The 530i's engine is smooth and responsive. It glides along quietly when cruising, feeling like finely engineered machinery. Freedom from vibration is an inherent benefit of inline-6 engines, and BMW's are among the best.Nail the throttle and there's a growl akin to BMW's race engines. There's also instant throttle response: the 530i takes off like a rocket.
The 530i we drove offers an excellent balance with high-performance throttle response and handling without the expense of the 540i, which gets stuck with a $1300 Gas Guzzler Tax. On the other hand, the 540i offers an incredible 324 pounds-feet of torque for brilliant acceleration performance. The 525 represents an excellent value and we're eager to test it with the 2.5-liter engine.
From 0-60 mph, the 530i is about a half-second quicker than a 525i; you can feel that. Our 530iA was capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds; it could perform this with the manual transmission in 6.8 seconds. By comparison, a 525i accelerates from 0-60 in 7.3 seconds with the manual, 8.0 seconds with the automatic. At the same time, the 530i returns an EPA-estimated 21/30 mpg city/highway, though that drops to just 18/26 mpg with an automatic transmission. All these BMW engines require premium unleaded fuel.
Both the 2.5-liter and 3-liter engines are updated for 2001: A fully electronic throttle system replaces the electromechanical type. As a result, throttle response is even more precise than before. Also, a new intake manifold and increased valve lift improve performance.
We've tested the 540i in the past and found the 32-valve V8 to be quiet and unobtrusive, making itself heard only when pushed hard. When pushed hard, it's powerful, covering 0-60 mph in just 5.8 seconds with the manual, 6.1 with the automatic. The V8 has not been changed this year.
The 5 Series BMWs offer superb handling, regardless of suspension package and powerplant. They are true sports sedans, tracking precisely through corners with minimal body roll.
For the ultimate in razor-sharp road behavior, the Sport suspension package is the choice. Stiffer springs and shock absorbers result in a slightly harsher ride quality, but enthusiasts may find this tradeoff in comfort is more than made up for by driving pleasure. Our 530i was equipped with this package and it reacted crisply to steering inputs. Rippled pavement in downtown Washington was quite noticeable through the seat of the pants. For most people, the standard suspension (which is hardly standard) is probably the better choice.
Our 530i's Steptronic automatic transmission was excellent. It responds quickly to a tip of the throttle, dropping down a gear or two as needed. Equipped with adaptive electronics that tailor shift programs to driving style,. A sport shift program is followed whenever the 528i's transmission selector is in the third gear position, or the 540's lever is in fourth. BMW's manual transmissions work with precision and smoothness.
Traction control and anti-lock brakes are standard on all models. BMW's system of traction and cornering-stability enhancement, called Dynamic Stability Control, along with Dynamic Brake Control come standard on manual-transmission 540i sedans and are optional on 528i models. Dynamic Stability Control is a computer-controlled system that uses inputs from a variety of onboard sensors to selectively apply braking force and reduce power to individual wheels to counteract skids. Dynamic Brake Control reinforces the driver's pedal effort in emergency braking situations.
BMW's brakes are absolutely superb: They feel solid, like there's a direct connection between driver and brakes. They slow the car right now, but at the same time are easy to modulate, not grabby like some of the power brakes on old American cars.
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