I've been reading a lot of negative press lately on the E60 5 Series. So when it came time to replace my 1999 E39 528i, I approached the test drive with some trepidation. I test drove a six-speed 2005 530i. I was very impressed. Even though I was not intending to buy on the spot, they made me an offer I found hard to turn down. And now, almost a month later I'm glad I didn't.

Most of the criticism of the new 5 Series seems to revolve around two issues: styling and the iDrive controller.

Now styling being in the eye of the beholder, I'll just say that what I found is that the car looks much better in person than it does in print. I was one who found the E65 7 Series a bit jarring when it was first introduced, but over time, I've found myself more and more attracted to it when I see it on the road. The same, I think, is true of the new 5 Series design. I've had very positive comments from friends, on the order of "way cool", "very dynamic", "futuristic." I think a lot of folks who criticize the design have only seen it in pictures.

As for the iDrive controller, I'm not sure I see what all the fuss is about. Admittedly, I am a bit of a gadget freak, but the operation of the iDrive seems fairly straightforward to me. Once the car is set up, I don't really have to do that much with it anyway. In the 5 Series incarnation, at least, it seems like there are enough shortcuts, like the knob temperature and fan controls, radio volume knob, next station buttons, and the steering wheel shortcut buttons, that you really don't need to use the controller for very much on the road.

Beyond these two issues, this is just one fine car. The ride, engine and transmission are great. It didn't take me long to get used to it because it feels like a refined version of my old E39. Aside from feeling a bit lighter and slightly longer in the hood, the handling is all one could ask for.

The steering is precise, with lots of road feedback. The 6-speed manual transmission feels great, easy to shift, with a relatively short throw (could be shorter) and positive detents in each gear in the manner of past BMWs. The ride is responsive, without being rough, transmitting good road feel. Cornering is tight with gentle assists from time to time with BMWs excellent Dynamic Stability Control. Braking is very smooth and responsive. The 3L engine has plenty of low-end torque and nice mid-range power.

The interior is much more refined than the old 5 Series, with better build quality and fit and finish overall. In fact, the only complaint I have about the car after a month driving it is with the cupholders. They still can't seem to get those right.

Amount Paid (US$): 45,000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2005
Model and Options: 530i w/Premium Pkg, Cold Weather, Xenon