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BMW’s 5 Series is widely regarded as the ultimate in luxury sports
sedans and wagons; indeed, the modern 5 Series created the “luxury
sports” classification. Then there is the 5 Series M5, a car that’s
in a class all by itself.
The 5 Series comes in sedan and sport wagon
(touring) body styles. Each model offers luxurious appointments,
thoughtful conveniences, long-distance comfort and state-of-the-art
safety and security.
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 5
Series Highlights
The 30th Anniversary of the 5 Series (September 2002) is also the last
year for the current model, the E39.
In awarding its 10 Best Award, Car and Driver said of the 5 Series:
"If a luxury sports sedan seems a contradiction in terms, the BMW 5
Series demonstrates how to properly execute the concept...BMW even
provides this blend of luxury and performance in 5 Series wagons."
There are
three available engines for the 5 Series:
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2.5-liter inline six that powers the 525i sedan and touring,
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225-hp, 3.0-liter six-cylinder powers the 530i sedan, voted
“Best Buy” from Consumer Reports, and
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4.4-liter V-8 found in the 540i sedan (automatic and
6-speed) and touring models
The 4.4-liter
V-8 found in the 540i is the same engine that has helped keep the 540i
sport wagon “the fastest production wagon in America”.
Except for the
price, very little has changed with the 5 Series for 2003. The base
price increase is modest, though, and the price of most options has
remained the same as 2002.
We’ve always
liked the 282 hp V-8 in the 540i 6-speed model. Drop in the
Dinan
turbocharger, suspension and brake upgrades, and you’ve got the
ultimate sleeper!
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5
Series Engines
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Engine |
525i |
530i |
540iA |
540i6 |
| Size/type/valves |
2.5/inline 6/24 |
3.0/inline 6/24 |
4.4/V-8/32 |
4.4/V-8/32 |
| Nominal Output |
184 hp@6000 |
225 hp@5900 |
282 hp@5400 |
282 hp@5400 |
| Maximum Torque |
175 lb-ft@3500 |
214 lb-ft@3500 |
324 lb-ft@3600 |
324 lb-ft@3600 |
| 0-60 mph |
7.3 sec |
6.8 sec |
6.2 sec |
6.0 sec |
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5
Series Products
Here is the complete
model line:
525 Models:
530
Models:
BMW 330 models feature
the M54 inline
6-cylinder engine.
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530i Sedan has the same profile as the 525i sedan but more power, additional standard equipment and design upgrades.
540 Models:
M5 -
The Ultimate Sports Sedan.
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