Another Consumer Reports reviewer didn't like the Mercedes 2011 E350 either for almost the same reasons. Well what do they like....since these are among the most advanced cars in the world.
I own a BMW 528i. It does exactly what I want it to do. The ride is smooth, gas milage is good, and there is more than enough performance needed to get this AWD car going. I have no gripes about the audio controls because I only use blootooth. The car isn't too aggressive in styling and it has more than enough room for me.
@toneza557 he ddnt say the 5 series has horrible, didnt you hear that the drive is nice and supple, and quiet.. he was complaining about the handling of the new 5 series against its the old version..is it not as fun as it used to be..
Really, people are still complaining about iDrive? It's should be easy if you're of somewhat average intelligence. It's no more difficult than using an iPod or cellphone. The 5 Series is still superb nonetheless, and it finally has styling on its side again. That E60 was disgusting.
I do agree that the new 5 series has been softened up a bit, but that doesn't make it worse. The new M5 coming this year does deliver the ultimate driving machine goods. I think BMW is letting its M and sport models take on most of the "ultimate driving machine" mission, letting midgrade and base engine models serve those white collars who just want a nice comfy luxury car....with some slight sportiness to remind you ur still driving a BMW.
Amazing that it has lackluster handling when compared to its rivals. The 528 was the only car that put a smile on our face during the corners, while the A6 and GS350 didn't perform as well. iDrive is one of the most intuitive infotainment systems, and once you SET YOUR RADIO PRESET, YOU WON'T NEED TO USE THE MANUAL TUNER. I bet this reviewer got paid out by Audi because he just doesn't know what he is talking about. YOU COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SEAT BELT POSITION.... REALLY?
Finally some good car critics gave a good report on the BMW. I mean I am a BMW fan but most of the videos I have seen, they only show that these cars the best and yes they are but what others don't show is the negative part. What Consumer Report people showed was the bad and good part of the car, and they let us choose if we should buy it or not and thats what I like about them.
What vehicle doesn't have some pro's and con's? I had one of these, a 2011 535i MSport XDrive. The car was absolutely outstanding in every respect and returned a steady and consistent 29 MPG Average which for a full size car is fantastic.
Sean Brennan Thanks for this comment. I'm considering purchasing a 2011 5351 Msport Xdrive and was looking for a comment for a 2011 year owner. I found one being sold for $11,900 with 107,000 miles and I was a suspicious at what a great price point that is. I'll have it inspected and probably pull the trigger and make the buy.
All his points are silly. You could ajust the steering wheel so it doesn't block the odometer. You could order the sport package or even comfort seat option to get sport seat bolsters. You could also get the dynamic package to get around any issues one may have with the traditional heavy sporty BMW steering and the harsh ride. All cars have that silly stop/start button so it is not a negative of this car. Not sure why he says that about the wiper blade stalk since many cars have that.
If a single auto manufacturer can please everyone when it come to styling, performance, ergonomics, pricing etc.. than there would be no need for others. BMW has a history of good/bad vehicles like any other manufacturers. I've owned quite a few BMW since 97'. I now own a 2011 535i and really love the car. Like everything in life, there is no such thing as a perfect car. The car must work for the person who is paying for it. Not the reviewers. If it works for you, that's all that matters.
Geez guys, stop complaining. I'm a BMW fan too but they make these videos so you can have a realistic expectation of what you're buying. He didn't say it's a bad car, he just pointed out some annoyances (which you'd especially notice if you're a tall driver or drove the E60 and expected certain improvements). Stop moaning; if you were going to buy the car you'd still buy the car no matter what, right?
Its evident now that BMW is trying to cater to a more mature drivers with their newer models. The F10 5er and F30 3er redesigns are larger and more comfortable than the outgoing E60 and E90, but sacrifice lots of core values such as sharp handling and razor-like steering. This will sit well for older generation who buys BMW for the image, but not with the traditional 'cocky' BMW fans. (Why 'cocky'? Just look at the dislike bar...) Maybe its time to move on...Audi or even Mercedes perhaps?
great review! finally a car journalist says the true about a bmw, with pros and cons! i 'm sick of hearing just how great this car is! however, the biggest problem with bmw isn't its complicated controls, but the poor reliability of its products!
