Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
Sedans BMW 5-Series Article Comments - 2008 BMW 535i Full Test
56 messages, Last post on Jul 25, 2008 at 11:32 AM
You are in the BMW 5-Series Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
Article comments for Full Test: 2008 BMW 535i - What does BMW's new twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 engine do for the 5 Series? This 2008 BMW 535i test car with an automatic transmission effectively equaled the acceleration of a 2006 BMW 550i equipped with a manual transmission. The 535i's 5.5-second acceleration to 60 mph proves a sedan doesn't need the 550i's V8 engine to be quick. (more)
|
Replying to: kcx (Jun 15, 2007 7:29 am) I am sure the 535xi will have a softer suspension that the 550i that I test drove.
|
|
|
Replying to: achonko (Jun 15, 2007 3:36 pm) Thanks for your very reassuring comments. The weather was good today, so I visited my dealership. They didn’t have any xi’s because there is not much demand in this area it seems. But come winter, people will think about AWD  even if bad driving days only last for 2 to 7 days about 4 times a year here. The dealership had plenty of near-base (few options) 528i and one 535i. I drove both of them, and was quite comfortable with both. The 535i was quicker (of course) when pushed, and I could hear the turbo whistle, but I could feel more vibration on the 528i steering than the 535i. OK, I have to admit I am very sensitive to noise and smell, etc.  I have decided on the 528xi, based on my experience with the 528i just by the fact that it has adequate power for my driving style. Hopefully the added weight of the 528xi will not hamper its performance too much; probably a 0.5s difference in 0-60mph is not noticeable. Since I had some time after trying out the 5-series, I went a mile down the road to check out the Lexus GS350. Again, there was no AWD version to test drive. The salesman said during summer most people think RWD, but comes winter time, people will think AWD. The GS350 had 18” tires and sounded nosier than the 5-series. It drives smoother, which means detachment from the car and road condition. I currently drive an MB C320, and feel like it is between the GS350 and the 528i. The GS350 is a 2007, and they will start taking order for the 2008’s at the end of July. Other subjective things also make me pick the 528xi over the GS350. I prefer German logic over the Japanese in most controls, for instance cruise control – pushing out to cancel and pulling in to resume. In my 2004 RX300, I had to unlock the driver and passenger doors first before opening the trunk – power lift-gate. On my C320, I can open my trunk without unlocking. Also, the GS350 trunk does not open automatically with remote like the 5-series and my C320. I am picky about the little things.  One thing that bothers me is BMW’s decision to use red for turn signal at the back. I feel that keeping turn signal and brake light different colors gives the car behind a better indication of one’s intention. By looking at the color, one can tell immediately that the person in front is signally to turn and not slowing down or stopping. It helps in spilt-second reaction and decision making. |
|
|
|
|
Ok first, this is NOT a troll. I'm an executive seriously researching a luxury sport sedan and I may still select the 535. What troubles me in this review is that there's virtually nothing critical of the 535 - no note of "twitchy" tip-in that makes around-town driving tiring, the overly firm seats making 1000 mile drives (and I do them) somewhat uncomfortable and the steering that can wander a bit on uneven surfaces. I'm a fan of Edmunds and I like the 535; but reading competitive reviews at least brought to the forefront all those things that "aren't quite perfect" of the 535. Critique isn't bad - especially if we're talking a $60K auto where expectations are very very high.
|
|
|
Replying to: fishferbrains (Jul 04, 2007 7:27 pm) Jim |
|
|
|
|
Replying to: fishferbrains (Jul 04, 2007 7:27 pm) We are the owners of a new 535Xi with the Multi-Contour seats. We took our first little excursion yesterday, driving about 30 miles round trip on a limited access toll road. The car is extremely rerassuring, stable, and quiet at speeds up to 75 mph, and those seats are very comfortable. Part of the return drive was in a very heavy thunderstorm with gusting winds, and I could not have asked for a more secure ride in those road conditions. Thanks Bruce |
|
|
Replying to: fishferbrains (Jul 04, 2007 7:27 pm) Jim 2005 325ci 2004 530i |
|
|
|
|
Seriously - thank you. I think comparing the sports vs non-sports version of the car will be next. My reading of tip-in was attributed to both a RT article and http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/?p=3866. This might be specific to the twin turbos on the 535 but i have a high wife acceptance factor to overcome given she'll probably be driving it around town a fair amount as well. Owning an S80 (ok stop laughing) the only redeeming quality might be the seats (the turbo lag is enormous). My seating experiences are limited to recent model 540s and I haven't been that comfortable in them but I read the 08s have done a few things here. Again trying it out myself is next. Bruce - What's your opinion on the "Xi" option. Is it a nice to have or a necessity?
|
|
|
Replying to: fishferbrains (Jul 05, 2007 9:45 am) That said, I've driven the new 535i w/Sport Pkg and found the new "comfort seats" to be incredible. They offer additional articulation options (upper back, headrest cushion for neck, etc) and even fit my large frame better. I'm a retired Rugby player (6'5"/260lbs) who really needs comfortable seats, especially now that I've had both knees replaced. I found the new 535i with Sport option to be the 1st car I'd consider giving up my beautiful 2003 for Whether in the 535 or 528, I'd recommend a lengthy drive and am confident that you will find the seats to be terrific. |
|
|
|
|
Replying to: fishferbrains (Jul 05, 2007 9:45 am) Regarding "Bruce - What's your opinion on the "Xi" option. Is it a nice to have or a necessity?" I think you will get different answers from different individuals- all depends on your priorities, and location. But to answer your question, for me, AWD is a necessity. My primary reason is greater confidence and flexibility for traction in adverse road conditions- not just snow, but sleet, freezing rain, regular rain, and particularly ice, everything else being equal such as tires. AWD and RWD each have their own advantages and disadvantages. I have no experience with the 535i, so I cannnot comment on how it compares to the 535Xi. Thanks Bruce
|
|
|
Replying to: bruceomega (Jul 05, 2007 5:19 pm) Like you, I went for the xi, especially after a dangerous experience with my '96 Mercedes E320 in snowy and icy conditions. I understand that snow tires do wonders in wintry conditions, but I don't want to spend the time and the hassle of swapping tires. My dealer did not have any xi to demo, so I tried both the 528i and 535i. The 528i has plenty of power for the way I drive: Mercedes and Lexus type . It is definitely sportier, bigger, and firmer than my '01 MB C320, and handles much better than my '04 Lexus RX330. I have never owned a BMW because the ride was too firm for me in the past. I think the '08's are a lot softer now. My hearing is sensitive, so I can hear the turbo whistle of the 535i. It moves off the line 2 seconds quicker than the 528i, but I don't drag race So I ordered a 528xi last week, and looking forward to getting it late August or early September.
|
|
You are here:
Forums
Sedans BMW 5-Series Article Comments - 2008 BMW 535i Full Test
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2011 BMW 5 Series
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
