* Based on opinions and should be considered as general guidance only.
- Reliability (2)Early production years are plagued by complex electronic gremlins, cooling system vulnerabilities, and frequent oil leaks.
- Maintenance (2)High cost of ownership due to the requirement for specialized diagnostic tools and expensive OEM parts for even routine repairs.
- Technology (4)Highly advanced for 2004, featuring the debut of iDrive and active steering, though the early software interface is notoriously unintuitive.
- Comfort (4)High-quality cabin materials and excellent sound insulation offer a premium experience, though the suspension can feel stiff over sharp bumps.
- Dynamics (5)The E60 chassis and the silky-smooth straight-six engine provide near-perfect weight distribution and class-leading steering precision.