2008 BMW 5 Series Review

PROS
Terrific ride/handling balance, Lots of engine choices, Sophisticated and sporty

CONS
Cramped back seat, Limited cargo room, No alternative to iDrive 

Long the gold-standard for midsize sport-luxury sedans, the BMW 5-Series is facing increasing pressure from both foreign and domestic competitors. Over the last few years, new models from Acura, Cadillac, Infiniti, Jaguar, Lexus, and Volvo have attempted to chip away at the 5-Series’ stranglehold as the top sport-luxury sedan.

That’s not to say that BMW has been resting on its laurels. In 2004 the German automaker introduced a completely new 5-Series with stunningly different styling. Though still a midsize car, the new 5-Series sported angular lines that departed from the softer shapes of the previous generation. The '04 5-Series also received BMW’s controversial iDrive system. iDrive is offered on most models in the BMW lineup and is designed to eliminate dashboard clutter by grouping audio, climate, navigation, and ancillary system controls into one system is with a single input device.

For 2008 BMW beefs up the 5-Series lineup with fresh styling and new six-cylinder engines. The new look includes revised front fascia, tail, and a redesigned interior with upgraded materials. New safety features include an available lane-departure warning system and a “Stop & Go” feature for the cruise control, which is designed to allow operation in heavy traffic.

The 5-Series lineup continues to be very diverse. 528i models come with a 230-horsepower, 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder engine, a gain of 15 horsepower over the previous year. The 535i comes with a turbocharged 3.0-liter six that makes an even 300 horsepower--45 more than last year. The 550i has a 360-horsepower, 4.8-liter V8. Topping the line is the limited-edition M5. It comes with a 500-horsepower, 5.0-liter V10.

A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all models. Optional on 525I, 535i, and 550i models is a six-speed automatic transmission. Optional on 535i and 550i is a six-speed automatic/manual transmission, while the M5 is available with a seven-speed manual/automatic. This unique transmission can be shifted manually using the console-mounted shift lever or steering-wheel paddles and also has a fully-automatic mode.

All 5-Series models are offered with rear-wheel drive. 528i and 530i are available with all-wheel-drive, denoted by an x in the model name. Standard safety equipment on all includes antilock brakes, brake assist, stability control, tire-pressure monitor, and front, front-side, and curtain airbags. Rear-side airbags, lane-departure warning, front- and rear-obstacle-detection system, and a night vision system are optional.

All models come with dual-zone automatic climate control, power tilt-telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel with radio controls, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, power front seats, center console with cooled compartment, memory system, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, sunroof, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, wireless cell phone link, illuminated visor mirrors, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, fog lights, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

535i models add steering-linked adaptive HID headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, and split-folding rear seat, panoramic sunroof, and load-leveling suspension on wagon models. 550I adds leather upholstery, universal garage door opener, automatic day-night rearview and outside mirrors. M5 adds limited-slip differential, upgraded brakes, adjustable sport suspension, heated front seats, aluminum interior trim, navigation system with voice recognition, upgraded sound system with traffic information, trip computer, rear spoiler, headlight washers, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Stand-alone options include navigation system, active steering, adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, split folding rear seat, heated rear seat, heated steering wheel, high-definition radio, satellite radio, iPod adapter, head-up instrument display, power rear and manual rear-door sunshades, power closing doors, and keyless access and starting.

5-Series prices start at $44,300 for the rear-drive 528i and roll all the way up to $58,500 for the 550i. The limited-edition M5 lists for $82,900. All models are built in Germany and carry a $775 destination charge.

Get Up and Go
BMW quotes a 0-60 mph time for the 528i at 6.5 seconds when equipped with the manual transmission. That number only grows slightly to 7.1 seconds for automatic models. Those times compare favorably to some V8-powered luxury sedans--and don't forget this is the least-powerful model in the 5-Series lineup.

More impressive than the 3.0-liter inline-six's power output is its smoothness. At idle you can barely tell the engine is running and when accelerating, very little vibration transferred into the passenger compartment.

