2004 BMW 5-Series: Road Test
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2004 BMW 5-Series ▼
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- MSRP: $39,800 -$58,300
- Invoice: $36,380 -$53,215
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Our road test for the 2004 BMW 5-Series includes a full evaluation of the 2004 BMW 5-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 BMW 5-Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 BMW 5-Series help you decide if a 2004 BMW 5-Series is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 525i, auto. | 530i, auto. | 530i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 545i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 6.4 |
Test automatic-transmission 525i did 7.7 sec 0-60 mph, manual 530i did 7.1, automatic 545i did 5.5. Neither 6-cyl engine has much low-rpm torque, but they keep pulling to provide adequate acceleration. V8 stronger at all speeds. Manual gearbox provides silky smooth action. Automatic works well, but can be a bit tardy on downshifts. No opportunity yet to test with SMT.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 525i, auto. | 530i, auto. | 530i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 545i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.6 |
Test automatic-transmission 525i averaged 18.4 mpg, 530i manuals averaged 19.7-20, 545i automatic averaged 17.7. All engines require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 525i, auto. | 530i, auto. | 530i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 545i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Smooth, stable at any speed, but best with 525's standard 16-inch tires. Sport Package's stiffer suspension and 17- or 18-inch run-flat tires combine for stiffer feel that allows ruts to pound through, but ride never becomes harsh. 5-Series' ride/handling combination among world's best.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 525i, auto. | 530i, auto. | 530i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 545i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 6.8 |
Well-balanced, agile, always composed. The luxury sports sedan others strive to match. Active Steering a boon to low-speed maneuverability, but its activation point is inconsistent, so many testers prefer the standard steering. Little body lean in fast turns, even less with Active Roll Stabilization. Braking strong, stable, straight.
QUIETNESS
| 525i, auto. | 530i, auto. | 530i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 545i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
Virtually no wind rush. Only real road noise comes with Sport Package tires, and they're hushed on most surfaces. Solid build quality for few creaks, rattles. 3.0-liter six always smooth, with a muted growl in aggressive acceleration.
CONTROLS
| 525i, auto. | 530i, auto. | 530i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 545i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6.7 |
Must interact with iDrive for anything other than simplest audio, climate adjustments. That complicates most functions and diverts driver attention. Control layout itself simple, convenient. Elegant interior decor benefits from top-notch materials.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 525i, auto. | 530i, auto. | 530i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 545i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7.2 |
Good head, leg room for all but the very tall. Firm, supportive seats. Power seats, tilt/telescope steering wheel make it easy to find a comfortable driving position.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 525i, auto. | 530i, auto. | 530i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 545i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Fine head, leg, toe space. Taller riders may want more head clearance and will have leg room problems only with front seats all the way back. Long, firm cushions provide fine comfort.
CARGO ROOM
| 525i, auto. | 530i, auto. | 530i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 545i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Good trunk room, though high liftover. Hinges covered to prevent crushing packages, but do gobble space. Needs more interior storage.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 525i, auto. | 530i, auto. | 530i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 545i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.8 |
The 6-cyl engines are outperformed by those in some cars that cost less, iDrive confounds, and Active Steering can be a love-hate affair. Still, technology such as Active Roll Stabilization is truly useful and helps BMW maintain the 5-Series' world-class handling--without compromising its admirable ride quality. Overall, this is a formidable blend of luxury, sport, and engineering.
Total Score
| 525i, auto. | 530i, auto. | 530i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 545i w/Sport Pkg., auto. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 64 | 64 | 63 | 64 | 60.8 |
Total Score: 64
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
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