2004 BMW 530d

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Author: Wilmer Muller

Despite petitions to get BMW's design chief, Chris Bangle, fired after the launch of the new 7 Series, the man is still here and it seems as if he will be around for quite some time.

In fact he has been promoted to oversee the design of all BMW and BMW-related products, such as MINI and Rolls-Royce.

The controversial new 7 Series was the first in Bangle's new design direction for the Münich car manufacturer. Soon the Z4 roadster followed and BMW fans held their breath for what he had up his American sleeve for the much anticipated 5 Series.

And then, finally the 5 Series surfaced? and it was actually no shock. It was as expected full of Bangle angles, and totally different from its predecessor.

Yes, all the Bangle design features such as the so-called "flame surfaced" panels, the eyelid headlights, the bulky boot and extremely aggressive nose made its way to the 5 Series. It was slap-bang in your face.

Again BMW produced a car that was so totally different from any of its rivals and not resembling any previous generation 5 Series models at all.

BMW also added another controversial 7 Series feature to the 5 Series - the much-feared iDrive system. Although in simplified form, BMW's commitment to iDrive for the 5 Series was a sign it is here to stay.

Fortunately BMWs are not just about design and gizmos. After driving the 530d we can tell you it is still very much a BMW. Superb engineering and excellent driving dynamics are still part of the package. And aren't this what really count?

Image

There is nothing conservative about the 5 Series' design. No matter what your opinion about the car, it is not bland and definitely not "just another car". Revolutionary, futuristic and radical are words that come to mind.

Then all of a sudden, but not surprisingly, someone will utter "ugly" as well. Well think again before you call the 5 Series "ugly".

This is a car that grows on you, and although one won't call it pretty - it is just too muscular looking for that - it is definitely a looker. The 5 Series is striking and after our test period we actually have to admit that we kind of liked its overall looks.

It is more streamlined than the 7 Series and not as bulky looking. There is a sportier look to the 5 Series and unlike the 7 Series, which looks like a big fat bully, the 5 looks more sporty.

We liked the front end the best. The new BMW trademark eyebrow-headlights wrap nicely around the front corners and work well with the curvaceous bonnet. The famous BMW "kidney-grille" has become more flat adding to the car's muscular looking front appearance.

The new 5 doesn't have the same "depressed" look as the 7 Series and from the front the 5 Series looks as if it means business. It as if the car wants to tell you: "Don?t mess with me, I'll make mincemeat out of you."

The 5 Series has some fascinating curves and lines and although not perfect, it is an amazing piece of design. The car's rear design is the most awkward part of its overall styling.

Like the 7 Series the bootlid seem an add-on, an afterthought. It works better on the 5 than on its big brother thanks to the 5's more elegant-looking taillights, but it still gives the car a bit of a bulky look at the rear.

Interior

"Oh dear!" is your first reaction when entering the new 5 Series. You don't know what to make of the experience that awaits you inside. The déjà vu is extreme and unlike the exterior the car's cabin is almost an exact replica of that of the 7 Series.

Gone are the days of BMW's driver-oriented dashboards and the new reality is clinical-looking fascias that don't make you feel too welcome. Despite its simplistic styling it is in some weird way quite intimidating.

The basic layout of the dash is similar to that of the 7 with horizontal lines, dominated by a centre-mounted screen displaying all the info you need to know about the car.

Unlike its fiercest rival, the Mercedes E-Class, the 5 Series doesn't give you the feeling of an upmarket executive automobile. There is no plush feeling and to be honest some of the 5's plastics appear a bit low budget.

That said the car is loaded with luxury features and the seats are very comfortable. It is also a bigger vehicle than before, benefiting the cabin space. Therefore the new 5 is quite roomy and there is more than enough space for all passengers to enjoy the ride.

Equipment

It is no surprise that the 5's most outstanding interior feature is its controversial iDrive system. iDrive allows you to controls settings such as navigation, climate control, entertainment and communications use a compute mouse-type knob just behind the gearlever.

The new 5's iDrive system is a bit easier to use than that of the 7. This second generation iDrive features a menu button which allows one to return to the main menu screen. The user also has to choose only between four directions, unlike the 7's eight.

Although it is simpler to use than before, it is still far from perfect. It takes time to get used to, and I guess iDrive's benefits will start to show once you live with it and use it everyday. However, it is possible that this complicated feature may scare off potential buyers.

