Magazine tests of E60 vs. the competition..

Every test I’ve read that compares the E60 5-series to its rivals has been done with a non sports package quipped 530i or 545i. The two comparison tests I was able to find quickly were the Road and Track June 2004 issue comparing 7 midsize sedans (Cadillac CTS won!) and the May 2005 issue of Car and Driver “The $55,000 Question” won by the V8 powered M45.

In the Road and Track test the 530i ranked 6th out of 7, hindered by a high price, exterior styling, hatred for iDrive and the underpowered 225hp 3.0 liter found in 2004 and 2005. The Car and Driver test placed the 530i 6th again out of 8 cars. The usual complaints were price, iDrive, styling, and the underpowered 225hp engine.

Considering these are “enthusiast” publications I’m puzzled

why they never seem to test the sports package car up against the competitors which are equipped with their respective sports packages. Before deciding on my 530i I tested drove the GS300, M35 and E350 against the 530i and the 530i with sports package came away as the clear winner in my book.

I’m in no way bagging the other cars; they’re all very competent IMO. I’m just surprised by the consistently low ranking of the E60. Do you guys think the sports package 530i/545i would have done better than the standard car? I guess a recent Motortrend test ranked a non-sports package 545i ahead of the competition….

Reply » Magazine tests of E60 vs. the competition..

Quote:

...and the May 2005 issue of Car and Driver “The $55,000 Question” won by the V8 powered M45.

In the Road and Track test the 530i ranked 6th out of 7, hindered ....
Considering these are “enthusiast” publications I’m puzzled ..... I guess a recent Motortrend test ranked a non-sports package 545i ahead of the competition….

You are reading the wrong magazines pal. Take a straw poll and you will soon find out that non of the "true enthusiast" subscribe to any of the 3 magazines you describe above.

Try Autoweek and MPH for a change of pace. You've been reading poseur/advertising mags, I think you are finally coming around.

cheers,

beewang

Reply » Magazine tests of E60 vs. the competition..

In all the reviews I've seen the price factor was a significant factor. Money-no-object, the BMW normally takes it.

Reply » Magazine tests of E60 vs. the competition..

Quote:

Do you guys think the sports package 530i/545i would have done better than the standard car?

It's good to know one's place on the road. In my 330XI, I'm more of a plod along type driver only giving my engine a good grunt to pass the really slow pokes. If I see a clearly beefed up muscle car, I'm going to step aside and let him rocket on pass - and be a bait car for any unmarked cruisers

- Go fast, but don't be the fastest

In my Sport 545i, it's a different story. So yes, the 545i with sport package would most likely smoke direct competition you listed, especially with a competent driver at the wheel.

Like philippek said, magazines who compare a 'money is no object' roster, yes BMW will always win, but the magazines you listed try to stay with the cars that are more 'common place'?

I read one letter to the editor on a R&T mag where the guy scolded the writers for reviewing exotics like the Merc SLR and Saleen - he wanted them to stick to the cars that the average joes like him can afford. I say where is the fun in that? I'd rather dream about a saleen doing 0-60mph in less than 3 seconds than how gas economical the new honda civic hybrid is. But that's just me

Reply » Magazine tests of E60 vs. the competition..

Quote:

Good points. I actually let my R&T and Motortrend subscriptions lapse since I felt they were jaded in all their tests. I now subscribe to Autoweek and EVO.

Reply » Magazine tests of E60 vs. the competition..

Quote:

You are kidding right? MPH? I'd rather buy a playboy. What a waste of paper and space. Please tell us, with description, what makes a fine magazine like Car and Driver a "poseur" mag? That is too funny.

Page 1 of 2