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2000 BMW 5-Series Full Review
Date Published: 2/20/08
Also in the 2000 BMW 5-Series Review:
2000 BMW 5-Series Review
The return of a high-performance M5 sedan heads year-2000 news for BMW's midsize lineup. The 5-Series again offers sedans and wagons as 528i models with a 2.8-liter inline-6, and as 540i models with a 282-hp V8. The limited-edition M5 uses a 4.9-liter version of the 4.4-liter 540i V8 and comes with a firmer suspension, 18-inch wheels, mandatory 6-speed manual transmission, and exclusive interior trim. The 528s have standard 5-speed manual and now offer the 540's 5-speed automatic with BMW's Steptronic manual-mode shifting. There's also a 6-speed manual 540i sedan with a firmer suspension and 17-inch wheels that are included in a Sport option package for other models save the M5.
Rain-sensing windshield wipers and Xenon headlamps are now standard instead of optional for 540s (M5 has them too) and are newly available for 528s, which also gain the V8 cars' standard antiskid system. In addition, all models now have daytime running lights, fog lamps, and a right outside mirror that tilts down for reversing. Returning linewide standards include front side airbags, plus head-protecting tubular airbags that deploy from the ceiling to cover front outboard passengers. Lower-body rear side airbags are standard for M5 and optional on other models.
Rain-sensing windshield wipers and Xenon headlamps are now standard instead of optional for 540s (M5 has them too) and are newly available for 528s, which also gain the V8 cars' standard antiskid system. In addition, all models now have daytime running lights, fog lamps, and a right outside mirror that tilts down for reversing. Returning linewide standards include front side airbags, plus head-protecting tubular airbags that deploy from the ceiling to cover front outboard passengers. Lower-body rear side airbags are standard for M5 and optional on other models.
Competition
This diverse segment offers the widest price range. It covers everything from the $33,000 Saab 9-5 to the $128,000 Mercedes-Benz SL500. Obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $42,000 fully equipped. Though it is a front-drive V6 in a field of V8 rear-drive models, it has a great ride, plenty of power, and is quite luxurious. In the same vein, the more-expensive Lexus LS 400 continues to impress, excelling in every way except for handling.
If you are looking for something a bit more sporting we recommend the BMW 5-Series, Jaguar S-Type, or Lexus GS 300/400. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the new Cadillac DeVille or Mercedes-Benz CLK.
If you are looking for something a bit more sporting we recommend the BMW 5-Series, Jaguar S-Type, or Lexus GS 300/400. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the new Cadillac DeVille or Mercedes-Benz CLK.
News
Industry sources say the current 5-series design (what BMW calls "E39") should be replaced by late 2002 with new models ("E60") boasting sleeker styling, lightweight aluminum suspension components, and an available 6-speed automatic transmission. The existing 540i V8 should be little changed, but the current 2.8-liter six will reportedly grow to 3.0 liters and about 220 horsepower, while the next M5 will be hiked to 450 hp. Other new features are said to include electric instead of hydraulically operated steering and, for top-line models, so-called "adaptive" headlights that use satellite signals to adjust their intensity to suit urban or rural driving conditions. Sedans will debut first, likely as 2003 models in the U.S., with wagons following soon after.
Also on the menu are new 5-based coupes and convertibles, which may be sold under the 6-Series nameplate last seen in the late 1980s on cars that also owed much to a contemporary 5-Series. Whatever they're called, the new 2-doors should have their own look, said by some sources to be patterned on the angular Z9 concept car first shown in late 1999. Available information suggests a planned introduction around 2004, perhaps a bit earlier.
Also on the menu are new 5-based coupes and convertibles, which may be sold under the 6-Series nameplate last seen in the late 1980s on cars that also owed much to a contemporary 5-Series. Whatever they're called, the new 2-doors should have their own look, said by some sources to be patterned on the angular Z9 concept car first shown in late 1999. Available information suggests a planned introduction around 2004, perhaps a bit earlier.
2000 BMW 5-Series Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (540i, M5) | Low-speed acceleration (528i) |
| Steering/handling | Fuel economy (540i, M5) |
| Ride | |
| Cargo room (wagon) | |
| Quietness | |
| Build quality | |
| Exterior finish | |
| Interior materials | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Automatic 528s can feel underpowered on hills. 540s cope better, but the 6-speed manual has a balky shifter and heavy-feeling clutch. We haven't yet driven the new M5, but it's likely to be fast.
| 540i sdn, man. | 540iT wgn, auto. | M5 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 9 | 6.2 |
Automatic 528s can feel underpowered on hills. 540s cope better, but the 6-speed manual has a balky shifter and heavy-feeling clutch. We haven't yet driven the new M5, but it's likely to be fast.
