Very good review. It was to the point, non biased, informative and covered everything most people would hope to learn. Keep up the good reviews good sir!
Very nice review and unlike others you have referred to also to the rivals and said a few things more about their characteristics. This is the most objective view I have ever seen. Good job!
i loved this review. The price you pay for BMW is high, but pretty soon you will realize why it is worth it, the competition for BMW has rarely made a real worthy rival to its 3 and 5 series cars. BMW has probably one of the most loyal fanbase of all car manufacturers.
Excellent review with useful information. It's good to know about the pricing structure, which starts with a moderate base MSRP and quickly zooms into a top-tier price point. At $66K, you're near the sticker of a Lexus LS460, a more fully-featured premium sedan, with more room and upgraded amenities. Good video.
@bosh8867 Is your 535xi reliable? Just curious. I have been looking around and I think I am going to settle for 2009/2010 335 x drive coupe. I thought about a 535 and 550 same yr too but I always drive by myself. Well is it reliable and quite on the highway? I might have to test drive it myself though.
I'm talking about Norway, not the US. I think the absolute cheapest car you can get in Norway is around $20,000 (type Chevy Spark, Hyundai i10). The point here is (which I pointed out in my other comments) is that you can get this 535i for $50,000 in the US, but in Norway you need to pay $220,000 for the same car. An M5 starts at $320,000. I just wanted to point out the insanity in Norway (although irrelevant for most people), and that 50 grands for a 535i isn't a whole lot.
@smp336 I think one of the reasons for people not looking at Jaguar is the past history they have had with reliability issues. Especially when it comes to the electronic components. They have improved dramatically with the new series they are producing.
The guy is small. Although he claimed be 5'11 with long legs but it never appeared that was as he claimed in all of his videos. He is more like 5'4" at most
My 2005 BMW 530i sport was totaled and I started shopping for a newer BMW assuming they'd be even better. While it's a pretty car and well made, I HATED the handling. Anyone else? While the Sport package handled very FLAT when making hard direction changes, the 550 with the M sports package handled really mushy. I really tried to like it but hated it. No adjustments corrected the body roll on hard turns or slalom type driving. Bummed and disappointed.
I just have 1 question, maybe you guys can help with. I am considering a 2011 535Xi. I have heard that the steering is pretty numb ( electric ) Is that really true, or has it been somewhat overstated by magazines / internet over the years because we were spoiled by the awesome steering of the E39 Series? Thanks for any who reply :)
Ross, I disagree, the last gen 5 series had much more character and now cost a lot less. You can get an m5 for 40K with about 35k on the clock. Say what you want about Chris Bangle, but his 3, 5 and 7 series car designs are timeless. When this new generation of 5 series is put/pushed out the door, "no one" will remember it.
manual transmissions in executive sedans are really a irrelevant issue to consider a determining factor in vehicle comparisons, particularly consider the 7-8 speed double clutch transmissions being used in a lot of these vehicles. A rwd coupe meant to be enjoyed on a twisty mountain road or track days, I understand. A luxury sedan meant for commute to the office and taking the kids on road trips really should not loose ANY points for no manual option with current transmission technologies.
Hit the nail on the head with the pricing. Almost tragic that everything is an option. Lol. Heck what comes standard? I have a 2000 528 and wanted to get the new 2011. By time we added everything I wanted, the price was almost $70k! Unreal...
This has nothing to do with buying in bulk. Remember America is a huge country/continent while Norway is just a small dot on the world map. So we need to compare in percentage and per capita. Those taxes were put there buy the Norwegian government (because according to them owning a car is a "luxury"). To answer your question, I think that would be approx. 0, but there are actually quite a lot of 520d's that are sold (for the price of a stock 520d in Norway you could buy an M5 in America, lol)
I can't decide is I like this or the 2012 6 series more... the 6 is pretty big, that's really the only downside. But I love the taillights of this one.
Great review, very honest. I believe this video is proof of the lack of heart BMW vehicles have been suffering from for the last 10 yrs. It seems to me that the kind of drivers who purchase BMW are in fact people who will buy a brick with a logo on it. While BMW was swimming in their money vault companies like INFINITI & CADILLAC spent time making their cars better. 300hp for a $66k luxury vehicle is unacceptable in any class or lineup. What happened to BMW?
@Jamboolio Most of his designs weren't ugly, but they were very polarizing and generally speaking BMWs have never been polarizing or over styled. Personally I'm happy to see BMW going back to basics.....as far as styling is concerned.
you can get a cady for 30 grand less but it handles and last 40 grand less, and its true once you own a BMW and enjoy the long lasting quality of the finishes and its superior handling, you don't want anything else except AWD in snow country!
