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2005 BMW 5-Series Review
Benchmark luxury sedans are dynamically superb.
2005 5-Series Review Summary & Specifications
The BMW 5 Series is the benchmark for mid-size luxury sedans because it's the best balanced car in a supremely balanced class. Like other cars in this so-called near-luxury class, it mixes comfort, performance, and passenger-friendly accommodations in a manageable size. On top of everything else, it's great fun to drive.New Car Test Drive correspondent J.P. Vettraino is based in Detroit, with Mitch McCullough reporting from Charlottesville, Virginia.
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| Vehicle Category | Luxury Cars |
| Editor | J.P. Vettraino |
| Model Lineup | BMW 525i ($41,300); 530i ($45,400); 545i ($55,800) |
| Engines (standard) | 3.0-liter dohc 24-valve variable valve timing inline-6 |
| Engines (optional) | 184-hp 2.5-liter dohc 24-valve inline-6; 225-hp 3.0-liter dohc 24-valve inline-6; 335-hp 4.4-liter dohc 32-valve V8 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 6-speed manual |
| Transmissions (optional) | 6-speed manual; 6-speed Steptronic automatic; 6-speed sequential manual gearbox |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | antilock brakes with Dynamic Brake Control auto-proportioning, Dynamic Traction Control, Dynamic Stability Control anti-skid electronics, seatbelt pretensioners and force limiters, two-stage front airbags with dual threshold deployment, front-passenger side airbags, side curtain head-protection airbags, Intelligent Safety and Information System control with fiber-optic connections and post-impact safety measures |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | rear-passenger side airbags; active head restraints |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles; includes scheduled maintenance |
| Assembled In | Dingolfing, Germany |
| Manufacturer Phone | 1-800-831-1117 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.bmwusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 41300 |
| Model Tested MSRP | BMW 530i ($45,400) |
| Standard Equipment | automatic climate control with separate left/right temperature and distribution controls and active charcoal microfilter; power windows with key-off and one-touch operation; AM/FM/CD with 10 speakers and two sub-woofers; BMW Assist with automatic collision notification, SOS button, roadside assist and locater and concierge services; leatherette upholstery; cruise control; power tilt-and-telescope leather steering wheel with fingertip cruise, audio and phone controls; 10-way power front seats with power head restraints and driver's seat memory; keyless entry with multi-function remote and Vehicle & Key memory; power heated side mirrors with reverse tilt-down on passenger side; halogen headlights and fog lights with automatic control; 17x7.5-inch cast-alloy wheels; power outlets in front-passenger footwell, rear of center console and trunk; rechargeable flashlight in glovebox |
| Destination Charge | 695 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Sport Package includes Active Steering, Active Roll Stabilization, 18x8-inch cast alloy wheels with 245/WR18 run-flat tires ($3,300); Premium Package includes Dakota leather upholstery for seats and doors, dark poplar wood trim, auto-dimming interior and exterior lights and three-function garage opener ($1,800); Park Distance Control with graphic displays front and rear ($700), Xenon Adaptive Headlights ($800), rear passenger side-impact airbags ($385) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | rear-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 53080 |
| Horse Power | 225 @ 5900 |
| Torque | 214 @ 3500 |
| Fuel Economy | 20/30 |
| Wheelbase | 113.7 |
| Length/Width/Height | 190.6/72.7/58.0 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 37.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.7/NA/41.5 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.9/NA/36.0 |
| Trunk Volume | 14.0 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent |
| Rear Suspension | independent |
| Ground Clearance | |
| Curb Weight | 3472 |
| Stock Tires | P245/40WR18 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/vented disc with ABS and electronic brake proportioning |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.5 |
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