2001 BMW 5-Series Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

BMW's midsize line offers sedans and wagons with inline-6-cyl and V8 engines. The entry-level models are the 525i sedan and wagon with a 2.5-liter six. The 530i sedan has a 225-hp 3.0-liter six and replaces the 195-hp 2.8-liter 528i. Again topping the line and largely unchanged are the V8 540i sedan and wagon and the high-performance V8 M5 sedan. The M5 comes only with manual transmission. The other models are available with manual or an automatic transmission with manual shift gate. Standard equipment includes an antiskid system, front side airbags, and front head-protecting tubular airbags. Standard on M5 and optional on other models are rear torso side airbags packaged with rear head-protecting side airbags. For 2001, all models get minor cosmetic changes and a wider dashboard screen for the optional navigation system.

Competition

This diverse segment offers the widest price range. It covers everything from the $34,000 Saab 9-5 to the $130,000 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. Mercedes-Benz E-Class, though a bit long in the tooth, also continues to impress with its impeccable road manners and luxurious comfort.

If you are looking for something a bit more sporting we recommend the BMW 5-Series. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the Cadillac DeVille or Lexus GS 300.

News

Late word from Europe has the current 5-series design (what BMW calls "E39") being replaced in September 2002. The new '03 models ("E60") boast sleeker styling with new low-profile multi-element headlamps, a squatter "twin kidney" grille, and a boxy but shapely sedan tail for increased luggage space. Also on hand: lightweight aluminum suspension components, a new 6-speed automatic transmission, and electric instead of hydraulically operated steering. Engines will be similar to today's group, but adoption of BMW's new Valvetronic variable-valve-timing system is said to push the 2.5-liter six to around 195 hp, the 3.0-liter to 230, the 4.4-liter V8 to 300 or more, and the next M5 to 450 hp. A new option will be "i-drive," which replaces conventional controls with a central can-size master dial used in concert with appropriate displays on a dashboard screen. Per BMW's usual practice when renewing a model line, sedans will bow first, wagons soon after. The latter may include a hot M5 version.

March 2003 should usher in a new 5-based coupe ("E63") reviving the 6-Series badge last seen in 1989. It's likely to arrive here as an early 2004 model; a companion convertible reportedly follows a year later. The new 2-doors use a short-wheelbase version of the 5-Series platform, but engines may be limited to base and high-tune V8s. In appearance, the reborn 6-Series is said to resemble the angular Z9 concept first shown in late 1999.

2001 BMW 5-Series Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (540i, M5)	Fuel economy (540i, M5)

Steering/handling

Ride

Cargo room (wagon)

Quietness

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		57
High Score		70

2001 BMW 5-Series Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 09/30/2000

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

525i 4-door sedan, manual	$35,400	$32,020	$645

525iT 4-door wagon, manual	$37,200	$33,640	$645

530i 4-door sedan, manual	$39,400	$35,620	$645

540i 4-door sedan, automatic	$51,100	$46,150	$645

540iT 4-door wagon, automatic	$53,480	$48,290	$645

540i 4-door sedan, manual	$53,900	$48,670	$645

M5 4-door sedan, manual	$69,400	$62,620	$645

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

525

Powertrain

2.5-liter dohc 6-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front side head-protection airbags, 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 w/radio controls, cruise control, air conditioning, vinyl upholstery, 10-way power driver seat, power front head restraints, cupholders, memory system (driver seat, steering wheel, power mirrors), heated power mirrors w/passenger-side tilt-down parking aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/cassette, tachometer, outside temperature display, trip computer, map lights, variable intermittent wipers, remote decklid release, rear defogger, illuminated visor mirrors, cargo cover (wagon).

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, tool kit, roof rails (wagon), full-size spare tire, 225/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.

530i adds to 525i:

Powertrain

3.0-liter dohc 6-cylinder engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Dual-zone automatic climate controls.

540i automatic add to 530i 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

10-way power passenger seat, leather upholstery, wood interior trim, power sunroof, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, rain-sensing wipers, split folding rear seat (wagon), rain-sensing intermittent wipers.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Xenon headlights, self-leveling suspension (wagon).

540i manual adds to 540i automatic models:

Powertrain

6-speed manual transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

12-way power front sport seats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Sport suspension, 235/45WR17 front tires, 255/40WR17 rear tires.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Deletes: power headrests.

M5 adds to 540i manual

Powertrain

5.0-liter dohc V8 engine, limited-slip differential.

