Looks aside, many buyers will find the five-passenger 5 Series a near-perfect size. It seems more substantial than some small luxury or sport sedans, with more usable interior space. At the same time it's no so physically bulky as large sedans, and easier to maneuver in tight spaces or park.

BMW's recent approach to exterior design has been discussed as frequently as any in the car world, and more than occasionally criticized. On the 5 Series at least, the curvy front-end, flat sides and high rear deck stand out less than they once did. That could simply mean we've grown more familiar with the shape, rather than more appreciative.

The critics contend that, with the kabuki-eyebrow look in front and the chunked-off shape of the trunk lid, the 5 Series seems almost like two halves taken from different cars. In our view, the lines create a fairly compact appearance, and that may be part of the problem. The 5 has the appearance of a well-built mainstream sedan, and that may not be the precedent one expects for an expensive European job. It also has a few too many lines. Those character lines crossing the rear end, or the double creases framing the hood, seem a bit overdone. In any case, none of this seems to have hurt 5 Series sales, and five years into its model run the current generation has subtly evolved.

The 2008 tweaks start in front, where the headlight covers are now completely clear, with chrome surrounds highlighting individual lights inside. The chrome edging on BMW's trademark double-kidney grille is now flush with the surface on the front air dam, while the full-width air intake below the front bumper curls up in the corners to match the shape of the headlights.

Below the doors, the 5 Series side sills have been re-contoured a bit for 2008, apparently to promote a longer, leaner look. In back, the rear lights are covered with the same clear glass as the fronts, and the turn signals are now LEDs.

Those comma-shaped, wraparound taillights apply a technology introduced by BMW that has spread to a number of makes. The company calls them adaptive brake lights, and they illuminate more intensely, over a larger area, when the ABS system engages. Or in other words, when the driver is stopping has hard as possible. The point is to inform drivers in cars following the 5 Series that it's stopping quickly, possibly in an emergency situation. It could help, but only if the driver following correctly interprets the increased intensity of the brake lights.

BMW re-introduced a 5 Series wagon for 2006. The big difference, of course, lies behind rear roof pillars and seats, where the 5 Series Sports Wagons offer more load-carrying potential and versatility than the sedan. The rear gate opens electrically, with a switch on the key fob or dashboard, and swings very high for easy access to the load floor. A big reflector on the bottom of the gate adds an element of safety in darkness.

The gate also has a soft-close feature. When it's lowered, it automatically sucks itself shut, no slamming required. The glass window opens separately, which is convenient when dropping a briefcase or a couple of bags in back.