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2006
BMW 530

Starts at:
$46,800
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New 2006 BMW 530
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NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 530i 4dr Sdn RWD
    Starts at
    $46,800
    21 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-Cyl
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 530xi 4dr Sdn AWD
    Starts at
    $49,000
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 530xi 4dr Sports Wgn AWD
    Starts at
    $51,400
    20 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-Cyl
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2006 BMW 530 2006 BMW 530 2006 BMW 530 2006 BMW 530 2006 BMW 530 2006 BMW 530 2006 BMW 530 2006 BMW 530 2006 BMW 530 2006 BMW 530 2006 BMW 530 2006 BMW 530 2006 BMW 530 2006 BMW 530 2006 BMW 530 2006 BMW 530

Notable features

New AWD sedan and wagon for 2006
New 255-hp inline-six-cylinder
Manual, automatic or sequential manual
iDrive control system
Up to eight airbags

The good & the bad

The good

Handling
Stability
Ride comfort
Blend of sportiness and refinement
BMW's enthusiast-oriented reputation

The bad

Wet-weather traction with RWD
Seat comfort, especially in back
Complex iDrive operation
Electronic turn-signal control

Expert 2006 BMW 530 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Kristin Varela
Full article
our expert's take


I’m so excited to finally be testing the new 2006 BMW 530 xi Sport Wagon. I spotted it several months ago at an auto show and was intrigued by some of its innovative family friendly features.

With two children in child seats, I have the uncanny ability (gift or curse?) of sniffing out good and bad Latch connector designs from a mile away. I immediately gravitate towards the unique design BMW has implemented with this new addition to their product line.

A spring-loaded, hinged cover swings back to reveal the Latch connector behind. Wait a minute: These actually work! BMW must have a new mom on their design and engineering team who goes through the hassle of installing car seats on a regular basis. Not only do these work, but they deserve an award.

The only problem with them is that they are not on every BMW out there. So I’ve decided to start a “standardize the BMW Latch design campaign.” While we’re at it, let’s just go full tilt and get the entire auto industry to standardize all Latch connectors (and use BMW’s great new design). I’ll put that on my “to-do” list right below ironing the linen tea napkins from a baby shower I hosted nearly three years ago.

After installing the child car seats (and the children) I start to load up my gear. I push the little button on the key fob showing the open tailgate in hopes that it might, well, open the tailgate. I’m not so lucky, however, as the gate just ever so slightly cracks ajar. After referring to the owner’s manual, I follow the instructions for increasing the amount the tailgate opens but to no avail. The commands prompted in the manual do not match the ones on the car’s computer screen, so I give up.

After securely stowing all sorts of nicks and knacks in the two in-floor storage bins and netted sidewall compartments of the cargo area, I hook my umbrella stroller under the large elasticized storage bands (keeping it from sliding from one side to the other with every turn). Closing the tailgate leaves me feeling warm and fuzzy all over when all I have to do it press the lighted button and the gate closes automatically while I move on to more important things in life.

I jump in and start driving, thinking that I’ll just figure out the thermostat and radio controls on the way. Using my freehand to shift gears in my manual transmission test car doesn’t leave me much freedom to program the radio stations. That’s the excuse I like to use anyhow, because it’s less painful than the truth, which is that I cannot for the life of me figure out how this so-called iDrive computer system works.

Even after reading the owner’s manual and referring to the interactive driver’s reference guide on CD-ROM, I still can’t work the thing and feel like a total loser. My free time would be better spent dusting off the biological calculus text book I never read in college.

I am willing to look past this overly complicated iDrive system and the poorly designed cupholders that pop out from the dash because of the events that follow: When approaching a near total breakdown after one child in the back swipes the other’s last anointed goldfish cracker, my MacGyver-mom kicks in. I quickly open the panoramic sunroof (that extends from above the front seats all the way to the back seats) and engage the kids in a little game of cloud search.

Before I know it, the tantrum is a thing of the past and I’m enjoying a peaceful drive while the kids are actually taking turns looking for shapes in the clouds. How ethereal!

*For more information on the BMW 530 xi Sport Wagon and its safety features visit Cars.com.

LET’S TALK NUMBERS LATCH Connectors: 2 Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Galore

SENSE AND STYLE Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Good Times

Senior Editor
Kristin Varela

Former Senior Family Editor Kristin Varela blends work and family life by driving her three tween-teen girls every which way in test cars.

2006 BMW 530 review: Our expert's take
By Kristin Varela


I’m so excited to finally be testing the new 2006 BMW 530 xi Sport Wagon. I spotted it several months ago at an auto show and was intrigued by some of its innovative family friendly features.

With two children in child seats, I have the uncanny ability (gift or curse?) of sniffing out good and bad Latch connector designs from a mile away. I immediately gravitate towards the unique design BMW has implemented with this new addition to their product line.

A spring-loaded, hinged cover swings back to reveal the Latch connector behind. Wait a minute: These actually work! BMW must have a new mom on their design and engineering team who goes through the hassle of installing car seats on a regular basis. Not only do these work, but they deserve an award.

The only problem with them is that they are not on every BMW out there. So I’ve decided to start a “standardize the BMW Latch design campaign.” While we’re at it, let’s just go full tilt and get the entire auto industry to standardize all Latch connectors (and use BMW’s great new design). I’ll put that on my “to-do” list right below ironing the linen tea napkins from a baby shower I hosted nearly three years ago.

After installing the child car seats (and the children) I start to load up my gear. I push the little button on the key fob showing the open tailgate in hopes that it might, well, open the tailgate. I’m not so lucky, however, as the gate just ever so slightly cracks ajar. After referring to the owner’s manual, I follow the instructions for increasing the amount the tailgate opens but to no avail. The commands prompted in the manual do not match the ones on the car’s computer screen, so I give up.

