound system is unbelievable. A great improvement in horsepower and fuel economy over the 05. Didn't notice any major changes over the 05 except for power and performance.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Happy, but.........

CB, 02/27/2006
2006 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is my 6th 5 series and it does have a character all it's own. Runs flawlessly and has all the handling capabilities one would expect. Still, the iDrive (which I'm still getting used to) is an unnecessary pain especially to adjust vent settings. Voice commands are understood about 70% of the time and Run Flat Tires are just not worth it (cannot be repaired,are $400 ea and have to be ordered if you need one - not in stock at most shops). Installed AUX cable for my IPOD, but that should be automatic and it should work with steering wheel controls and should show all IPOD information on the cars display. Wheels are boring (no style) and have been replaced as well.

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5 out of 5 stars

great choice

joshin, 03/24/2006
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

After reading many reviews and waiting for all wheel drive in the five series we finally bought it last year. 14000 miles later I love it. The performance is perfect in chicago weather.

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5 out of 5 stars

Can't Beat It!

BEST CAR EVER, 03/24/2006
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Have owned Audi, Jag, and another BMW since about '97, and this in unequivocally the best driving vehicle I have been in. Smooth, solid power, handling is amazing. Snowstorm on 3rd day after buying and tried hard to get it to slip, couldn't do it. Interior is just the right amount of luxury, and the iDrive is easy for anyone who has touched a computer (what was all the fuss?).

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5 out of 5 stars

The best car ever

stan, 05/17/2009
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great car! Mileage couldn't be better. This is the first BMW I have owned and I love it. Very fun to drive.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Delighted with first BMW

FB, 09/22/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is my first BMW and we waited until the 5 was available in AWD before taking the plunge. After an initial issue with a too-dark Nav screen that was replaced, this car has been fantastic. The bottom line is that driving goes from being a chore to being something I look forward to every day because of this car. And I have lost count of how many people have commented on how great it looks! BMW, I hope you never stop making manual transmission cars like this one. And Bluetooth makes using the cell in the car so much easier and safer (not safe in an absolute sense, but safer if you have to be on the phone). BTW, the cupholders may look corny, but they actually hold cups quite well!

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3 out of 5 stars

lovely ride but expensive to maintain

John, 06/04/2023
2006 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

"The performance and ride when in tip top shape is unbeatable for the amount of miles it acquires. The problem is maintaining that tiptop status is unrelenting after 150k. Literally 5k a year in maintenance repairs at least. I'm to the point to where I'm used to riding with at least 1 or 2 alerts constantly telling me to fix something". The above, seemingly true assessment, is a copy of a previous review however I believe that my 2006 525i (Purchased for $22K in 2010) automatic was born in the year of the lemon. With 170km on the clock the repairs/replacements to date are as follows: new auto gearbox, new water pump requiring a tow to nearest dealer, failed remote trunk opening device, failed passenger restraint module ($2600), failed AC system requiring new evaporator (15 hrs labor) failed hood struts, numerous oil leaks requiring new gaskets/seals, failed driver cup holder. All told about CAN $27K in parts and labor costs. I expected better from German design. Memo to self: never buy a car thats covered in dust and stored in the basement of a BMW dealership no matter how "good a deal".

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Poor Quality

Shocked BMW Lover, 06/29/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I special ordered a 2006 530i after already owning and loving a 1998 528i. I received the car, loved it, but immediately started having problems with the high battery drain check control message. I had it in the shop 3 times for this. Then the thermostat and waterpump needed to be replaced. The car was at the dealership for about 20 days out of the first 6 weeks I owned it. They are replacing the car for me since it was headed toward a lemon law claim really soon. I have been in a loaner car the whole time. The service has been great but the car really did not meet expectations for quality. Not what you would expect.

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5 out of 5 stars

Car for car enthusiasts

Bama, 12/28/2006
2006 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

If you are into cars, you owe it to yourself to own a BMW 5 series. The technology is seemingly endless. One can set the temperature to cool off the car 30 minutes before you are scheduled to drive off. It has a motion detector as part of the anti-theft system. How about being able to check the oil from inside electronically? It is a little pricey but if you can afford just a little more, don't hesitate. The iDrive actually becomes intuitive after a while. With so many ways to set the personal settings, the iDrive is a necessity. Don't let it turn you off.

