SleepRM3
07-27-2005, 10:42 PM
We stopped by the BMW dealer to scrutinize the new 330i. My wife's eyes were drawn to the the new 5 series. As she sat in the driver's seat--I can tell she really liked this car--so off for a test-drive we went.
Our tester was a black 6-speed 545i with sports package. We had just shared a bottle of wine during lunch, so she didn't feel safe test-driving--I drove.
The route was short; my impressions are positive despite my limited time in the 5er.
The sport suspension handled body roll with aplomb, and was wonderfully supple, soaking up road imperfections.
Brakes were beefy with cold-stopping power that exceeded our E36 M3/4's performance. I wouldn't hesitate taking hot track laps in the 545i sport.
Acceleration is slightly quicker than our E36 M3/4 with a nice amount of low-end torque, which is useful in city driving. The 4.5-L V8 is silky smooth and quiet (almost too quiet!)
The interior was quiet; we strained to hear the motor sound. On the interstate at 85 mph, the ride is comfortable, confident, and quiet. A great long-distance cruiser with plenty of muscle for passing long lines of semis.
Through the curves, the 545i's steering was telepathic. The active steering is no gimmick. Steering response is very quick and direct through slow turns. Compared with the old E39 5-series steering, the new 545i's has more feel and directness.
The 6-speed manual transmission worked well. Shifter action is standard BMW fare with longer throws than Porsche's 987 and 996. The 545i's clutch pedal pressure is surprisingly light compared with our current E36 M3/4's clutch pedal. Perhaps SMG is not necessary afterall? Flywheel was on the light side, but needed a good amount of gas pedal pressure for rpms to tach up (throttle blips).
The interior room was just right. Plenty of space in the cabin to not feel claustrophobic. Rear leg room is generous. Trunk space could hold at least 3 women in "spoons" configuration if you wanted to sneak the ladies into the drive-in.
Exterior styling is more pleasing to my wife; I like the rear three-quarter view. The black metallic paint with sports package shadowline trim gives the big 5er a stealthy appearance, and subdues the chiselled bodywork.
The sport package's larger wheels/tires work well with the suspension, and wheel style is handsome, and easy-to-clean.
The one criticism we had was the 5er's standard I-Drive. BMW's thought to minimize the dash buttons, means all functions are routed through the I-Drive. I suppose we'd get used to I-Drive, but it seems a very indirect way to access controls, just so you can have fewer buttons?
Our sales rep clued us into the rollout of the upcoming 550i this fall. The 550i will get the current 750i's 4.8-L V8 with 360 hp/6300 rpm, and 360 lb.ft/3400 rpm (compared with the 545i's 325 hp/6100 rpm, and 330 lb.ft/3600 rpm).
Overall we love the car. With BMW's standard 4 year/50K miles warranty with full maintenance program (includes replacement of consumables), upgradable to 6 years/100K miles full maintenance (for $985 extra)--the Bimmer will be the most trouble-free sport sedan to own--and the BMW won't leak oil like every Porsche does.
Our tester was a black 6-speed 545i with sports package. We had just shared a bottle of wine during lunch, so she didn't feel safe test-driving--I drove.
The route was short; my impressions are positive despite my limited time in the 5er.
The sport suspension handled body roll with aplomb, and was wonderfully supple, soaking up road imperfections.
Brakes were beefy with cold-stopping power that exceeded our E36 M3/4's performance. I wouldn't hesitate taking hot track laps in the 545i sport.
Acceleration is slightly quicker than our E36 M3/4 with a nice amount of low-end torque, which is useful in city driving. The 4.5-L V8 is silky smooth and quiet (almost too quiet!)
The interior was quiet; we strained to hear the motor sound. On the interstate at 85 mph, the ride is comfortable, confident, and quiet. A great long-distance cruiser with plenty of muscle for passing long lines of semis.
Through the curves, the 545i's steering was telepathic. The active steering is no gimmick. Steering response is very quick and direct through slow turns. Compared with the old E39 5-series steering, the new 545i's has more feel and directness.
The 6-speed manual transmission worked well. Shifter action is standard BMW fare with longer throws than Porsche's 987 and 996. The 545i's clutch pedal pressure is surprisingly light compared with our current E36 M3/4's clutch pedal. Perhaps SMG is not necessary afterall? Flywheel was on the light side, but needed a good amount of gas pedal pressure for rpms to tach up (throttle blips).
The interior room was just right. Plenty of space in the cabin to not feel claustrophobic. Rear leg room is generous. Trunk space could hold at least 3 women in "spoons" configuration if you wanted to sneak the ladies into the drive-in.
Exterior styling is more pleasing to my wife; I like the rear three-quarter view. The black metallic paint with sports package shadowline trim gives the big 5er a stealthy appearance, and subdues the chiselled bodywork.
The sport package's larger wheels/tires work well with the suspension, and wheel style is handsome, and easy-to-clean.
The one criticism we had was the 5er's standard I-Drive. BMW's thought to minimize the dash buttons, means all functions are routed through the I-Drive. I suppose we'd get used to I-Drive, but it seems a very indirect way to access controls, just so you can have fewer buttons?
Our sales rep clued us into the rollout of the upcoming 550i this fall. The 550i will get the current 750i's 4.8-L V8 with 360 hp/6300 rpm, and 360 lb.ft/3400 rpm (compared with the 545i's 325 hp/6100 rpm, and 330 lb.ft/3600 rpm).
Overall we love the car. With BMW's standard 4 year/50K miles warranty with full maintenance program (includes replacement of consumables), upgradable to 6 years/100K miles full maintenance (for $985 extra)--the Bimmer will be the most trouble-free sport sedan to own--and the BMW won't leak oil like every Porsche does.