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BMW has enjoyed a long run as a media darling and
upwardly mobile enthusiast favorite, and its dynamically
delightful automobiles have long been benchmarks for aspirational
automakers. Then the new-for-2002 full-size 7
Series divided BMW’s worshiping flock. The performance
and dynamics were there, better than ever, but reviewers disdained
its convoluted styling and its innovative but overly
complex iDrive multi-function control system.
Next came an all-new mid-range 5 Series, looking much
like a scaled-down 7 and sharing its infernal iDrive, though
in a somewhat easier execution. It also earned mostly raves
for dynamics but brickbats for looks and control ergonomics.
Six seasons have passed since that first shocking 7 and
four since the mixed-reviews 5. Sales of both have been
strong, however, so their buyers must be okay with these
issues…or covet these cars for image and other attributes
despite them. Meanwhile, the polarizing design, somewhat
softened and proliferated to other models, has grown on
most observers.
BMW knows well that the toughest challenge of leadership
is maintaining it, so the 5s arrive for 2008 refreshed
with exterior appearance tweaks (front fascias, rear diffusers
and taillights) interior upgrades, boosted six-cylinder performance
and a host of high technology features. They carry
stickers ranging from $45K (including $775 destination) for
a base 528i to 100 Gs for a loaded M5. But what exactly do
they deliver for those dollars?
528i
Compared to some logical rivals, that $45K is $6,300
under a Mercedes E 350, $1,300 over an Audi A6 and
roughly equal to a Lexus ES 350. But the 528i’s 230-hp 3.0-
liter inline six (though 15 horses up on the ’07 525i) is
much less powerful than their larger V-6s. On the plus side,
BMW’s rare-in-class six-speed manual transmission is a
plus for self-shifting enthusiasts, while a quicker-shifting,
more efficient STEPTRONIC six-speed automatic is a
matic crash notification and enhanced roadside assistance.
The love-it or-hate-it iDrive adds six programmable
memory buttons that can be used for radio station presets,
navigation destinations or auto-dial telephone numbers. The
enhanced DSC (which first appeared in 2006) integrates
Dynamic Traction Control with ABS braking, Dynamic
Brake Control, electronic brake proportioning, cornering/
braking stability enhancement and (on all-wheel-drive xi
models) Hill Descent Control. It also includes such safety
and please-ability features as Brake Fade Compensation,
Brake Standby, Brake Drying and Start-off Assistant, which
briefly holds the car when launching uphill.
Options and packages can add another $20K or more. A
$2,800 Sport Package adds Active Roll Stabilization, sport
suspension, sport steering wheel, 18-inch wheels/tires and
(believe it!) 20-way multi-contour front seats; a $2,300
Premium Package piles on Dakota leather upholstery, fourway
power front-seat lumbar support and more luxo touches;
a Cold Weather package brings heated front seats and
steering wheel and high-pressure headlamp cleaners. Among
the many stand-alone options are Active Cruise Control
($2,400), night vision ($2,200), navigation ($1,900), leather
($1,450), Active Steering ($1,400), Head-Up Display
($1,200), Logic7 premium audio ($1,200), Comfort Access
(a multi-function smart key), Xenon adaptive headlamps
($800), front and rear park distance control ($700), SIRIUS
Satellite radio ($595), high-def radio ($500), Lane
Departure Warning ($500) and heated front seats ($500).
BMW’s Active Steering uses a widely variable steering
ratio to ease low-speed maneuvers and can intervene to help
stabilize the car in “critical” situations. Active Cruise
Control uses front radar to sense and adjust to the speeds of
vehicles ahead and for 2008 adds a “Stop & Go” feature that
lets the system come to a complete stop, then resume the set
speed. The Head-Up Display projects vehicle speed, cruise
control setting, navigation instructions and vehicle warnings
in the driver’s line of sight. Lane Departure Warning uses a
camera to monitor lane position above 35 mph and warn the
driver (through a mild vibration in the steering wheel) when
the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane. It is canceled by
the brakes or turn signals, and it can be switched off.
535i
Stepping up to the $50K 535i sedan buys BMW’s
delectable new 300-hp twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six.
With direct fuel injection using fast-responding piezo electric
injectors and double VANOS steplessly variable valve
timing, it pumps out 45 horses and 80 lb-ft of torque more
than the previous 530i and even with the automatic can
launch the car from rest to 60 mph in 5.7 sec. vs. 6.6 sec.
for the ’07 530i.
The 535i also adds four-way power lumbar support on
the front seats, low-speed cornering lights and auto-leveling
adaptive Xenon headlamps that move with the steering, and
its brake discs are upgraded to the same size as the 550i’s.
Its optional Sport Automatic transmission comes with steering
wheel paddle shifters and a Sport button for quicker
shifting and matches rpm during downshifts. Its available
Sport Package includes 18-inch wheels and tires in staggered
widths (wider in back). The all-wheel-drive 535xi
sedan lists at $52K, while the 535xi Sports Wagon ups the
ante to nearly $55K.
For more on this article and much more grab a copy of Auto Aficionado Magazine on newsstands nationwide!
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