Consumer Reports is completely useless when it comes to its subjective judgements. When you drive a car yourself you can make your OWN mind up about the ride, comfort, etc. - you don't need CR's writer's lame and petty opinions. The only thing CR is good for is its reliability ratings. Ignore the rest.
You won't ever know until you fully put yourself in the vehicle & drive it yourself. Until then you really won't know much about the drive. Some people might say its uncomfortable but to you it might be nice to drive. I agree with you.
i dont understand why ppl quickly criticize the guy for being honest. I love the car and will probably still get it when its time to change my car but he is right about a lot of stuff... y the hell does my wifes 25k accord have an adjustable seatbelt but this beautiful vehicle that costs twice as much doesnt. it is stupid to cut those kind of corners. honesty is the best policy and i appreciate his.
@jvrdlc Notice that the review car car didnt have the dynamic handling package, this makes a big difference. Maybe thats why he wasnt happy with the handling of the car. This is a very nice LUXURY car, take it for what it is.
I thought You were talking about some cheap car, but then I look a little bit better and saw a BMW. People will think that this is one really bad ride, not one of the best. And, this car will be one of the most selling in it's class if not the most...
When I took delivery of my 2011 550i, the first thing I did was buy a set of OEM wheels of the same type and size and put Pirellia Corsas on them. Good tires make all the difference on new BMW's. It still feels like a heavier car, however. The old E60's were good at hiding their weight with fantastic springs and dampers, but it's now too much for even the best suspension engineer to work their way out of.
Its controls are fine. There are more than enough shortcut buttons for you to set your most common used functions, so I don't understand when he said that it's a lot of work to get to a function.
I have read in more than 1 place that one of the issues is electric steering kills feel. Plus one even said ultimate driving pleasure was optional; to get anything really out of it you need to option it up
For the Euros who don't like this review, what you need to realize is that Consumer Reports is an unbiased source that doesn't even accept advertisements in its magazine. They report every good thing and bad thing they find with a product. If you want to see a reviewer do a slob job on a European car then you should stick to watching Top Gear videos.
This video is a shame, I've never seen somebody with such stupid complaints. First you complain that the 5 series isn't as sporty as the old one, but then you drive over a pothole (that is a size of a crater) and complain that it's too firm. And you say the controls are too complicated? Well, I'd much rather have this control system than a touchscreen, which would be 5x more distracting. The automatic gearbox is one of the best in the industry btw. You really put a negative vibe around this car!
That's how the BMW automatic shifter works. It's unusual, but those who own a Beamer in recent years know how to use one. Ultimately, you have to test drive one to know how to use it.
@MrArasht1 I agree. Most negatives were technology, and that takes some learning and getting used to like anything else. When you pack so much stuff in the car, sure - you are gonna have to spend time to learn about it. Then comments about body-roll is unfound - review says it handles body roll well, but car has lost its sportiness. Whatever, sports suspensions are defined how well it handles body roll.
How many of you who doesn't like this has actually driven the new 5-series(F10)? He doesn't say it's a good car, he just says that it isn't as good as the E60, wich were more of a drivers machine. He gets paid to criticise, and that's his oppinion, who are you to say that he is wrong?
I like that somebody tells it how it is and as I tested the car mayself - I concur with the guy. Im just glad I didn`t give up on previous gen 5 series with M package - it is much more a drivers car than thic "coach"
He says the controls are still too complex. It's German, the Germans don't know simplicity, which is why they are some of the most technologically advanced cars money can buy. However, I do like the old exterior better than the new one. Old one looked more sporty, stylish, and aggressive like a 5 Series should look. Maybe the M5 will look better with its M-Sport body.
people that say the review is not good are poor people that never driven a 50k + sedan. the car isnt THAT great. its GREAT if its the only one your owned.
find one in real life and and see it. Looks much better in person. Also all the driving issues of the se model have been remedied in the M sport version which is now lively to drive and still smooth as hell. A significant improvement on the E60. I would know. I have driven the E60 for the last two years and get my delivery of the F10 m sport next week. Insanely happy with my decision. :)
I've owned 2 BMWs before, they're great cars when they're not breaking down or falling apart. Eventually, I got rid of them, I got tired of helping my BMW mechanic pay for his kids' college tuition.
