For 2001, BMW revised the styling of the 5 Series, including a reshaped front kidney-shaped grille, new front lighting units, a new front spoiler, new round front fog lights, new rear lighting clusters with red LEDs for improved reliability and longer service life, body-color side moldings and bumper strips.Otherwise, the 5 Series remains instantly recognizable as a BMW with its beautifully proportioned lines, and elegant front and rear fascia. The overall shape of the 5 Series body is a well-done evolution of a handsome basic design that dates back more than two decades.
5 Series sport wagons differ visually from the sedans only aft of the C-pillar, where an extended roof and tailgate replace the sedan profile and trunk lid. The tailgate has a commendably low opening, giving access to the luggage bay right down to bumper-top level; if smaller items are to be loaded aboard, the rear glass can be raised separately. The 5 Series sport wagons offer a larger cargo capacity than the new BMW X5 sport-utility.
The 5 Series body shell is extremely rigid, a plus in terms of both safety and noise reduction.