2006 BMW 550

The BMW 550 replaced the 545 in the BMW 5-Series lineup, and continued the tradition of V8-powered BMWs. Under the hood of the 550 was a new 360-horsepower, 4.8-liter, double-overhead-cam V8 engine with variable valve timing and a High Precision Injection system.

A six-speed manual transmission was standard, while a fully electronic six-speed automatic transmission was available as an option.

Like its siblings in the 5 Series, the 550 was a mixture of aggressive styling, sports performance, and innovative technology. Standard high-tech features include Dynamic Stability Control, which adjusts power and braking in emergency situations, and Park Distance Control, which aids the driver in parking. Active Steering, which adapts the steering angle to suit the situation, is available as a stand-alone option.

Standard features for the BMW 550 are extensive, and include ergonomically designed leather seats, power windows, a leather sports steering wheel, power door locks, a sunroof, multi-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats, rain-sensing windshield wipers, adaptive headlights and brake lights, Dark Poplar wood trim, and an electrically adjustable steering column.

Other features include anti-lock brakes, a 10-speaker AM/FM stereo system with a CD player, 17-inch wheels, and BMW's iDrive control system with a 6.5-inch display screen.

Drivers tended to heap plenty of praise on the BMW 550, citing everything from its high-performance and responsive handling to its innovative, high-tech mechanics and luxury features as noteworthy. The car's exterior styling remained controversial, however, with some unimpressed by the redesign that took place in 2004. And some drivers noted that the iDrive system, while simplified for the 550, could still be a bit complicated to operate.