For those BMW fans who hated the looks of the 7-Series, redesigned in 2002, and who can’t stand the sight of the new Z4, we have some bad news.  The distinctive “flame surfacing” design theme isn’t going away any time soon, you see.  The 2004 BMW 530i is the latest offering from the German manufacturer to display the carefully sculpted, organic surfaces that have been envisioned on BMW show cars for years.

The new bodywork is evidence of a ground-up redesign.  In addition to the new face, the 530i reenters the competitive sports sedan market with new engines and new technology, from front to rear (adaptive headlights and taillights) and ground to roof (run-flat tires and driver’s head-up display).  The controversial iDrive accessory interface system also pops up in BMW’s new midsize sedans.

As in the past, this is a three-model series, with the 525i, 530i and 545i being distinguished mainly by their engine displacements.  The 525i and 530i are powered by the torquey inline six-cylinder engines at which BMW excels, with 184 and 225 horsepower, respectively.  The engines have been re-tuned for better throttle response.  The newly designated 545i borrows its 4.4 liter V8 from the 7-Series and hits the street with 325 horses.  BMW’s Valvetronic system works as a high-tech electronic throttle, varying intake and exhaust valve timing and duration instantly in response to the driver’s inputs for maximum efficiency and power.  In keeping with BMW’s performance bent, all available transmissions are six-speeds.  We drove a six-speed manual, and it’s one of the best we’ve had the pleasure of sampling. Enthusiast drivers will find that the 530i practically heel-toe shifts itself.

To improve the 530i’s already impressive suspension responses, BMW’s engineers reduced the unsprung weight with the extensive use of aluminum components.  Subframes, strut tubes and steering rack are all aluminum-intensive.  Sporty rack-and-pinion steering replaces the luxury-oriented recirculating-ball units used on previous 5-Series cars. The 530i has what might be the quickest steering of any car we’ve tested to date, including the wish-quick MINI Cooper and Honda S2000.  We actually clipped a curb before we got used to the 530i’s surprising reflexes.  On models equipped with the Sport package BMW offers a unique “active steering” system, which can vary the steering ratio (as opposed to varying steering effort, which most performance cars do) according to speed.

It seems like BMW increases the size of the brakes with each successive generation, and the limit hasn’t yet been reached because the new 5-Series sports larger discs at all four corners, too.  Brake calipers are also aluminum, to reduce weight.

The redesigned 530i looks much like a smaller version of the 7-Series, with hooded headlamps that make the car appear to be leaning forward.  Short overhangs front and rear mask the fact that the wheelbase has been lengthened just over two inches.  The twin-kidney grilles create a character line that’s carried into the hood, which is aluminum for additional weight savings.  BMW fans call those distinctive ringed headlights “angel eyes,” and they’re a 5-Series hallmark as well.  The high trunklid that caused so much controversy in the 7-Series is present in a modified form; whether the BMW purists will revolt remains to be seen.  What you won’t see from behind the wheel are the active brakelights, which feature additional, inboard lights that illuminate only under hard braking.

The stretched wheelbase improves rear cabin space, with more legroom and a much larger trunk.  BMW calls the dash a “double wave.”  Another feature that’s received mixed reviews in other BMWs is the iDrive system, which uses a single controller to access multiple accessory functions.  Unless you’re a big fan of reading the owner’s manual, it’s annoying as heck, and we wish BMW would make a version of the 530i available without it.  A navigation system is available, as is a head-up display.  Not high-tech enough for you?  All 5-Series models feature tire pressure monitors, Dynamic Stability Control, rain-sensing wipers, and side-curtain airbags.  Options include active cruise control and parking assist, both of which use ultrasonic sensors to detect obstacles.  It’s worth noting that BMW’s electronic doodads aren’t as quirk-free as those to be found on competitors from Lexus and Mercedes, however.  The parking assist sometimes chimed warnings when the car was on the road as it picked up the vehicle behind us, and once remained completely mute as we backed into our darkened driveway and hit our own car!  This did not leave us feeling confident about the 530i’s willingness to be a luxury car in addition to a sports sedan.

BMWs have never been inexpensive and the new 5-Series is no exception, with prices for the 525i starting at $39,995 and heading north from there.  The mid-range 530i starts at $44,995.  Drivers who want a car that’s never going to ask for any attention would do well to consult Lexus or Mercedes showrooms.  If you’re looking for a member of an unbeatable sports sedan lineup, however, the 530i is very much worth it.

Specifications:
All specs are for the 2004 BMW 530i.

Length:         190.6 in.
Width:            72.7 in.
Height:            58.0 in.
Wheelbase:        113.7 in.
Cargo space:        14.0 cu.ft.
Base price:        $44,995
Engine:         4.4 liter DOHC 32-valve V8 (545i)
Drivetrain:         six-speed manual or automatic, rear-wheel drive
Horsepower:         325 @ 6100  (545i)
Torque:         330 @ 3600
Fuel capacity:        18.5 gal.
Est. mileage:        18/26 (est.)

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