However advanced voice recognition is available, which means the driver can stay focused on the road. But first you need to memorise up to 90 voice commands! With voice recognition the computer does what you want it to without taking your eyes of the road, while iDrive definitely requires the driver to takes his eyes from the road.

Soon heads-up display will also be an option which projects all the info needed on the windscreen. Although advanced voice recognition and heads-up display will help the driver to stay more focused on his or her core task, iDrive still remains a complex system.

Of course the 5 comes packed with a host of comfort features such as leather trim, climate conrol, CD/Radio, run-flat tyres and many more. The list of options is even longer.

Buyers can customise their 5 Series by adding gizmos such as adaptive headlights, a multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth, anti-theft glass, and so it goes on and on and on?.

Under the skin

The 530d, featuring BMW's second-generation common rail diesel technology, develops a maximum output of 150 kW at 4 000 r/min and maximum torque is a mammoth 480Nm at a low 2 000 r/min. These figures are a significant improvement over those of its predecessor.

It is also a lighter car than before, thanks to extensive use of aluminium in the suspension and a new aluminium/steel sandwich in the front bodywork, resulting in 50/50 front/rear weight distribution, nimbler handling, and better fuel economy and braking.

BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) is standard and is designed to provide safety in slippery conditions. Of course it also comes with traction control, ABS and a host of other electronic aids to help.

Two important optional extras are Dynamic Drive and Active Steer. Dynamic Drive increases roll stiffness at the back of the car according to conditions and the way you are driving, ensuring that the car remains flat on the road for better handling, steering and braking response.

With Active Steer there is an electric motor on the steering column that adjusts the steering ratio according to driver input, speed and conditions. It works really well - for example when you park you only have to make the slightest movements and don't have to haul on the steering wheel.

Driving it

There is no question about the superb character of this car's smooth diesel engine. It is an incredible engine and has more power than before. The new 530d has amazing pulling power and accelerates from 0-100 km in 7.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 242km/h.

You also realise that the 5 Series has probably the best performance potential in its class. Yes, this diesel cruiser, with loads of torque on hand, reminds of a sports car - and very few big sedans have this feeling. Although the 530d is audible it is more a sporty sound than a cluttering diesel growl.

Like its predecessor the new 5 Series is again a showcase of superb handling and class-leading driving pleasure.

The suspension setup provides good roadholding and grip but the car really comes alive when you push it through corners. Taking it through some tight bends is an exhilarating experience and the car's superb handling amazes one. If it is fitted with Dynamic Drive the experience is even more remarkable, offering almost roll-free cornering.

The 530d is available with three transmission choices, a six-speed manual or auto and BMW's Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG). Our test unit's six-speed auto proved to be slick and suits the diesel engine better than the other two transmission choices.

The brakes are remarkable and do a good job of slowing the car down thanks to the help of the car's electronic aids.

Although it is big car it is easy to manoeuvre thanks to park distance control and active steer. However as on the new 7 Series I struggled to find a comfortable seating position, despite the driver's seat being electrical adjustable in any way possible.

The iDrive system also takes away some of the driving pleasure

Conclusion

The new BMW 5 Series, especially the diesel model, is an impressive car. The 530d is arguably currently the best model in the range, and offers loads of motoring excitement.

This executive German sedan is a car you take notice of. Even the 5's design, which you may love or hate, makes heads turn. In short, it is striking no matter what you think of Chris Bangle's design angles.

The car's design does grow on one and as mentioned we actually liked the 5's aggressive stance. It is a formidable vehicle to look at and fortunately its appearance is more pleasing to the eye than that of the bulky 7 Series.

However, we didn't like the 5's interior styling too much. Its dash design seems as if it will date very quickly and BMW's minimalist approach doesn't create the impression of luxury. The leather and wood used are of excellent quality but we can't say the same of the grade of plastics.

The previous model was great and the new 5 had a lot to live up to. As expected BMW didn't disappoint in terms of ride, dynamics and handling.

Like before it is a solid vehicle with a robust body structure which will shut out any potential squeaks and rattles.

The car's styling is challenging, but fortunately it is not all the 5 is about. If you take the 5's design out of the equation the new 5 is a magnificent vehicle. It is an advanced car and equipped with the best electronic gadgets available.

Plusses

Quality of plastics