A lot of people seem to disagree with this review but based on what I've read in number of other magazines there seems to be a consensus that the new 5 series no longer drives that well, this is probably because the new 5 series rides on a shortened 7 series platform. I'd have to agree with this review, BMW has lost it's focus. BMW's in recent years have been tuned for understeer, this is probably because alot of new BMW buyers in emerging countries don't have a lot of driving experience.
I still like the car, but the "numb" steering worries me a lil, and I've seen it pop up as an issue in a couple mags. BMW better check that issue out if they want to stay on top....
BMW has an Msport package that changes to aerodynamics of the vehicle front bumper and back bumper and inside. It gives you customer settings to adjust suspension, steering and throttle response. Comfort, normal, sport and sport plus. Why wouldnt BMW give that model to them? Also why wouldnt this guy mention that?
Why all these complaints? You guys should know that we are on the 21st century, If you cant enjoy this car, Buy a camry, simple and clear. This is one of the most bad reviews I have come across. I understand about the steering issue, I think they will take cars of it. A great car overall.
@jonavht Shall I tell you why you're wrong? 1) BMW cars are German, not French. This means they are engineered, not simply bolted together. 2) BMW's handle well very much UNlike Renaults which flop around corners like somebody put their tires on sideways. 3) Some of BMW's latest cars have been their greatest achievements, contrary to your opinion of their "Glory days". The current M3 for instance will go down in the history books as a classic. Not hating, just stating. Peace
I love how people are bashing Consumer Reports for their review. They are OBJECTIVELY testing these cars so I don't understand the negativity. Harsher reviews leads to manufactures making BETTER cars! Here's some free advice: make a your OWN UA-cam account and review the damn car yourself and explain why it is an excellent car. My bias is that I hate the interiors of BMWs. lol
Not to mention that the voice control can control everything inside of the iDrive. *press button* You-"Radio 95.5 FM" iDrive-"95.5 FM" DONE. It really is that fucking simple and yet no mention of it at all. I've drive every single newer BMW and my three favorites are the 135is, Z4 35is and the 535i. My only issues with newer BMWs are the harshness of the auto start-stop feature and the lack of ability to turn the feature off permanently.
It's funny how different people's opinions can be. I was just on FLdetours and he said he loved and couldn't anything wrong with it. it just depends if your a BMW fan or not. I am and of course I love it.
when i look at cars i often look at the headlights as the means of identifying it and to get an idea of its personality; all the new bmw headlights used to look quite good, now they all look like gelatinous amoebas, with the exception of the m3 which still has the sharp cut angles to it
i totally disagree with this guy. i drove a 2013 535i and it was amazing and the pot hole opinion was way off the car rides through damaged roads with little recognition to how bad the road's condition was in. Very negative and misleading review.
The 5 Series isn't as good as they used to be. Most of the reviews I've seen said the car felt too heavy and the steering feel was awkward and improperly weighted, placing the A6 before this in terms of driving feel. If you ask me, cars nowadays are so artificial since drive-by-wire and all the electronic gizmos. Even the new "ultimate driving machine" BMW's don't cut it. If you want real driving pleasure drive an old Porsche.
Depends on how your car is optioned. Bought a used 11’ 535i rwd to find out it has M brakes and suspension. IT CARVES BACKROADS LIKE ITS ON RAILS....Dealer didn’t know what he had so I stole it for $16k when brand new it was worth over $90k! 😆
Jeff Chastain Yeah, I test drove about 4 of these in the past few months and all of them handled potholes MUCH better than all of my cars, an 05 325i, 08 528i, 2014 prius, and 2013 civic. I have absolutely no problem with potholes with these cars and tbh starting to believe the guy was just looking for something to whine about
I think this guy is bein honest Cause bmw was reducing the cost on the 5 and 7 series So some of the components they have made heavier cause it would be more expensive to use aluminium. But in my opinion you can also see it in the interior compared to the e class and the a6. But i think its better that it isn't as sporty as it used to be. cause i don't think there are alot of people shopping in this class for a sporty car. But on the other hand bmw is bmw and the crowd that swears by bmw want it
I don't agree that iDrive system is a "Major" distraction as they described it here! I guess that depends a bit on personal familiarity with technology.
adaptive dampers are a must. this guy didnt try them, they make a huge difference to the way the car drives.
Old people don't get technology, young people can figure out iDrive in seconds.
