2008 BMW 535i
by Steve Schutz, MD

Earlier this year, Tom Purves, CEO of BMW North America, related an amusing experience that his PR staff was doubtless pleased to publicize: he was playing golf when a man in his foursome started talking cars. On the sixth hole, the man remarked, “I don't much like cars; they're not interesting for me.” Two holes later, he said he owned a Lexus. On the 11th hole, he asked Purves whether buying a Lexus was a good move for him, and Purves responded, “If you are the sort of fellow for whom the car is not very important, then I think you probably have the best brand for you.”

Tom’s got a point. BMWs are cars you buy because you love to drive and Lexuses are cars you buy…well, because they’re cushy, won’t break down, and hold their value. Let’s be honest, nice as they might be, Lexuses aren’t known for their athletic moves on road. (Hold the angry letters. As an owner of a Lexus SUV, I’m no Lexus hater, far from it, actually. But with the exception of the GS and IS sedans, Lexus vehicles are generally for leisurely drivers).

How do BMWs drive? Wonderfully, in most cases. I tested the 535i sedan recently and was reminded that BMW’s lofty reputation is well deserved. I drove (quickly) on open highways, quiet rural back roads and city streets and was duly impressed. The “5” is competent and confident, with precise steering and tenacious grip. Handling is neutral— thanks to near perfect front/rear weight balance — and road feel is abundant.

The interior is well done too, with typically teutonic materials and nicely blended design elements. Grayish charcoal accents abound, and rich leathers, brushed aluminum and clever lighting combine to provide a very attractive ambience for driver and passenger alike. New this year is a metallic central shifter — automatic equipped cars only — that has been likened to a stylish cell phone from the future. Basically, you tilt it forward to engage Reverse, lean it back for Drive, and move it to the side from Drive for manual sequential shifting. It’s difficult to explain, but once you try it, you’ll see it’s very intuitive (and great looking).

All 5-series cars have relatively uncluttered dashboards and consoles because most HVAC, Navigation and Audio controls have been integrated into the computer mouse-like iDrive system. iDrive has come a long way since it was first introduced on the 2002 745i, but it remains difficult to master and — ironically since keeping drivers’ eyes on the road was one of the original selling points — distracting.

The exterior is also somewhat distracting. While the trailblazing 2002 7-series prepared people for BMW’s newest design language, the current 5-series — introduced in 2004 — still challenges. Particularly eyecatching are the headlight housings, high beltline with completely unadorned flanks and sharply angled seams. I’ve gotten over my initial shock at the design, but I’m still not a fan. No matter, buyers have certainly taken to it, and competitors have begun copying bits and pieces — the ultimate praise, really.

For 2008, the 5-series underwent a significant freshening, highlighted by a pair of new six-cylinder engines. The base 5-series is now the 528i, featuring a 3.0 liter 230-horsepower inline-6, while the 535i is powered by a similar engine tweaked to 300-hp thanks to twinturbos. (Neither the V8 found in the 550i nor the mighty V10 in the M5 have been changed). I was especially curious about the 535i since this is BMW’s first turbo since the 745i, a mid-1980s European-only version of the first generation 7-series.

The turbo transforms the 5-series, providing instant pull at all RPMs with no discernable turbo lag. Not only is the turbo-six surprisingly powerful, but it has a nasty — almost angry — exhaust note when you punch the throttle. In fact, the turbo is so much stronger than last year’s naturally aspirated 530i that the choice between the 535i and V8 550i is now a tough call.

The new engines aren’t the only advances on the new 5. Six-cylinder models now offer Brake Energy Regeneration, which borrows an idea from hybrids and captures excess braking energy, using it to help power the car's electronics. There's also a smart cruise control system that maintains vehicle distance at highways speeds and in stop-and-go traffic. In addition, a new (optional) Lane Departure Warning system tells you via vibrations in the steering wheel that you’re drifting out of your lane.

The 2008 BMW 5-series is available in sedan and wagon body styles. The 528xi and 535xi sedans come with all-wheel drive, but the 550i is RWD only. The wagon is only available as a 535xi.

The 528i and 528xi come standard with 17-inch wheels, sunroof, power front seats, leatherette upholstery, automatic headlights and wipers, and BMW Assist telematics. The 535i and 535xi add xenon headlamps, while the 535xi wagon adds a panoramic sunroof, folddown rear seats and a power tailgate. The 550i also has parking assist, leather upholstery, and autodimming mirrors.

As you’d expect, the 5-series options list is long. Active steering, heads-up display, infrared night vision, keyless ignition, high-definition radio, next generation iPod integration and a navigation system with updated iDrive and real-time traffic are available if you’d like. The Cold Weather package adds heated front seats, heated steering wheel and retractable headlight jets. And the Sport Package on rear-wheeldrive models includes 18- or 19- inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension, sport steering wheel and better seats. Other options include ventilated front seats, heated rear seats and rear side airbags.

Tom Purves is right to be proud of his brand — the 2008 5-series is very impressive. Even if you’re deterred by the challenging design and iDrive, I encourage you to test drive a 5 if you’re in the market for a mid-size luxury sedan. It’s still the benchmark.