Used 2006 BMW 5 Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Delighted with first BMW
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!
Candid Comments
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.
- 530i SedanMSRP: $4,98097 mi away
- 530i SedanMSRP: $5,799106 mi away
- 530xi SedanMSRP: $6,599106 mi away
Overall Excellence
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.
Ultimate Sports Sedan
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.
Great Car!
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.
Truly, the Ultimate Driving Machine....
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.
I'm obsessed with my BMW
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.
Amazing
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.
Best 4door car ever made
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.
My First Ultimate Driving Machine
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).
Best Car I ever had
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
Disappointed After 15000 mile check up
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.
530 xi review
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.
bmw 5
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.
So What's Not to Like?
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?
10 year old BMW 525xi still going strong!
Sold the call in December, 2015. Got a good trade in offer and purchased a 2013 BMW X1. Love it as well.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
05 325 upgragde
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!
2006 5 Series is great
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.
Loving It
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.
Great fun to drive
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.
A great bimmer
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.
From Mercedes to BMW
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
The good and the bad
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.
Thats the Radio for 50K
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.
HUGE disappointment
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.
New to vehicle
After a couple years of ownership still very happy with purchase.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
06 530i - A Great Improvement
After two days with this new 530i, I'm thrilled I bought the vehicle. Engine responds flawlessly and acceleration is instantaneous. Logic 7 Premium Sound System is a tremendous feature for audiophiles like me. No changes in body or interior design or style over the 05, but the new magnesium/aluminum engine is unbelievable.
Very Pleased
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.
Inconsistent Idle
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.
the dream machine ?
After years of owning Mercedes I decided to go for the bmw based on the good reviews and a very favorable test drive. I bought mine with the sport package. What was I thinking buying mercedes? This is so far the best driving experience I ever had. I regret not buying one before. Build quality and performance are outstanding, as well as confort. Once you get the hang og it, the I drive is actually helpfull. My first taste of BMW has left me already wondering about the M models. If you are thinking about a car in this price range.... think no more, this is it.
The new BMW 5 series
Great new design! parked next to a 2003 5 series yesterday, what a drastic change! The former looked dated and conservitive, mine, a modern refreshing design. Every mile in the car puts a smile on my face and makes each day that much more fun!
550i
First BMW. Ex Porsche guy. Surprised at performance and balance - simply excellent. IDrive is nonsense. In and of itself it's not so hard to use, just plain silly. Can't even check oil accurately. Have yet to figure out how to store a radio station. Sat radio, though, is outstanding. Nav system w/ voice activation is almost useless as apparently German written instructions don't decipher into understandable English. The extra $240 for the 2nd year road assist is a waste. Got most options except heads up display & wish I had checked the headlight auto bright control option. Would have been nice to have. No real problems.
The Ultimate Drivers Car
BMW 5 series is the ultimate luxury car this side of $50K. Its ride and feel is sporty yet comfortable and smooth and quiet. I bought a CPO 530i which was 3 yrs used for $30K with only 25K miles on it and Premium pack, Navigation and Xenon lights but no Sport pack. The ride is smooth and refined for everyday commute and long journey yet very tight and balanced for the mountain curves and quick maneuvers. The 6 speed auto transmission is AWESOME and it feels like a Japanese V8 as per power delivery goes. The turning circle is awesome. The fuel economy is amazing as I get 25 mpg combines for my mostly highway commute and 20 local mostly city commute when my wife drives it.
First Time Buyer
Looked for over a year at Lexus GS, Infiniti M35, & Mercedes E. Never even thought about a BMW! For grins & giggles and not having anything else to do, though I would test drive a 5 Series, (assuming I would not like it). Wow was I impressed! Not only did it drive like it was on rails, but it was a smooth ride (no sports package). After numerous test drives, I was hooked. Never liked the previous 5 body style, (too boring). Know that the current body style is controversial, but nothing else looks like it. Strongly considered the M35, but even though it was cheaper and had more toys on it, I thought that it was just to much "fluff". Do concern myself with realibility? Time will tell?
Beyond Perfection
If I could only drive one car in the world it would definitely be a BMW 5 Series. I can't imagine another car that is able to combine every possible positive trait imagineable all into one amazing package like this BMW can. It is no surprise though, every other 5 Series I have owned has been a joy, why should this one be any different. With every generation this car improves in every possible way, even when you think it is not possible fo any more improvements, BMW always comes through.
Best car Ever had
We test drove so many cars of its class and I thought it will will stop when I drove the E500 MB. Guess what not even close. After I drove the 550i. I just couldn't see myself in any other car but a BMW 550i
Best 5 Series yet
I have had three BMWs including the all time favorite E39 1998 528i. This is a better car in all regards. Big car feel, much more power and great features such as idrive and bluetooth. It makes the E39 look old. My 2006 E60 has been flawless. The ride is perfect. I read the reviews at other sites on other cars and you can tell that the true BMW lovers that couldn't get past the new look are desperately trying to console themselves. They wanted a 5 series BMW, didn't buy one and are going out of their way trying to justify it to themselves. This is the best car on the road. And, I get 23 MPG in city driving.
