Summary & Specs
reviewed by
There is much to appreciate and precious little to dislike about the
upgraded and restyled 1997 5-Series BMWs. When their list of safety, comfort
and performance features is factored into price, they seem to offer more
than reasonable value for money. Add the quality of materials used, flawless
workmanship and three years or 36,000 miles-worth of free regular service
to the equation, and the prices become downright reasonable.
But the real defining characteristic of these overachieving sedans is
their driving pleasure. From that point of view, any 5-Series has to be
considered almost irresistible.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Luxury Cars |
| Editor |
Ray Thursby |
| Model Lineup |
|
| Engines (standard) |
2.8-liter dohc 24v inline-6 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
5-speed manual |
| Engines (optional) |
282-hp 4.4-liter dohc 32v V8 |
| Transmissions (optional) |
6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
ABS, dual airbags, front side airbags |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
|
| 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 |
$38,470 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
540i |
| Standard Equipment |
(540I) AM/FM/cassette audio, dual-zone automatic climate control a/c, power leather seats, power moonroof, keyless remote entry, power windows, heated poweer mirrors, power locks, onboard computer, traction control, aluminum alloy wheels, power tilt/telescope steering, cruise control, walnut trim, fog lights, traction control, alarm system |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
Sport suspension, 6-speed manual transmission, 17-in. aluminum alloy wheels |
| Destination Charge |
|
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Layout |
|
| Price as Tested |
$52,520 |
| Horse Power |
190 @ 5300 |
| Torque |
206 @ 3950 |
| Fuel Economy |
19/28 |
| Wheelbase |
111.4 |
| Length/Width/Height |
188.0/70.9/56.5 |
| Track Front/Rear |
59.5/60.0 |
| Turning Radius |
37.1 |
| Seating Capacity |
5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
38.7/56.8/41.7 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
|
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
37.9/55.9/34.2 |
| Trunk Volume |
11.1 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
|
| Front Suspension |
Independent |
| Rear Suspension |
Independent |
| Ground Clearance |
|
| Curb Weight |
3450 |
| Stock Tires |
225/60R-15 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
disc/disc |
| Fuel Capacity |
18.5 |