I just bought one two days ago and it is amazing I don’t even have a fully loaded one and still feel spoiled by this car
i own a 535i and the turn signal work perfectly for me!!
The 5 Series is an excellent car, Consumer Reports just doesn't pay this guy enough to afford one.
yea, you want a back-road burner you get an M5. 5 series is mainly for comfort and luxury
not many cars better than this in the market. All cars have advantages and disadvatages.
Another Consumer Reports reviewer didn't like the Mercedes 2011 E350 either for almost the same reasons. Well what do they like....since these are among the most advanced cars in the world.
like mat watson says " if you still struggle (with i-drive), you can always ask an 8 year old."
I own a BMW 528i. It does exactly what I want it to do. The ride is smooth, gas milage is good, and there is more than enough performance needed to get this AWD car going. I have no gripes about the audio controls because I only use blootooth. The car isn't too aggressive in styling and it has more than enough room for me.
Bargainteers is the car reliable? Looking to get one soon
"Thats unexpected at this price point" Im rolling my eyes so hard.
Pushing the transmission lever to front for Reverse? The fuck do you expect voice control transmission?
CR just needs to stick to reviewing toasters and vacuums instead.
@toneza557 he ddnt say the 5 series has horrible, didnt you hear that the drive is nice and supple, and quiet.. he was complaining about the handling of the new 5 series against its the old version..is it not as fun as it used to be..
This man has a serious problem in his brain!This car is GREAT!
are you fking kidding me...M5 is supposed to be the ultimate driving machine not 535i....
Really, people are still complaining about iDrive? It's should be easy if you're of somewhat average intelligence. It's no more difficult than using an iPod or cellphone. The 5 Series is still superb nonetheless, and it finally has styling on its side again. That E60 was disgusting.
I do agree that the new 5 series has been softened up a bit, but that doesn't make it worse. The new M5 coming this year does deliver the ultimate driving machine goods. I think BMW is letting its M and sport models take on most of the "ultimate driving machine" mission, letting midgrade and base engine models serve those white collars who just want a nice comfy luxury car....with some slight sportiness to remind you ur still driving a BMW.
pressing the start button is a complicated maneuver?
This guy has strong internet standards.
The iDrive is in the perfect place. Where else would you put it? The ergonomics are excellent.
Amazing that it has lackluster handling when compared to its rivals. The 528 was the only car that put a smile on our face during the corners, while the A6 and GS350 didn't perform as well. iDrive is one of the most intuitive infotainment systems, and once you SET YOUR RADIO PRESET, YOU WON'T NEED TO USE THE MANUAL TUNER. I bet this reviewer got paid out by Audi because he just doesn't know what he is talking about. YOU COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SEAT BELT POSITION.... REALLY?
Finally some good car critics gave a good report on the BMW. I mean I am a BMW fan but most of the videos I have seen, they only show that these cars the best and yes they are but what others don't show is the negative part. What Consumer Report people showed was the bad and good part of the car, and they let us choose if we should buy it or not and thats what I like about them.
The i-drive controller is closer to the passenger than it is to the driver for obvious ergonomic reasons.
The review is helpful, but I urge everyone to form your own opinion. The car is gorgeous and simply amazing.
What vehicle doesn't have some pro's and con's? I had one of these, a 2011 535i MSport XDrive. The car was absolutely outstanding in every respect and returned a steady and consistent 29 MPG Average which for a full size car is fantastic.
Sean Brennan Thanks for this comment. I'm considering purchasing a 2011 5351 Msport Xdrive and was looking for a comment for a 2011 year owner. I found one being sold for $11,900 with 107,000 miles and I was a suspicious at what a great price point that is. I'll have it inspected and probably pull the trigger and make the buy.
Optioning with the Dynamic Handling Package solves all of your sporting desires. It really does transform the car.
All his points are silly. You could ajust the steering wheel so it doesn't block the odometer. You could order the sport package or even comfort seat option to get sport seat bolsters. You could also get the dynamic package to get around any issues one may have with the traditional heavy sporty BMW steering and the harsh ride. All cars have that silly stop/start button so it is not a negative of this car. Not sure why he says that about the wiper blade stalk since many cars have that.