Amazing
Wow... I had wanted a BMW for years, and finally pulled the trigger on a 525i CPO. I didn't see the need for the 530, as I believe the 215 HP on the 525 was enough. Amazing handling, feel, and I love the iDrive. I understand the griping, but all it takes is a few minutes of studying, and I love it.
Comfort, Handling & Beauty
The precision steering and comfort of the new 525 makes BMW's 2006 a winner. Not a negative word can be stated about this car. From the computer to exterior beauty, all is handled with ease and so much fun to drive! Like other BMW products, the owner will never be disappointed.
A dream car
Had a 1997 535i I loved and couldn't part with. Finally and reluctantly I bought my 550i - shouldn't have waited - it's a simply fantastic car. I look forward to the morning drive more than ever and my SL500 stays parked in the garage. Great performance, handling and comfort as well as all the hitec gismos to keep me happy - and they are useful too particulary headup and satnav. Great. IDrive is simply learnt in a few hours that motoring journos obviously don't give it. Simple - intuitive - and very easy to use regularly when needed.
Best BMW Yet!
I have had three BMWs including the heralded 1998 E39 528i. The 2006 530i is better in every way. Better ride, better handling, more room and much better seats. This car makes the E39 look old. This is the best car BMW has made yet.
Great Vehicle
This is our first BMW. My wife has driven Volvo, Lexus and Acura products in the past. All of those vehicles have been nice but have lacked the driving experience of the 530i. This car is truly a sports sedan. We drove the Audi A6, Lexus GS and Infiniti M and felt this vehicle and the A6 were truly driver's cars. This is our first German vehicle and we had some concern about reliability, however, the car has been solid.
530i BMW
Driving this car is just plain fun. Handling is excellent. The new 255HP engine is very responsive, with plenty of power. Comfort seats are worth the extra money, very comfortable and easily adjustable. Quality control seems to have improved since introduction of the e60 model in 2004. I-Drive is not as difficult as many reviewers have made it out to be. The learning curve varies as to how much you have used a computer. It allows the dash to have a cleaner look to it. So far, the car has been a pleasure to drive and own.
The most fun on the road
This car handles so easily and it has a safe and sturdy feel on the road. Plenty of power for on and off the highway. The iDrive isn't as difficult to operate as some have claimed. Just take some time to learn it; pick your settings; that's it. The heated steering wheel is a real luxury. Interior appointments very nice.
550i
Had the car 9 months now, and love it. Did have trouble with the VANOS system, and the car was at the dealer for 3 weeks early on. No problems now. Has great acceleration and handling even with out the sport suspension.
The 5 is Awesome
It is impossible to find a flaw in this car! The bigger 6 cylinder seems to kick more than 255 ponies - great acceleration. Build and fit are perfect so far. Tired of hearing about iDrive!
fun
This by far is the best car I have ever driven! The handling and comfort is incredible. It is a lot of fun to drive and looks great the body style catches everyone eye!!!
'06 BMW 530i A Great Improvement
I traded in my 05 525i on my new 06 530i. The increase in horsepower to 255 makes all the difference in the world. I've got over 2000 miles on the new BMW and the fuel economy is even better than with the smaller engine on my 05. I'm averaging 23 mpg city/hway combined and over 32 mpg on the highway in cruise control. The performance of the new 06 is far superior to the 05 and the fuel economy even better.
Great Car BUT....
Just purchased a 2006 525i this week. This is my second BMW (just upgraded from a 3-series to a 5-series). Overall driving performance of car is outstanding. Like the design, however, I think the technology could be improved. The idrive takes a bit getting used to but is easy to learn. Disappointed to find out that Bluetooth on cellphone not compatible w/ BMW system (I have a new Motorola MPx220 Smartphone w/ Cingular)-apparently PDA- phones like Blackberries, Smartphones, iPaq's, etc. are not compatible w/ BMW system
Cracks in 18-inch wheels/run-flat tires
BWM refuses to acknowledge that their rims are defective and crack as a result of normal driving, especially their 18 inch rims when coupled with run-flat tires. We don't take speed bumps at 40 mph, run over curbs, or not slow for a potholes... events that might possibly crack a rim or break a tire. Yet BMWs excuse for not replacing 2 cracked rims was that the cracks must have been caused by the driver, not faulty rims/run-flat tire combination. In the past several years we have owned 3 BMWs... but this will be our last because of such a head-in-the-sand approach taken by BMW NA.