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5 out of 5 stars

Dream Car

Donald Kohn, 02/13/2006
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This replaced an '04 E500 AWD Mercedes. This car has far better ride, is more responsive and much more fun to drive. Fit and finish are impeccable. Got the comfort seats which are worth every penny. I Drive is actually fun and easy once you get the hang of it. Big tip: Take delivery at the BMW Performance Center. Dealers rarely share this information with buyers. It's the only way to go, and free. A great experience, and you will learn more about your car and have more fun with it. Once you've done this it's unlikely you'll ever buy any car other than a BMW.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

LOVE MY 530xi

wildmanlyle, 02/02/2006
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is my 7th new BMW and the 530xi is just Amazing!!! It is as fun to drive as my 3 series BMWs and I look forward to driving it the 18 miles each way to my office. The brakes are the best I have ever driven and stop on a "Dime." The beamer just slips through traffic with outstanding power to fit into the tight spot in high speed traffic. It drives like the drivers car that BMW advertises. I did not get the comfort seats, but the leather seats in the premium package feel great. My wife and I love the IDRIVE and it is as simple to use as a computer mouse, in fact after you make the initial setting you do not have to interact with it much. I can find NO negatives with the 530xi!!!!

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5 out of 5 stars

Beautiful Car - The ULTIMATE SLEIGH

530xi - Exceptional, 11/16/2006
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Wow - what a car. took delivery on 11/05. It was the first one on the showroom floor. I had a 330xi before and this just blows it away. The ride is super smooth and much more powerful than you would guess. Plenty there to get you in trouble with the State Patrol. I live in the Rocky Mountain high country and this car can go anywhere and do anything in any sort of weather. You don't even notice the X- Drive handling the car it's balanced so well. Put a good set of snow tires on - Blizzaks- and you're good to go. IDrive is a breeze for the computer literate set. Set it and forget it.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

2006 525i

cw, 06/04/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The 3.0 liter engine provides plenty of power. This car is lots of fun to drive. However, everything is electronic. There is not even a oil dipstick; you'll have to use iDrive to check oil level.

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5 out of 5 stars

Killer Car

bobgs, 10/16/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I considered many cars before deciding on the 525 but none live up to the 525. I get excited every time I step into this car. Handling, comfort, transmission, and styling (in my opinion) are best in class. 525 power is adequate and even deceptively strong. I don't think the 40hp upgrade to the 530 is worth the money. Overall the best car in the 40-50k range.

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5 out of 5 stars

Life is Short

Jim, 07/22/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Life is short, so invest in this first class piece of automotive genius -- 530xi. Other than 26 mpg, the engineering of BMW shows through in every element of the innovative design. As for the "infamous" i-drive goes, it requires a 20-minute investment with the manual and then it is a non-event. Go for it, life is short.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Ignition lock up

Sree, 07/29/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I got my new 06 525i last week. The ignition locked up this morning. The key will not go in at all. Road side assistance told me to wait 30 minutes since this could be an anti-theft protection. However, even after 1 hr the ignition was locked up. I called up the dealter and I was told that to have the road side assistance tow the car in. Not good for a one week old car. Otherwise, the car was driving great..

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Wow, what a car!!!!!

Rob, 07/27/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

First time owning a BMW and after one week I know it won't be my last. This car has it all... performance, comfort, looks and it drives like crazy.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

better than an e series benz

lwm, 03/02/2006
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

So far, so very good. Fun to drive, great on turns. Good pickup for a 6 cylinder car. A very smooth ride. If you have only one car, and want a fun ride, this is your car. No, don't like the design of the rear end, so I approach the car from the front. The onboard mapping system is handy. The iDrive system is fine, but probably not worth the effort or inherent expense. It does eat up gas quickly.

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5 out of 5 stars

The ultimate Midsize

tycast, 08/17/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The 2006 is fun to drive and the exterior stying is fabulous. The engine provides excellent power although the 345 is not available in the XI version.

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4 out of 5 stars

Disappointed After 15000 mile check up

donna, 03/22/2006
2006 BMW 5 Series 525xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Minor trouble prior to 15,000 mile update with one tire continuing to leak air and prompt message to screen. After dealership updated, car transmission seems different and shifting mode not in time. Just doesn't feel the same! Can't say enough positive about this car prior to 15,000 miles. Get up and go was amazing! I don't like the drivers drink holder location. In the way of front seat passenger. Notice brake dust often on wheels.