If a single auto manufacturer can please everyone when it come to styling, performance, ergonomics, pricing etc.. than there would be no need for others. BMW has a history of good/bad vehicles like any other manufacturers. I've owned quite a few BMW since 97'. I now own a 2011 535i and really love the car. Like everything in life, there is no such thing as a perfect car. The car must work for the person who is paying for it. Not the reviewers. If it works for you, that's all that matters.
Consumer Reports is hyper critical about every car.
Geez guys, stop complaining. I'm a BMW fan too but they make these videos so you can have a realistic expectation of what you're buying. He didn't say it's a bad car, he just pointed out some annoyances (which you'd especially notice if you're a tall driver or drove the E60 and expected certain improvements).
Stop moaning; if you were going to buy the car you'd still buy the car no matter what, right?
Its evident now that BMW is trying to cater to a more mature drivers with their newer models. The F10 5er and F30 3er redesigns are larger and more comfortable than the outgoing E60 and E90, but sacrifice lots of core values such as sharp handling and razor-like steering. This will sit well for older generation who buys BMW for the image, but not with the traditional 'cocky' BMW fans. (Why 'cocky'? Just look at the dislike bar...)
Maybe its time to move on...Audi or even Mercedes perhaps?
great review! finally a car journalist says the true about a bmw, with pros and cons! i 'm sick of hearing just how great this car is! however, the biggest problem with bmw isn't its complicated controls, but the poor reliability of its products!
That isn't true. I have owned a lot of these cars and not ever had one I would call "unreliable".Even my 6 series convertible was rock steady.
Consumer Reports is completely useless when it comes to its subjective judgements. When you drive a car yourself you can make your OWN mind up about the ride, comfort, etc. - you don't need CR's writer's lame and petty opinions.
The only thing CR is good for is its reliability ratings. Ignore the rest.
You won't ever know until you fully put yourself in the vehicle & drive it yourself. Until then you really won't know much about the drive. Some people might say its uncomfortable but to you it might be nice to drive. I agree with you.
This dude obviously drives a Camry, lol. This is one of the most biased reviews of this beautiful car ever
The design is perfect !
i dont understand why ppl quickly criticize the guy for being honest. I love the car and will probably still get it when its time to change my car but he is right about a lot of stuff... y the hell does my wifes 25k accord have an adjustable seatbelt but this beautiful vehicle that costs twice as much doesnt. it is stupid to cut those kind of corners. honesty is the best policy and i appreciate his.
@jvrdlc Notice that the review car car didnt have the dynamic handling package, this makes a big difference. Maybe thats why he wasnt happy with the handling of the car. This is a very nice LUXURY car, take it for what it is.
I thought You were talking about some cheap car, but then I look a little bit better and saw a BMW. People will think that this is one really bad ride, not one of the best. And, this car will be one of the most selling in it's class if not the most...
It it had cloth seats and a 1.4l engine it would be his favorite car.
When I took delivery of my 2011 550i, the first thing I did was buy a set of OEM wheels of the same type and size and put Pirellia Corsas on them. Good tires make all the difference on new BMW's.
It still feels like a heavier car, however. The old E60's were good at hiding their weight with fantastic springs and dampers, but it's now too much for even the best suspension engineer to work their way out of.
Its controls are fine. There are more than enough shortcut buttons for you to set your most common used functions, so I don't understand when he said that it's a lot of work to get to a function.
BMW is still a better steering car than a Mercedes or an Audi !!!!!!!!!!!!
This is my daily driver and this reviewer is wrong in many ways.
agreed
I have read in more than 1 place that one of the issues is electric steering kills feel. Plus one even said ultimate driving pleasure was optional; to get anything really out of it you need to option it up
For the Euros who don't like this review, what you need to realize is that Consumer Reports is an unbiased source that doesn't even accept advertisements in its magazine. They report every good thing and bad thing they find with a product. If you want to see a reviewer do a slob job on a European car then you should stick to watching Top Gear videos.
he probably drive's a mini van..
This video is a shame, I've never seen somebody with such stupid complaints. First you complain that the 5 series isn't as sporty as the old one, but then you drive over a pothole (that is a size of a crater) and complain that it's too firm. And you say the controls are too complicated? Well, I'd much rather have this control system than a touchscreen, which would be 5x more distracting. The automatic gearbox is one of the best in the industry btw. You really put a negative vibe around this car!
