2007 BMW 5-Series Review

The 2007 BMW 5-Series serves up a range of possibilities, all backed by performance ability and luxury features. All 5-Series come with comprehensive stability technology that includes dynamic stability control, dynamic traction control, dynamic brake control.

The entry level 525i, and 530i sedans come standard as rear-wheel drive, with all-wheel-drive systems running at a $2,200 premium. The 550i and M5 sedans are rear-wheel drive only, and the 530 wagon is available in all-wheel drive only. The 530 sedan and wagon feature a 3.0L inline-six engine that produces 255 horsepower. The 525's inline-six produces 215 horsepower, while the 550's V8 produces 360 horsepower.

Standard features on the 5-Series include a power sunroof with an anti-trap feature, auto headlights, fog lights, power mirrors with auto tilt-down, and tri-zone climate control, and BMW's iDrive system. In addition to the powertrain upgrade, the 535 gets xenon headlights with auto-leveling and 10-way power front seats. The 550 trim adds Dakota leather seats and front and rear park distance control.

Options for the 525i include genuine Dakota leather seats for $1,450 as well as a Premium Package that includes power driver seat lumbar support, interior illumination, and a universal garage door opener. The Sport Package upgrades the tires to 245 series run-flats, 20-way power front seats, active roll stabilization, and sport suspension. Active cruise control is available as well as a navigation system, and an audiophile Logic7 sound system with 13 speakers and twin subwoofers.

The 530i offers two transmission choices beyond the standard six-speed manual. A six-speed automatic is available, but so is a six-speed sequential manual gearbox that gives the user automatic and manual options and a sport dynamic driving control feature. The Premium and Sport Packages are also available. The Sport package upgrades the wheels and tires to 18-inch run-flats.

The 550i also offers the same transmission choices as the 530i. The Sport Package includes the 18-inch run-flat tires as well as the 20-way power seats for $2,800. A Premium Package is not available on the 550, as the equipment is already standard on with the trim.

The performance-oriented M5 is a whole other story. It comes with a 5.0L V10 engine that puts out a neck-snapping 500 horsepower. The standard transmission is a 7-speed SMG sequential transmission with 11 shift programs and launch control. A conventional 6-speed manual transmission is also available.

The M5 stands apart from the rest of the 5-Series, and is one of the best performance sedans in the world. Every part of the car seems designed with high speed handling in mind. It's equipped with a high-output aluminum 5.0L V10 that uses stepless variable valve timing and direct ignition to generate a neck-snapping 500 horsepower. The engine is mated to a seven-speed SMG transmission with 11 shift programs and launch control. The wheels are driven with a variable differential lock and a special Dynamic Stability Control program unique to the M5. Further performance enhancements include M-specific suspension, cross drilled disc brakes, body panels with air intakes and spoiler, and even M-specific Merino leather heated power front seats.
In 2006, BMW introduced new engines for the 5-Series, so BMW kept the 2007 model essentially the same. An auxiliary audio input is now standard, and new optional features include HD radio and BMW's night vision technology, which uses thermal imaging to "see" animals, people or other vehicles that may be beyond the car's headlights. see less