THE 'BEST' BMW 5 sedan yet??

I just took delivery of the all new 2008 BMW 535i sedan yesterday here at Field's BMW in Winter Park, Florida. (The car had arrived in South Carolina at the end of March, but EPA certification delayed delivery by two weeks.)
This is the new 5 that has the same engine as the 335i, which is the world's first application of twin turbos on an inline 6 engine.
Let me start off by saying that this new 5 is nothing less than astounding. BMW's 5 series with the inline six engine has always been BMW's 'purest' sport sedan. It's hard to imagine BMW improving on it, but this new 535i turbo takes it to yet another level. The torque and acceleration are IMMEDIATE with no turbo lag. Though the engine is rated at 300 horsepower and 300 ft/lbs. of torque, it feels much, MUCH more than that. In fact, many different magazines have estimated the real numbers are closer to 340 ft/lbs. of torque. The immense power coupled with a lighter than V8 inline six makes for some serious acceleration.
But the engine isn't everything. The 535i with the sport package makes for a sensational driving experience. The new 535i has basically the previous 550i's sport package. The rims are the same style. (The 2008 550i gets the new M sport package.) The steering wheel is wrapped thick with leather, the sport seats are superb, the car feels totally balanced, active roll stabilization makes turning corners a breeze, and the steering (non-active) is perfect.
In addition, BMW made some further refinements to the 2008 five series. Some 'minor', but significant changes were done to the exterior. There is an extra crease on the hood of the car, giving a more aggressive appearance. The headlight lenses look slightly different than before. The rear tail lights have multiple red lines instead of just showing all red when braking to give the rear an appearance of greater width. The interior has been upgraded as well. The center console is now wrapped in leather, the window buttons have a softer feel, and pearl gloss chrome inserts are on the radio/temperature controls. Overall, there is a noticeable improvement in the quality of materials as well as a higher level of fit and finish than the previous 5. The innovative new shifter from the X5 is now on the new 5.
Let me confirm Agent 001's article on the new third generation cruise control from BMW. It's called active cruise control stop and go. It works very well and is reliable. Unlike standard active cruise control systems, this all new system from BMW can bring the car to a complete standstill at a stoplight. All that is needed to get the car going again is a gentle tap of the gas pedal. This new cruise control system is ideal for those traffic jams, when you're moving little by little.
Some other nice options I added to complete the amazing driving experience to my 535i was a head up display, night vision, next generation navigation system, and a cold weather package for those chilly days.
The 5 series has been THE BENCHMARK for sport sedans for as long as anyone can remember. The M5 and 550i are typically the sedans of choice for serious performance minded enthusiasts. But I am certain this new 535i will change the minds of many. The 535i embodies BMW's core concepts of the ideal sport sedan. It is much lighter than the M5 and 550i with the inline six. It has as much power as some V8 sedans, and with the lighter weight, has a greater feeling of acceleration. All in all, the new 535i has perfect balance, weight distribution, power, and handling.
One has to drive the new 535i to truly appreciate how damn good it really is.
With the new 535i, BMW has created a winner and raised the bar once again in the competitive midsize luxury segment.

I want to thank my salesman Allen Alexander at Field's BMW for staying on top of my order from day one and delivering my vehicle in a timely manner.

r_driver04 - 4/23/2007 5:12:49 PM

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What enthusiast buys automatic!!!!!!!!!!! Such a waste of a good car.

enthusiastx11 - 4/20/2007 11:33:16 PM

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i've been thinking about the 535i myself. your comments only made me want it more. have fun with it!

no1listensanyway - 4/20/2007 11:52:00 PM

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My tenent took delivery of his 330xi about 2 months ago. He absolutely loves it. I still have a thing for the previous generation. That design is so timeless, everytime I see one I still stare at. Good luck with it and enjoy.

jackkemp - 4/20/2007 11:52:35 PM

+1 Boost

Thanks for the review...it was well timed for me-I just put an order in for a 2008 535xi manual today to replace my 2004 545. I haven't driven it yet-there are none to be found here in CT, so I'm glad to hear you like yours so much. Enjoy!

r_driver04 - 4/23/2007 5:14:15 PM

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535xi???? That's got to be freakin awesome. Have you driven one yet at all?

