Used 2006 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M) Consumer Reviews
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Updated: 2006 525i (E60) 6 Speed Standard Trans
Rob Bellomy, Carlsbad, CA, 08/23/2018
updated 03/04/2020
BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
This has been probably the best vehicle purchase I have ever made. Over the last 12 months the ownership costs of the BMW have been pretty reasonable. It still costs more to change the oil on my wife’s SUV, and while I have some work that needs to be done I have located some reliable mechanics who are single-handedly smashing the preconceived notion that BMWs are [insert concern here]. Granted this is one of the most basic BMWs available - 3.0L with manual transmission. It’s a blast to drive and on long distance drives it’s a champ. Fuel economy on the highway (Dallas to Little Rock) of about 38 mpg, 70 mph, 6th gear. On the way home it was closer to 35 mpg, driving into a wind and another time in the middle of a huge winter rain storm. Overall mileage between city and highway runs 20-23 depending on time spent on the highway. Still a great value. Nearly 2 years and 23,000 miles later this car is still a good value. It’s had some work - recently the control arm bushings and changing of the transmission fluid - but it’s running strong and seems fairly reliable. It’ll need work on the pesky seat mat sensor for the passenger airbags plus a couple wheel speed sensors, but that’s all fairly minor. The 04-10 5-series is still one of the best looking cars of its generation. The BMWs stayed low to the ground while many other car makers were trying to make their sedans taller to accommodate “stadium seating” for the rear seat. The more l learn about BMW, the more I’m interested in locating another older 5-series (or even the shark-nosed 6 from the 80s) to work on and drive. I used to think the company’s motto, “The Ultimate Driving Machine” was a little over the top however, now I completely agree. The car is well balanced and drives beautifully, even in heavy downpours - the car is sure-footed and confidence-inspiring. I don’t think I can ever go back to a front-wheel drive vehicle that isn’t at least German-engineered.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
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- Value
A whole different level
Jim W., 10/17/2006
BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
This car is a real pleasure to drive. Dead quiet without a bit of mush. The 525i won't throw your head back into the powered headrest but it does get you onto the interstate just fine. Once there you can cruise at 70mph/2400rpm and watch your mpg gauge hover above the 30mpg mark. I often find myself seeking out corners to carve. If I was forced to complain... it takes a little bit more time to zip between radio bands and stations or ejecting and inserting CDs. IDrive would be rough on the techno challenged among us. I'm not used to a car without a dipstick either. Don't let any of this stop you from experiencing the craftsmanship and engineering excellence of this car. Even if it's a test drive
2006 BMW 5 Series for sale near you
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Great car
Jay Vanulk, Hubbard, OR, 03/12/2021
BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have had many many luxury cars... I bought my 2006 nine years ago as an intron car.... I still own it, drive it daily, and only replaced a $600 starter motor..... It’s been a terrific car, and no one can tell that it’s an older model...... It’s been a great reliable car!
buy one if you can
icwl, 01/22/2006
BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Probably my 15th car over 25 years of driving. Definitely the best so far. Fun to drive, aggressive styling, few on the road, lots of looks. Gas mileage is acceptable (24 to 27 mpg depending on driving style). At the limit of what I would spend on a car but great size for 4 adults, long trips, safe and solid. The short 6 automatic gears create fun acceleration for a large sedan. And yes, it does go 155 mph.
Big bucks German bad transmission cheap parts
wilczewm, El Paso, TX, 11/23/2012
BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
9 of 13 people found this review helpful
Bought new. Minor problems while under warrantee. Since then, replaced rear wheel bearing at 40K. Transmission slam from second to first like getting hit from behind. BMW engineers created a computer work around for this common problem but will not fix this default and you must pay dealer whether it works or not. Many people being talked into replacing transmission for $5k. Cheap dash components like cup holders and ashtray flimsy, had to replace both two times. For the price paid, quality is severely lacking. Would not recommend buying a used one. Local dealer repair shop is horrible. Had vehicle 9 days on two occasions without fixing. BMW regional tech changed battery 2hrs.