2006 BMW 5-Series Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

All-wheel drive, a wagon body style, and more-powerful engines are 2006 additions to BMW's midsize car. AWD versions get an "x" suffix to distinguish them from rear-drive models. The lineup consists of 525i and 525xi sedans, 530i sedans, and 530xi sedans and wagons. These models have inline 6-cyl engines. For '06, 525 models swap a 184-hp 2.5-liter for a 215-hp 3.0. The 3.0 in 530 models gains 30 hp, to 255. The 550i has a 360-hp 4.8-liter V8; it replaces the 545i, which had a 325-hp 4.4 V8. The high-performance M5 has a 500-hp 5.0 V10. Transmission choices include manuals and automatics, depending on model, plus a sequential manual transmission (SMT), which is essentially a manual transmission without a clutch pedal; it can also be set to shift like an automatic. Front side airbags and front and rear head-protecting tubular side airbags are standard. Rear torso side airbags are optional. All models have BMW's iDrive, which uses a console "joystick" knob to control entertainment, navigation, communication, and climate functions. Options include a sport suspension teamed with run-flat tires, and BMW's Active Steering, which quickens steering response. Also optional are head-up instrument display, navigation system, and adaptive cruise control.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.

Our Best Buys include Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti M. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES 330, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include Lexus GS, Lincoln Zephyr, and Mercedes-Benz CLS.

News

It's just a guess, but BMW may add turbocharged 6-cyl "535i" models to bridge the price and performance gap between the non-turbo 530s and V8 550. These would use the new 300-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter engine premiering in the new-for-'07 335i coupe. Confirmed is a conventional 6-speed manual transmission as an '07 alternative for the hot-rod M5 sedan. An M5 wagon has been rumored, but its prospects are unclear. Otherwise, no major near-term changes are forecast for the 5-Series, though a comestic freshening is being whispered for '08.

2006 BMW 5-Series Road Test

Pros	Cons

Steering/handling	Control layout

Ride	Fuel Economy (V8)

Build quality

Interior materials

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	6	6.7

No opportunity to test 525 or 550 models. The 530s have creamy, strong power delivery. Test automatic-transmission 530xi did 6.9 sec 0-60. Automatic works well, but can be tardy on downshifts. Manuals have longish throws, but operate smoothly. No opportunity yet to test with SMT.

Fuel Economy

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
5	5	5	4.6

Test automatic-transmission 530xi averaged 18.8 mpg. All engines require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
8	7	8	6.7

Ride/handling combination is among the world's best. Smooth, stable at any speed. Sport Package's suspension and 17- or 18-inch run-flat tires combine for stiffer feel that allows ruts to pound through, but ride never is harsh.

Steering/Handling/Braking

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
8	9	8	7.1

Well-balanced, agile, always composed, the kind sport-sedan rivals strive to match. Active Steering a boon to low-speed maneuverability, but some testers dislike its inconsistent activation point. Little body lean in fast turns, even less with Sport Package's Active Roll Stabilization. Braking strong, stable, straight.

Quietness

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
8	7	7	6.8

Virtually no wind rush. The only real road noise comes with Sport Package's high-performance tires, and they're hushed on most surfaces. Solid build quality for few creaks, rattles. Engines smooth, produce muted growl in aggressive acceleration.

Controls

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
4	4	4	6.7

Must interact with iDrive for anything other than simplest audio, climate adjustments. That complicates most functions and diverts driver's attention from the road. Control layout itself simple, convenient. Elegant interior decor benefits from top-notch materials.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
8	8	8	7.4

Good head, leg room. Firm, supportive seats. Power seats, tilt/telescope steering wheel make it easy to find a comfortable driving position. Only average visibility over the shoulder and to the rear.

Room/Comfort (rear)

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
7	7	7	5.5

Fine head, leg room, though toe space limited. Taller riders may want more head clearance and will have leg room problems only with front seats all the way back. Long, firm cushions provide fine comfort.

Cargo Room

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
3	3	3	4

Good trunk room, but liftover is high. Hinges covered to prevent crushing packages, but do gobble space. Needs more interior storage.

Value within Class

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
6	6	7	5.9

The 5-Series bristles with technology, but not all of it is beneficial. Active Roll Stabilization is truly useful, and helps BMW maintain the 5-Series' world-class handling without compromising its admirable ride quality. But Active Steering is a love/hate affair, and iDrive can be downright confounding. This year's new 6-cyl engines bring the 5-Series closer to top competitors, even though their horsepower ratings still don't match those of similarly priced rivals.

Total Score

530i sdn, auto.	530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man.	530xi sdn, auto.	Class Average
63	62	63	61.4

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		61
High Score		72

2006 BMW 5-Series Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 05/30/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

525i 4-door sedan	$42,500	$38,855	$695

AWD 525xi 4-door sedan	$44,700	$40,855	$695

530i 4-door sedan	$46,800	$42,770	$695

AWD 530xi 4-door sedan	$49,000	$44,770	$695

AWD 530xi 4-door wagon	$51,400	$46,955	$695

550i 4-door sedan	$57,400	$52,415	$695

M5 4-door sedan	$81,200	$74,070	$695

Price note: 525i/525xi/530i wagon prices and equipment not available at time of publication. 550i w/standard 6-speed manual transmission adds $1000 Gas-Guzzler Tax. M5 adds $3000 Gas-Guzzler Tax.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

525i/525xi

Powertrain

3.0-liter 215-horsepower 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side head-protecting airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power steering, power tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, BMW Assist system, vinyl upholstery, 10-way power front seats, power front headrests, center console, cupholders, memory system (driver seat, steering wheel, mirrors), wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature display, trip computer, wireless cell phone link, map lights, heated door lock, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, 225/50R17 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

530i/530xi adds to 525i:

Powertrain

3.0-liter 255-horsepower 6-cylinder engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Front-seat power lumbar adjustment, split folding rear seat (wagon), rear wiper/washer (wagon).

