New 5-Series Hype Is Red Hot But Does It Live Up To Real Owners Expectations?

New 5-Series Hype Is Red Hot But Does It Live Up To Real Owners Expectations?
Although there is much fan fare over a lot of the traditional automotive publications -- known as the "buff books" -- and their beliefs in the world of motoring, in the end it really comes down to the buyer. When you start heeding to the advice of a large majority of people who have never owned and cared for a luxury vehicle, things get a bit fishy.

We see more value in the owners of multiple luxury vehicles and have a true "taste" for what they want in life, whether its a high-end audio system or an Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus or Mercedes-Benz. Remember, cars are subjective objects and there isn't one perfect vehicle for everyone.

Here we have an interesting story though. A former electrical engineer turned CEO recently picked up a 2011 BMW 550i M Sport and gave it a thorough review on Bimmerfest. Not only did he detail the positives and negatives, but he also has experience owning a variety of luxury autos from Audi, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.

My favorite part about the review is when he discusses audio systems though:

"Most people will consider the audio system [in the BMW] to be very good. If you want to hear a GREAT factory car audio system, go listen to the Burmester in a Porsche Panamera. WOW!"

That's straightforward commentary that is hard to come by in today's day and age of journalism, specifically in the automotive realm.

**For the FULL low down, click "Read Article, we promise it's worth the read...


I recently obtained redelivery of my 2011 550i after initially receiving it at the Welt in Munich during a Euro Delivery in October. I have driven it 900mi in Europe (Germany, Austria, Switzerland and France), with another 400mi in So. California after receiving it a couple of weeks ago.

Here is a bit about me, so you can get a better idea where my perspectives are coming from: I am 53, an Electrical Engineer and CEO of a Home Technology integration company that designs and installs electronics systems (Home Automation, Lighting Control, Audio, Video, Home Cinema) for the ultra wealthy. So, my experience in technology integration and expectations regarding fit and finish is probably lopsided. I am also a bit analytical.

In order, my previous few cars have been: 2008 550i M-Sport, 2005 MB E500, 2001 Audi A6 4.2, 1998 Lexus GS400. So, I have sampled a number cars in the premium 4 door sedan category. My previous favorites were the BMW and the Audi...

[Source: Bimmerfest]


2011 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery












































The 2011 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery is sponsored by Porsche. Visit PorscheUSA.com



2011 Detroit Auto Show Photo Gallery

More Photo Galleries


AutoSpies.com Photo Galleries

If you want to see your photos running on our homepage photo ticker, be sure to upload your photos on the go by sending them to Mobile@AutoSpies.com

Share on Facebook


AutoSpies.com is number one ranked website in the world on Google for auto show photos

Read Article

enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/18/2011 12:33:48 AM
+5 Boost
the new 5 has definitely tilted more toward luxury vs. previous 5-series balance of sport and luxury.

the interior is gorgeous and clean--a notable step up from prior generation and essentially a 7-series caliber space (just a little smaller). and, though it handles beautifully, it's not quite as aggressive. still superior to the competition though. exterior is stunning--and elegant, understated piece of design that's NEVER mistaken for one of its competitors.

overall, i love mine. it does everything well.

and i think the new york times review summed it up nicely: "Yes, some people buy a BMW for the badge. But the real prestige of the 5 Series, and its continuing superiority, has nothing to do with the badge, and everything to do with what’s inside."




fugeesnfunionsfugeesnfunions - 1/18/2011 12:56:01 AM
+4 Boost
That's a perfect comment to sum up BMW's latest offerings. Yeah some people buy it for the badge, just like every other luxury vehicle. The thing is, a brand doesn't get that kind of blind admiration without earning it first, and BMW's still have the innards to back it up.

I drive a 335i and it's the first car that I truly love. Every once in a while I forget where that love comes from, then I drive my parents hybrid and it all comes crashing back to me. All the little things they put into their cars add up to give you an experience that's unmatched by 99% of other cars on the road, and you feel it every time you get behind the wheel.


LexSucksLexSucks - 1/18/2011 2:22:45 PM
-4 Boost
335i is a boring car to drive. Go drive an EVO or an STI if you want to know how a real drivers' car feels. The 335 doesn't even have a Limited-Slip Differential. Unless you have an "M" BMW, you don't really have the drivers car that you believe it to be. Nice but not the cream of the crop.

http://www.insideline.com/mitsubishi/lancer-evolution/2010/comparison-test-2010-bmw-335i-vs-2010-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-mr-touring.html


LexSucksLexSucks - 1/18/2011 6:27:27 PM
-3 Boost
You've just proven your ignorance. EVO's and STI's are highly respected cars.


LexSucksLexSucks - 1/18/2011 6:29:02 PM
-4 Boost
And did you even read this comparison (below)? Range Rover Sucks BTW.

http://www.insideline.com/mitsubishi/lancer-evolution/2010/comparison-test-2010-bmw-335i-vs-2010-mitsubishi-lancer-evolution-mr-touring.html



LexSucksLexSucks - 1/18/2011 6:31:31 PM
-3 Boost
Sorry. Land Rover Sucks.


