BMW 5 Series

Ever since its initial launch in 1972, the BMW 5 Series has been a dominate force in the executive saloon class. When the 5 was first launced its skeptics thought it would not last in the large saloon class. However, it soon showed the rest of the world that a saloon class car could actually be a great car to drive, very comfortable, spacious and even reasonably affordable to buy. This wining formula continues down til our day, so it really isn't surprising at all to learn that the BMW 5 Series actually accounts for about 20 per cent of the German manufacturer's sales in the United Kingdom alone. Most would agree that the BMW 5 Series has always been considered a handsome looking car, and although the newer models might lack some of the luster of its predecessor, it's still a car admired today by many.

A Bold Change

The latest five series still has many of the 5 Series traditional features like its short overhangs and twin headlight units. But now, for the very first time, it comes with a roofline which closely resembles that of a coupe, and this is a dramactic move away from its traditionsl '3-box' saloon like profile. Nevertheless, the BMW 5 Series has always been considered for its abilities more so than its actual appearance.

The 530d version features BMW's standard frame chassis, which incidentally eliminates the need for so-called "clever suspension" and/or four-wheel steering. Whenever you drive a 5 series say through a Winding mountain road, you can't help but notice that the chassis remains constant and firmly planted on the road. This is due mainly because of its extra width between the four wheels which relates to a car ride with exceptional balance. Also, unlike most cars the steering is somewhat weighty and very precise which makes the BMW 5 series mush more responsive than you would ever consider a large saloon car to be.

The 5 series is an excellent drivers' car, and in some ways way better than its nearest competition. When you consider the Active Drive and Integral Active Steering fitted on certain models you can really see how the 535i stands out as a world class saloon car. The advantage of Active Drive allows you to cycle through four settings, from Comfort to Sport-plus, each setting allowing for more precise steering, suspension, immediate throttle response and of course, ESP.

One of the things you will notice immediately when the car is at its firmest setting, is the the actual ride is still excellent providing you with plenty of feel while steering.

Four-wheel Steering

One of best and safest things about the 5 series is the "Integral Active Steering" which in essence, gives the vehicle four-wheel steering. This in turn assists in better stability especially at higher speeds and a much better turning circle at lower speeds. You only have to drive a new 5 series BMW for less than a kilometre and you will immediately notice a vast improvement. The car actually feels much more planted on the road and especially around bends and sharp corners. It seems the harder and faster you push it the better the car rides and feels.

Even on a five shod with 18-inch (457.2 mm) and 19-inch (482.6 mm) alloy rims, you will still appreciate a remarable difference in the quality of the ride. Probably you will notice only a slight vibration from the standard-fit run-flat tyres. While on the move it's surprisingly quite with a very limited amount of road noise coming from the run-flat tyres.

Another excellent feature of the 5 series is the amount of available cabin space. The first thing you will notice once you get into the car is that the dash gives you a feeling like your in a cocoon but it never gives you a feeling of being claustrophobic. Passengers too have ample head and leg room and the the rear space is also very good. You truly do get lots of leg and head room in thev rear of the car, even despite new designed coupe-like specially designed roof.

The boot actually measures a whopping 520-litres; and is still the same size as the previous model that it replaces. Nevertheless, the luggage area appears to be muvh more accessible than the older version which makes it much easier to load larger items. Interestingly, there is the option of folding rear seats which has been one of the BMW 5 Series weaker points in the past.

Exterior Appearance

The radical change in the appearance of the 5 series has put some of the buyers off. Others have opted for a more conservative style choosing an Audi or Mercedes Benz. Even though some of the older buyers of the 5 series have not taken to the radical new styling the overall effect is one of awe and appreciation of some wonderful new styling features. For instance: You now get a row of 5 LEDs in the trailing edge of the fives headlights along with a shark-like fin aerial on top of the cars roof. You can also order for the M Sport version (of the 530d) which gives you a pretty bodykit, and sport alloy rims as standard. These added features truly make the five stand-out, and are considered well worth the additional cost.

Interior Appearance

The latest version of the BMW 5 series is the first to get away from the traditional dashboard layout which looks like it actually wrappers around the driver. The new 5 series actually does the opposite by the way it bows out (in the centre) and sweeps back on either side. Nevertheless, similar to every other BMW 5 Series, the driver controls are set-out intuitively and the dash dials are among the easiest and clearest to read on any car. The BMW iDrive system (a large rotary style dial just behind the gearstick) controls all of the functions on the dials colour screen being in the centre of the dash itself, and is practical and intuitive to use.