After securely stowing all sorts of nicks and knacks in the two in-floor storage bins and netted sidewall compartments of the cargo area, I hook my umbrella stroller under the large elasticized storage bands (keeping it from sliding from one side to the other with every turn). Closing the tailgate leaves me feeling warm and fuzzy all over when all I have to do it press the lighted button and the gate closes automatically while I move on to more important things in life.

I jump in and start driving, thinking that I’ll just figure out the thermostat and radio controls on the way. Using my freehand to shift gears in my manual transmission test car doesn’t leave me much freedom to program the radio stations. That’s the excuse I like to use anyhow, because it’s less painful than the truth, which is that I cannot for the life of me figure out how this so-called iDrive computer system works.

Even after reading the owner’s manual and referring to the interactive driver’s reference guide on CD-ROM, I still can’t work the thing and feel like a total loser. My free time would be better spent dusting off the biological calculus text book I never read in college.

I am willing to look past this overly complicated iDrive system and the poorly designed cupholders that pop out from the dash because of the events that follow: When approaching a near total breakdown after one child in the back swipes the other’s last anointed goldfish cracker, my MacGyver-mom kicks in. I quickly open the panoramic sunroof (that extends from above the front seats all the way to the back seats) and engage the kids in a little game of cloud search.

Before I know it, the tantrum is a thing of the past and I’m enjoying a peaceful drive while the kids are actually taking turns looking for shapes in the clouds. How ethereal!

*For more information on the BMW 530 xi Sport Wagon and its safety features visit Cars.com.

LET’S TALK NUMBERS LATCH Connectors: 2 Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5

IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Galore

SENSE AND STYLE Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Great Fun-Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove-On): Good Times

Available cars near you

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
12 years
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years / 50,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Certified Pre-Owned Elite with less than 15,000 miles; Certified Pre-Owned with less than 60,000 miles
Basic
1 year / unlimited miles from expiration of 4-year / 50,000-mile new car warranty
Dealer certification
196-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.6 / 5
Based on 36 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.8
Interior 4.7
Performance 4.7
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.5

Most recent

  • Car has alot more life

    Car lasted along time I just out grew it and wanted something new but in all it's a great vehicle for commuting back and forth to work. Needed minimal maintenance and or service
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    20 people out of 21 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • love it

    I have 170,000 miles still looks And runs great I love it I haven’t spent much money A lot of money on it I just change the oil every 5000 miles and fix whatever needs fixing that shows up on the computer nothing too expensive
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    10 people out of 11 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Awesome road touring car extremely reliable

    I bought this car new in 2006 and it is an extremely safe and awesome performance car in all weather. If you maintain them, they are very reliable from my personal experience. At 98,000 miles now and it still looks and drives like its new. Mostly used for long road trips and its performance is as expected from a classic BMW luxury performance car. The steering and braking has allowed me to drive around lots of potential trouble that lesser cars would not. It also gets 30+ mpg on the highway which is hard to believe.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most reliable and amazing driving car I’ve owned

    Great leg room front and back, awesome options and smooth ride. Great for long distance and getting around town or in and out of traffics.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most reliable car I’ve owned 2nd owner

    Beautiful 5 series AWD BMW. I just purchased all New tires. I have Good maintenance records. All leather black on black. Fully loaded with mp3 and Bluetooth. Heated seats and plenty of leg room front and back. Auto seats up front with memory seat on drivers side
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best 5 series ever

    Best bmw i ever own ... 4x4 sedan i beat all suv out there .. for 2006 the body luck like 2018 .. e60 my car w manual trass ... can?t fiind no more !!! Own for 4 years put 50000 miles no problem engine or transs .. good value !!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I will miss this car....

    Sporty Luxury car, drives like a dream, fits more stuff than most SUV?s. Only con is the maintenance cost. I would buy again if they had a 7 seater wagon
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • if you do Regular maintenance is good car

    I think is very good Vehicle but i did not like the entertainment system but the that i think is a good car i use this car for 2 years 210 k miles have little problem with car like Battery repayments light bulb Tires Just Regular parts AC compressor oil changes Transmission Flash i still use it the car 223 k running good no problems
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • cool car

    dope car like best thing ever handles well fast brakes excellency no mechanical problems. If i had to choose between a BMW and a Honda I would take maybe both because why not but the BMW has good gas milage and it goes around turns good
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Just a beautiful car all around

    This is definitely the best car that I have ever had. It's always a good feeling to see this car each and every time I get in it. Each time is like an adventure. It handles great. It's very stylish.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Beautiful Car!

    This car is definitely one of the best cars that I have ever owned. I can't say enough about the styling, the performance, and the incredible feeling you get when you drive it!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • All-in-one

    One of the best cars I've ever owned, great alternative to SUV. The wagon had all the room and practicality of an SUV, with all-wheel drive, and the performance of a sedan, less expensive tires. Huge sunroof, interior was very well thought-out with exceptional sound system and ergonomics. It was a great family car with a split window power hatchback. The inline six was silky smooth, but a bit under-powered for the size of the car, this was elevated with the later turbo (300HP).
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2006 BMW 530?

The 2006 BMW 530 is available in 2 trim levels:

  • 530i (1 style)
  • 530xi (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2006 BMW 530?

The 2006 BMW 530 offers up to 21 MPG in city driving and 29 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2006 BMW 530?

The 2006 BMW 530 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2006 BMW 530 reliable?

The 2006 BMW 530 has an average reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2006 BMW 530 owners.

Is the 2006 BMW 530 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2006 BMW 530. 97.2% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.6 / 5
Based on 36 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.8
  • Interior: 4.7
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.5

BMW 530 history

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