2010 BMW 5 Series Review

Specifications

The 2010 BMW 5 Series is a premium midsized car that starts at around $45,800 MSRP. It is available as a sedan or a wagon, and some models come with all-wheel drive. A V6 engine comes standard, although higher end models come with V8 or even V10 engines. The manual transmission is standard, although automatic transmission is available as an option for no additional cost. In road tests, the vehicle proved to be quiet and roomy, with great handling. It had a little less cargo room than some of its competitors. While the car does not blow away the competition, it does perform at around the middle of the pack for its class, and is a good choice if you like the design.

Vehicle Description

The 2010 BMW 5-Series is made up of the 528i, 535i, 550i, all sedan models, and the 535i xDrive wagon. It can hold up to five adults, and can be a little pricey for what you get. The 528i is the lowest priced model, and comes standard with a sunroof, 17 inch wheels, automatic climate control, and a CD player with an auxiliary audio jack. The power front seats have driver memory, power headrests, leatherette upholstery, and automatic headlights. An array of options can be added to the vehicle, giving you exactly what you are looking for. The vehicle’s fuel economy averages around 20 mpg, but varies slightly by model. Expect to buy premium gas with this car, as it is required for most models.

Safety Features

The 5-Series offers plenty of standard features to keep you save. It comes with dual front airbags, front side airbags, and side head-protecting airbags. Rear side airbags are available, but are not recommended for people that will be using child seats in the back. The antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, and antiskid system will help you stop safely. The car also comes with daytime running lights and a tire-pressure monitor. The more expensive models come with a lane-departure warning system, which uses cameras to determine the lane markers, and will warn the driver, with a vibration of the steering wheel, if they are about to veer into another lane without using the turn signal; this is available as an option on the less expensive models. Crash tests that were conducted on this model gave it three out of five stars for protecting the driver, and five out of five stars, for protecting the driver in a frontal crash.

Performance

The different models received different ratings for their performance, from average for their class, to excellent. The 528i automatic and the AWD 535i wagon had the best ride quality, with a suspension that rode well over bumps. All of the models scored high marks when it came to steering, handling, and braking, even when compared to other models in the same class. The steering is responsive. Car and driver described this vehicle as “a blast to drive” and “well worth the money.”

Options

The 2010 BMW 5-Series offers quite a few options, but that will add to the cost. A navigation system can be purchased that offers voice recognition and an iPod adapter. A premium package can be ordered that offers leather upholstery, power lumbar adjustment, and a universal garage door opener. A sport package can be purchased that offers passenger seat memory, changes to the exterior trim, and a sport steering wheel. Satellite radio, heated seats, headlight washers, power closing doors, and run-flat tires can also be added. There are many more options, allowing you to customize your vehicle with exactly the features that you like.