EnnNorak - 4/21/2007 12:23:02 AM

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I'm sure it's a fine car, particularly with a pefectly in-balane in-line six engine but I don't see any side strips to protect against parking lot door dings.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/21/2007 1:41:09 AM

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That's a random thing to complain about...

Chip - 4/21/2007 12:50:40 AM

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Beautiful Ride. Just Beautiful. Congrats.

Your 535i appears to have almost all options. Sport, Nav, Active Cruise, Night, Head Up Display etc. All great additions. What was the MSRP ?

Im guessing about $63,000 ?

Chip - 4/21/2007 1:18:35 AM

+1 Boost

Maybe more like $65,000+

Sport ($2800) Premium ($2100) Nav ($2000) Cruise ($2400) Night Vision ($2200) HUD ($1200) Cold Weather ($1000) Logic 7 ($1200) Park Distance ($700)

The new 535i hase a base MSRP of $49,500.

r_driver04 - 4/23/2007 5:15:57 PM

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$49,500 is where I got's to stay friends. Any more than that and it's no longer a good deal. You're just spending money to be spending it. Best of luck to you though if you got the funds.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/21/2007 1:43:02 AM

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Nice 5er! The engine seems fabulous, and I lthe new shift lever, although automatic, is intriguing. Although it's hard to tell, there are even changes on the center console- welcome interior improvement. Also, the 550i Sport has always been my favorite 5 Series... the fact that the "normal" 535i looks just like it is fantastic! Love the rims!

Agent004 - 4/21/2007 2:01:31 AM

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Very cool, my sister and her husband are ordering one up. Did you end up getting it for less than sticker, or are they fetching sticker price right now?

esrar322 - 4/21/2007 2:29:04 AM

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Nice car! This new 535i is my favorite 5er. If I could afford one, I would also get the Monaco Blue color. Just love this color. But I would get a lighter color interior. (beige or that burnt orange that they have)

Also, I would pay extra to get the rims that come with the 550i sports package. they are really cool looking rims.

One question I have for you is that ... $1000 cold weather package ... but don't you live in Florida???

Anway, enjoy your new car. Lucky you :)

izfuney - 4/21/2007 2:42:22 AM

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Great car.. but you got a few of your facts wrong !!

You say - "This is the new 5 that has the same engine as the 335i, which is the world's first application of twin turbos on an inline 6 engine."

Unfortunately, I can immediately think of the Supra Mark IV from the 1990's twin turbocharged 2JZ-GTE (3.0 liter inline 6) engine available in the US. (320hp @5600rpm and 315 lb.ft @4000 rpm)

Hell even the Supra Mark III (1980;s) was available with twin tubro charged inlines 6.
(the JZA70 with a 2.5 L 280 hp (209 kW) twin-turbo 1JZ-GTE, known as 2.5GT Twin Turbo (JZA70), and with a 2.0 L 210 hp (157 kW) twin-turbo 1G-GTE)

Furthermore, the entire Skyline GTR series (32, 33 , 34) used the venerable RB26DETT engine (2.6 liter inline 6) with twin turbochargers ..

I am sure there are other applications too that other readers will point out...

AdmiralT20 - 4/21/2007 9:49:29 AM

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True that the Supra Mark III MA70/1 and JZA70 engines were all turbocharged, however the turbos worked in a sequential manner, and I believe what Dave was alluding to was parallel turbo(bi-turbo I6).

courtstone - 4/21/2007 10:00:51 AM

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I so agree with that comment. The 5 series is the ugliest thing I have seen. And I tried to like it, but I cannot get past the "eyebrow" lights and the funky real taillights. I am so glad that they kept Bangle from screwing up the 3 series (the coupe at least).

courtstone - 4/21/2007 10:05:38 AM

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sorry - "rear" tailights.

bagwell - 4/27/2007 8:46:15 AM

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You think the 3 series tails actually look good...ugh. I think the current 5 series tails KILL the BUICK style of the 3 series tails. Bangle got scared and went ultra conservative to the point they are totally blah IMO.