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5 out of 5 stars

Ultimate Sports Sedan

Tony, 01/31/2006
2006 BMW 5 Series 550i 4dr Sedan (4.8L 8cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Tried every sport sedan out and was a loyal Lexus buyer. Owned several BMW in past and missed the sporty drive in BMW. One test drive in the 550 was all it took. GS430 and Infiniti could not match the combination of both luxury and sport. Took one year to testing cars to finally buy BMW 550. HUD is the best thing since sliced bread. So far no problems and puts smile on face every time I drive it. I-Drive is so easy to use dont listen to people that have not learned the system it took me two days to master it, once you do you wont go back to anything else.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Awesome car

frankie, 04/15/2007
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car is one of the best on the market. I love having my comfort access system in the winter because I can turn my car on and have it be warm when I get in it. Or you can just have a smart key, it opens the trunk, locks and unlocks the doors. The only thing it doesn't do that comfort access does is start the engine when you are not in the car. The handling on this car is awesome. My sister has a 525xi and it slips very rarely. The added horespower on the 530xi is worth it if you get stuck. If you have one or two kids then maybe you should get it for your wife but when they want to have friends in the car it gets kind of cramped. But for a working man it is perfect. Bluetooth is great.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Best Car I ever had

adiaris, 04/19/2006
2006 BMW 5 Series 525xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

From day one my bimmer was the king of the road. Runs unbelievable. I actually took it on the highway, FL turnpike, and floor it all the way down as fast as it would go. I felt like I was flying and it ran smoothly. Now that's a car luxury, fast driving, good looking car. And best feature of all the free maintenance. I highly recommend buying or leasing a bimmer

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5 out of 5 stars

Candid Comments

M. Walters, 12/07/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Just purchased a 2006 530xi this past weekend. The car is everything you'd want in a BMW -- styling, speed and sassy. Few disappointments though: No compass, armrest storage compartment is small and a single CD player. I can understand the CD player, but not making the compass standard on the rear view mirro is odd. And, BMW has a long way to go in understanding how to best use storage areas in their cars. In any event, the car rides like a dream and the blue tooth synch into the car phone system is flawless. If you enjoy the open road, you'll love this car! I'll have this car for a long time.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car!

714-530xi, 10/24/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

530xi is a wonderful car to own and drive. Handling is incredible and has plenty of power. Great control at high speeds and through aggressive cornering. Steptronic shifts very smooth during rapid acceleration. Nice ride while still having a good feel of the road. Interior is comfortable and not overdone with bling. Love the iDrive, which is also fun for new passengers to navigate menus.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Truly, the Ultimate Driving Machine....

Dave, 11/09/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Bought the xi AWD version a few months ago and it drives like a dream. Incredible machine. Test drove Audi and Lexus but BMW still leads the pack. You must drive to believe. Full 4 year/50K mile maintenance was the kicker for me.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Overall Excellence

David WIlhelm, 01/14/2006
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The car is a real blast to drive. The iDrive system could be a little easier. I would prefer a simple radio/CD with buttons but the car is beautifully designed on the in side and especially on the outside. It is quick, responsive and really smooth. Front seat could go back just a bit further.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

I'm obsessed with my BMW

bostonkate, 11/21/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I'm really loving this car! The one thing people should know is that the iDrive is great! It so isn't something you have to use every time you drive. Instead it is a way to customize your settings, i.e. air flow, radio stations, what part of the seat you want heated (back, bottom, or both). Then, you can control those things just like you would normally, on the dash (or the steering wheel). I was originally thinking if I had to keep doing this computer mouse thing I would be sure to get in an accident but it is really a streamlining of controls.

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5 out of 5 stars

Amazing

RONALDO MARTINS, 12/08/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This new 530 is an amazing driving experience. The new engine with 255 hp responds quickly. Handling is also superb and the new design is just gorgeous. Everything in the car performs well. So far have no negative comments whatsoever about this 530 sedan. I just love it.

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5 out of 5 stars

10 year old BMW 525xi still going strong!

Gene, 11/29/2015
updated 12/01/2016
2006 BMW 5 Series 550i 4dr Sedan (4.8L 8cyl 6M)
2 of 6 people found this review helpful

Sold the call in December, 2015. Got a good trade in offer and purchased a 2013 BMW X1. Love it as well.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.75 out of 5 stars

Loving It

Phil, 05/21/2008
2006 BMW 5 Series 550i 4dr Sedan (4.8L 8cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

05 325 upgragde

Autobahner4, 04/26/2006
2006 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

Bought this for my wife to replace her 05 325i. Wow, what a great decision. This car is the most fun we've had in yaers. Both of us can't find much excitement in autos from past industry work. This car has awakened the romance of vehicle ownership!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

From Mercedes to BMW

new bmw fan, 09/25/2008
2006 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I have a black on black BMW 530i with smoked windows and a 6-speed stick tranny. This car is absolutely the coolest car I've owned. I get so many looks and glances in the parking lot and this car isn't even brand new. It was a CPO and I got a very good deal on it. It runs smooth all the way up to 125 mph (fastest I've gone in it) and handles like a dream. The steering is very quick around parking lots but not too quick out on the highway. It's also very quick. I was bored one afternoon and timed a 6.5 sec 0-60 run, w/o even launching it from a high rev. It feels much stronger than its somewhat unamazing 255hp and 220 lb-ft torque would suggest. The rear seats are huge and comfy

