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BMW 525i Manual trans
Let’s face it, the 2006 BMW 525i is for a new generation
of Bimmer fans that are used to living in a world of electronics and botox. To
that end BMW has married its rich lineage of a quality ride, superior brakes,
and solid build to demands for more room and more technology. We call it the
Lexification of BMW and it apparently is working quite well as sales are
increasing, especially with the relaxed fit 5 Series and its more comfortable
dimensions.
Checking with both owners and dealers this move to a more slab sided rear
styling, Bimmer has expanded the Germany company’s customer base from its loyal
band of performance oriented drivers to one where image is a prime factor in
purchasing. With Audi, and Mercedes producing vehicles that can perform as well
or better than the mainstream BMWs it is obvious that the buying public is not
put off knowing that they might not be driving the quickest or sportiest sedan.
They are even willing to pay a premium for the pride of BMW ownership. This is
as masterful a job of marketing as there is in today’s world. And, to make sure
BMW has a trump card, the M hotrods, share much of the same look as their more
mundan sisters making the general public unaware of the striking performance
differences. Whereas some pundits bemoan the fact that the extra thousands paid
for a M equipped BMW should provide a significantly different exterior, we think
it is an exceptional way for the entire Bimmer line to bask in its image.
The profitability at BMW continues so well that they even accept the $42 million
in fines by the United States government for not meeting corporate fuel averages
as a cost of doing business and the new style has not hindered sales.
So how does it feel to drive the new 525i BMW? Well, there is certainly the
great braking and responsive steering. The engine loves to rev and the gas
mileage is above average at 23 mpg. The six-speed transmission is well geared
even though the throws are rather long to fifth and sixth. You can’t fault the
suspension or ride quality that remains the class standard. What we failed to
appreciate was its interior ergonomics and exterior slab sides that seem
defenseless in parking lots. Add to this the iDrive system requires you to take
your eyes off the road for something as simple as changing your air-conditioning
vent settings and we found ourselves sometimes yearning for the good old days.
One thing for sure, the competition has seized the moment,
especially Infiniti, and has moved into traditional BMW territory. We think the
BMW is still the class standard if you have the money and aren’t interested in
being the fastest. We would go for the far more eager to please and wonderful
330i and save about $10,000 (US) or more dollars if you don’t need the extra
room. For example, the 3 Series BMW lacks only about two inches of interior
space, although the trunk is smaller.
As in most BMWs the pedals are placed ideally for heel-toe driving, but with a
car with this size and limited horsepower it is of questionable value outside of
abandoned mountain roads where the engines 185 ft. pounds of torque are hard
pressed when the sedan is fully loaded.
Working woman’s view: All that technology makes me
wonder what is going to happen once that terrific BMW warranty that covers
nearly everything, including brakes, for 4-year/50,000 miles expires? Stuffed
into the new bodied BMWs are adaptive headlights and taillights, optional
run-flat tires that are very expensive to replace and have a questionable
life-span, not to again mention the iDrive, BMW's Valvetronic system, electronic
throttle, active steering, tire pressure monitors, Dynamic Stability Control,
rain-sensing wipers, and available navigation system, a head-up display, active
cruise control and ultrasonice parking assist.
Standard features are equally impressive, especially since
the 525i is essentially the price leader for BMW in the full family sedan field.
It comes with dual front and side airbags, front and rear side head-protection
airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, cruise
control, air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air
filter, BMW Assist system, 10-way power front seats, power front headrests, wood
trim, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof,
AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, outside-temperature display, trip computer, a
theft-deterrent system, fog lights, and more. Of course, those standard options
are readily available in the competition and so it isn’t what it has, but how
they work. In the case of the 525i these features work seamlessly except for the
iDrive. There simply is no reason for this system to handle so many features. If
it just controlled the driver’s computer information data and other features
such as air pressure that would be fine. Basically, what the iDrive does is act
as a sort of joystick that controls most of the key functions of the car’s
stereo, climate and communications as well as the information center. It is much
better than the previous one, but nevertheless it has to be used for many tasks
such as changing music tracts and even adjusting the air outlets.
Driving the BMW 525i is effortless and perhaps that is the
problem. Nothing seems to upset its kind nature. It takes a while to master the
quick steering and the high rear deck causes some rear view hindrances, but it
is a quiet ride with very little noise intruding.
One area that must be addressed is that the interior just
plain does not have enough storage space for most women. Cupholders are meek,
there is virtually no place to put your purse, and the general appearance is one
that is dark and bland. Take a while to make sure the standard wood trim matches
your paint scheme because it makes a big difference in this model.
I believe that the BMW is a perfect lease car. High residual values and that
four year we pay for most everything warranty make it attractive for those who
like the idea of driving a Bimmer and want to hold their fixed costs in check.
Young unemployed male’s view: BMW has done
something interesting. They have essentially abandoned one of the most
recognizable and successful exterior designs for something almost completely
new. Now this has nothing to do with that way it drives, but it does tell you
that BMW is not afraid to take risks. That also carries over in to the
electronics where the overly active Active Steering can make parking a breeze,
but also supplies less feedback than I would like during low speed cornering. It
is an option with the $3000 (US) sports package that might be of interest on a
more powerful BMW than this one. Then there is the much discussed iDrive, which
isn’t that difficult to master, but really just saves space on the dash. Lexus
solved this by simply putting a cover over the extra buttons. Enough said. The
new six-cylinder engine is smooth, but it isn’t a torque monster and so if you
order the desirable automatic transmission and travel with a family aboard
consider paying the extra few thousand and get the larger six-cylinder engine.