Fuel Economy
We averaged 20.9 mpg with a manual 528i test sedan, 18.8 with automatic. An automatic 540i sedan averaged 15.9 mpg, a 6-speed 19.3. All use premium fuel.
| 540i sdn, man. | 540iT wgn, auto. | M5 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 2 | 4.6 |
We averaged 20.9 mpg with a manual 528i test sedan, 18.8 with automatic. An automatic 540i sedan averaged 15.9 mpg, a 6-speed 19.3. All use premium fuel.
Ride Quality
Few cars have better overall suspensions. Ride is quiet and absorbent with standard suspension. Sport Package models are comfortable, but more firm.
| 540i sdn, man. | 540iT wgn, auto. | M5 | Class Average |
| 9 | 9 | 6 | 6.5 |
Few cars have better overall suspensions. Ride is quiet and absorbent with standard suspension. Sport Package models are comfortable, but more firm.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Among the world's best road manners, even though the quick, precise steering is a bit sensitive at higher speeds, and non-Sport models have fair body lean.
| 540i sdn, man. | 540iT wgn, auto. | M5 | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 6.3 |
Among the world's best road manners, even though the quick, precise steering is a bit sensitive at higher speeds, and non-Sport models have fair body lean.
Quietness
Not as hushed as BMW's flagship 7-Series, but noise is kept out well, except some tire roar on very coarse surfaces.
| 540i sdn, man. | 540iT wgn, auto. | M5 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.8 |
Not as hushed as BMW's flagship 7-Series, but noise is kept out well, except some tire roar on very coarse surfaces.
Controls
Simple, legible gauges. Most controls are handy, but the audio/climate/trip computer display is confusing.
| 540i sdn, man. | 540iT wgn, auto. | M5 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
Simple, legible gauges. Most controls are handy, but the audio/climate/trip computer display is confusing.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Roomy. Good head room, even with sunroof. Supportive seats, but cushions are too short.
| 540i sdn, man. | 540iT wgn, auto. | M5 | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.9 |
Roomy. Good head room, even with sunroof. Supportive seats, but cushions are too short.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Smaller than some rivals, and too narrow for three adults. Leg and knee room are tight with the front seats back, and the cushion is too short.
| 540i sdn, man. | 540iT wgn, auto. | M5 | Class Average |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Smaller than some rivals, and too narrow for three adults. Leg and knee room are tight with the front seats back, and the cushion is too short.
Cargo Room
The sedan's trunk is narrow, but has a long, flat floor. Split folding rear seatbacks, optional on sedans and standard on wagons, enhance cargo space.
| 540i sdn, man. | 540iT wgn, auto. | M5 | Class Average |
| 2 | 7 | 2 | 3.9 |
The sedan's trunk is narrow, but has a long, flat floor. Split folding rear seatbacks, optional on sedans and standard on wagons, enhance cargo space.
Value within Class
The 5-Series is aimed at enthusiasts who demand premium engineering and superior road manners. We recommend any version that fits your budget. Although base prices are steep, they haven't increase for 2000 despite the added standard equipment.
| 540i sdn, man. | 540iT wgn, auto. | M5 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 2 | 4.1 |
The 5-Series is aimed at enthusiasts who demand premium engineering and superior road manners. We recommend any version that fits your budget. Although base prices are steep, they haven't increase for 2000 despite the added standard equipment.
Total Score
| 540i sdn, man. | 540iT wgn, auto. | M5 | Class Average |
| 62 | 67 | 54 | 56.6 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 41 | |
| Average Score | 56 | |
| High Score | 68 |
2000 BMW 5-Series Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 09/16/1999
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
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| 528i 4-door sedan, manual | $38,900 | $35,170 | $570 |
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| 528i 4-door wagon, manual | $40,700 | $36,790 | $570 |
|
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| 540i 4-door sedan, automatic | $51,100 | $46,150 | $570 |
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| 540i 4-door wagon, automatic | $53,480 | $48,290 | $570 |
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| 540i 4-door sedan, manual | $53,900 | $48,670 | $570 |
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| M5 4-door sedan | $69,400 | $62,620 | $570 |
Price note: 540i w/6-speed manual transmission and 540i with automatic transmission and Sport Pkg. add $1300 Gas Guzzler Tax. M5 add $2100 Gas Guzzler Tax.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
528i
Powertrain
2.8-liter dohc 6-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side-airbags, front side head-protection system, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Variable-assist power steering, power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shift knob, and hand brake, steering-wheel-mounted radio and telephone controls, cruise control, air conditioning with dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, 10-way power vinyl front seats (with power head restraints and memory driver seat, steering wheel, and outside mirrors), split folding rear seat (wagon), cupholders, AM/FM/cassette, diversity antenna, heated power mirrors w/passenger-side tilt-down parking aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, tachometer, outside temperature display, trip computer, map lights, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, remote decklid release, rear defogger, Service Interval Indicator, Active Check Control system, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover (wagon).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, tool kit, roof rails (wagon), full-size spare tire, 225/60HR15 tires, alloy wheels.
