BMW 530i
The
BMW 530i Is A Model That, Thanks To Valvetronic Technology, Now Has The Power To Convert Those Unconvinced By The Latest Five. Andy Enright Reports
Believe it or not, there are still those who remain unconvinced by BMWs latest 5 Series. If you still remain to be swayed by the merits of the Five, take a test drive in the latest 530i. Those who prefer to cling onto their preconceptions may prefer not to.
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The Five has matured into an incredibly self-assured proposition, especially since the introduction of new Valvetronic technology. Boasting 258bhp (27bhp or 11.5 per cent more than the unit used in this generation 530i when it was first launched), the latest
BMW 530i is the most powerful car of its kind in class. The 2,996cc powerplant has the same specification as the 630i Coupé and Convertible and is also used in the new BMW 3-Series. Torque is on a par with the previous 530i, but the characteristics of the new engine produce a flatter torque curve and more power low down for instantaneous response and smooth acceleration. Thus, peak torque of 300Nm is delivered between 2,500rpm and 4,000rpm. Thanks to its Valvetronic technology, the engine can now also rev higher (7,000rpm) for greater breadth of performance.
In reality, this equates to a zero to 62mph time of 6.5 seconds, a top speed of 155mph and a combined fuel consumption figure of 32.1mpg. Both saloon and Touring estate models come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, with a six-speed automatic or a Sequential Manual Gearbox both available as options.
The new six-cylinder engine incorporates DSC+. This advanced safety system hones the already accomplished Dynamic Stability Control system featured on every BMW model. DSC+ adds five features to the standard DSC: Brake Standby, Rain Brake Support, Hill Start Assist, Fading Compensation and Soft Stop. The 530i has long represented the sort of attainable performance 5 Series that many aspire to, leaving the more powerful eight cylinder variants to fulfil the role of niche offerings. Although its market share will no doubt still be eroded by the excellence of its sibling, the diesel 530d, theres now a satisfying punchiness to the 3.0-litre petrol engine.
With power marshalled by that six-speed gearbox, the 530i is good enough to make diesel converts rethink their priorities.
"The 530i is now good enough to make diesel converts rethink their priorities"
Theres so much about this Five that betrays deep understanding of how we interface with our cars. A personal bugbear of mine are seatbelt warning chimes that spring into life as soon as you enter the ignition key into position. The 530i features soft chimes that wait a few seconds after youve fired up the engine before reminding you to belt up. One car that shall remain nameless assaulted me with chimes whilst I was parked merely listening to the radio, the chimes growing ever more persistent until I was forced to sit in a stationary car with a
seat belt on.
No such idiocy from BMW. The dashboard is a triumph of minimal design, the Munich company having built up a reputation for ergonomic excellence. The only possible gripe would be the inconveniently situated electric window switches but these are illuminated at night along with the mirror adjusters making them easy to locate. The iDrive system is a little easier to use than that first trialed on the 7 Series, but its nevertheless an interface that rewards a little learning.
Customers on a typical hour long test drive should remember this. Priced from £32,110, the 530i is offered in the well-appointed SE trim level or in Sport form. Its doubtful if youll find the SE wanting in terms of standard equipment provision but if you want those M5 looks, it has to be the Sport. The sports suspension fitted here is very similar to that found on the M5 and then its the usual drill.
Wider air intakes, deeper bumpers, bigger wheels, flared side sills and an optional boot spoiler give the Five much more aggressive stance. Inside the 530i Sport there are partially electric sports seats, aluminium inserts and an M Sports steering wheel. Although the 5 Series does carry over some 7 Series styling cues, its clear that BMW have listened to customer feedback. The bootlid is less extreme and the fiddly electronic handbrake system used by its big brother has also been replaced, in this instance by a conventional manual one.
Some customers have reported that the ride quality is increased (and a £500 saving realised) if you opt for 16-inch wheels and conventional tyres instead of the standard fit 17-inch wheels and run-flat tyres. The trade off comes in terms of looks and quickness of response. Id gladly keep the run flat items given that the rear three quarter styling of the 5 Series already has a propensity to make big wheels look small. Much thought has gone into the way electronic systems blend with good old manual ones.
BMW have taken the notion that electronics should aid rather than replace manual systems and the active steering system is a good example. Rather than developing the sort of pure drive-by-wire systems that often isolate the driver from road feedback, BMW has instead developed a system that maintains a link between the front wheels and the steering wheel but which adjusts the power assistance dependent upon speed and yaw rate, promising quick turn-in when you punch the 5 Series into a corner but without the accompanying nervousness at high speed that many such cars demonstrate. This system is networked to the improved Dynamic Stability Control system, reducing the interventions DSC+ has to make. Dynamic Drive, BMWs active suspension system is available as an option, and Active Cruise Control, a system that automatically controls distances to the car in front, is also available to order.
BMW hasnt left too many safety features out of the 5 Series. Brake Force Display is an interesting concept, enlarging the brake light area when the driver really anchors on. Another first for BMW is Adaptive Headlights a feature many will associate more with
Citroen. This system, sadly still an option, swivels the headlights by up to 15 degrees left and right to illuminate more of the road through a bend.
Unlike Citroens rudimentary old mechanical system, this calculates speed, yaw rate and steering angle before steering the beams. Another technology borrowed from another manufacturer in this case
Chevrolet is a Head-Up Display that projects information onto the windscreen. Lovers of the old generation 530i have said that this latest model isnt as immediately accessible as the old version, a true plug and play executive car Well now thats changed. Try one and you wont be disappointed.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
CAR: BMW 530i range
PRICES: £32,110 - £36,975 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUP: 18
PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 6.5s / Max Speed 155mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: (combined) 30.4mpg
STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: Twin front, side and window airbags / ABS / DSC
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4841/2035/1468mm
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