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2004 BMW 530i
What's not to like about the 5-series? It is part sports car and part refined elegance. There is probably no other car out on the road that looks as complete as the 5. For 2004, BMW has decided to introduce the new 5 series to the impatient public. Needless to say, I've been waiting for this for a while now.
Upon my very first glance I was sort of confused. The new design is a break from the 5-series of yesterday. It took a few minutes to digest the new lines. Just like the new 7-series, the shape gradually seeps into affirmation. It was not love at first sight but grows and grows the longer you stare at it. The lights, front and rear, are more pronounced on this version. The 5-series has definitely grown up like a college graduate getting his first job.
The interior has much more head and leg room than the past version. I felt very comfortable in the driver's seat. The ergonomics is traditional BMW - complete yet minimalist. The only difference is the addition of the iDrive. The iDrive is like a desktop computer in your car. You control it from a mouse-like device and monitor everything from climate control to the radio (I miss the buttons already). I suspect the display for the iDrive will be very distracting in traffic. |
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Time to hit the pavement! The car handles great thanks to the new Active Steering
technology. I definitely put the 225 ponies to work as I blasted onto the freeway
- passing was no problem. I felt like I was in a greenhouse because visibility
was exceptional from the inside. Cornering was a breeze and with the slight understeer
it was fun to throw the car around. In case of emergency, this car can stop on
a dime.
It is a great car to drive but I definitely miss the racing feel of the old 5. But I guess everyone has to grow up sooner of later. Maybe the new M5 might change my opinion when it hits the showroom floor next year. Prices start at $39,000 for the 525i and tops out at $54,300 for the 545i.
Below is a quick snapshot of the factors that are essential in buying this car.
• "So Asian" factor - 9 out of 10
• "Keeping up with the Wongs" factor - 10 out of 10
• "DAMN!!!" factor - 9 out of 10
• Bang for the buck - 8 out of 10
• Overall rating - 9 out of 10
Buy or Bye? - I would have to say "Buy" to the BMW 530i. No one else on your block would have the new redesigned model. So it's worth being the first to say you own it amongst your friends. However, I highly suggest buying one with a manual transmission. If you want automatic, go buy a Mercedes.
- review by Alex Chan
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