Getting firsthand information from an actual car owner is one sure way to get an idea of car performance once it leaves the lot. Autobytel features real consumer reviews that give the unbiased experience of a car.
Truly an outstanding car. Great on the highway with 32-33mpg. Unbelievable!
Better than I thought it could be
Pros: Engine / transmission
Cons: The cup-holders are a little funky, but I'm willing to see them as part of the charm
I went in to the dealer to pick out a late-model 3-series; maybe something that had been returned after a lease. The dealer was letting me look around the lot unpressured (don't you love that), and I happened upon a 530i, 6-speed manual. Now, everyone who loves driving a manual knows they're getting harder and harder to find without special ordering, but there it was. Just over 32,000 miles on it, the body and interior in great shape and a Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. The price was where I needed it to be and the deal was struck. Driving this car has been fantastic. No wonder Consumer Reports raved about this engine. Plenty (and I mean 'plenty') of muscle out of the blocks, but upwards of 30mph on the freeway. Great audio, seats, performance, navigation and all of that, but the car is just flat out a blast to drive. Whoever broke in the engine on the first 30,000 miles, thank you! The car drives like a dream and the transmission shifts like butter. I suppose one could always be happier, but I'm at a loss as to how I could be with a car purchase from what I saw out there.Pros: I drive. Not too clustered interior classy
Cons: TOO many silly electrical problems
Advice: Live close to dealer and make sure they give you free 24hrs loaners, you are gonna need it! Nooo kiddin.. :)
WAY TOO many silly problems! Why do you think of all cars BMW gives you the best warranty on service? Haha, you get the point :) If you live close to the dealer and don't mind their nice rentals buy the car. My friend bought a new BMW550 and same thing. It's a bit heavy on a start-up, you never get the pushing into the seat feeling, but once you get it going it accelerates nicely. Great on turns, just don't try 60 on turns on sandy roads, snow or gravel, you'll lose control. Happened to me in Vegas. Simple and classy iterior, not too clustered like most newer cars. Beige interior looks the best but hard to keep clean. I love it and I hate it :)Pros: performance
Cons: capability in the snow
Advice: its a pricey car but its worth every penny if you can afford it.
this is a beautiful car. it still retains the bmw values, and it still holds the performance you would expect from a 5 series. the luxury features of this car are abundant. the cars looks might take you a while to be accustomed to, other than that, its only downfall is that it is not very good in the snow, which is why i have my suv. all in all this is a great car but only if you can afford it.Pros: Performance and service plan
Cons: Appearance of the seats
Advice: I never wanted a BMW until I drove one. Test drive one and you will be converted over.
When compared to E320 Mercedes, the 530i definitely handles, drives, and has much better pick up power. When taking turns at 40+ MPH, the car grips the road like a sports car, not a sedan. Very impressed with the performance of this car therefore I bought it.Pros: Steering response and control.
Cons: Sound system is annoying.
Advice: Measure distance between driver and front airbag.
Great steering control, smooth but moderate acceleration, blind spots at rear posts. Not a car for drivers under 5'6', pedal distance requires driver to be too close to airbag. Poor radio reception acknowledged by manufacturer but not adjustable. Speedometer in error 5%, manufacturer says 10% error is acceptable and not adjustable.Pros: Automatic Rain Wipers
Cons: Nothing
Advice: Drive it on the open road
Best car I have every driven, I have owned corvettes and this is a corvettes with luxury