LexSucksLexSucks - 1/18/2011 6:47:24 PM
-4 Boost
@grysko, Here are a couple of vids to educate your ignorant A**.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9FeWAz8oA4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AMIoQUCEvY&playnext=1&list=PL66F3BD0AD5411858&index=4


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/18/2011 7:09:37 PM
+5 Boost
lex: boring? that's funny. my 335i was the most well-balanced, fun-to-drive car i've ever owned. supple ride too. it also had wonderful technology, incredible seats, an amazing sound system and did EVERYTHING well. it's also a tasteful piece of design inside and out.....god knows that can't be said of the cars you suggest.


LexSucksLexSucks - 1/18/2011 9:10:24 PM
-4 Boost
Drive an STI or an evo and get back to me. Did you read that comparison test I posted the link for? Or even looks at the vidoes? The comparison test pretty much sums it up. Both are nice cars but the EVO is the drivers car. They said it not me. But I do agree. Put "EVO vs 335" in youtube search and you'll see what i'm talking about.

Enjoy your 335 dude. It's a bad-ass ride. It's just not as exciting as I would like.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/19/2011 5:42:24 PM
+4 Boost
STI and evo are of no interest to me. i'm not willing to compromise on exterior styling or interior design or supple ride or amazing seats or sound system or technology. though they may pull nice numbers, those cars are outright offensive from a design perspective.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/19/2011 5:43:49 PM
+4 Boost
by the way, this post is about the 5 SERIES. so not sure why you're going on and on about the evo and sti. they bear no relevance. pick another thread.


valhallakeyvalhallakey - 1/18/2011 12:47:18 AM
+2 Boost
Ultimate drivers machine ... still? Superb engineering... what is up with the trunk hinge??? Been disappointed lately in one of my favorite brands.


quizzquizz - 1/18/2011 1:57:30 AM
+2 Boost
I'm sure the 5er drives great, but it's a little disappointing that the exterior is going to be generic BMW sedan theme, made to fit 7-5-3 series. I missed the days when all 3 models were distinctive, beyond just their size.


uaw_laxuaw_lax - 1/18/2011 8:38:22 AM
0 Boost
plus 10! but to far looks like Audi is doing the same. Luxury in my eyes is meant to be different from level to level.


LexusLexus - 1/18/2011 2:46:31 AM
+3 Boost
I saw couple of the new BMW 7-Series, 5-Series and updated 3-Series, they look very similar to me except one is bigger than the other. The new BMW 7-Series look like a Freaking whale, it huge, the new 5-Series look rather bland (saw one during day time and one at night as well.) The rear lights look kind of weird burning orangenish looking color. And the updated 335i look like a shrunk version of the BMW 7-Series.

I think the BMW 335i from 2008 and 2010 look best for this generation. The new BMW 5-Series so much better with an M's package. The BMW 7-Series is just to big for me.

Show me the new BMW 5-Series in M's package, then we talk. I saw one online and it look really sick...! It bada$$


PUGPROUDPUGPROUD - 1/18/2011 5:23:20 AM
+2 Boost
I am still in mourning over the loss of a 5 series wagon...the best looking and most functional BMW without sacrificing performance, ride and handling (sorry SUV's). Come to your senses BMW and bring her back.


freeagentfreeagent - 1/18/2011 6:53:39 AM
+5 Boost

As a former E28 and E39 owner, my view is that the balance between sport and comfort has crossed over the line over the past two generations, and that the next 3-Series will be the platform to carry forward the ultimate driving machine banner for the sedan category. With the F30 gaining an inch or two, it's interior will be sized about where the E34 was, and be more agile and provide more feedback than the 7-Series based F10.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/18/2011 7:13:11 PM
+3 Boost
overstyle? the new 5 is understated. a tasteful, conservative piece of design--moreso than the last generation. and the character lines on the side and hood are sculptural....beautiful convex and concave surfaces blended together.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/19/2011 5:45:07 PM
+4 Boost
well, you're not the target market, so i'm no really concerned with your thoughts on my car. cheers.


LexSucksLexSucks - 1/18/2011 2:28:32 PM
-3 Boost
BMWs are so overrated. They are nice cars, but the cars have made a shift towards luxury at the expense of sport. The only BMW that I would even consider are the 550, 650, or any of the “M” models. The rest are starting to become German Lexuses.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/18/2011 7:17:14 PM
+4 Boost
hahahaha....german lexuses. NOT EVEN CLOSE. original design, amazing seats, fabulous technology, handling/ride balance still superior to the competitors. notice how people are comparing the new 5's handling to the previous 5 NOT the competition....because it's still superior.


LexSucksLexSucks - 1/18/2011 9:13:01 PM
-4 Boost
From an exterior design standpoint, the new 5-series looks dull imo. It's probably still the best in its class when it comes to everything else except exterior looks and presence.


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 1/19/2011 5:47:03 PM
+4 Boost
lex: so they're overrated according to you. and according to you, bmw is still best at pretty much everything. which is it?

regarding design. please do share your thoughts on the design language of the competitors which you believe are more original/tasteful/thoughtful.


mini22mini22 - 1/19/2011 11:14:52 AM
0 Boost
It's certainly an imprvement of the "Bangle" styling. Also if you ignore the greenhouse for a second you can see that the lines have become more crisp and sharp.Then you get this cliche slooping greenhouse that so many modern cars have today and that ruins it.I think it's time for the rounded greenhouse to go away. Why do so many cars have to pretend they are a 4dr coupe?Let's get some sharp edge styling back again in the greenhouses of cars.
Copyright 2026 AutoSpies.com, LLC