The BMW 5-Series is completely revised for the 2004 model year and looks
like it will be heading for top honors. The 5-Series, available in three
versions, appeals to unregenerate gearheads as well as to business
executives and professionals that don¹t give a hoot about what¹s under the
hood. The new model will offer a lot to both groups.
Briefly stated, the new 5-Series has an all new chassis and suspension. It
is slightly larger, but is also lighter thanks to the use of an aluminum
front suspension. But the new 5-Series will undoubtedly evoke its share of
debate‹the styling is somewhat reminiscent of the controversial BMW 7-Series
which stirred up more reaction than any other design I can think of in the
last decade. The 5-Series features a slightly more subdued take on the
raised trunk line that has elicited most of the negative reactions to the
styling of the 7-Series.

The new 5-Series also has a version of BMW¹s infamous iDrive system, a
highly engineered response to the fact that as automotive electronics have
grown more sophisticated‹and more complicated‹European luxury cars have
accumulated a dashboard full of controls that are hard to locate and use.
The heart of the iDrive interface is a controller‹a center console-mounted
joystick‹and display screen mounted on the dashboard, which manages a
computer menu system that wraps up a number of functions and removes them
from view. With the iDrive system, you select from scores of choices via a
menu system that accesses the audio, and climate controls and
communications. This system in the 7-Series definitely raised the ire of
lots of buyers and reviewers. But the simplified version in the new 5-Series
should arouse less consternation.

The 530i occupies the middle of the current 5-Series range. Other models
include a lower priced 525i and the upscale 545i, which features a new V-8
engine. Our test model had a list price of about $44,300, but it ran to
$56,000 with add-ons. Options included the $750 Cold Weather Package, the
$2,400 Premium Package of luxury goodies, which included leather seats with
power lumbar support and genuine wood trim. The Premium Sound Package added $1,800.  The $3,300 Sport Package, which includes the components that really define the driving experience, delivered 18-inch wheels and tires, sports
seats, sport suspension, active steering, active roll stabilization.  Other
options included a rear sunshade, xenon headlights, park distance control,
and heated fold-down rear seats.

Power is provided by BMW¹s familiar 3-liter inline six that has been
enhanced for low-end power delivery. The silky smooth motor offers amazing
performance for its relatively small size, able to zip the car to 60 miles
per hour in 6.6 seconds, reach a top speed of 150 miles per hour and deliver
a commendable 30 miles per gallon in highway driving.

Questions of size, weight, power, design and other factors pale when you put
the new BMW 5-Series on the road. The 530i is an absolute joy to drive,
whether on a mountain switchback or a fast Interstate highway. The new model
absolutely represents the state of the automotive art in terms of handling,
steering response, and ride quality for a sports sedan.

The driving experience had me searching for a new vocabulary to express the
sensations. Such concepts as perfect integration of a host of components and
subtle reactions were some thoughts the came to mind. The car¹s poise and
responsiveness is undoubtedly the result of the aluminum suspension
components as well as the active steering, active roll stabilization.

One could write a book on how automobile physical dynamics are affected by
these components, but it¹s more enlightening to talk about how it all feels
on the road. First off, the car has a strong on-center feel. This means that
it tracks straight and true down the center of the lane with little
correction needed, yet it does not feel heavy or ponderous. When you do need
to make a minor correction, almost no effort is needed. The sensation is
almost like the car is reading you mind.

When you come to a bend in the road or need to make a lane change, you seem
to intuitively know exactly how many degrees to turn the steering wheel. The
omnipresent bumps and imperfections that define our highway infrastructure
these days have almost no effect on the car¹s composure. You can feel an
impact via the seat of you pants, but the car stays straight and true with
absolutely no deflection, even if you experience chopped-up road conditions
going around a curve. 

 
Vehicle:  BMW 530i

Price as tested: $56,145

Engine:

         Type: 3-liter inline 6

         Horsepower: 225 @ 5,900 rpm

         Torque: 214-ft. lbs. @ 3,500 rpm

Fuel economy, manual transmission

         City - 20 mpg

         Highway - 30 mpg

Curb Weight: 3,472 lbs.