I spent the weekend in Phoenix, and while I was there I stopped by Chapman BMW on Camelback Road. It was my first time seeing the E60 in person, and what a looker. It was like seeing and falling in love with a gorgeous woman, I couldnt look away.
Their demo car was out for the day, so I came back on Sunday. I tested the E60 530 sport, but sadly with an autobox
. I wanted to try the 6spd sport, but I wasnt about to complain.
The comfort level of the E60 surpassed my old E39 528 by a fair amount. Even the sport kit rode smoother, was quiter, and took the torn up roads around Phoenix very well. Speedbumps couldnt induce a creak or a groan from the chassis.
Same gorgeous engine note, but a little too subdued. I remember the 528 having more engine noise at a high rpm, which I prefer. Very nice power, as the 530 auto felt about as quick as the 528 5spd. Best automatic tranny I have ever driven. Period. The M-B boxes in the Jags I have driven dont come close, neither do any of the autoboxes in any other BMW (havent driven the E65 though). I never felt the car shift, and midcorner shifts didnt disrupt the chassis.
It was by far one of the best planted and secure handling cars I have ever driven. I had test driven a few other cars that weekend, and had a route planned out. The E60 without feeling labored would take onramps faster, smoother, and with no sensible body roll. Tight turns were great; the active steering gave me a tigher ratio and heavier feel, and the active suspension kept the car as flat as possible. My driving skills have waned since I stopped driving the E39 528 everyday, but I am confident that the E60 would in my currently rusty hands beat the '28 through all my favorite corners. Corners that would have had me countersteering in the E39 didnt even activate the DSC light in the E60. I was in awe...
iDrive is simple, by the end of the 30 minute testdrive I was comfortable with it. Much more intuitive than the E65 based unit I tried at the Moscone Center car show. The screen is in the right spot too, so that while you operate the iDrive, the road is still in your line of sight.
I got out of the car was looked like this
for hours. I have a lot of respect for the E60 now, and for Bangle. It is a great looking car, and IMHO, dynamically unrivaled in its class.
Finally, if you are in Phoenix and are looking to purchase a BMW, go to Chapman BMW. My salesman was a stand up gentlemen named David Costello, and everyone there was helpful and courteous. I am only 20, and to get that level of respect and customer service (especially when we are talking about leasing a $60k car) is fantastic.
This was one of the best weekends of this semester, and I look forward to seeing the E60 M5!
)
for a thorough test drive. 
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