4-14-2006
2006 BMW 530xi
by Dave Stall
2006 BMW 530xi Sport Wagon is a cool grocery-getter

Even though I just reviewed a station wagon, I couldn't resist test-driving the 2006 BMW 530xi Sport Wagon.

This is really a cool grocery-getter that's just returned to the United States after a two-year hiatus. It's been re-designed since '04 and now has standard all-wheel drive. With the weather we've being having, it was a comfort to drive.

The alpine white exterior with beige leather interior really stood out thanks to Brecht BMW adding optional chrome wheels. Again, chrome is becoming a thing of the past except for splashes here and there. On this wagon, chrome is on the tail pipes and the grill - that's it, which is just fine with me.

The 530i is powered by a BMW race-proven 3.0-liter dual overhead camshafts, 24-valve Valvetronic six-cylinder engine with VANOS steplessly variable valve timing. That produces in three induction stages for 255 horsepower and 220 pounds per foot of torque.

There are two choices of transmissions - a six-speed manual or the optional six-speed automatic with overdrive, which was in my tester. I liked the automatic but would have preferred the manual. The fuel mileage is very impressive, with 20 miles per gallon in the city and 27 miles per gallon on the open road. If you opt for the manual, you get 19 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the freeway.

My 530ix Sport came with the optional Cold Weather Package. Do we really need a package like that in San Diego? First, let me tell you what it includes - heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, heated steering wheel and a ski bag. I would opt for this package.

As for performance items in the 530xi, along with a great engine and transmission package, it also has four-wheel ventilated anti-lock disc brakes with dynamic brake control that will stops on a dime (which I learned when a dog ran out in front of the car and survived!), dynamic stability control and double pivot strut type aluminum intensive front suspension. This all adds up to a great road performer, which is why BMW can use the phrase "The Ultimate Driving Machine" and mean it.

The Sport Wagon's interior is simple but elegant, with nothing gaudy and everything very functional. The wood interior treatment is gorgeous and sets off the interior, along with the black dash and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The sunroof is a good size and the sound system boasts front row concert quality. The climate controls satisfy not only the driver but passenger too.

The Sport Wagon has navigation but I didn't pick up the disc from Brecht BMW. I'm sure it is like all of BMW's navigation systems, which are great! The BMW's I-Drive system is controlled by a big knob in the middle of the console. When BMW first came out with the system in the 7-Series, I hated it and so did a lot of other journalists and owners. But today, this system is so easy to operate. In fact, I like it better than a conventional system where you have to go to each system to operate it. Without an owner's manual, I even set the clock for Brecht BMW's PDI crew, pre-selected my favorite radio stations and made a few driver comfort settings - all from the I-Drive.

After a trip to the grocery store, I found the rear door and cargo cover very shopper-friendly. Just push the key fob and the rear door opens and raises automatically. If you have the cargo cover extender to protect your items from prying eyes, it retracts with a snap so you can load your groceries. When you're done, push the button on the underside of the rear door and the door closes automatically. There's plenty of storage under the floor as well.

BMW is the industry leader with safety features such as advanced front air bags, front door-mounted side air bags, front and rear seat advanced head protection systems, rain sensing wipers, adaptive brake lights, and Xeon adaptive headlights with automatic headlight control.

I always use BMW as a level to strive for and the 530xi did not disappoint. If you need a sporty station wagon, head out to Brecht BMW in the Escondido Auto Park or stop by your local BMW dealer to take this Sport Wagon for a spin. Make sure you have at least $52,000 in your pocket or that you can finance that much. Trust me, it's worth it!