Vehicle Running Costs

When you look at say the 530d model for example, it'll be stacked-up against some pretty serious competition. However, few offer cars of its type and size offer the driving excitement and experience you will get from a big BMW 5 series. Even though its a big car you can expect it to return somewher in the vacinity of more than 7.4 litre/100km on average. Driven sensibly you could even expect to match the official 44 miles per gallon figure established with the official testing of the BMW 5 series. When you consider the 5 series overall weight and size along with its performance, fuel economy is really excellent.

Vehicle Practicality

There's no doubt about it that the BMW 5 series is a large car indeed. With this in mind, you won't be surprised to see a great amount of space in the cabin. The cabin is indeed very roomy and comfortable in every way possible, and leg and headroom in the rear of the car together with the 500 litre boot space sets the car apart from its competition. But on a down note, it is to be noted that the rear seats do not fold down, which does have an effect on some aspects of the fives practicality. The main problem with this of course, is the fives bootlid (instead of the hatch) clearly reveals that there is much less access to the actual space that is available. However, you can order (as an option) on the five series a ski hatch which opens when the rear armrest (and, the trapdoor) are both folded down. Or, you can have one retrofitted to your existing car if it doesn't have one already. Additionally, there isn't a large storage pockets around the cabin either. But the car does come with cupholder fans with an additional pair of soft-opening units on the dash itself.

Vehicle Ride & Road Handling

Most car reviwers will agree that the BMW 5 Series does have a superior ride and handling than any other big saloon car in its class. The 5 series incorporates a front engine and rear wheel drive configuration which allows for better weight distribution especially as the power is constantly being sent rearwards. Therefore, the cars front wheels only concentrate on all aspects of turning and providing the driver with important feedback back through the steering wheel. In the case of a BMW 5 series with a M Sport pack and firmer sports suspension the ride is much tighter and stiffer but comfort and smoothness is not sacrificed at all. The 530d boasts excellent ride and handling. However, if you main concern is for a smoother ride you may want to forgo the optional M Sport pack. Actually, to be quite frank about it, the 530d M Sport really does dispel the myth "once and for all" that run-flat tyres will ruin a car's ride which in the case of a BMW 5 series is definately not the case at all.

Vehicle Performance

Driving a BMW 5 series you will be taken back by its amazing turn of pace, and particularly when you go through the gears. Acceleration is truly impressive for such a big saloon and something you would normally not expect from a car of this class. The power output of the BMW 5 series is a whopping 235bhp. However, it is the 369lb/foot at 2,000rpm of "pulling power" which allows for the tremendous acceleration. This represents up to a 0-99.78 km/h time of just 6.8 seconds and a (electronically-limited) top speed of 249.45 km/h. This makes the 530d's automobile engine one of the most powerful and high-performance diesel engines in a car in the world toady. Even at much lower speeds, the engine is totally refined and free from the classic and aweful diesel clatter. Under hard accelaration its makes you feel like your in a muscle car and not an excecutive big saloon class car.

Vehicle Reliability

Some cars may be big and bold looking but may not necessarily give you one of a solid feeling. With the BMW 5 series this is just not the case at all. You straight away get a feeling of just how solid it feels to you as a big saloon car. The standard of quality and fittings are superb. It literally ozzes strength and reliability the moment you climb aboard. It scores extremely high in the Reliability Index which tracks a vehicles cheapness and rarity of vehicle breakdowns.

Vehicle Safety

Many of the 5 Series' safety systems are controlled via BMW's Advanced Safety Electronics (ASE) system. This regulates the operation of the airbags, seatbelt tensioners and active headrests. There are front, passenger, front side and head airbags which activate through the headrests (which also move in the event of a collision to prevent whiplash). The steering column collapses to avoid head injuries too. But despite these features, the 5 Series failed to achieve a full five star rating in the EuroNCAP crash tests, scoring four for both adult and child occupant protection.

Vehicle Equipment

The very first you notice when you get in a 5 Series is just how well it is appointed. The iDrive system controlls the integrated stereo system, radio/CD player, air-conditioning and traction control. The 5 series boasts steering wheel-mounted audio controls and electric seats as a standard feature of the car. Choose the high-spec 530d M Sportversion and you get a brake drying feature with specialised brake fade compensation. This amazing feature will keep the brakes working perfectly even after a hard and fast drive. The level of safety equipment is superb. Cruise control, front and rear park sensors, hill start assistance, high-tec tyre puncture warning system, heated windscreen washer jets and headlamp washers. You even get an MP3 player socket as standard in a lengthy list of standard equipment.

Vehicle X-Factor

For many years, the BMW 5 Series has been considered to be the very benchmark in a big saloon cars providing the highest of quality and safety. The latest BMW 5 series offers much in maintaining its benchmark position. Now with the addition of the 3 litre diesel 530d version it offers a great deal with this sensational and reliable powerplant. Overall the BMW 5 series is one of the best saloon cars available at truly any price.