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2001 BMW 5-Series Review
The benchmark for luxury sports sedans.
2001 5-Series Review Summary & Specifications
Great cars abound in the mid-size sedan segment. Driving so many good ones can make us wonder whether BMW still has an edge. Climbing back into the 5 Series quickly dispels such notions, however. These sedan remain the benchmark for luxury sports sedans.It isn't necessary to drive these cars around Spa's Eau Rouge to appreciate their exemplary handling. They track like they're on rails when cruising around sweepers on America's Interstates. Their suspensions offer a great balance between controlled ride quality and precise handling, though the sports suspension transmits road imperfections.
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| Vehicle Category | Midsize Cars |
| Editor | Mitch McCullough, Editor-in-Chief |
| Model Lineup | Sedans: 525i ($35,400); 530i ($39,400); 540iA ($51,100); 540i ($53,900) Wagons: 525iT ($37,200); 540iT ($53,480) |
| Engines (standard) | 3.0-liter dohc 24v inline-6 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed Steptronic automatic |
| Engines (optional) | 184-hp 2.5-liter dohc 24-valve inline-6; 225-hp 3.0-liter dohc 24v inline-6; 282-hp 4.4-liter dohc 32v V8 |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 6-speed manual; 5-speed Steptronic automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | standard: ABS with dynamic brake control, all-season traction control (AST), dynamic stability control, two-stage Smart dual front airbags, front door-mounted side-impact airbags, head protection system |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | rear-seat side-impact airbags |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Munich, Germany |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-334-4BMW |
| Manufacturer URL | www.bmwusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 35400 |
| Model Tested MSRP | 530i ($39,400) |
| Standard Equipment | (530i) dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-speaker AM/FM/cassette stereo, pre-wiring for cellular telephone, power moonroof, remote keyless entry, power windows with all-window express down, power mirrors with automatic tilt-down of right mirror when backing up, power central door locks, onboard computer, alloy wheels (parallel spoke), power tilt/telescopic adjustable steering column, air filtration system, cruise control, electric rear window defroster, fog lights, roadside assistance |
| Destination Charge | 570 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Steptronic transmission ($1275); Sport Premium Package ($4300) includes Montana leather upholstery, sport suspension, 17x8-inch alloy wheels, 235/45R17 performance tires, Shadowline trim, moonroof, auto dimming interior mirror, rain-sensor wipers, multifunction M sport steering wheel, high-gloss Vavona wood trim; in-dash single CD player ($200) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | rear-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 45745 |
| Horse Power | 225 @ 5900 |
| Torque | 214 @ 3500 |
| Fuel Economy | 18/26 |
| Wheelbase | 111.4 |
| Length/Width/Height | 188.0/70.9/56.5 |
| Track Front/Rear | 59.5/60.1 |
| Turning Radius | 37.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 38.7/NA/41.7 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.9/NA/34.2 |
| Trunk Volume | 11.1 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | Independent |
| Rear Suspension | Independent |
| Ground Clearance | |
| Curb Weight | 3549 |
| Stock Tires | P235/45R17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.5 |
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