Safety

Rear side-airbags, rear side head-protection airbags.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Navigation system, automatic climate control, interior air filter, heated 16-way power front sport seats, alcantara headliner, automatic day/night driver-side mirror, AM/FM/cassette/CD player w/6-disc CD changer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Heated door locks, heated headlight washers, rear spoiler, tire pressure monitor, M calibration suspension, front 245/40ZR18 tires, rear 275/35ZR18 tires.

Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires

Deletes: wood interior trim.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
525	$2,950	$2,510
530i	$3,100	$2,635
Leather upholstery, wood interior trim, power sunroof, automatic day/night rearview mirror (530), rain-sensing wipers (530).

Sport Pkg.
525 sedan	$1,500	$1,275
530i	$1,970	$1,675
525 wagon	$1,975	$1,680
Sport steering wheel (530), sport suspension, self-leveling suspension (wagon), cross-spoke alloy wheels, 235/45WR17 tires.

Sport Premium Pkg.
525 sedan	$3,900	$3,315
530i	$4,300	$3,655
525 wagon	$4,550	$3,870
Includes Premium Pkg. and Sport Pkg.

Convenience Pkg.
525, 530i	$1,300	$1,105
Automatic climate control, power passenger seat, universal garage door opener. Requires Premium Pkg. or Sport Premium Pkg.

540i Sport Pkg.
540i sedan automatic, 540i wagon	$2,800	$2,380
Automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability (sedan), performance axle ratio, 12-way power front sport seats, Sport steering wheel, sport suspension, 235/45WR17 front tires (sedan), 255/40WR17 rear tires (sedan), 235/45WR17 tires (wagon).

Luxury/All Leather Trim Pkg.
M5	$0	$0
Includes wood interior trim.

Cold Weather Pkg.
525, 530i, 540i automatic, 540i manual	$600	$510
Heated front seats, heated headlight washers. Std. M5.

Powertrain
5-speed automatic trans. w/manual-shift capability
525, 530i	$1,275	$1,210


Safety
Rear side airbags
525, 530i, 540i automatic, 540i manual	$550	$470
Includes rear side head-protection airbags. Std. M5.

Front and rear obstacle detection system
525, 530i, 540i automatic, 540i manual, M5	$700	$595


Comfort and Convenience Features
Power sunroof
525, 530i	$1,050	$895


Navigation system
525, 530i	$1,990	$1,690
540i	$1,800	$1,530
NA w/AM/FM/CD player.

Leather upholstery
525, 530i	$1,450	$1,235


Comfort 16-way power front seats
530i	$1,800	$1,530
540i	$1,200	$1,020
Includes power lumbar support. 530i includes Convenience Pkg. 530i requires Sport Pkg. and leather upholstery or Premium Pkg.

Power lumbar support
530i, 540i automatic	$400	$340
NA with 540i Sport Pkg. or 12-way power sport seats.

12-way power sport seats
530i	$475	$405
Requires Sport Pkg. and leather upholstery or Premium Pkg.

Split folding rear seat
sedans	$475	$405
Includes ski sack. 530i requires Premium Pkg.

Heated steering wheel
525, 530i, 540i automatic, 540i manual	$150	$130
Requires Cold Weather Pkg. NA M5.

AM/FM/CD player
525, 530i, 540i automatic, 540i manual	$200	$170


Premium sound system
525, 530i, 540i automatic, 540i manual	$1,200	$1,020
NA M5.

M Audio System
M5	$900	$765


Power rear and manual rear-door sunshades
sedans	$575	$490


Manual rear-door sunshades
wagons	$180	$155


Wood interior trim
M5	$0	$0


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights
525, 530i	$500	$425


Self-leveling suspension
525 wagon	$760	$645


Mixed parallel spoke alloy wheels
540i	$300	$255
540i automatic requires Sport Pkg.

2001 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.	3450	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 I6	dohc V8	dohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	2.5 /152	3.0 /182	4.4 /268	4.9 /303

Horsepower @ rpm.	184 @ 6000	225 @ 5900	282 @ 5400	394 @ 6600

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	175 @ 3500	214 @ 3500	324 @ 3600	368 @ 3800

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed manual	20/29	21/30	--/--	--/--

6-speed manual	--/--	--/--	15/23	13/21

5-speed automatic	19/27	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

< 2001 BMW 5-Series Photos

Also in the 2001 BMW 5-Series Review:

BMW 5-Series

BMW 5-Series Road Test

BMW 5-Series Prices & Equipment

BMW 5-Series Specs & Safety

BMW 5-Series Photos

BMW 5-Series Full Review

All BMW 5-Series

All BMWs