BMW 530i 2009 - Test drive

Car being tested is a 2009 model BMW 530i, sporting a 3.0L i-6 engine powering the rear wheels. Top speed achieved is 261 kph (full guage) and the best 0-100 kph times I got was 7.68 seconds. Better times are possible with manual gear shifts at optimum shift points; and this was with three adults inside the car. Handling was not as expected from a typical BMW; the car loses grip early on while negotiating corners and exhibits moderate body roll, however the stability control which cannot be turned off completely keep things on the safer side. A FWD Audi A6 2.0T does a better job in terms of negotiating similar bends with more confidence and lesser body roll. Ride quality is fine. Mileage figures seem very good for a 3.0L i-6 motor; engine has adequate low-end and mid-range power. Gearbox is confused as ever and keeps hunting for the right gear during casual city driving, but manual mode works just fine with no visible lag in shifting gears. Seating comfort is ok, but truth be told, I could never find a good driving position for myself no matter how much I tried. Rear legroom is just about average. Braking is good, but the underrated Mondeo 2009 I tested did a significantly better job here. Overall, not bad for a family sedan; but that is not the kind of BMW a driving enthusiast would want, and this bimmer is definitely not the Ultimate driving machine! Or am I asking too much like an M5 or something?? ;)

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• BMW
• 530i
• 2009
• test
• drive

[marikamarymuse]

who is singer??????????

[vivz990]

@marikamarymuse: song is "beautiful things" by Andain

[4MATICbenz]

No wonder this car is so much slower than it should be. You're shifting at only 5800 rpm? About 1200 too early......

[vivz990]

well, i did about 6-7 acceleration runs in both manual and auto modes, and the best time I got was 7.68 seconds :)

[BabkenBMW]

@vivz990

Do you regard BMW as a weak brand? The acceleration time for your 530i should be about 6.5 seconds, not slower. Whatever the transmission.

[vivz990]

@BabkenBMW: Never bro..but these are the times that I got..probably differences in region specific engine tuning, type of fuel etc..

[detectiveSS]

красотка!

[SuPerPePsi87]

where are these streets ur trying cars with?

[Marcoza3]

A 5 series must have Active steering (steering is more direct than standard) and dynamic drive (stabilisation bar are computer controlled) for have a good and sporty ride!

[vivz990]

@Liberaltedjo: my car?? bmw?? hehe, no buddy..that is a rental car :) ..Happy new year to you too my friend :)