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2007 BMW 5-Series Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2007 BMW 5-Series Review:
5. 
BMW 5-Series Photos

6. 
BMW 5-Series Full Review

7. 
All BMW 5-Series

8. 
All BMWs


2007 BMW 5-Series Review
BMW's midsize car comes in sedan and wagon form and with rear- and all-wheel drive. The lineup starts with 525i and all-wheel-drive 525xi sedans, and the 530i sedan and AWD 530xi sedans and wagons. These models have an inline 6-cyl engine. The 525s have 215 hp, the 530s 255. The 550i sedan has a 360-hp V8, the high-performance M5 a 500-hp V10. All are available with a 6-speed manual transmission. All but the M5 are available with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Available on the 530i, 550i, and M5 is BMW's Sequential Manual Gearbox, a sequential manual transmission (SMT).

Standard on all are ABS, traction/antiskid control, front side airbags, and front and rear head-protecting tubular side airbags. Rear torso side airbags are optional. BMW Assist emergency and concierge service is standard. All models have BMW's iDrive, which uses a console knob to control entertainment, navigation, communication, and climate functions. Available features include a sport suspension teamed with run-flat tires, BMW's Active Roll Stabilization designed to counteract body lean, and BMW's Active Steering that electronically varies steering ratio and assist. Also available is BMW's Night Vision, which projects onto a dashboard screen images of objects beyond headlight range. Adaptive cruise control, a navigation system, heated front and rear seats, and steering-linked headlights are also available. The M5 has unique sport suspension tuning and other high-performance features.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus GS 450h, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
News
Subtle styling changes and new 6-cyl engines highlight a 2008 freshening for the 5-Series. The 525i/xi models adopt BMW's latest magnesium-block 3.0-liter six to become 528s with 230 hp. Similarly, the midrange 530i/xi become 535s by switching to BMW's new 300-hp twin-turbo engine. Both powerplants feature direct fuel injection, claimed to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions. Engines are unchanged for the V8 550 models and high-performance V10 M5. V8s, however, get a new 6-speed automatic transmission with stalk-type shift lever. All models sport retrimmed interiors with higher-grade materials, plus another revision to the iDrive control for audio, climate, navigation and other functions. Finally, BMW says its hot Euro-market M5 wagon will definitely not come to North America as some had rumored. Apparently, there's just not enough demand for it over here.
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2007 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. 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. Class Average
6 6 6 8 7

No opportunity to test 525i or M5. The 530i model's 255-hp 6-cyl is smooth, strong with either transmission. Test automatic-transmission 530xi did 6.9 sec 0-60. 550i potent at all speeds, did 5.5 sec 0-60 with automatic transmission in our test. Manual gearbox provides smooth action. Automatic works well with any engine, but can be tardy on downshifts. No opportunity yet to test with SMT.
Fuel Economy

530i sdn, auto. 530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man. 530xi sdn, auto. 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. Class Average
5 5 5 4 4.6

Test automatic-transmission 530xi averaged 18.8 mpg. No opportunity to measure with other models. All engines require premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality

530i sdn, auto. 530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man. 530xi sdn, auto. 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. Class Average
8 7 8 7 6.6

Smooth, stable at any speed. Sport Package's stiffer suspension and 17- or 18-inch run-flat tires combine for tautness that allows ruts to pound through, but ride never becomes harsh. 5-Series' ride/handling combination is among the world's best.
Steering/Handling/Braking

530i sdn, auto. 530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man. 530xi sdn, auto. 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. Class Average
8 9 8 9 7.2

Well-balanced, agile, always composed, the kind sport sedan rivals strive to match. Active Steering a boon to low-speed maneuverability, but its activation point feels inconsistent to some testers. 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. 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. Class Average
8 7 7 7 6.9

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

530i sdn, auto. 530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man. 530xi sdn, auto. 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. Class Average
7 7 7 7 6.8

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. 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. Class Average
8 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; no opportunity to test with Night Vision.
Room/Comfort (rear)

530i sdn, auto. 530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man. 530xi sdn, auto. 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. Class Average
7 7 7 7 5.4

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. 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. Class Average
3 3 3 3 4.2

Good trunk room, but liftover is high. Hinges covered to prevent crushing packages, but do gobble space. Meager interior storage.
Value within Class

530i sdn, auto. 530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man. 530xi sdn, auto. 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. Class Average
6 6 7 6 6.1

The 5-Series bristles with technology, but not all of it is beneficial. Active Steering is a love/hate affair, and the iDrive control center can be downright confounding. But Active Roll Stabilization is truly useful, and helps BMW maintain the 5-Series' world-class handling without compromising its admirable ride quality.
Total Score

530i sdn, auto. 530i sdn w/Sport Pkg., man. 530xi sdn, auto. 550i w/Sport Pkg., auto. Class Average
66 65 66 66 62.2
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score
49
Average Score
62
High Score
75
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2007 BMW 5-Series Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/15/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
525i 4-door sedan $43,500 $40,200 $695
AWD 525xi 4-door sedan $45,700 $42,225 $695
530i 4-door sedan $47,500 $43,880 $695
AWD 530xi 4-door sedan $49,700 $45,905 $695
AWD 530xi 4-door wagon $52,100 $48,110 $695
550i 4-door sedan $58,500 $54,000 $695
M5 4-door sedan $82,500 $75,900 $695
Price note: 525i/525xi/530i wagon prices and equipment not available at time of publication. 550i w/standard 6-speed manual transmission adds $1300 Gas-Guzzler Tax. M5 w/SMT transmission adds $3000 Gas-Guzzler Tax. M5 w/manual transmission adds $3700 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, hill-holder clutch.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, 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/MP3 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), panoramic sunroof (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, automatic day/night rearview mirror.
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, upgraded sound system w/traffic information, automatic day/night outside mirrors, heated washer nozzles.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: steering-linked adaptive headlights.
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
$1,300
$1,185
Front-seat active head restraints, 20-way power multicontour front seats w/adjustable thigh and side support, passenger-seat memory, sport steering wheel, satin chrome Shadowline exterior trim. Requires leather upholstery or Premium Pkg.
Premium Sound Pkg.
525i/525xi, 530i/530xi, 550i
$1,800
$1,640
Upgraded sound system, glovebox-mounted 6-disc CD changer. NA M5.
Cold Weather Pkg.
525, 530 sedan, 550i
$750
$685
530xiT 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.
6-speed manual transmission
M5
$0
$0
Safety
Rear side airbags
525i/525xi, 530i/530xi, 550i, M5
$385
$350
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
525, 530
$700
$635
Night Vision
525, 530, 550
$2,200
$1,700
Requires Cold Weather Pkg., navigation system.
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.
20-way power multicontour front seats
530, 550
$1,200
$1,090
Includes active headrestraints, adjustable side and thigh support, 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
High-definition radio
525i/525xi, 530i/530xi, 550i, M5
$500
$455
M5 deletes traffic information.
Upgraded speakers
525, 530, 550
$1,200
$1,090
Requires Premium Sound Pkg.
Satellite radio
525i/525xi, 530i/530xi, 550i, M5
$595
$540
High definition radio
525i/525xi, 530i/530xi, 550i, M5
$500
$455
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 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
Requires Sport Pkg.
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2007 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 12/18
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
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Also in the 2007 BMW 5-Series Review:
5. 
BMW 5-Series Photos

6. 
BMW 5-Series Full Review

7. 
All BMW 5-Series

8. 
All BMWs


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