2005 BMW 5 Series 530i from Australia and New Zealand - Comments

With only 12000kms on the clock, nothing has had much of a chance to go wrong. This is also the reason why I haven't rated the dealer service - you really don't know what they're like until you have a problem!

IDrive is a pest to use. I'm still not used to it, especially the climate control. Very fiddly.

After driving fairly ordinary vehicles until recently, the BMW is a significant step up! I love the smoothness and power of the engine, but somehow I feel it could use a bit more torque - just doesn't pull as hard as I'd like low in the rev range. This is a minor quibble, though, as it is a delight once you get motoring - a brisk and effortless cruiser!

Transmission is almost flawless, manual shift easier to use than many of those paddle shifts in other cars, but I tend to leave it in Drive mostly. Doesn't slur changes like many autos (I'd still prefer a manual... if BMW sold them here)

Comfort is to the degree that I feel like this car was built around me, although I think the brushed alloy look trim pieces show up marks too easily. Gauges very clear, but switchgear can be confusing. Like I said before, iDrive is a waste of technology. Conventional stereo system controls would be a huge improvement. It's worth putting up with in a vehicle like this, but it's a blight on a near-perfect car. Stereo sounds fantastic with clear mids, strong bass and very clear radio reception even when you get out of town.

Handling is as you'd expect from a BMW. Cornering flat, confident and rsponsive. Benchmark stuff for a car this size I'd think (has the edge on the A6 and E Class Benz I test drove). Steering is accurate, but ever so slightly over-assisted for my preferences. Controversial styling looks infinitely better in the metal.

Buy a black one. Hopefully one day I'll have the cash to upgrade to M5.

I have to admit, I disliked the looks of the new BMW 5-Series at first (like most people).

I didn't like the tall, sharp rear-end with the slab-sided boot lid, I didn't like low wide front-end and I HATED those Dame Edna-Everage headlights.

But...after seeing them on the road, they have caught my eye. The style definitely grew on me. Even the Estate (Station Wagon) version doesn't look all that bad. The new M5 looks great in Interlagos blue.