2006 BMW 530Xi

At a Glance

Pricing $41,800 - $57,400
Drive Types RWD, AWD
Engines 3.0l I6, 4.8l V8
Transmissions A6, M6
Fuel Economy 15-21 (city), 23-30 (highway)

The mid-sized 5-Series has been criticized by many for striking out in a new styling drection, but sales of the new model have not been affected. A technological tour-de-force, the 5-Series features a host of electronics and electronic driving aides. Three powertrains are offered: a 218hp 2.5L inline-6, a 258hp, 3.0L inline-6 and a 4.5L V8. 525xi and 530xi models offer the xDrive all-wheel-drive system found in the X3 and X5. The interior is relatively simple given that a large number of functions are located within the iDrive system that dominates the center console.

What Changed:

For 2006, the two inline-six cylinder engines offered in the 5-series have been updated. The new engines are lighter and significantly more powerful than their predecessors. The 2.5L is now rated at 218hp the 3.0L at 258hp. BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is offered on the 525xi and 530xi models.

Model/Trim/Package Engine Original MSRP
550i 4.8l V8 (360-bhp) M6 RWD $57,400
530xi 3.0l I6 (255-bhp) A6 AWD $49,975
530xi 3.0l I6 (255-bhp) M6 AWD $48,700
525xi 3.0l I6 (215-bhp) A6 AWD $45,275
525xi 3.0l I6 (215-bhp) M6 AWD $44,000
530i 3.0l I6 (255-bhp) A6 RWD $47,775
530i 3.0l I6 (255-bhp) M6 RWD $46,500
525i 3.0l I6 (215-bhp) A6 RWD $43,075
525i 3.0l I6 (215-bhp) M6 RWD $41,800
550i 4.8l V8 (360-bhp) A6 RWD $57,400