2008 BMW 5 Series

Summary

The 5-Series' ranking is based on its class-leading combination of performance, comfort and technology. The 5 series remains a truly sporting sedan that stands out in the fiercely competitive mid sized luxury car market. The BMW 5 Series is a true driver's car among mid-sized luxury sedans. Increased power and other improvements for 2008 only emphasize this. The 5-Series scores well in every category and deserves a close look from any buyer.

Full Review 2008

Substantial improvements to the BMW 5 Series sedans and wagon for 2007 add a lot, but change little. The 5 Series remains a truly sporting sedan that stands out in the fiercely competitive market for mid-sized luxury cars.

Changes for 2008 represent the most significant model-year update since the current 5 Series was launched in 2003. They include mild exterior revisions, improvements to the interior and a significant power boost for six-cylinder models. The twin-turbo 535i, formerly the 530i, is the quickest six-cylinder 5 Series car ever. This mid-size luxury sedan remains a true sports sedan in any of its variations, including the 535xi wagon and other models equipped with all-wheel drive. Regardless of engine size or equipment level, the 5 Series line delivers lively acceleration, precise handling and outstanding brakes. The 5 Series line offers more model choices than most cars in its class, with prices spread from the mid-$40,000 range to over $90,000. The 300-hp six-cylinder in the 535i matches some V8s, while the V8-powered 550i delivers true high performance by any definition. The limited-production M5 can out-accelerate, out-brake and out corner some expensive sports cars, with comfortable seating for five. There's a wagon for those who want more room for cargo and BMW's x-Drive full-time all-wheel drive for drivers in the snow belt.

Trims and Styling 2008

With new engines and more power for 2008, BMW's numeric nomenclature for six-cylinder 5 Series models has changed. But the model line hasn't really changed at all. There are two six-cylinder engines, a V8, and an ultra-high performance V10, manual and automatic transmissions and optional all-wheel drive. The 5 Series Sports Wagon is offered only with the more powerful six-cylinder and all-wheel drive.

The least expensive 5 Series is now the 528i ($44,300), powered by BMW's high-tech magnesium alloy 3.0-liter inline 6 generating 230 horsepower, or 15 more than the previous 525i. With all 5 Series models, buyers can now choose either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission for the same price. The 528xi ($46,500) adds BMWs x-Drive automatic all-wheel drive system.

The newly designated 535i ($49,400) and 535xi ($51,600) get a 300-hp, twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter six launched in 2007 3 Series cars. The 535xi Sports Wagon ($54,000) has x-Drive all-wheel drive. The most popular option for the six-cylinder models is the Premium Package ($2,300 for 528i, $2,100 for 535i), which adds Dakota leather upholstery, a universal garage door opener and the swanky interior lighting package with ambient light, auto-dimming and outside approach lighting.

BMW's Sequential Manual Gearbox, which works like a manual without a clutch pedal, is no longer offered on any 5 Series except the ultra-high performance M5.

The M5 ($82,900) sits atop the 5 Series lineup. It's powered by a hand-built 500-hp 5.0-liter V10, with suspension and brakes enhanced to match all the power, offered with either a six-speed full manual or a seven-speed SMG clutch-less manual gearbox.

BMW's Lane Departure Warning system ($500) is camera based, and notifies the driver via mild steering-wheel vibration of any movement that might indicate an inadvertent lane change. The new Stop and Go feature for Active Cruise Control ($2,400) is space age. Like the previous system, it uses radar to keep the 5 Series from moving to close to a car ahead, without driver intervention. For 2008, the BMW 5 Series has been mildly updated with what the auto industry calls a facelift. Looks aside, many buyers will find the five-passenger 5 Series a near-perfect size. It seems more substantial than some small luxury or sport sedans, with more usable interior space. On the 5 Series at least, the curvy front-end, flat sides and high rear deck stand out less than they once did. The point is to inform drivers in cars following the 5 Series that it's stopping quickly, possibly in an emergency situation. BMW re-introduced a 5 Series wagon for 2006. The big difference, of course, lies behind rear roof pillars and seats, where the 5 Series Sports Wagons offer more load-carrying potential and versatility than the sedan.

Interior Features

Like its exterior, the BMW 5 Series interior has been updated with some notable changes for 2008. From the functional perspective, a couple switch changes add convenience.

This 5 Series sedan is roomier than those built prior to 2004. Increased cabin space put the 5 Series on better footing with key competitors like the Mercedes E-Class, Audi A6, and Lexus GS.

Soft plastics covering the dashboard and doors are more handsome and rich to the touch compared to 5 Series models built a few years ago. Leather inserts in the front door panels compliment the seats.

Wood now flows from the instrument panel into the door panels, creating a more integrated look.

The 5 Series dashboard applies BMW's familiar double-wave theme, with one wave or bubble over the instrument cluster, defining the driver's area, and another that begins over the dash center and sweeps toward the right side. The biggest improvement might be the relocated window switches.

First Drive 2008

The big news for the 2008 BMW 5 Series sedans lies under the hood of the six-cylinder models. For 2008, the base 528i gets a horsepower increase that makes it the most powerful entry-level 5 Series ever. With a new twin-turbo engine, 535i and 535xi Sedans and Sports Wagon are the quickest six-cylinder-powered 5 Series cars yet. The six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission has been improved as well, and buyers can choose manual or automatic for the same price in all models.

In any iteration, the 5 Series is pleasure to drive, though it's hard to say which model we'd choose. The 5 Series is not whisper quiet like the BMW 7 Series, so a bit more road and ambient noise finds its way into the cabin. No matter which engine sits under the hood, there's plenty of power to get you up to speed.

The 5 Series engines were updated for 2008. The engines in the 2008 BMW 528i and 535i are actually the same size, 3.0 liters.

The 528i engine generates 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of acceleration-producing torque, or 15 more of each than the 2007 525i, thanks to improvements in tuning and control systems for 2008.

BMW's inline six-cylinder engines remain one of the great experiences in motoring. We're glad BMW sticks with its trademark inline engines.

From a stop or a high-speed roll, the 535i delivers as much torque or more than some thirstier V8-powered sedans. There's virtually no turbo lag in this engine.

2008 Conclusions

The BMW 5 Series is a true driver's car among mid-sized luxury sedans. Increased power and other improvements for 2008 only emphasize this. "It is plush, the motorized equivalent of an exclusive condominium. It is prestigious." - Washington Post  "To say it is the benchmark for the class is an understatement. It is the leader, and has been, for about as long as we can remember." - AutoSite The 5 mixes comfort, performance, high-tech features and passenger-friendly accommodations in fairly compact package. Any 5 Series is remarkably well balanced, and satisfying to own and drive.