2002 BMW 5-Series Review Summary & Specs
525i Sedan
Quick and comfortable.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
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.
Specs
| 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 |
| 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; 290-hp 4.4-liter dohc 32v V8 |
| 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 |
$36,595 |
Specs as Tested
| 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 |
|
| Price as Tested |
$43,670 |
| Layout |
rear-wheel drive |
| 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 |