That's how the BMW automatic shifter works. It's unusual, but those who own a Beamer in recent years know how to use one. Ultimately, you have to test drive one to know how to use it.
not necessarily. Wheels Magazine Australia says ultimate driving pleasure has become optional.
great review! this shows that the new a6 is a much better choise because they have focused on the driving experience...
@MrArasht1 I agree. Most negatives were technology, and that takes some learning and getting used to like anything else. When you pack so much stuff in the car, sure - you are gonna have to spend time to learn about it. Then comments about body-roll is unfound - review says it handles body roll well, but car has lost its sportiness. Whatever, sports suspensions are defined how well it handles body roll.
How many of you who doesn't like this has actually driven the new 5-series(F10)?
He doesn't say it's a good car, he just says that it isn't as good as the E60, wich were more of a drivers machine. He gets paid to criticise, and that's his oppinion, who are you to say that he is wrong?
BMW and the word understeer should never be in the same sentence.
I like that somebody tells it how it is and as I tested the car mayself - I concur with the guy. Im just glad I didn`t give up on previous gen 5 series with M package - it is much more a drivers car than thic "coach"
He says the controls are still too complex. It's German, the Germans don't know simplicity, which is why they are some of the most technologically advanced cars money can buy. However, I do like the old exterior better than the new one. Old one looked more sporty, stylish, and aggressive like a 5 Series should look. Maybe the M5 will look better with its M-Sport body.
people that say the review is not good are poor people that never driven a 50k + sedan. the car isnt THAT great. its GREAT if its the only one your owned.
You always have to push forward from drive to put it in reverse...
find one in real life and and see it. Looks much better in person.
Also all the driving issues of the se model have been remedied in the M sport version which is now lively to drive and still smooth as hell. A significant improvement on the E60.
I would know. I have driven the E60 for the last two years and get my delivery of the F10 m sport next week. Insanely happy with my decision. :)
I've owned 2 BMWs before, they're great cars when they're not breaking down or falling apart. Eventually, I got rid of them, I got tired of helping my BMW mechanic pay for his kids' college tuition.
Ive owned 6 BMWs and they were all reliable as heck. My Ford F-150 broke down almost weekly.
I'd like to know how it compares to the E39. That was the last 5 Series that really got my pulse up. IMHO, the best yet.
@Twiaholic you can ticket it. It's not standard across all the 5 series range, even in 550i.
A lot of people seem to disagree with this review but based on what I've read in number of other magazines there seems to be a consensus that the new 5 series no longer drives that well, this is probably because the new 5 series rides on a shortened 7 series platform. I'd have to agree with this review, BMW has lost it's focus. BMW's in recent years have been tuned for understeer, this is probably because alot of new BMW buyers in emerging countries don't have a lot of driving experience.
I still like the car, but the "numb" steering worries me a lil, and I've seen it pop up as an issue in a couple mags. BMW better check that issue out if they want to stay on top....
I don't understand why people have issues with pushing the shifter forward for reverse. It makes more sense that way
why do you guys think audi bmw and mercedes are complicated
Great review... I would suggest getting an HD camcorder for your videos
BMW has an Msport package that changes to aerodynamics of the vehicle front bumper and back bumper and inside. It gives you customer settings to adjust suspension, steering and throttle response. Comfort, normal, sport and sport plus. Why wouldnt BMW give that model to them? Also why wouldnt this guy mention that?
If you want a sports car version...step up to the 550i or M5...The 535i is meant for improved MPG and luxury smooth ride.
The steering didn't improve but, hey, at least it improved on its crash test rating at the expense of being light.
that 360p is pretty good, beats some 480p quality
Why all these complaints? You guys should know that we are on the 21st century, If you cant enjoy this car, Buy a camry, simple and clear. This is one of the most bad reviews I have come across. I understand about the steering issue, I think they will take cars of it. A great car overall.
@jonavht Shall I tell you why you're wrong? 1) BMW cars are German, not French. This means they are engineered, not simply bolted together. 2) BMW's handle well very much UNlike Renaults which flop around corners like somebody put their tires on sideways. 3) Some of BMW's latest cars have been their greatest achievements, contrary to your opinion of their "Glory days". The current M3 for instance will go down in the history books as a classic. Not hating, just stating. Peace
I love how people are bashing Consumer Reports for their review. They are OBJECTIVELY testing these cars so I don't understand the negativity. Harsher reviews leads to manufactures making BETTER cars! Here's some free advice: make a your OWN UA-cam account and review the damn car yourself and explain why it is an excellent car. My bias is that I hate the interiors of BMWs. lol
Not to mention that the voice control can control everything inside of the iDrive.
