2004 BMW 5-Series Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

New styling, new features, and more V8 power highlight the redesigned 5-Series for 2004. Gone is the wagon body style, leaving sedans that are slightly larger than the 1997-2003 generation. Four models are offered. The 525i retains a 184-hp 2.5-liter inline 6-cyl engine. The 530i carries over a 225-hp 3.0 inline 6. The 545i and 545i 6-Speed models use a 4.4-liter V8 with 325 hp, up from 290 in last year's 540i. All but the 545i come with a 6-speed manual transmission. Standard on the 545i and optional on the 525i and 530i is a 6-speed automatic with manual shift gate. Standard on all are ABS, antiskid/traction control, front side airbags, and front and rear head-protecting tubular side airbags. Rear torso side airbags are optional. Included on the 545i 6-Speed and optional on the other models is a sport suspension teamed with run-flat tires, plus BMW's Active Steering that electronically varies steering ratio and assist, and BMW's Active Roll Stabilization, designed to counteract body lean. All models have BMW's iDrive, which uses a console "joystick" knob to control entertainment, navigation, communication, and climate functions. Options include rear DVD entertainment, navigation system, front and rear park assist, heated front and rear seats, and adaptive cruise control designed to maintain a set following distance. Added midyear were optional head-up instrument display, satellite radio, plus, for all but the 545i automatic, sequential manual transmission. SMT is essentially a clutchless manual operated via console lever or steering-wheel paddles; it can also be set to shift like an automatic. BMW Assist emergency and concierge service and a tire-pressure monitor are standard.

News

Though missing for '04, the 5-Series wagon will soon return along with a new high-performance M5 sedan. The redesigned 2005 wagon will come in 6-cyl 525i and V8 545i models with more luggage space, separate-opening liftgate glass, and standard self-leveling rear suspension, plus most features of the latest sedans. Sales should be underway by summer.

Due by year's end, the next M5 exchanges the previous model's 4.9-liter V8 for a new 40-valve 5.0-liter V10 based on a BMW racing engine. If the recent "Concept M5" is any clue, horsepower should check in at a stout 500, and there's talk of 0-60 in just 4.5 sec or less. Expect the usual muscle-model upgrades including beefier running gear, stiffened and lowered suspension, "aero" body add-ons, and low-profile performance tires on 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels.

2004 BMW 5-Series Road Test

Pros	Cons

Steering/handling	Control layout

Ride	Fuel Economy (V8)

Build quality

Interior materials

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		60
High Score		71

2004 BMW 5-Series Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 01/12/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

525i 4-door sedan, manual	$39,800	$36,380	$695

530i 4-door sedan, manual	$44,900	$41,020	$695

545i 4-door sedan, automatic	$55,000	$50,210	$695

545i 4-door sedan, manual	$58,300	$53,215	$695

Price note: 545i manual add $1300 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

525i

Powertrain

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

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, side head-protection airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Power steering, power tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, telematics system, vinyl upholstery, 10-way power front seats, power front headrests, center console, cupholders, memory system (driver seat, steering wheel, power mirrors), heated power mirrors w/passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature display, trip computer, map lights, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, remote fuel-door/decklid release, rear defogger, illuminated visor mirrors, automatic headlights.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, heated washer jets, full-size spare tire, 225/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.

530i adds to 525i:

Powertrain

3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

225/50VR17 tires.

545i automatic add to 530i models:

Powertrain

4.4-liter V8 engine, 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Leather upholstery, wood interior trim, power sunroof, universal garage-door opener.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Xenon headlights.

545i manual adds to 545i automatic models:

Powertrain

6-speed manual transmission.

Comfort and Convenience Features

12-way power front sport seats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Active Roll Stabilization, sport suspension, 245/40WR18 front and 275/35WR18 rear run-flat tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
525, 530	$2,400	$2,185
Power sunroof, leather upholstery, power lumbar adjustment, wood interior trim, automatic day/night rearview and outside mirrors, universal garage-door opener, additional interior lights.

Sport Pkg.
525, 530, 545 automatic	$3,300	$3,005
Sport seats, satin chrome Shadowline exterior trim, active steering, Active Roll Stabilization, sport suspension, unique alloy wheels, space-saver spare tire, 245/45WR17 run-flat tires (525), 245/40WR18 run-flat tires (530), 245/40WR18 front and 275/35WR18 rear run-flat tires (545). 525, 530 require leather upholstery or Premium Pkg.

Premium Sound Pkg.
525i, 530i, 545i automatic, 545i manual	$1,800	$1,640
Upgraded sound system, glovebox-mounted 6-disc CD changer.

Cold Weather Pkg.
525i, 530i, 545i automatic, 545i manual	$750	$685
Heated front seats and steering wheel, heated headlight washers.

Powertrain
6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
525, 530	$1,275	$1,210


6-speed sequential-shift manual transmission (SMT)
525i, 530i, 545i manual	$1,500	$1,425
525, 530 require Sport Pkg. NA 545 automatic.

Safety
Rear side airbags
525i, 530i, 545i automatic, 545i manual	$385	$350


Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
525i, 530i, 545i automatic, 545i manual	$700	$635


Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
525i, 530i, 545i automatic, 545i manual	$1,800	$1,640
Requires rear-seat entertainment system.

Active cruise control
525i, 530i, 545i automatic, 545i manual	$2,200	$2,000


Leather upholstery
525, 530	$1,450	$1,320


Comfort 20-way power front seats
530, 545	$1,200	$1,090
Includes active headrests. 530i requires Premium Pkg.

Front-seat power lumbar adjustment
545	$400	$365


Split folding rear seat
525i, 530i, 545i automatic, 545i manual	$475	$430
Includes ski sack.

Heated rear seat
525i, 530i, 545i automatic, 545i manual	$350	$320
Requires Cold Weather Pkg. 525, 530 require leather upholstery or Premium Pkg.

Satellite radio
525i, 530i, 545i automatic, 545i manual	$595	$540


Satellite radio prep
525i, 530i, 545i automatic, 545i manual	$75	$70


Head-up instrument display
525i, 530i, 545i automatic, 545i manual	$1,000	$910
Requires navigation system.

Power rear and manual rear-door sunshades
525i, 530i, 545i automatic, 545i manual	$575	$525


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights
525, 530	$800	$730

2004 BMW 5-Series Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	BMW 5-Series 4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	113.7

Overall Length, in.	189.6

Overall Width, in.	72.7

Overall Height, in.	58.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	3428

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	14.0

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.5

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	37.7

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.5

Rear Head Room, in.	37.9

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I6	dohc I6	dohc V8

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

Horsepower @ rpm.	184 @ 6000	225 @ 5900	325 @ 6100

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	175 @ 3500	214 @ 3500	330 @ 3600

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

6-speed manual	19/28	20/30	17/25

6-speed automatic	19/28	18/28	--/--

5-speed automatic	--/--	--/--	18/26

6-speed SMT	21/30	19/28	17/24

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

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	12/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	4/50,000	--

Free scheduled maintenance	4/50,000	--

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

< 2004 BMW 5-Series Photos

Also in the 2004 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

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