My 545i is in the shop for some various minor stuff (brake squeal, door seal replacement, passenger airbag light, possible CIP upgrade too) and I was given a loaner '06 525i.

As any self respecting BMW would do with a loaner car (and as I've done with my loaner 325i, 330i, and X3) I drove the car like I was very mad at it. The first thing I noticed was the power. Not a V8 by any means, but I was pleasantly surprised with the acceleration of the little 2.5L, especially once rolling. The downfall was the acceleration from a stop going uphill (but how often is that really all that important). The car was more than adequate. Still sporty, still capable of getting a nasty fine from the policia. Thumbs up.

The loaner was pretty loaded up, but there were a few things that I really missed. The biggest was the absent sport package. If I had never driven the Five with sport, I may not have missed it - though I have been living the good life on my 545i. This car needs it. Body roll is there, feels more floaty Benz-luxuryesque than sport lux. The sport package is worth every penny to me, it (among a few other things) makes the BMW a BMW. W/o sport makes the car feel more grown up, less aggressive, less fun. Also missed was active steering - I couldn't believe how much I had to crank the wheel at low speeds, made me feel like a bus driver.

I miss my car, and am anxious to go get it back today. However it's been a good two days with the loaner.

 

Nice report. While your comments make me feel great about ordering my E60 with the sport package, I feel as though I may regret not adding the Active Steering.

But if I 've never experienced AS, how can I miss it? Right?

 

The Five is a big car. In fact, it's just as long as my wife's new 7 seater Pathfinder! The active steering makes it feel a lot smaller than it is. Your car will be incredible as ordered, but I'm one of those fellas that likes to get all of the BMW technology that they'll give to me.

Just be sure you never get a loaner with the active steering (or drive a friend's car with it).

 

The Five is a big car. In fact, it's just as long as my wife's new 7 seater Pathfinder! The active steering makes it feel a lot smaller than it is. Your car will be incredible as ordered, but I'm one of those fellas that likes to get all of the BMW technology that they'll give to me.

Just be sure you never get a loaner with the active steering (or drive a friend's car with it).
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I thought the sport package in the US automatically meant AS?

 

I know, I know the feeling................

Good, I was thinking of getting a smaller engine for my troture of a commute, (maybe 530 smg)

Actually active roll stabilization in the sport pkg is worth every penny, I could live without the sport seats.

Agree, and now you can order it as a single option.

 

tab545,

For 2006 5-series models, they decoupled AS from the sport package, with a lower price as a result.

 

The Five is a big car. In fact, it's just as long as my wife's new 7 seater Pathfinder! The active steering makes it feel a lot smaller than it is. Your car will be incredible as ordered, but I'm one of those fellas that likes to get all of the BMW technology that they'll give to me.

Just be sure you never get a loaner with the active steering (or drive a friend's car with it).
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I thought the sport package in the US automatically meant AS?
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Nope. In the US, the sport pkg is the suspension, the ARS stabilization, 18" wheels w/ runflats, shadowline trim, and sport seats (according to bmwusa.com). The active steering is a seperate option.

 

I know, I know the feeling................

Good, I was thinking of getting a smaller engine for my troture of a commute, (maybe 530 smg)

Actually active roll stabilization in the sport pkg is worth every penny, I could live without the sport seats.

Agree, and now you can order it as a single option.
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Kryptocat, wait for the 530d to come to the states. If you drive like I drive, you'll only save about 4mpg from your V8 (smaller motor works harder to get the mass moving).

 

Good review Fullspeed! I love my 06 525i, when I had it serviced a couple weeks ago they gave me a 2004 325i loaner. I thought they were supposed to give you a car the same class as yours? I was dissapointed but still happy I had a car! I had an 02 E46 before my E60 and boy did I miss my 525i that week!

 

That's exactly how I feel when I switch from my 545i to the Range Rover