*press button*
You-"Radio 95.5 FM"
iDrive-"95.5 FM"
DONE. It really is that fucking simple and yet no mention of it at all. I've drive every single newer BMW and my three favorites are the 135is, Z4 35is and the 535i. My only issues with newer BMWs are the harshness of the auto start-stop feature and the lack of ability to turn the feature off permanently.
Honestly, I wouldnt change a thing on this car.
I love this car........ are we talking about the same car?
Ridiculous, this is the best 5 series yet. I've driven the 3 most recent, including this one.
he tells it like it is! No bmw bullshit propaganda. Yes the car is great but it's now a mini 7 series... Good review
It's funny how different people's opinions can be. I was just on FLdetours and he said he loved and couldn't anything wrong with it. it just depends if your a BMW fan or not. I am and of course I love it.
when i look at cars i often look at the headlights as the means of identifying it and to get an idea of its personality; all the new bmw headlights used to look quite good, now they all look like gelatinous amoebas, with the exception of the m3 which still has the sharp cut angles to it
i love CR auto reviews. Atleast they don't read specs and features to us.
i totally disagree with this guy. i drove a 2013 535i and it was amazing and the pot hole opinion was way off the car rides through damaged roads with little recognition to how bad the road's condition was in. Very negative and misleading review.
thats because the f10 M5 is gonna be the back road, srtright line, e63 smashing Ultimate Driving Machine ;)
so this is just like a lexus gs with a bmw body and price tag huh? i wonder if the new m5 will be as good as the previous m5.
should try the M5 if you want the handling...
All the other reviews of this car say its fantastic.
I'm an American and I do drive a fucking Chevy. Envy me.
Nope.
you push up to go into reverse as that is what you normally do in a normal shift in an automatic car. goes P R N D. urgh...
The 5 Series isn't as good as they used to be. Most of the reviews I've seen said the car felt too heavy and the steering feel was awkward and improperly weighted, placing the A6 before this in terms of driving feel. If you ask me, cars nowadays are so artificial since drive-by-wire and all the electronic gizmos. Even the new "ultimate driving machine" BMW's don't cut it. If you want real driving pleasure drive an old Porsche.
Excellent review
Good job and objective review. Keep going on that.
Depends on how your car is optioned. Bought a used 11’ 535i rwd to find out it has M brakes and suspension. IT CARVES BACKROADS LIKE ITS ON RAILS....Dealer didn’t know what he had so I stole it for $16k when brand new it was worth over $90k! 😆
"you hit a pot hole and the entire body structure shutters. And that is unexpected of tight sport suspension."
fixed for you
False statement. I hit a pothole in my 535 and nothing happens.
Jeff Chastain Yeah, I test drove about 4 of these in the past few months and all of them handled potholes MUCH better than all of my cars, an 05 325i, 08 528i, 2014 prius, and 2013 civic. I have absolutely no problem with potholes with these cars and tbh starting to believe the guy was just looking for something to whine about
Every review of this new 5 series has mentioned that it's no longer that sporty of a drive. It's all about the Infiniti M for me now!
i bet he did this review on the 528 because i drove both 550 and 535 and the steering was good
actually people who trust Consumer Reports most likely can't afford a bmw car
I think this guy is bein honest
Cause bmw was reducing the cost on the 5 and 7 series
So some of the components they have made heavier cause it would be more expensive to use aluminium.
But in my opinion you can also see it in the interior compared to the e class and the a6.
But i think its better that it isn't as sporty as it used to be. cause i don't think there are alot of people shopping in this class for a sporty car.
But on the other hand bmw is bmw and the crowd that swears by bmw want it
I don't agree that iDrive system is a "Major" distraction as they described it here! I guess that depends a bit on personal familiarity with technology.
BMW = Best Motor vehicle on Wheels!!
Why are BMW's getting bigger and bigger??? The newest 7 series and 5 series are the biggest yet!