Test Drive 2006 BMW 530xi Touring Wagon

[PanterroR]

"With a truly great chassis, engine and sophisticated technology, the 530xi is a jewel of German engineering and prestige."

 

[Giannis]

I like that M pack

 

[klier]

I like that M pack

Understatement. By far the best looking wagon in it's segment.

 

[Snake Vargas]

I like that M Sports pack as well - it's a must-have on any E90 5er; though I don't like the prospects of finding 19" replacement run flat tyres on it (unless it has standard tyres, but that's still expensive). Call me strange, but even buying a car of that price, I still don't want the 19" wheels. 18" is about the current maximum size for common replacement tyres, in Australia at least.

Plus, white looks rather .. anodyne .. on this car. White has regained favour in my eyes for some cars, where once it was the cheapest and most common colour possible in Australia. However, it doesn't work well here, IMO. Dark grey, blue, or black would be better.

 

[klier]

...and the backlights need LEDs fast, too!

 

[PanterroR]

...and the backlights need LEDs fast, too!

Absolutely! LEDs wre supposed to be there from the beginning...

 

[Giannis]

...and the backlights need LEDs fast, too!

Hell No. No LEDs for me.

Understatement. By far the best looking wagon in it's segment.

Yes klier. It IS the best looking wagon...

 

[Deutsch]

I say the sedan get the wagons taillights!!!!!

 

[Matt]

...and the backlights need LEDs fast, too!

agreed

 

[Mr. M]

Why no LEDs, Giannis? They are faster to respond and require less maintenance - it offers the best of both worlds - and on top of that, they are interesting to look at as well. The E36 5 Series, facelifted, and the 7 Series, facelifted, both had excellent 'rod-neon' LEDs that looked exceptional.

 

[Deutsch]

Why no LEDs, Giannis? They are faster to respond and require less maintenance - it offers the best of both worlds - and on top of that, they are interesting to look at as well. The E36 5 Series, facelifted, and the 7 Series, facelifted, both had excellent 'rod-neon' LEDs that looked exceptional.

I sure as hell would not want my brake lights to look "interesting", anything to lessen my chances of getting rear ended. Make em' bright as hell, so then they'll be like high beams from some jerk tailgating you or driving in the oppisite flow of traffic Drivers would stay 6 car lengths behind you instead of half an inch... that will be the day.

 

[Snake Vargas]

They'd get used to it after a few applications of the brakes. I think bright is a good start, though - at least it makes you visible. I hate cars whose brake lights didn't work (there's been some) or where the difference between 'headlights on' and 'braking' is barely discernible. A recipe for disaster.

As for LEDs, I'm all for them. I don't care too much about the appearance or the cool factor, but I do believe that they have benefits of longer life and faster reaction time, so should be a no-brainer (except for cost).