Short review of BMW 528i/535i
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Price as tested: CDN$65700 (528i) CDN$83000
5-Series, just like its smaller 3-Series silibings, receives engine upgrades this year. 528i receives similar engine upgrade as 328i. The sweet 3.0 liter straight-6 increases horsepower from 215 and torque from 218 lb/ft to 230 and 200, respectively. This engine upgrade feels more significant in 5 [...]
Short review of 2006 BMW 525Xi/550i
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Price as tested: CDN$ 66700 (525Xi) CDN$93500 (550i)
For 2006, BMW not only added 530Xi Touring sportswagon and V10 M5 into the 5-Series range. They also added X-Drive into entry-level 525i and replaced the 545i with 550i.
The horsepower jumps to 360 from 325, while torque increases from 330 lb/ft to 360 [...]
Vehicle: 2006 BMW 530Xi Touring with M Sport Package and Premium Package
Price as tested: CDN$85700
Performance: No one has ever doubt BMW builds the world’s best straight-6 engine. The same goes for the sweet-sounding 3.0L DOHC straight 6 24-valver with Double VANOS in our tester. Regardless of which engine rpm, this engine provides plenty of power [...]
Short review of 2006 BMW 525i
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Price as tested: CDN$62690
With the introduction of entry-level 525i, BMW has lowered the admission to 5-Series. The latest iteration of 525i uses the same magnesium-made 3.0L straight 6 Double VANOS DOHC engine as new 325i. Considered 525i’s weight is at a high 1565 kg with its 215 ponies and 185 [...]
Vehicle: 2005 BMW 545i with 6-speed Steptronic, Dynamic Handling Pkg, Sport pkg and park distance control
Price as tested: CDN$85100
Performance: With 325 ponies and 330 lb/ft of torque, this 4.5L V8 DOHC engine’s power is never an issue. It has excellent response and refinement at every speed. Its not only silky smooth, it also tuned with [...]