Dave - 4/21/2007 3:20:37 AM

+2 Boost

Right in the middle Chip. The MSRP came out to a little over $64k. I was the first(supposedly in the Southeast) to get the 535i so there was no chance of getting less than sticker. The standard sound system sounded good enough to where I didn't order the Logic 7. They are BOTH made by Harmon Kardon.
I could be incorrect, but let me expand when I wrote the 'world's first application of twin turbos on an inline 6 engine' to 'the world's first application of twin turbos on an inline 6 engine put into a production SEDAN.' The legendary Supra and Skyline are sports cars.

I'm originally from Chicago and wasn't fazed at first by the cold Florida days in December. But you find as you live in Florida longer, your body becomes less able to stand the cold. Believe it or not, Florida does have it's cold days where the heated seats make a difference.

TauronB2G - 4/21/2007 3:30:37 AM

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Just as a note...I have a CLK 500 with the HK system and I swear the Bose was 10 times better than the HK in my car. HK definitely does higher notes better but the bass is lacking and the top end sucks. In the Benz the Bose made a much better sound system. How are they in the bimmers?
T

natnut - 4/21/2007 9:19:58 AM

+2 Boost

Actually you are wrong again. The Japanese only version of the 2nd generation Lexus GS300 aka Aristo(1997-2005) had the same twin turbo inline 6 2JZ-GTE engine as the Mark IV Supra.
The GS is a 4 door sedan so technically that makes it the first production sedan with a twin turbo inline 6 engine.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/21/2007 10:53:13 AM

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That's why I'm never moving to FL... it's great to be able to withstand Chicago weather. It was -20ºF two weeks ago, but yesterday it was 70 at one point!

Gerald - 4/23/2007 11:53:40 AM

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Dave,

Thanks for the article. I have ordered the new 535i and it hasn't hit production yet. I didn't order the Heads Up display and noticed you did. What is your opinion of this feature. Is it different day vs. night? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

TauronB2G - 4/21/2007 3:25:18 AM

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Dude you should have bought an E350!!!
T

S4cabriofoxone - 4/21/2007 10:53:52 AM

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What's with that? Why do you care if he likes BMW? Stupid comment.

TauronB2G - 4/21/2007 3:28:16 AM

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Im really a Benz guy...the 535 does have a heck of an engine but I haven't been impressed by the styling or the interiors. Im sure its a nice ride but asethicallly its not much for me.
T

Anthony - 4/22/2007 2:52:51 AM

+2 Boost

The stunning interior is what won me over in my purchase of an E500. I can guarantee it is what will win me over yet again when the next-generation comes out.I also purchased a GS430 for its impeccable refinement.

Also, regardless of what people say, both are extremely satisfying to drive and both have a "solid" feel that I just could not find in the 5-Series. I also find its styling just way too polarizing compared to the elegant/modern approaches to design that both the E-Class and GS display.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/22/2007 11:52:22 PM

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Anthony, I'm guessing you don't own both of those cars simultaneously, as they are almost exactly the same, but which do you own currently?

In my extensive experiences of shopping for my wife's car (we were supposed to get it this year; it's been pushed back to next year because of a new house), I've driven two E350 4Matics, and it really is a fine car. However, I drove it after an A8 4.2 quattro the night before, and we didn't really like it much after that. Now, we've moved into the next stratosphere, of S550 4Matics, and I don't know how much higher we can go...

cdhzhp - 4/21/2007 9:51:25 AM

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stunning vehicle, perfect mix of performance and luxury. I like the new dash and door design.

stormshadow - 4/21/2007 10:17:55 AM

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The Nissan ER34 built by Autech is a 4 door saloon that is powered by the legendary RB26DETT.That car was produced from 1999 to 2002.

mikeydred20 - 4/21/2007 11:16:32 AM

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Still when I like at the interior of a BMW it those not give me the impression of luxury. How is the joystick like shifter, is it trrue taht it needs to be pushed up to go in reverse. Other than that good luck with the vechicle, I have an 04 TL and when the 5 series came out I looked at it as the only other car I would have brought at the time in terms of looks.

mstangpny07 - 4/21/2007 11:49:13 AM

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It is logical because for drivers used to BMW's steptronic, where pushing forward gets you into from 3rd to 2nd for example. I have no problem with it in the 2.5 months I've had my car.

mstangpny07 - 4/21/2007 11:50:24 AM

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May I also say the manual shifts are LIGHTNING FAST due to the drive by wire system. Sport mode is very noticable, too.

mstangpny07 - 4/21/2007 11:45:17 AM

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Very nice 5 Series you have there!

