2007 BMW 5 Series
by Jim Prueter - 02/07

Still amazing, still the ultimate driving machine

BMW completely redesigned the 5-Series for 2004, moving yet more upscale. Back then, I gave it an overall rating of “excellent” or in almost every area.

BMW engines and transmissions are superb and their brakes are the best, period. It’s no surprise BMW’s 5 Series has been one of the most coveted and sought-after cars in the mid-size luxury market year in and year out; it sets the benchmark for luxury sports sedans. On top of everything else, it’s fun to drive and maintains one of the best resale values of any car.

So tinkering with a car that’s been named one of the Ten Best by Car and Driver six years running, was Consumer Reports’ best car tested for two years, attracted more sales every year since 1996 and calls itself “The Ultimate Driving Machine” presents significant challenges.

The 2004 redesign was the first in eight years. In a sense, the 5 Series is much more car: more interior room, more standard equipment and more techno-sophistication, including the controversial and complicated iDrive multifunction control system. You probably already guessed it, the new 5 costs more, too.

For 2007 the 5 Series consists of five models: the 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi and 550i models. I tested the entry-level 525i sedan (base price $44,195 including destination charge) powered by a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that generates 215 horsepower and 185 pound-feet of torque.

The 530i ($48,195) accounts for nearly half of all 5 Series sales in the U.S., and features an upgraded version of the 3.0-liter that produces 255 horsepower and 220 pound-feet of torque. The top-of-the-line 550i ($58,195) is powered by a 4.8-liter, 360-horsepower V-8. All models get a six-speed manual transmission standard. A six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission is a $1275 option.
BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system is available on 525 and 530 sedans for an additional $2400, and is standard on the 530 wagon model.

The limited production, blistering fast M5 sedan powered by an incredibly advanced V-10, 500-horsepower engine starts at $81,895.

Both the 525i and 530i come standard with “leatherette” (vinyl made to look like leather) seats. You’ll need to add an additional $2000 for the Premium Package to get real leather seats, but the package also includes the integrated garage door opener, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and lumbar support.

That aside, even the 525i comes with plenty of standard luxury features, including automatic climate control, AM/FM/CD with 10 speakers and two sub-woofers, power tilt-telescopic leather steering wheel, power seats with memory system, power glass moonroof, rain-sensing windshield wipers, alloy wheels, keyless entry, 17-inch alloy wheels, adaptive break lights, and numerous other standard features.

Options include Sirius satellite radio ($595), active cruise control ($2200), DVD-based navigation ($1900), and night vision with infrared technology to help you see in the dark what’s on the road ahead ($2200). The Sports Package ($2500) includes star spoke alloy wheels, run-flat tires, sports suspension, active steering, active roll stabilization and shadowline trim. Add $800 for Xenon headlights, $500 for heated seats up front and another $350 for rear-seat bun warmers, $700 for front and rear park assist, and $575 for a rear power sunshade with manual side shades.

When it comes to exterior styling you’ve got to hand it to the BMW designers who fly in the face convention. Beginning with the top-of-the-line BMW 7 Series a few year ago and the Z4 roadster and the 3-Series last year, BMW continues to go out on a limb when it comes to styling. Well, more like the skinny branches.

Most automotive journalists, including yours truly, were highly critical of BMW’s restyled 7 Series, in particular the big rear end matched to the “flame front”; it looked like two halves of different cars were put together. But the styling has apparently grown on consumers who now make little of BMW’s styling. In fact, manufacturers including Acura and Hyundai have actually copied it.

Love it or hate it, the new design gets attention, some of it not necessarily good. The new 5 is definitely cut from the same mold as the 7 Series. I confess the look has grown on me since it was first introduced in 2004.

Interiors have never been BMW’s strong suit and certainly don’t approach the gorgeous interiors of Audi. But the new 5’s interior is much improved. The double info center dash is divided in two; the instrument cluster immediately behind the steering wheel features an analog speedometer and miles-per-gallon gauge inside the tachometer. The large center dash houses the large electronic screen that displays the iDrive functions, system readouts and the optional navigation map. Seat comfort is exceptional and interior materials have the look and feel of quality.

Standard safety features include a front- and rear-seat head-protection system, dual front-side airbags, dynamic stability control and active front head restraints. Side impact airbags for the rear seats are an extra $385. They should be standard in a $40,000 plus car. The 5-Series was named a “Best Pick” in IIHS frontal offset crash testing.

Perfection is the word that best describes the driving and handling characteristics of the 5 Series. Here is a sedan that begs to be driven to the limit, where its sporty suspension and exceptional handling dynamics still warrant world-class designation. Full days behind the wheel are met with comfort and ease.

Seats are on the firm side, yet occupants enjoy ample room both up front and in the rear. While BMW engineers have improved the dreaded iDrive system with an added menu feature, it’s still frustrating to operate and more of a distraction than an aid.

While expensive when compared to competition, the 5-Series may still be the best car in its class.