You don't find out how good the 5-Series cars are by sitting in them;only after a few miles does the competence of their mechanical systems become apparent. But the experience varies considerably depending on the car. The 528i's strong suit is silky smoothness. Freedom from vibration is an inherent trait of straight-6 engines, and this 24-valve powerplant is one of the best of the breed. It delivers plenty of performance (BMW claims a 0-to-60 mph time of 7.7 seconds for the 528i manual, with the automatic taking an extra second) and excellent fuel economy. As might be expected, the 540i accelerates more rapidly though it, like the 528i, is electronically limited to a 128-mph maximum speed in the U.S. The 32-valve V8 is also quiet and unobtrusive in ordinary use, making noise only when pushed hard. It has more of a thirst for premium unleaded fuel than its smaller-engined brother, as expected. But it is an extraordinary piece of machinery, and we found it distinctly habit-forming. All 5-Series BMWs offer superb handling. In this respect, they continue to define the upscale European sport sedan, tracking precisely through corners with minimal body roll. Both versions react crisply to steering inputs, with a tiny subjective edge in feel going to the 528i, which has rack and pinion steering instead of the recirculating-ball setup found in the 540i. The other side of this coin is suprisingly smooth ride quality, even on nasty pavement. Thanks to advances in shock absorber technology, European handling no longer equates with a harsh ride. For the ultimate in razor-sharp road behavior, the manual-transmission 540i, with its standard "Sport" suspension calibrations and slightly lower ride height is the choice. The stiffer springs and shock absorbers of this model do result in a slightly harsher ride--all 5-Series are on the firm side--which may not suit everyone. All the other elements that contribute to driving pleasure are up to the standards set by engines and suspensions. The manual transmissions require a firm hand on the shift lever, but work with precision. The automatics are equipped with adaptive electronics that use information from the engines' electronic management systems to tailor shift programs based on driving style. A "sport" shift program is followed whenever the 528i's transmission selector is in the "3" position, or the 540's lever is in "4." The 5-Series' disc brakes (with ABS) are flawless; the standard traction control system operates both in straight-line driving and during cornering to reduce the risk of skidding.
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