The automatic transmission shifts seamlessly between gears and seems to be well matched to the engine's powerband. Downshifts are prompt and there's little hunting in hilly terrain. In past experience, BMW's manual/automatic transmission, doesn't shift as smoothly as conventional automatics but does offer the benefit of clutch-pedal-less operation when shifting gears manually.

The availability of all-wheel drive is a plus, but BMW's standard tires aren't cut out for our harsh winters and don't provide enough slippery-road traction. Chicagoland drivers will want to purchase a set of snow-tires for winter months, regardless.

The rear-drive 528i automatic is EPA rated at 18 mpg city and 27 mpg and requires premium-grade fuel. In routine driving expect to average about 20 mpg. If your commute includes a healthy dose of highway cruising, you might average as high as 24 mpg.

On the Road
Though BMWs have long maintained a terrific ride comfort/road holding compromise, the recent trend toward low-profile performance tires has not been kind to this Bavarian make. On any model, there's more impact harshness that you'd expect on a luxury sedan. Still, the ride is never hard or busy.

528i models ride with the most comfort, the base suspension offering a suppleness and refinement unmatched among luxury-sport competitors. As you move up the line to the 535i and 550i, the ride grows noticeably firmer, though large impacts are always handled with aplomb. Regardless of model, body motions are kept in check and there is little bouncing or bobbing on rough roads.

Though the absolute cornering grip of any 5-Series is likely little higher than mainstream sport-luxury competitors, there's little doubt that the 5-Series is the enthusiast's choice. That's because the 5-Series remains composed in all but the most ridiculous situations and the suspension virtually eliminates bump-hop in turns. There's little body lean in turns on base models and cornering is almost completely flat on models with the active suspension. Steering is delightfully accurate and brakes are strong and easy to modulate.

Inside, the 5-Series isn't a particularly quiet car when compared luxury sedans, but noise levels are more subdued than in most sport-minded competitors. At speed there's little wind noise, but tire rumble can intrude on Sport Package models, thanks to the low-profile tires. Even the non-enthusiast, can appreciate the inline-six-cylinder engine's melodious hum in hard acceleration.

Behind the Wheel
BMW designers gave the 5-Series a tasteful interior featuring top-notch materials and exceptional assembly quality. Large and easy-to-read gauges are front and center, and the general design is functional and straight forward. Climate controls consist of simple dials and buttons. Sadly, the iDrive jog dial that manages the audio, navigation, and phone interface isn't as intuitive as it could be and is more distracting that simple dash-mounted buttons and knobs.

The front seats are firm, but supportive and long-haul comfortable. Head and leg room are generous and the power tilt-telescope steering wheel makes it easy for just about any driver to get comfortable. Forward visibility is great, but the side-view mirrors could be a trifle larger to help eliminate blind spots to the rear three quarters.

Past generation 5-Series models have always offed decent room and comfortable accommodations for rear-seat passengers and the '08 model is no different. Head room is adequate for six footers, but foot and knee space grows tight if the front seats are all the way back. Also, there's a fairly pronounced drive-line tunnel that precludes three-across seating.

If there's one area where the 5-Series falls down against competitors it is in overall storage space. The trunk is only average size and the lid utilizes simple hinges that limit cargo room. Interior storage is mediocre highlighted by a small center console and a glovebox that's barely large enough to hold the owner's manual.

Bottom Line
The '08 iteration of the 5-Series is a wonderful driver's car. It rewards the enthusiast and makes a mediocre driver look like A.J. Foyt. It is also quite refined. The inline six is as smooth as any V8, and the suspension is compliant enough to cushion occupants on bumpy roads--something that can't be said for all luxury-sport sedans.

There are downsides though. The rear seat needs a few more inches of leg room, the trunk could be larger, and BMW should offer an alternative to iDrive for buyers who don't want to put up with its Draconian logic.

The 5-Series isn't inexpensive either. There are competitors that offer similar features and performance for thousands less. Yet, there are no direct competitors that offer the 5-Series' combination of ride quality, handling prowess, and overall sophistication. In addition, there's a 5-Series for every budget--as long as your budget starts at $45,000.