4 Star Reviews for 2006 BMW 5-Series

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.64/5 Average
155 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The 525 and 530 models receive an all-new 3.0-liter inline-six engine this year, and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is now available to serve those who need a little more bad-weather bite. BMW is also offering a versatile 5 Series wagon to U.S. customers once more, though only in 530xi trim. The 545i has been replaced by the 550i, which features a 360-horsepower, 4.8-liter V8.

Pros:
  • One of the most satisfying midsize sport sedans/wagons you can buy, ultrarefined engines, multiple transmissions, tastefully appointed cabin, exceptional build quality, strong resale value.
Cons:

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 155.00
  • 06 550i sport - 2006 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Love my Bimmer! The sport package is a must! Drives and handles very well. I heard things about the iDrive but realized that it is not complicated at all, I can even input on navi while driving, cup holders do not bother me either. Heads-up display is awesome, it even shows directions from navi. Very comfortable. Overall the car makes a statement!

  • The good and the bad - 2006 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Ive had this 550i for about a year, the car is awesome. Very fun to drive, turns heads (especially those people who rev up their engines in their G35 or the equivalent). Reliability - not so good. In 1 year I went through 5 tires and 2 cracked rims. Note I do live in New York City where the roads are NOT the best but before this I had a Lexus LS430 since 2001 and I only went through 1 tire so do the math.

  • Nice blend of sporty and practical - 2006 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    I originally bought the 530 when my daughter was born (traded in my 04 Infiniti G35 coupe). I needed a car that was sporty but could also be used as a family vehicle, the 530 did not disappoint. This is my second 530, the first was an 05 which was totaled in an accident, I was so impressed with the way the BMW safety that I bought the 06 530 to replace it. This car is awesome, the BMW free maintenance that comes with the car is also amazing since any issue within the first 50000 miles are covered at no out of pocket cost, including the cost of the loaner car. I have had a lot of issues with break squeaking and brake dust, BMW needs to address this.

  • 530xi review - 2006 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    This car is the best performing automobile that Ive ever owned. With that being said, it is the worst car ergonomically that Ive ever seen. The iDrive system is a total disaster. Just trying to change the heat/AC is actually dangerous when driving because you must use the isDrive to do it! Almost all setting on this car must be changed through the iDrive which is very finicky.

  • 1st time BMW owner-bad experience - 2006 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    My husband bought this car for my 40th birthday, this was a bad gift. Ive had my car in the shop 23 times, multiple times for brakes and wheels/tires. The car has been in the shop 5 times in the last two and half months. I will never buy another BMW. I want to be able to get in my car and drive without wondering if my caliper will fall off.

  • 2006 530i Disappointment - 2006 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    I have taken the car back 7 times in a little over a year for repairs. I am very disappointed with BMW and will not buy another. The day I picked the car up I had to return it because the SOS system was not working, iDrive went out, the sunroof had to be repaired to work correctly, warning for high battery drain (2 times), window anti-trap warning, rough idle.

  • Disappointing for this much money - 2006 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    After thoroughly enjoying my 3 series, I looked forward to the 530. What a disappointment, I have never had any car in for service so often, the high battery drain others have mentioned, iDrive replaced, tires have been replaced twice at no charge due to noise and excessive cupping, brake sensor malfunction resulted in having brakes replaced at 10K miles. While BMW has replaced all these items, having to take car in over 10 times in a year is just ridiculous. Not what you expect for this much money. Also just cant get this seat and steering wheel adjusted to point its comfortable for more than a little while. All in all, a great looking car, and I enjoy it - when it runs correctly.

  • BMWs Colossal Blunder - 2006 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Great car, fun to drive... but impractical! The sports package comes with run flat tires and a donut. No room to put in full sized tire in the well. But I am better off than those with a 2006 or later 3 series who have no spare at all.. Get a flat wiith these babies and you can go 150 miles. You can put on the donut and go about the same distance. Get a flat tire over the weekend like I did and you are out of pocket for 2 days. Nobody, I repeat nobody stocks the odd ball tires. This is a MAJOR flaw in the BMW. Hear that Edmunds? BTW, the run flats are not repairable, so you are looking at over $300 a pop for a flat. Also they ride terribly and have 15,000 mile tread life.

  • Ultimate Driving/Trouble machine - 2006 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    I purchased 06 BMW 530i in 08/2005. When the car works, it is really fun to drive. It does fit you like a glove. The acceleration and brake are two of my favorites. Exterior looks so cool. My complain is that it nees too many trips to the dealership. So far, I got power window motor replaced, high battery drain that require re- programming, trip computer mal- function. The engine stalled couple of times on me at low speed. The dealer can never figure out what is wrong. The execuses I got include low on gas (the computer shows 100 miles range left), bad gas (Shell is bad according to dealer, I am only using Chevron now)

  • Disappointed After 15000 mile check up - 2006 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Minor trouble prior to 15,000 mile update with one tire continuing to leak air and prompt message to screen. After dealership updated, car transmission seems different and shifting mode not in time. Just doesnt feel the same! Cant say enough positive about this car prior to 15,000 miles. Get up and go was amazing! I dont like the drivers drink holder location. In the way of front seat passenger. Notice brake dust often on wheels.

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