540i automatic add to 528i models:
Powertrain
4.4-liter dohc V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission (sedan), 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability (wagon).
Comfort and Convenience Features
14-way power front seats, leather upholstery, wood interior trim, power sunroof, automatic day/night rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, upgraded trip computer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: Active Check Control System.
Self-leveling suspension (wagon), Xenon headlights, 225/55HR16 tires.
540i manual adds to 540i automatic models:
Powertrain
6-speed manual transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front sport seats, multi-function M-Sport steering wheel.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 235/45WR17 front tires, 255/40R17 rear tires.
M5 adds to 540i manual:
Powertrain
4.9-liter dohc V8 engine, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Rear side- air bags.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system, upgraded audio system w/6-disc CD player, heated front seats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, 245/40ZR18 front tires, 275/35ZR18 rear tires, chrome alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
|
528i sedan
|
$3,100
|
$2,635
|
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528i wagon
|
$3,250
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$2,765
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|
Leather upholstery, wood interior trim, automatic day/night rearview mirror, rain-sensing wipers, cargo net (wagon), 225/55HR16 tires, cross-spoke alloy wheels.
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528i Sport Pkg.
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528i sedan
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$1,970
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$1,675
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528i wagon
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$2,470
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$2,100
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Sport steering wheel, sport suspension, self-leveling suspension (wagon), cross-spoke alloy wheels, 235/45WR17 tires. NA with Cold Weather Pkg.
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528i Sport Premium Pkg.
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528i sedan
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$4,300
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$3,655
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528i wagon
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$4,950
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$4,210
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Includes Premium Pkg. and Sport Pkg., 235/45WR17 tires. NA with Cold Weather Pkg.
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540i Sport Pkg.
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540i sedan automatic, 540i wagon
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$2,800
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$2,380
|
|
Automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability (sedan), performance axle ratio (sedan), front sport seats, Sport steering wheel, sport suspension, 235/45WR17 front tires (sedan), 255/40WR17 rear tires (sedan), 235/45WR17 tires (wagon).
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Cold Weather Pkg.
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528i, 540i automatic, 540i manual, M5
|
$750
|
$640
|
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Heated front seat and steering wheel, heated headlight washers. NA 540i manual or M5.
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Powertrain |
||
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5-speed automatic trans. w/manual-shift capability
|
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528i
|
$1,275
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$1,210
|
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Safety |
||
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Rear side-impact airbags
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528i, 540i
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$385
|
$325
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Power sunroof
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528i
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$1,050
|
$895
|
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Navigation system
|
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528i
|
$1,990
|
$1,690
|
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540i
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$1,800
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$1,530
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528i requires Premium Pkg. or Sport Premium Pkg.
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Leather upholstery
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528i
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$1,450
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$1,235
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Comfort 16-way power front seats
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528i, 540i automatic
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$1,200
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$1,020
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Includes power lumbar support. NA with 540i Sport Pkg.
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Power lumbar support
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528i, 540i automatic
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$400
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$340
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NA with 540i Sport Pkg. or sport seats.
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Sport seats
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528i
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$475
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$405
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Requires Sport Pkg. and leather upholstery or Premium Pkg.
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Split folding rear seat
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sedans
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$475
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$405
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Includes ski sack. 528i requires Premium Pkg.
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Heated front seats
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528i, 540i
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$500
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$425
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Premium sound system
|
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528i, 540i
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$1,200
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$1,020
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Power rear and manual rear-door sunshades
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sedans
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$575
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$490
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Manual rear-door sunshades
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wagons
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$180
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$155
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Rear park distance control
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528i, 540i automatic, 540i manual, M5
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$350
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$300
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Xenon headlights
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528i
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$500
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$425
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Self-leveling suspension
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528i wagon
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$760
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$645
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Mixed parallel spoke alloy wheels
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540i
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$300
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$255
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540i automatic requires Sport Pkg.
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2000 BMW 5-Series Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | BMW 5-Series 4-door sedan | BMW 5-Series 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 111.4 | 111.4 |
| Overall Length, in. | 188.0 | 189.2 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.9 | 70.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.5 | 56.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3495 | 3726 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 11.1 | 65.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | 18.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.7 | 38.7 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.7 | 41.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.8 | 38.5 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 34.2 | 34.2 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I6 | dohc V8 | dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.8 /170 | 4.4 /268 | 4.9 /303 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 193 @ 5500 | 282 @ 5400 | 394 @ 6600 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 206 @ 3500 | 324 @ 3600 | 368 @ 3800 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
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| 5-speed manual | 20/29 | --/-- | --/-- |
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | 15/23 | 15/23 |
| 5-speed automatic | 18/26 | 18/24 | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | BMW 5-Series 4-door sedan | BMW 5-Series 4-door wagon |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 3/36,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2000 BMW 5-Series Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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