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights, roof rails (wagon), AWD adds: all-wheel drive.

550i add to 530i:

Powertrain

4.8-liter V8 engine.

Safety

Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, universal garage door opener.

M5 adds to 550i:

Powertrain

5.0-liter V10 engine, 7-speed sequential manual transmission (SMT), limited-slip differential.

Safety

Uprated brakes.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heated 16-way power front seats, aluminum interior trim, navigation system w/voice recognition, 6-disc CD changer, automatic day/night rearview and outside mirrors, heated washer nozzles.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler, headlight washers, adjustable suspension, 255/40R19 front tires, 285/35R19 rear tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
525	$2,000	$1,820
530 sedan	$1,800	$1,640
530xi wagon	$2,100	$1,910
Leather upholstery, front-seat power lumbar adjustment (525), automatic day/night rearview and outside mirrors, universal garage-door opener, power liftgate release (wagon), additional interior lights.

Sport Pkg.
525xi, 530xi	$700	$635
Sport seats, satin chrome Shadowline exterior trim. Requires leather upholstery.

Premium Sound Pkg.
525i/525xi, 530i/530xi, 550i	$1,800	$1,640
Upgraded sound system, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer.

Cold Weather Pkg.
525, 530 sedan, 550i	$750	$685
530xi wagon	$900	$820
Heated front seats and steering wheel, ski sack (wagon), heated headlight washers.

Powertrain
6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
525, 530	$1,275	$1,210
550	$0	$0


6-speed sequential manual transmission (SMT)
530	$1,500	$1,425
550	$0	$0
Requires Sport Pkg. NA AWD.

Safety
Rear side airbags
525i/525xi, 530i/530xi, 550i, M5	$385	$350


Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
525, 530	$700	$635


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
525, 530, 550	$1,800	$1,640


Active steering
525i/525xi, 530i/530xi, 550i	$1,250	$1,140
NA AWD, M5.

Adaptive cruise control
525, 530, 550	$2,200	$2,000


Leather upholstery
525, 530	$1,450	$1,320


Upgraded leather upholstery
M5	$3,500	$3,185
Includes alcantara headliner.

Comfort 20-way power front seats
530, 550	$1,200	$1,090
Includes active headrests, passenger-seat memory. 525, 530 require Premium Pkg. or leather upholstery.

Multifunction front seats
M5	$1,900	$1,730
Includes width adjustment.

Ventilated front seats
M5	$800	$730
Requires multifunction front seats.

Split folding rear seat
sedan	$475	$430
Includes ski sack.

Heated front seats
525, 530, 550	$500	$455


Heated rear seat
525i/525xi, 530i/530xi, 550i, M5	$350	$320
525, 530, 550 require Cold Weather Pkg. 525, 530 require leather upholstery or Premium Pkg.

Unique wood interior trim
525i/525xi, 530i/530xi, 550i, M5	$0	$0


Satellite radio
525i/525xi, 530i/530xi, 550i, M5	$595	$540
Requires monthly fee.

Head-up instrument display
525i/525xi, 530i/530xi, 550i, M5	$1,000	$910
525, 530, 550 require navigation system.

Power rear and manual rear-door sunshades
sedan	$575	$525


Manual rear-door sunshades
wagon	$250	$230


Keyless access and starting
525i/525xi, 530i/530xi, 550i, M5	$1,000	$910


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights
525i	$800	$730


Rear spoiler delete
M5	$0	$0


245/45R17 run-flat tires
525xi	$300	$275
Requires Sport Pkg.

240/45R18 run-flat tires
530xi	$600	$545

2006 BMW 5-Series Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	BMW 5-Series 4-door sedan	BMW 5-Series 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	113.7	113.6

Overall Length, in.	191.1	191.2

Overall Width, in.	72.7	72.7

Overall Height, in.	57.8	58.7

Curb Weight, lbs.	3428	3847

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	14.0	58.3

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.5	18.5

Seating Capacity	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	37.7	37.6

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.5	41.5

Rear Head Room, in.	37.9	37.6

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.0	36.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I6	dohc I6	dohc V8	dohc V10

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.0 /182	3.0 /182	4.8 /293	5.0 /305

Horsepower @ rpm.	215 @ 6250	255 @ 6600	360 @ 6300	500 @ 7750

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	185 @ 2750	220 @ 2750	360 @ 3400	384 @ 6100

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed manual	20/30	20/30	15/23	--/--

6-speed automatic	21/29	21/29	17/25	--/--

6-speed SMT	--/--	19/27	16/22	--/--

7-speed SMT	--/--	--/--	--/--	12/18

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test

BMW 5-Series 4-door sedan

BMW 5-Series 4-door wagon

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	12/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	4/50,000	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Germany

Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive

< 2006 BMW 5-Series Photos

Also in the 2006 BMW 5-Series Review:

BMW 5-Series

BMW 5-Series Road Test

BMW 5-Series Prices & Equipment

BMW 5-Series Specs & Safety

BMW 5-Series Photos

BMW 5-Series Full Review

All BMW 5-Series

All BMWs