@OneOfaKind949 what are you talking about? m37 is rated @ 26 HWY, my x3 is rated @ 16-24 and i constantly get 16 mixed. when infinity start boosting their engines thats gona be awesome
I like the design, but it's a little to big for a 5 series, if you ask me. Even though I wasn't the biggest fan of the design of the previous 5, I thought its dimensions were perfect. This one just pushing more towards the 7 series, then its previous models.
funnily enough, between me and my immediate family, so do we... Yes your comment is legible, I was able to read it very well... I just happen to disagree with it. Its just an opinion. I prefer the 5 whereas someone else may prefer the XF. They're both better than the A6 and the E class IMO anyways.
You Americans have no idea about how lucky you are when it comes to cars. You have by far the best road network in the world (maybe competed by Germany and southern European countries), and you probably have the cheapest cars in the world. I continue to be baffled by you considering $60-70k and even $100k for a car to be a lot. Like in this review, the BMW costs some $66 grand. Here in Norway, a fully specced 535i xDrive costs about 1,311,200 NOK, which by today's rate is $226,900.
@kr0pp thats true its hard ti switch brand, had the previous 5 series loved it, have the current 3 series loved it, love the new Audi S5 but i might have to settle for the new 5 series. I'm a Loyal fan i got to say
Yes, that's right, but I do believe that you get a lot more out of your dollars there in the US than we get for our kroner here. Check out the Big Mac index, I think Norway is number 1. In addition to the wicked prices in Norway, I'm sure you also noticed the horrible roads we have here. Our infrastructure is terribly undersized and is way behind on maintenance. Bad roads, more tear and wear on the cars, more maintenance on cars, making it even more expensive to own a car in Norway.
Good review as usual. BTW if the SEC is coming to raid you and you are at that level, then you probably drive a 7 series. lol BMW's pricing is insane. At that price I am getting a CTS-V and I will wreck this car's life.
@MaartenSjaak Sorry, but I'll have to one-up you. In Norway, the cheapest 535i you can get (sedan, rwd, manual gear, noe extra options) is $ 161,000. A fully equipped M5 will cost you a whopping $ 380,000, two thirds of that being taxes to the state.
Aloha, Mahalo for the great review. One sold the other day on craigslist for 22k it had 30k miles and was a creampuff. I didn't like the color. Another one will come and I will wait...
this video was actually informative and not just a rant about a car, nice to know what to compare something to.
Excellent review, finally someone that compares the car reviewed to its peers. Keep it on.
Very good review. It was to the point, non biased, informative and covered everything most people would hope to learn. Keep up the good reviews good sir!
Very nice review and unlike others you have referred to also to the rivals and said a few things more about their characteristics. This is the most objective view I have ever seen. Good job!
I have had a very expensive experience with my German sports sedan. Infinity here I come.
I think the 5 series was refreshed for 2011 not 2010..the 2010 was still an e60
great review Ross. Loving your reviews, keep it up
Great job Ross, one of my favorite of yours!
yet another great and detailed review, keep up the good work.
I like this guy very informative, clear and straight. Good Review
i loved this review. The price you pay for BMW is high, but pretty soon you will realize why it is worth it, the competition for BMW has rarely made a real worthy rival to its 3 and 5 series cars. BMW has probably one of the most loyal fanbase of all car manufacturers.
Excellent review with useful information. It's good to know about the pricing structure, which starts with a moderate base MSRP and quickly zooms into a top-tier price point. At $66K, you're near the sticker of a Lexus LS460, a more fully-featured premium sedan, with more room and upgraded amenities. Good video.
I've never been a BMW fan, but must admit that this car is nice; leaps better then its previous design.
Like always Ross.....great review!
fantastic content. do we have a year ownership follow up review of the 2011 w/ manual trans?
Well, that bordered on courageous. Nice to hear someone avoiding blind praise.
@bosh8867 Is your 535xi reliable? Just curious. I have been looking around and I think I am going to settle for 2009/2010 335 x drive coupe. I thought about a 535 and 550 same yr too but I always drive by myself. Well is it reliable and quite on the highway? I might have to test drive it myself though.
very good review..he always gives good reviews one of the best in the 'car journalist' world haha
I'm talking about Norway, not the US. I think the absolute cheapest car you can get in Norway is around $20,000 (type Chevy Spark, Hyundai i10). The point here is (which I pointed out in my other comments) is that you can get this 535i for $50,000 in the US, but in Norway you need to pay $220,000 for the same car. An M5 starts at $320,000. I just wanted to point out the insanity in Norway (although irrelevant for most people), and that 50 grands for a 535i isn't a whole lot.
this is one of the first reviews ive seen of the new 5 series praising its steering
just curious, how long do you have a car for before you have to give it back/review it?
well done review. like that he's not afraid to tell it like it is...
you can get an m37 loaded with even more stuff in it AND awd for far less. and you probably wont be on a first name basis with your service manager
@OneOfOne Very well said... Infiniti is definitely the smarter choice these days.