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5 out of 5 stars

2006 5 Series is great

DP, 08/10/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

As a former owner of a 2001 BMW 3 Series and 2001 & 2003 C240, I have to say that my 2006 525i is awesome. The design is trailblazing, handling sensational and the ride is exceptional. My gas mileage is better with the 5 series than it was with the 3 series or the C240. I would recommend this car to anyone who loves the driving experience and wants to maximum how their money is spent in the luxury market.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great fun to drive

Aydin Akdeniz, 09/27/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

This is my eighth new BMW over the years and what a difference in design, technology application and quality. I think BMW has done an excellent job in this new 5 series. It took me less than half an hour to go over the "i-drive" and learn it. The aerodynamic lines and trims are impressive.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

The good and the bad

squadless, 09/30/2008
2006 BMW 5 Series 550i 4dr Sedan (4.8L 8cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I've had this 550i for about a year, the car is awesome. Very fun to drive, turns heads (especially those people who rev up their engines in their G35 or the equivalent). Reliability - not so good. In 1 year I went through 5 tires and 2 cracked rims. Note I do live in New York City where the roads are NOT the best but before this I had a Lexus LS430 since 2001 and I only went through 1 tire so do the math.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

A great bimmer

Jimmy, 08/03/2010
2006 BMW 5 Series 530xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

I love my BMW so far! It's so fast and so smooth. Love the idrive. Drove it from Pittsburgh pa to Naples Fl. Not one problem. Was more of a pleasure to drive than a chore. I will keep my bimmer for a long long time.

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2.88 out of 5 stars

Thats the Radio for 50K

Andy, 01/23/2007
2006 BMW 5 Series 525xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful

The car is one of the most sure footed cars I have ever driven. I have two concerns - first there is a rattle in the back deck that the dealer fixed for a few day - it will be going back and second is the radio. I can't believe the tinny distorted sound I get from the radio. I brought it back to the deal and was told it was working as designed and I can't upgrade it. Looks like aftermarked to fix it. Listen well to the radio before you buy.

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1.75 out of 5 stars

HUGE disappointment

jw, 09/10/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful

This car is highly overrated and I'm very sorry I purchased it. I will never purchase a BMW again. It's not comfortable, and even at 3000 miles hasn't been reliable. I intend to sell it and purchase a true luxury car. The ride and drive aren't smooth or what you should be able to expect from a car at this price. Most disappointing is that it isn't fun to drive. It feels like my father's car with a little more hp. The cup holders are hysterical---the driver's and passenger's are both on the passenger side---very uncomfortable to access and dangerous to use lean over to use when driving. The leg room is worse than most cars this size. My first and last BMW.

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4 out of 5 stars

New to vehicle

Douglas Polzin, 01/05/2016
updated 01/05/2018
2006 BMW 5 Series 525xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 8 people found this review helpful

After a couple years of ownership still very happy with purchase.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

Very Pleased

Car Nut, 11/27/2008
2006 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We purchased CPO, the same as our long term 2002 5 series, and didn't think I could like it more than what I already had. Well, I do. These cars feel as if they are carved out of one solid block of steel and drive/handle like nothing else. It is luxurious, incredibly sporty and awesome. Probably the absolute best value there is in a high end car.

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3.63 out of 5 stars

Inconsistent Idle

EratticIdle, 04/14/2009
2006 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

15 year BMW owner. This car/engine has an idle issue. If you are thinking of buying one observe how it idles after reaching temperature. As you stop, the car idle drops to normal. 2 seconds later it drops, shakes the car, returns to normal. Happens a lot. Been to dealer 6 times. Have driven other 2006 and 2007 530s and noted the SAME issue although some vehicles not quite as noticeable. Worried about long term viability of this car.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Stepped up their game

R.J.Romae Llc, 12/29/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Driving this car compared to the previously owned 2002 same model there is a big difference. The car now has a big car feel, big car ride,and big car power. That along with it's maintenace and warranty program make it fun to own and drive. I have owned a 318i, 525i, and three 530i's this is the best one yet.

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3.38 out of 5 stars

It's OK, but too slow...

Jerry Kadash, 09/21/2005
2006 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had two problems, I can live with them till service. One is annoying with the sun roof. It operates, but BANGS/pops closing most times. Close once, bang, open close again, less bang. Seems most awful when hot, car parked. Anyway, I've had 530s previously...very nice. My 525, I thought the quicker 6 spd autotrans, it would have more zip. Seems very anemic on the highway and byway! Bodystyle I've grown to appreciate and like. The competition is copying it. Also I now know if I pass my bodystyle on the road, it's an '04 or later.

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