BMW 5 Series
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BMW created an all-new 5 Series for the 2011 model year, but the hits just keep on coming. For 2012, BMW dumps the 3.0-liter 6 cylinder in the base 528i and substitutes a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4 cylinder. With a bump in horsepower, torque and efficiency, this would seem to be a win/win/win for the consumer. However, Americans have been historically reluctant to spend big bucks on small powerplants. Hopefully, the dynamic has changed with escalating gasoline prices and growing awareness of global warming.
The 525i and 530i sedans are two of BMW's most successful vehicles. Their powerful styling is matched by two new six-cylinder engines introduced last year. With more interior room than a 3 Series but less exterior bulk than the pricey 7 Series, the 525i and 530i comfortably fill the dual roles of being both performance and family sedans. Beyond their trademark styling and obvious social status, the BMW 5 Series sedans offer a number of genuine advantages, such as a six-speed manual transmission, the availability of all-wheel drive (525xi and 530xi) and the latest advances in electronically assisted suspension, steering and engine operation.
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2011 550xi / Sport
By CB7875 (MA) on Sunday, July 24, 2011
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,000
overall rating 5 of 5rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Power when you want it, Luxury when you dont."
Cons: "Potholes in MA are a tad harsh w/ Sport suspension and 20" wheels."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"This new 550i for 2011, by my experience, trumps the competition and raises the bar in every possible way from the previous BMW 5 series. Not a fan of the previous 5er bodystyle; however, loved the one prior to that from 98-04. That said, they don't always get it right, but they hit bull's eye w/ this one all around. Performance is second to none; turbo-lag non existent. Adaptive driving modes (Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport ) shows that you can't please everybody with the the same thing, so you can decide how you want the car to respond - love that feature. Amount of technology in this car, especially when adding head-up display, comfort access,"
11 people out of 11 found this review helpful
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2011 535xi
By Randall (IL) on Saturday, October 01, 2011
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 500
overall rating 2 of 5rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Styling, finish."
Cons: "Read above. And tech is not great, iDrive clumsy. Esp scrolling music from an iPod."
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1
"Hugely disappointing. I'll cut to the chase. There is tremendous lag or delay, when accelerating from a complete stop. The car delays for about .75 of a second before lurching forward. Are you kidding me? Apparently, other 535 owners are reporting the same, and when I took the car back to my local dealership, service confirmed the problem and said the same was found in other cars they tested. Why would BMW allow these cars to be sold? The car is beautiful, fit and finish better then Audi A6, but engine unacceptable. Stay away from this car."
7 people out of 7 found this review helpful
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Gotta love that German engineering!
By Oldschool (VA) on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 14,000
overall rating 5 of 5rating detailsReviewer Ratings
- Overall Rating
- Value
- Reliability
- Quality
- Performance
- Styling
- Comfort
Pros: "Great handling, quiet cabin, free maintenance"
Cons: "voice ativation issues"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"As a previous MB and LS460 owner just to name a few. The 5 series is clearly the best thats offered today in terms of performance, quality and style. Great gas mileage BTW which is great nowadays! Check it out!"
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful
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