@smp336 I think one of the reasons for people not looking at Jaguar is the past history they have had with reliability issues. Especially when it comes to the electronic components. They have improved dramatically with the new series they are producing.
I like it when you compare the car to its competitors.
That guys small or the cars huge!
MAYBY BOTH?
The guy is small. Although he claimed be 5'11 with long legs but it never appeared that was as he claimed in all of his videos. He is more like 5'4" at most
Great review and what is your favorite luxury sedan Ross?
It was actually redesigned for the 2011 model year, not 2010 as you state
Excellent review!
Perfect Review Ross! You speak the truth.
Wait, I'm confused. I thought that the only the CTS-V came w/ a manual option. Surely, it doesn't cost 30g less.
this engine's specs are highly underrated
Hi price? No problemo. Just get a used one a few months later. Just like a foreclosed house. The street price is what it's really worth.
My 2005 BMW 530i sport was totaled and I started shopping for a newer BMW assuming they'd be even better. While it's a pretty car and well made, I HATED the handling. Anyone else? While the Sport package handled very FLAT when making hard direction changes, the 550 with the M sports package handled really mushy. I really tried to like it but hated it. No adjustments corrected the body roll on hard turns or slalom type driving. Bummed and disappointed.
its just how they are. it sucks
I love the two tone interiors in the 5 series.
28 mpg highway is pretty impressive. Infinitis get 24 at the most with their V6.
Good review. Does anyone know the track playing?
how is it that that one has a six-speed transmission but i cant build it like that on BMW's website? :(
Whats better the new bmw 5 series the new audi a6 or the new Mercedes e class? I am just not sure
I just have 1 question, maybe you guys can help with. I am considering a 2011 535Xi. I have heard that the steering is pretty numb ( electric ) Is that really true, or has it been somewhat overstated by magazines / internet over the years because we were spoiled by the awesome steering of the E39 Series? Thanks for any who reply :)
I really like this guy...he talks about the good and bad, and he reminds me of Richard Hammond...
Ross, I disagree, the last gen 5 series had much more character and now cost a lot less. You can get an m5 for 40K with about 35k on the clock. Say what you want about Chris Bangle, but his 3, 5 and 7 series car designs are timeless. When this new generation of 5 series is put/pushed out the door, "no one" will remember it.
Just like what you said it tricks you to drive fast, the same as my E34 1991 535i feels,
and i love it.
I will just get a used one next year for 33k. 66k...jeez...common!
manual transmissions in executive sedans are really a irrelevant issue to consider a determining factor in vehicle comparisons, particularly consider the 7-8 speed double clutch transmissions being used in a lot of these vehicles. A rwd coupe meant to be enjoyed on a twisty mountain road or track days, I understand. A luxury sedan meant for commute to the office and taking the kids on road trips really should not loose ANY points for no manual option with current transmission technologies.
Great review
Description says "Also available with XF 8 speed" - should be ZF
How many speakers are in this car?
I'm really curious to see how the new GS stacks up against this, should be interesting!
Great car and very nice review.
Hit the nail on the head with the pricing. Almost tragic that everything is an option. Lol. Heck what comes standard? I have a 2000 528 and wanted to get the new 2011. By time we added everything I wanted, the price was almost $70k! Unreal...
This has nothing to do with buying in bulk. Remember America is a huge country/continent while Norway is just a small dot on the world map. So we need to compare in percentage and per capita. Those taxes were put there buy the Norwegian government (because according to them owning a car is a "luxury"). To answer your question, I think that would be approx. 0, but there are actually quite a lot of 520d's that are sold (for the price of a stock 520d in Norway you could buy an M5 in America, lol)
totally agree but i think the infiniti m should be there too hard to say where tho
why dont you guys talk a little more about the negatives?? that would help. thx :)
hey ross please test the new audi a6 and compare it to this bmw 535i
@SaveNurburgring because they're automatic-only in the US
great review
doesn't bmw make a awd version of the 5 series called the xi?
I can't decide is I like this or the 2012 6 series more... the 6 is pretty big, that's really the only downside. But I love the taillights of this one.
Is it Hydraulic steering??? Or electric?????
