2005 BMW 5-Series Review Summary & Specs
525i Sedan
Benchmark luxury sedans are dynamically superb.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
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.
Specs
| 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 |
$41,300 |
Specs as Tested
| 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 |
|
| Price as Tested |
$53,080 |
| Layout |
rear-wheel drive |
| 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 |