What do you mean "next generation navigation system"? Is there a new BMW system out? (I have the 2007 X5).

Dave - 4/21/2007 12:34:25 PM

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One can get as technical as one wants, but I rest my case with the 'world's first turbo inline 6', other than the fact that the other examples(Aristo, Nissan ER34) given seemed like the Japanese simply took the Supra and Skyline sports car engines and directly put them in the sedans. BMW's was built for just the sedan. But technically, I agree the Japanese were the first to implement the turbo into the inline 6 for a sedan.

The shifter takes some getting used to. The navigation seems newer relative to the previous one. I'm not sure what is in the 2007 X5. It's possibly the same one.

AUDBMLEXMRC - 4/21/2007 12:45:13 PM

+2 Boost

This is the best sedan from your point of view and not everybody's. I drove also the new one during 2 days. Let me confirm you that it's one of the best sedans no doubt. But not the best.

crazypetrolhead - 4/21/2007 1:10:58 PM

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wait, so ur telling me its the best....but not the best?!

AUDBMLEXMRC - 4/21/2007 2:59:34 PM

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Read it again man! I said one of the best but not The best!

JRobUSC - 4/21/2007 5:04:41 PM

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his car isn't "decently loaded", it's flat balls to the wall loaded. And has AWD, and would outperform most of the V8 competitors that cost more.

JRobUSC - 4/22/2007 9:05:04 AM

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the 530xi started at $50k last year, so I don't see the 535xi starting for basically the same price as being a problem. And if Infiniti plans on putting the 330hp V6 into the M35 or M37 then they'd better have something planned for the M45. The all wheel drive 535xi is already quicker than the M45 is, and they start around the same price.

JRobUSC - 4/24/2007 8:52:52 AM

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I'm basing that on the fact that BMW actually expects the xi models to be 0.1 seconds quicker 0-60 than the rear drive versions, and they've rated the 535xi only 0.1 seconds slower 0-60 than the 335i automatic. Their figures are 5.5 seconds for the 335i and 5.6 for the 535xi. Considering pretty much every test has clocked the 335i in 4.8-5.0 seconds that bodes very well for the 535xi. That would literally give it performance on par with the V8s in the class, for less money than an A6 4.2, E550 4MATIC, and for similar money to the GS430 and M45, despite the fact that they don't come in AWD.

izfuney - 4/21/2007 3:47:56 PM

+2 Boost

Dave - BMW has played a masterful stroke of bringing turbo's back. For me atleast, i prefer the turbocharged inline 6 far more then any v8. :)

The '80 and to a lesser extent the '90 were the heydeys of Turbo mania. Anybody remembers that F1 cars had 1000hp from turbocharged 4 bangers :).

Emissions and costs killed all of those (especially in sports/sedans)
Sigh! the Mazda Rx-7 FD with the 13B twin sequential turbocharged and the Cosmo 20REB ( may have got the nomenclature wrong there) with the 3 rotors were the days when Japanese cars all said 275Hp but actually were around 300-400hp .

Hopefully, the Nissan GTR will mark the comeback for affordable power. Add to that the Pontiac G8, BMW's turbocharged 6's (they can be chipped to make enourmous power) and the rumor that mazda is working on a 3 rotor renesis .. means its party time once again for all enthusiasts.

rg12345 - 4/21/2007 9:47:56 PM

-1 Boost

No turbo lag is a mistake. There is a turbo lag, you are just not able to feel it. Give it time and if you are a good driver and u feel the car you will notice when and where the turbo lag is. It' not big, but I assure you it's there.

Bmw8ter - 4/21/2007 11:07:33 PM

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I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Opel Lotus Omega/ Lotus Carlton. A 4 door saloon with a twin turbo inline 6 engine and roughly 380hp. I wish there was a cheap way to import one of those puppies, because I would do it in a heart beat.

kart1 - 4/22/2007 11:00:33 AM

+1 Boost

Nice car Dave. Enjoy.

