2006 BMW 5 Series Review

Specifications

Far From “Just a Wagon”

The most recent iteration of BMWs mid-size line of 5-Series sedans arrived on North American motorways as a 2004 model. Since then the edgy-shaped, sharply sculpted muscular Bimmer has only been available in a 4-door sedan configuration, leaving those needing the services of a 5-door to settle for the smaller 3-Series wagon or for something manufactured under a competitors roof - but 2006 changes all that. BMW has overcome its wagon shortage by morphing the exotic shape of the 5-Series into such without emasculating the cars bold stance and aggressive lines. In the rebirth, BMW upped the ante by adding their sophisticated xDrive, intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) technology to the sleek wagon - which incidentally is referred to by BMW as a Touring model, or T for short. No self-respecting builder of premium European motorcars would dare have a “wagon” in their fleet, unless of course it is an Estate Wagon. For our purposes though, I will continue to refer to the 530xi as a wagon, much to the chagrin of the Bavarian Motor Works company.

As hard as it may be to push the “cool” factor behind the wheel of a 5-door wagon, the 530xi Touring is drenched in “coolness,” especially when equipped with the BMWs M Sport Package, which includes the M Aerodynamic appearance package and BMWs aluminum cube-pure, metal interior trim. But the M Sport Package doesnt end with just good looks, it also adds 18-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, sport seats, a multi-function leather steering wheel, high-gloss shadow-line paint and an anthracite roof liner; not to mention a sprinkling of discreetly located “M” badges. But whats an M Sport Package without the spoils of BMWs Premium Package to give it grace along with gusto. My tester indulged with both packages, landing me the additional loot of heated front and rear seats, auto-dimming interior and exterior mirrors, a ski bag, BMWs Storage Compartment Package, Park Distance Control and premium Harmon/Kardon audio. Apart from possibly a navigation system, this wagon was as pork-barreled as some political parties of late.

But it doesnt really matter how much pork-barreling or content a manufacturer squeezes into an offering if that offering is more “off” than “on” when it is on rather than off. That may be a tongue twister, but its founded in logic. Throwing a spoiler and fancy wheels on a fundamentally flawed-handling car isnt going to make it any better, and thats not what BMW is about- no far from it actually. When you start with a primary building block as impressive as BMWs 530i sedan, the battle to create a competent handling wagon is pretty much won before its begun.

Undoubtedly the engineers assigned to the wagons suspension tweaked and tailored the sedans underpinnings to ensure the extra weight of the wagon was properly accounted for in the Holly Grail search for the perfect balance between ride, handling and cargo hauling capability. So was the elusive Holly Grail of suspension setups found? Well if not found completely intact, the grail in this case has been substantively located. If the firm ride of the 530xi with the M Package was slightly more absorbent over the patchwork we call roadways in my town, the grail would be polished and sitting atop the mantle.

Yet the firmness is part of the formula that secures the 530xi a spot high on the list of best-handling wagons. Beyond question it is one of the most agile, best handling mid-size family sleds Ive had occasion to put through the paces. While not quite as spry on its 18-inchers as say the 330i sedan I recently tested, it is not far behind- and for a wagon 6.5 inches shorter and 394 pounds heavier than a Ford Taurus wagon, it is simply stunning. Cornering that would peel the tires from the rims of a Taurus as it grotesquely understeers are sailed through in the 530xi without as much as a murmur from its 245/40/R18 sport rubber. Gently introducing acceleration during a turn further locks the saucy wagon to the pavement as BMWs xDrive distributes torque to all four wheels. Get overjoyed by the temptation and BMWs Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) and Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) systems will intervene like a stern parent to aid in keeping the 530xi out of harms way.

Thanks to one of the sweetest 6-cylinder powerplants in the industry, the 530xis joy-factor is extremely high. This is the same 3.0-liter (182 cu in) engine that powers the 330i sedan so eloquently, however the extra poundage of the 530xi places a higher toll on the 255 horsepower and 215 pound-feet of torque it smoothly generates. Nonetheless, BMW claims a 530xi 0-60 mph time of 7.1 seconds when the 6-speed manual gearbox is enlisted. Unlike Mercedes-Benz, Audi and others who use V6 mills in their mid-size wagons (when not equipped with a V8 or a diesel I-6) the 530xi is motivated by an inline-six cylinder powerplant featuring 24-valves and BMWs Double Vanos variable valve timing technology. This silky dynamo pulls strongly off-the-line and right through posted highway speeds without breaking a sweat or hitting red line.

Before BMWs xDrive AWD directs horsepower to any or all four of the 530xis rubber it is sent through a slick shifting 6-speed gearbox, (unless an automatic transmission has been specified, at which time a 6-speed autobox featuring BMWs STEPTRONIC manual-mode shifting handles gear changes). Whether performed automatically or manually, rowing through the cogs sends the 530xi forward with vigor; but vigorous acceleration demands vigorous braking, which the 530xi unequivocally has in the way of 4-wheel, ventilated antilock disc brakes bolstered with Brake Assist. Extinguishing all semblance of speed was near instantaneous when my size 10s clobbered the brake pedal; emergency stops were arrow-straight and secure, not to mention sports-car short.

Along with top-notch braking, Bimmers latest wagon is furnished with a comprehensive list of safety equipment, including driver and front passenger frontal airbags, driver and front passenger side thorax airbags and BMWs Advanced Head Protection System II, for front and rear passengers. Under the Active Safety Feature list, the 530xi is fitted with BMWs Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Brake Control, adaptive headlights (which peek around a corner slightly as the steering wheel is turned) and adaptive brake lights (which illuminate more intensely when the brakes are forcefully applied). Another unique feature of the 530xi when equipped with the manual gearbox is the vehicles ability to resist rolling backward on an incline as the clutch is being released. This is referred to by BMW as Start-Off Assist and is most useful when creeping forward on a hill or when the joker behind has planted his front bumper a micro-inch away.

As well as being heartbreaking, inadvertently marring the 530xis rear bumper would likely be costly to repair. This is an expensive vehicle to buy. With its several option packages and numerous standalone options and accessories the 530xis tag can easily increase more than the price of some new, entry-level wagons. Fortunately BMW has supplied plenty of content without the need to check-off multiple boxes on the order sheet, but theyre there if both pocketbook and desire are on the same page so to speak.

The 530xi is in many ways all the car one will ever need, assuming those needs dont include a need to seat more than five occupants. The 530xi is not available with a third row seat, as some wagons are, however it performs like a fine handling sports sedan, is highly capable on snow-laden roadways and has impressive cargo capacity when the rear seats are folded flat, plus it oozes both luxury and pedigree. But most of all, this is a tremendously rewarding wagon, er Touring car to drive; yes, its far from “just a wagon!”