BMW never loses sight of its sporting roots, but where does it say sport
and luxury are incompatible? Not here.
Interior trim is sumptuous, whether leatherette with brushed-aluminum
accents (528i) or soft leather with burl walnut panels discreetly applied
to center console, dashboard and door panels (540i). Power front seats
with 10-way adjustments are standard, as are power tilt-and-telescope steering
column and power windows, mirrors and locks.
The automatic climate control has separate temperature settings for
driver and front-seat passenger, and the standard audio system has ten
speakers (528i) or 12 (540i). About all one might want to add are a power
moonroof--on the 528i only; it's standard for the 540i--or heating elements
for front seats and even the steering wheel.
Leather upholstery can be ordered to replace the 528i's leatherette
(and wood can replace the aluminum trim). Power-operated rear window sunshades
and manual pull-up rear side window shades can be added to any 5-Series.
Deeply bolstered manually adjustable sport front seats are available at
no cost for the 540i.
A recent addition to the 5-Series options list is an onboard navigation
system. Using a transmitter/receiver that communicates with GPS (Global
Positioning) satellites, the system can pinpoint the car's precise map
location and display it on a screen mounted in the center console. By following
a series of steps--and inputting information via touch-pads on the screen--a
driver can have his or her route plotted out automatically. Other features
too numerous to list increase the system's versatility.
You don't find out how good the 5-Series cars are by sitting in them;
only after a few miles does the competence of their mechanical systems
become apparent. But the experience varies considerably depending on the
car.
The 528i's strong suit is silky smoothness. Freedom from vibration is
an inherent trait of straight-6 engines, and this 24-valve powerplant is
one of the best of the breed. It delivers plenty of performance (BMW claims
a 0-to-60 mph time of 7.7 seconds for the 528i manual, with the automatic
taking an extra second) and excellent fuel economy.
As might be expected, the 540i accelerates more rapidly though it, like
the 528i, is electronically limited to a 128-mph maximum speed in the U.S.
The 32-valve V8 is also quiet and unobtrusive in ordinary use, making noise
only when pushed hard. It has more of a thirst for premium unleaded fuel
than its smaller-engined brother, as expected. But it is an extraordinary
piece of machinery, and we found it distinctly habit-forming.
All 5-Series BMWs offer superb handling. In this respect, they continue
to define the upscale European sport sedan, tracking precisely through
corners with minimal body roll. Both versions react crisply to steering
inputs, with a tiny subjective edge in feel going to the 528i, which has
rack and pinion steering instead of the recirculating-ball setup found
in the 540i.
The other side of this coin is suprisingly smooth ride quality, even
on nasty pavement. Thanks to advances in shock absorber technology, European
handling no longer equates with a harsh ride.
For the ultimate in razor-sharp road behavior, the manual-transmission
540i, with its standard "Sport" suspension calibrations and slightly
lower ride height is the choice. The stiffer springs and shock absorbers
of this model do result in a slightly harsher ride--all 5-Series are on
the firm side--which may not suit everyone.
All the other elements that contribute to driving pleasure are up to
the standards set by engines and suspensions. The manual transmissions
require a firm hand on the shift lever, but work with precision.
The automatics are equipped with adaptive electronics that use information
from the engines' electronic management systems to tailor shift programs
based on driving style. A "sport" shift program is followed whenever
the 528i's transmission selector is in the "3" position, or the
540's lever is in "4." The 5-Series' disc brakes (with ABS) are
flawless; the standard traction control system operates both in straight-line
driving and during cornering to reduce the risk of skidding.