S4cabriofoxone - 4/22/2007 11:56:41 PM

+1 Boost

Yes, the interior may look more drab than others in this class, but the actual materials used are of superior quality. I don't know what all the fuss is about on the GS's interior, either-- I was at my Lexus dealer the other day, getting a mirror fixed on our RX, and I sat in most of the cars that were in the showroom. None of them were hugely impressive in terms of design, materials, comfort, etc. Not even the LS460L that was there. I just don't get it. Am I missing something?

chuck717 - 4/23/2007 12:39:54 PM

-1 Boost

Not my favorite design the 5

chuck717 - 4/23/2007 12:45:05 PM

-1 Boost

The present design is still a little disapointing for me acceptable to be sure but otherwise the 5 series itself is one fine car overall. The machine is solid as a rock and like most BMW's the cars seem to be on a track very nice manners in almost all driving conditions. One looks for benchmarks in sheer driving pleasure you don't have to look beyound the 5 series, enjoy and be safe!

07mcs - 4/23/2007 1:19:59 PM

+1 Boost

Nice car, nice engine. Congratulations.

Gerald - 4/23/2007 1:29:11 PM

+1 Boost

Chip - 4/23/2007 4:04:15 PM

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Gerald, if you got the Nav, change your order to include the HUD. The Head Up Display is an awesome addition to any BMW. Ive used it numerous times on a 550i and it turns the road into a virtual video game. You can have Nav info, Rev and Shifting info, or my personal favorite, the digital speedometer projected day or night. You can also adjust the contrast and brightness.

Its the one feature I wish was available on the new 335i coupe. BMW will be offering it on the new M3 so Im hoping it eventually becomes an option on all 3 series.

bagwell - 4/27/2007 8:48:50 AM

+1 Boost

I'm glad BMW finally caught with the 1997 Chevy Corvette in offering HUD :)

answer - 4/23/2007 1:37:22 PM

+1 Boost

Very nice car!

I really love BMW's use of the head's up display. It should be more common.

answer - 4/23/2007 1:38:13 PM

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Sorry, forgot to add that the tail-lights kick ass!

Dave - 4/23/2007 4:36:05 PM

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Gerald, order the HUD if it's not too late. You won't be disappointed. The HUD is highly visible during the day or night(on the brightest setting), but not that good under polarized sunglasses. You'd be surprised that not many people order the HUD. I totally love it, and realize that BMW is only foreign luxury sedan maker that offers HUD's.

07mcs - 4/23/2007 7:07:11 PM

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Will it be a distraction when driving?

supermoto - 4/23/2007 6:07:58 PM

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Great car but I can't help but compare it to the 335 which has the identical engine, IMHO looks better, and also costs over 10k less. Love the gadgets on the 5 though, especially the HUD.

dannyboy2 - 4/23/2007 9:21:11 PM

+1 Boost

Guys, if you're considering buying a 5-series, make sure you test the 535d (diesel). Have driven the less powerful 525d for a week, i am forever converted to diesel power. The torque and economy is amazing. Trust me, you will not be dissapointed.

In real wrold driving, the 535d beats the 535i and even gives the 550i a run for its money.

JohnnyC - 4/24/2007 9:19:07 PM

+2 Boost

I test drove 535i over the weekend. It is one hell of a car -- the acceleration is scary. With the DSC off, that thing starts acting more like a mid-engine Cayman than a front engine sedan. I previously owned a 528i and and X5 4.4 and can tell you that this engine is much smoother than the previous generation of BMW. The turbo engine, combined with the amenities the car offers blows ANY comparable Mercedes out of the water, for the price, period. This car is a fantastic buy if you keep it in the low $50k

carrera997 - 4/24/2007 11:52:19 PM

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Although I love the 5-series (particularly the M5, although that is a whole other class and loads of fun to drive, I find that BMW is slipping int he past recent years, especially in the SUV market. I managed to organize a charity test drive even in my city, and the slowest of all SUV'S was the 2007 X5 4.8. It got beat by the 2008 Cayenne Turbo DUH!, ML500, Range Sport Supercharged, hell, even the Q7 came close. The best part was that gearbox though. If you put that auto-shifting in a Cayenne Turbo, you would have the ultimate driving machine.
P.S. Nice 535i

Jcowie4 - 5/25/2009 2:55:19 AM

+1 Boost

In 1999 the Volvo S80 four door sedan was released with a 2.8 liter twin turbo inline 6 ...