Summary & Specs
reviewed by
Mid-size luxury sedans are popular because they mix comfort, fine performance, manageable size, passenger-friendly accommodations and the latest features in a stylishly functional package. BMW's 5 Series has been the benchmark because it may be the best balanced car in a supremely balanced class. On top of everything else, the 5 is great fun to drive.
The 2004 530i delivers a balance of sport and luxury, comfort, performance, speed, fuel economy and carefree driving that's hard to match with any sedan on planet Earth. Anywhere within the $25,000 price spread covered by the 5 Series lineup, you'll find a sedan that's satisfying to own and drive.
We might quibble with details in the redesigned 2004 5 Series, or in the marketing scheme behind it. But at its core it's better than ever, assuming you're comfortable with its looks.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Luxury Cars |
| Editor |
J.P. Vettraino |
| Model Lineup |
BMW 525i ($39,995); 530i ($44,995); 545i ($54,995); 545i 6-Speed ($58,295) |
| Engines (standard) |
3.0-liter dohc 24-valve variable valve timing inline-6 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
6-speed manual |
| 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 (optional) |
6-speed manual; 6-speed Steptronic automatic; 6-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG) with electrically operated clutch |
| 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 |
$39,995 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
BMW 530i ($44,995) |
| Standard Equipment |
6-speed manual transmission, power windows with key-off and one-touch operation, automatic climate control with separate left/right temperature and distribution controls and active charcoal microfilter, 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 free-form 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/WR-18 run-flat tires ($3,330); 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 ($2,400); 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 |
$53,305 |
| 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 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
|
| Front Suspension |
independent |
| Rear Suspension |
independent |
| Ground Clearance |
|
| Curb Weight |
3472 |
| Stock Tires |
P245/40WR-18 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
vented disc/vented disc with ABS and electronic brake proportioning |
| Fuel Capacity |
18.5 |