2006 BMW 5-Series Pros and Cons at TrueDelta: Owner Pros and Cons by oscarcat192

Ride smoothness

WITHOUT Sport package the ride is terrific, car rides quietly. Sport pkg is too stiff, sport seats wrap around too much making entry/exit more difficult

Fuel economy

At this moment the computer shows 27.6 mpg for combo city/freeway/around town driving. True, it uses premium but that is excellent for a car this size and performance.[mpg is without using A/C]

Powertrain performance

Engine is smooooth! Lots of low speed torque, quiet. About as smooth as the car it replaced, a Lexus LS400 V8.

Handling

5 Series is smaller than my 1993 Lexus LS400 but the handling is a little better, ride is very good, although the Lexus compares favorably. I wanted a change so I went with the 5 series, the 7 series is a dog in my opinion. The 5 series is a better blend

Controls and instruments

The i-Drive joy stick is well known for not being user-friendly. When my wife drives the car we review the radio operation.

Insurance cost

Insurance on BMW is high because of repair costs. Depreciation is ok but was lumped into this category in the survey.

Price or payments

I paid cash, but they do not usually offer incentives on the 5 series. That may have changed in this economy but the 5 series has few incentives.