Regardless, the competition has more power and are priced less.
In the back seat there is good legroom and only the very
tall well have a problem with space. The seats are quite comfortable, but they
don’t provide an angle adjustment like the Toyota Avalon. Which brings up an
interesting comparison. Although there is no chance these two models would be
cross-shopped, the Toyota is significantly larger, more powerful, gets better
gas mileage and costs 30 percent less. That, my friends, is the power of BMW’s
marketing, and why hopefully someday I shall be employed in that field.
Among the other interesting aspect of the 525i were the active brake lights.
When you press on the brakes hard the inboard lights illuminate. There is also
active roll stabilization that connects the front and rear roll bars to help
reduce lean when cornering at speed, which is another option. Our test car
had17-inch wheels, which ran quietly, and never complained when pushed. Among
the other interesting options were a navigation system, front and rear obstacle
detentions, heated seats for both the front and year, and xenon lights. I didn’t
find the night lighting as good on this model as others, so you might want to
take a test drive at night and see if the xenons are worth it. BMW is also
offering all wheel drive sedans and wagons.
This would not be my choice from BMW. It is too bulky
looking and, although possessed of excellent highway manners, doesn’t offer that
snap that the 330i offers. Hey, check out my music online at http://www.simple-thoughts.net/
and help me get that 330i BMW.
Mom’s view: I don’t like the way it looks at all,
but what really made me yearn for a 545i was the lack of power, an automatic
transmission, additional interior storage room, and more comfortable seats. On
the other hand the gas mileage was phenomenal and the stopping power and
incredible strong build were truly unmatched. It feels and drives much heavier
than the 3500 pounds it weights thanks to BMW’s use of aluminum for many parts
of the brakes and undercarriage. The steering is nicely weighted to the point of
making you a bit overconfident when cornering.
With the cost of fuel escalating there is no question that the extra cost of
premium gas for the BMW’s very responsive inline six-cylinder engine with 225
horsepower might be a consideration, but I was surprised to see 23 mpg easy to
achieve in this $45,000 (US) sedan.
Despite all the technology for technologies sake, I still didn’t get any warning
when I parked close to curbs. The front air dam is very low making it easy to
scrape it on the most modest of inclines. The trunk opens wide, but you better
be standing back because the lid hurls itself ajar. There is amply room in the
trunk, and a first for us, there were instructions on how to get four golf bags
into the trunk provided by a little stick on label.
Interior storage is very minimal. An average sized glove compartment is offered,
there is very little room in the center console, and the door storage is so
shallow as to be useless for anything outside of change and a business card. The
cupholders still don’t look like they should on a car of this expense. Even the
way the interior looks is blah to the point of being boring. The stereo control
knob is extremely small and difficult to locate, the standard sound system is
adequate at best, the iDrive still too complex, and the offset of the clutch,
brake, and gas pedal make it mandatory that you avoid wearing fashionable shoes
or else they can get caught. The spare tire does not have an alloy rim like some
other cars do and I hesitate to ask how much the optional run flat tires are
going to cost at replacement time.
If you get the idea that this BMW was not to my liking you are half right.
Unless you factor in its cost and reputation it seems to be lacking. However, if
you just want to have a BMW and enjoy an engine that is as smooth as they come
while still getting exceptional gas mileage and a world class chassis, this car
must be considered. BMW clearly is a master car builder, but the competition
hasn’t been sleeping.
Dad’s view: I could not believe it was a BMW! It
rode and reacted like most any luxury sedan. Where was that nose down, eager to
respond, hell has no fury like a Bimmer attitude? Clearly, this is a family
vehicle, but I would definitely drive the 530i with the sports package, too. The
inline six sounds smooth and reacts fairly quickly to accelerator commands and
you can extend your trip to over 500 miles if you are frugal with the premium
fuel in the 18.5-gallon tank.
I would not recommend the 525i with a six-speed transmission. Get the automatic
transmission and enjoy driving just as much, but without the hassle even though
the smooth engine does not mind being lugged a bit in fifth and fourth gears.
Moreover, since there is virtually no difference in fuel mileage, and the fact
that the 525i is not a performance-oriented car anyway, the question remains why
order a manual transmission especially since you are going to take depreciation
hit at resale time? (http://www.nada.com)
The bottom line for me is not the exterior or interior appearance, both of which
are highly subjectively calls, but the way it drives in real life situations. To
that end this is an excellent highway tourer capable of an occasional foray into
the mountains. Equipped properly it should prove to be more exciting and popular
than the model it replaced. If you wish swifter travel for a similar price take
a look at the competition that is priced similarily.
Family conference: With a lighter colored interior
and an automatic transmission this would be a great vacation or commuter car.
The pricing needs to be considered, but with good resale that might be a mute
point. Despite this we recommend you expand your test drives to all sports
sedans above.. After that climb into a 530i or 545i or a 330i. For a list of all
vehicle manufacturers go to
http://www.reacheverychild.com/business/index.html
Written by Car Family |
