2001 BMW 5-Series: Road Test
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2001 BMW 5-Series ▼
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- MSRP: $35,400 -$69,400
- Invoice: $32,020 -$62,620
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Our road test for the 2001 BMW 5-Series includes a full evaluation of the 2001 BMW 5-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 BMW 5-Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 BMW 5-Series help you decide if a 2001 BMW 5-Series is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 525iT wgn, auto. | 530i, man. | 540i sdn, man. | M5 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 6.1 |
None are slow--even the automatic-transmission 525iT wagon is surprisingly quick--but speed rises with prices. A test manual-transmission 530i did 0-60 mph in 6.7 sec. The potent 540s do 0-60 in about 6.5 sec in our tests, the M5 in just 5.0.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 525iT wgn, auto. | 530i, man. | 540i sdn, man. | M5 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 4.7 |
In our tests, an automatic-transmission 525iT averaged 17.4 mpg, a manual 530i 21.0. A 540i sedan averaged 15.9 with automatic, 19.3 with manual; a 540i wagon got 18.7. The M5 averaged 13.8 mpg. All require premium gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| 525iT wgn, auto. | 530i, man. | 540i sdn, man. | M5 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 6.4 |
Absorbent, unflustered in any model, though, Sport Package versions and the hot M5 are very firm on bumpy roads.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 525iT wgn, auto. | 530i, man. | 540i sdn, man. | M5 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 6.3 |
Genuine sports sedans all, despite moderate body lean in non-Sport Package models. Steering quick and precise. Braking exceptionally swift, stable, consistent.
QUIETNESS
| 525iT wgn, auto. | 530i, man. | 540i sdn, man. | M5 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6.7 |
Not Lexus-grade hushed, but minor tire roar on very coarse surfaces is the only annoyance.
CONTROLS
| 525iT wgn, auto. | 530i, man. | 540i sdn, man. | M5 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.1 |
Mostly handy and intuitive. The 525s have a simple dial-type manual climate control, but others get a combined audio/climate/trip computer setup that might stump Bill Gates. Cabin materials and workmanship first rate.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 525iT wgn, auto. | 530i, man. | 540i sdn, man. | M5 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
Spacious, with good head room even with sunroof. Supportive seats, but cushions a bit short. Power seat and tilt/telescope steering wheel allow most drivers to find a comfortable long-haul posture.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 525iT wgn, auto. | 530i, man. | 540i sdn, man. | M5 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.1 |
Too narrow for three adults, but better comfort than usually given credit for. Leg and knee room tight only if front seats set fully aft. And seat itself is very supportive, if too short for those with long thighs.
CARGO ROOM
| 525iT wgn, auto. | 530i, man. | 540i sdn, man. | M5 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
Sedans have narrow but roomy trunks. Wagon volume good but not great. Split-fold rear seats standard on wagons, optional on sedans.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 525iT wgn, auto. | 530i, man. | 540i sdn, man. | M5 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 7 | 3 | 4.7 |
For premium engineering and superior road manners, we recommend any 5-Series model you can afford. BMW's strong resale values help offset stiff sticker prices.
Total Score
| 525iT wgn, auto. | 530i, man. | 540i sdn, man. | M5 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 67 | 65 | 64 | 56 | 57.1 |
Total Score: 63
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