[stressdoc]

It finally happened. 4 years of faithful, fault-free performance and my HPFP crapped out. Could be happenstance, but I just switched from BP 93 octane to Phillips-66 93 octane (Phillips just started providing 93 octane in mid-Missouri, which I am happy about because there are lots of stations, and I don't have to drive 10 miles across town to the only BP) for the last two tankfuls. The only other event was getting the software updated last week to the program with the priming code for the fuel system. Can't imagine that would have caused the failure, who knows. But I digress...

I got the long crank, couple stutters, and then the half-engine yellow death knell. This happened while just starting out on a trip to Kansas from Missouri to attend my niece's wedding. Saturday morning. Aaaagh. Call the dealer. They say bring it in, but not possible to fix it in time. So they provide us with a brand new 5-series loaner. This is pretty extraordinary, seeing as we were going to be traveling hundreds of miles, out of state, deep into a cattle ranch. Service above and beyond the call of duty. Thank you once again Machens BMW! We made it to the wedding on time... And the Angus cattle loved the AW bimmer!

So on to the 5-series. Plain vanilla 528, no ZSP. I have spent a fair bit of time in the previous 5-series, and so I was interested to see how the new one compares. IMO it is a big, maybe a huge step up. The front suspension is especially impressive on the highway; the multi-link set-up is precise. If I needed a long haul autobahn burner the 5 series would definitely be the ticket. Ideally in 530d touring form. The car rides and handles extremely well on the highway. Around town and in the twisties I still much prefer my high-strung 335. But for long trips and urban commutes the 5 series is king. The electronics are efficient, it took my 16-year old in the passenger seat about 3 minutes to completely master i-drive. LED turn signal/brake lights are incredible, they reflect off signs at night for hundreds of yards. 31 mpg at a steady 84 mph. Great car.

[IancoleTX]

I really do think the new 5 is a fantastic-looking automobile. If I was probably 20 years older, I would probably be eyeing a 550i/M5 lustfully.

[maswastage]

I swung by my dealership (VOB rockville) the other day to pick up an air filter for my car and I saw they had a pair of brand new 535i's with "BMW Courtesy Loaner" boldly stickered on the rear windshield. I can't wait to get my grubby paws on one. Next time my car's in for service...

That is a nice loaner they gave you. How many miles did it have? BTW, that 528i actually has ZSP, just by looking at the 18" wheels.

[BK]

I saw one this morning from the side and thought, "What? The E90 got another facelift?" Then I realized it was a new 5er. From the front wheels back, it looks so much like an E90 to me.

I enjoyed the write-up. You have a very good dealer there to give you a nice new loaner for long distance travel.

[Coolieman1220]

i love getting loaners and planning road trips around them!!

[michaelthepsycho]

Originally Posted by beemer3

That is a nice loaner they gave you. How many miles did it have? BTW, that 528i actually has ZSP, just by looking at the 18" wheels.

Yeah... Wheels and shadowline. This just goes to show how so many mods on this forum are placebo.

[kscarrol]

Nice to see your dealer stepping up! And good to see the kids have the same, bright smiles my kids do when it's time for a picture...