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2002 BMW 5-Series Review
Quick and comfortable.
2002 5-Series Review Summary & Specifications
Great cars abound in the mid-size sedan segment, but the BMW 5 Series remains the benchmark for luxury sports sedans. The 5 Series is getting a bit long in the tooth, however, and we are beginning to look for a new-generation 5 Series sometime soon, possibly for model-year 2003.Offering exemplary handling, the current 5 Series models track like they're on rails when driving around fast sweepers. Their suspensions offer a great balance between controlled ride quality and precise handling. The optional sports suspension is on the firm side and transmits road imperfections.
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| Vehicle Category | Luxury Cars |
| Editor | Mitch McCullough, Editor-in-Chief |
| Model Lineup | Sedans: 525i ($36,595); 530i ($40,095); 540iA ($51,745); 540i ($54,545) / Wagons: 525iT ($37,770); 540iT ($54,245) |
| Engines (standard) | 3.0-liter dohc 24v inline-6 |
| Engines (optional) | 184-hp 2.5-liter dohc 24-valve inline-6; 225-hp 3.0-liter dohc 24v inline-6; 290-hp 4.4-liter dohc 32v V8 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed Steptronic automatic |
| Transmissions (optional) | 5-speed manual; 6-speed manual; 5-speed Steptronic automatic |
| Safety Equipment (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 | 36595 |
| Model Tested MSRP | 530i ($40,095) |
| Standard Equipment | 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 | |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Steptronic transmission ($1275); Sport Package ($2300) includes 12-way power front sport seats, Shadowline exterior trim, M Sport steering wheel, M shift knob, 17-inch cross spoke composite cast-alloy wheels, 235/45 W-rated performance tires, sports suspension |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | rear-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 43670 |
| 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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