2004 BMW 530i

Tom Collins
The Auto Answerman
AM 760 Radio
Denver

Vehicle Type: Sports Sedan
Price as tested: $55,795
Pros:
Handling
Ride
Brakes
Fuel Economy

Cons:
iDrive

Overview:
The five series BMW competes with cars like the Audi A6, Volvo S80 and the Mercedes E-Class. Available as a sedan only in the U.S., the 5-Series can be ordered to suit your needs with 3 engine and 3 transmission choices. As with all BMW models handling and performance is excellent. Complicated driver interface system called iDrive is one of the vehicles few weak spots. I had the opportunity to drive the 530i to Vegas for a car show during my allotted week. The combination of mountain and desert driving was an excellent proving ground for this car.

Under the hood:
BMW gives you 2 straight 6-cylinder engines and one V8 to choose from. The 525i comes with a 189 HP 2.5 liter, while 530i’s (like our test car) come with a 3.0 liter making 225 HP and 221 ft lbs of torque. BMW’s ‘Double Vanos’ variable valve timing adjusts the 4-valve per cylinder engine for maximum torque and excellent fuel economy. With 4 passengers and full compliment of luggage we managed a surprising 34-MPG on the Vegas trip. This was even more impressive when you consider we did a lot of mountain driving and speeds were in the mid-80’s. Power is more than adequate with this engine but you won’t win many stoplight races. For that, move up to the 545i and it’s 4.4 liter 333 HP engine. Our test car was equipped with a 6-speed manual. The tall 6th gear no doubt helped with fuel economy. It’s a nice shifting unit. If you want an automatic a 6-speed is available as a $1275.00 option. BMW will also install an SMG or ‘Sequential Manual Gearbox’ for an additional $1500.00. I’ve used this ‘Clutch-less’ manual in the 3-Series (M3) and was very impressed. You control the shifts with steering wheel mounted paddles or with the shift lever. This is the best ‘performance’ option.

Ride and Handling:
Here is where the 5-Series really shines. Few cars on the road can match the feel of a BMW. These are cars that love to be driven and reward you with crisp cornering and a solid road-hugging dynamic that earns the title ‘Ultimate Driving Machine’. The 530i is simply a joy to drive. Our test car included the $3,300.00 ‘Sport Package’, which gives you, among other things, ‘Active Roll Stabilization’. This further controls body roll by adjusting wheel angle for better cornering. This package also provides run-flat performance tires, ‘Active Steering’ and power front ‘sport seats’. Variable-assist speed-sensitive steering is standard. The precise handling and firm ride are also a result of large 225/50/17” tires. 4-wheel ABS with huge 12.8” rotors front and 12.6’ rear enhance driver confidence with smooth, short stops. Dynamic stability control and Traction Control are standard.

On the inside:
The 530i proved to be quite comfortable on our 1600-mile trip. My right leg did get a little stiff but this tends to happen with me on long trips lately. I guess I’m getting old or something! The front power seats excellent after you got them adjusted. The controls for the seats could stand some improvement but once you get used to them it’s OK. Rear seating is on par for this class with 36” of room. The trunk is large and the rear seats fold down if you need more room. You can also order a ‘ski boot’ to keep the interior clean. I didn’t get any complaints from my 2 adult rear passengers. The 530i is quiet at all speeds with little wind or road noise. Our car had the ‘Premium Sound’ system with a CD changer. The audio quality is excellent but using it can be aggravating because of the aforementioned iDrive.

I simply don’t understand the thinking behind this ‘Joy Stick’ knob that controls functions for the climate, entertainment, communications and service equipment. It’s not ‘Luxurious’ and it saves you no time. It’s just dumb. It’s quite telling that you have to agree not to use it while driving before you can access to it. To change any of the above functions requires you to go through a long series of menu options. It’s just not helpful, period. It’s so bad, in my opinion, that I would caution all readers to spend some serious time learning this system BEFORE you buy this otherwise superb automobile. Know what you’re getting into before you buy. Please, BMW, go back to simple buttons and knobs and leave the gimmicks to others. I believe there is elegance in simplicity. Not only that, but this system is potentially dangerous because it’s so distracting. Don’t watch a dash mounted screen, watch the road! OK-end of rant!

Safety:
iDrive aside, the 530i is state of the art with dual-threshold smart airbags with door mounted side impact bags. Front and rear Advanced Head Protection is standard, and the headrests are power operated. Rain sensing wipers are included as well. Parking distance control is a $700.00 option and was included on our test car. This could be a lifesaver if a small child were behind you as you back out of the driveway. We’ve already mentioned ABS braking and dynamic stability control.

The Bottom Line:
The 530i goes down as one of my favorite cars of 2004 in spite of the iDrive. I am looking forward to driving the V8 powered 545i. Our test car had over 10 grand worth of options on it. Each of us are different but for me the Sound Package and the Sport Package’ would be enough. Dropping the other options would reduce the price about $5000.00 dollars. Still, the car would be around $50,000. As such, the 530i is simply priced out of the market for most people. I consider myself very lucky to have had the opportunity to drive this car. It’s too bad that most drivers will never get behind the wheel of a BMW. They are special cars indeed.

Tom Collins
3/25/04