Its pretty stupid that an ipod connector isn't standard when my Focus and Acadia both have them.
great review, thanks
glad some automakers in the luxury class still believe in manuals, hope it will stay that way.
So cool that it's a manual!
Maybe you guys should test the best radar detectors in price class!
Great review, very honest. I believe this video is proof of the lack of heart BMW vehicles have been suffering from for the last 10 yrs. It seems to me that the kind of drivers who purchase BMW are in fact people who will buy a brick with a logo on it. While BMW was swimming in their money vault companies like INFINITI & CADILLAC spent time making their cars better. 300hp for a $66k luxury vehicle is unacceptable in any class or lineup. What happened to BMW?
This 5 series is the best! my dad has one with x drive and premium package he loves it
@Jamboolio AGREED! the previous generation BMWs were amazing!
@Jamboolio Most of his designs weren't ugly, but they were very polarizing and generally speaking BMWs have never been polarizing or over styled. Personally I'm happy to see BMW going back to basics.....as far as styling is concerned.
good job ross
What is the background music called? Is it Deadmau5?
you can get a cady for 30 grand less but it handles and last 40 grand less, and its true once you own a BMW and enjoy the long lasting quality of the finishes and its superior handling, you don't want anything else except AWD in snow country!
if you go on bmw's site it says that this car gets 30mpg??? wats up with that
@OneOfaKind949 what are you talking about? m37 is rated @ 26 HWY, my x3 is rated @ 16-24 and i constantly get 16 mixed. when infinity start boosting their engines thats gona be awesome
how did we loose jessi?
i love bmw's, and because they are rear wheel drive, they are real cars!!!!! RWD FTW!!!!!!
you can get awd in a 5 series...? idk why he said you cant
I like the design, but it's a little to big for a 5 series, if you ask me. Even though I wasn't the biggest fan of the design of the previous 5, I thought its dimensions were perfect.
This one just pushing more towards the 7 series, then its previous models.
funnily enough, between me and my immediate family, so do we... Yes your comment is legible, I was able to read it very well... I just happen to disagree with it. Its just an opinion. I prefer the 5 whereas someone else may prefer the XF. They're both better than the A6 and the E class IMO anyways.
@Scudeyyy More like XF > A6 > 5 Series > E Class
Thats weird, every other review I've read and watched on this car said the steering was very numb...
i like your honest opinion, it is pricey.
i love the chris bangle designs. :( lets say the E63/E64
I just want the E39 back, BMW. Can we get that? Please?
You Americans have no idea about how lucky you are when it comes to cars. You have by far the best road network in the world (maybe competed by Germany and southern European countries), and you probably have the cheapest cars in the world. I continue to be baffled by you considering $60-70k and even $100k for a car to be a lot. Like in this review, the BMW costs some $66 grand. Here in Norway, a fully specced 535i xDrive costs about 1,311,200 NOK, which by today's rate is $226,900.
@kr0pp thats true its hard ti switch brand, had the previous 5 series loved it, have the current 3 series loved it, love the new Audi S5 but i might have to settle for the new 5 series. I'm a Loyal fan i got to say
Yes, that's right, but I do believe that you get a lot more out of your dollars there in the US than we get for our kroner here. Check out the Big Mac index, I think Norway is number 1. In addition to the wicked prices in Norway, I'm sure you also noticed the horrible roads we have here. Our infrastructure is terribly undersized and is way behind on maintenance. Bad roads, more tear and wear on the cars, more maintenance on cars, making it even more expensive to own a car in Norway.
The coat??
i’m buying this same car for 11,000$ with 70k miles lol looks like it deprecated a bit
Great deal
Good review as usual.
BTW if the SEC is coming to raid you and you are at that level, then you probably drive a 7 series. lol
BMW's pricing is insane. At that price I am getting a CTS-V and I will wreck this car's life.
Whats with the SEC comments???
@MaartenSjaak Sorry, but I'll have to one-up you. In Norway, the cheapest 535i you can get (sedan, rwd, manual gear, noe extra options) is $ 161,000. A fully equipped M5 will cost you a whopping $ 380,000, two thirds of that being taxes to the state.
nice commentary thx
Aloha, Mahalo for the great review. One sold the other day on craigslist for 22k it had 30k miles and was a creampuff. I didn't like the color. Another one will come and I will wait...
Vid didnt finish processing its in 240p ftw
Og til dere norske som evt. måtte være her, vi betaler for skole og helse over skatteseddelen, og vel så dét.
The irony is that you can get a fully loaded GS 350 for 58 grand. Tops!
@Jamboolio I agree, the previous gen model looks better in my opinion.
great review very information filled :) LOL :P !