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Summary
Great cars abound in the mid-size sedan segment. Driving so many good ones can make us wonder whether BMW still has an edge. Climbing back into the 5 Series quickly dispels such notions, however. These sedan remain the benchmark for luxury sports sedans.It isn't necessary to drive these cars up Spa's Eau Rouge to appreciate their exemplary handling. They track like they're on rails when cruising around sweepers on America's Interstates. Their suspensions offer a great balance between controlled ride quality and precise handling, though the sports suspension transmits road imperfections.
(Source: New Cars Test Drive)
Model Line Overview
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Model Lineup:
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Sedans: 525i ($35,400); 530i ($39,400); 540iA ($51,100); 540i ($53,900) Wagons: 525iT ($37,200); 540iT ($53,480) |
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Engines:
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3.0-liter dohc 24v inline-6 |
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Transmissions:
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5-speed Steptronic automatic |
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Saftey Equipment (standard):
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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 |
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Saftey Equipment (optional):
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rear-seat side-impact airbags |
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Basic Warranty:
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4 years/50,000 miles |
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Assembled In:
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Munich, Germany |
Specifications As Tested
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Model Tested (MSRP):
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530i ($39,400) |
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Standard Equipment:
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(530i) 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 |
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Options As Tested (MSRP):
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Steptronic transmission ($1275); Sport Premium Package ($4300) includes Montana leather upholstery, sport suspension, 17x8-inch alloy wheels, 235/45R17 performance tires, Shadowline trim, moonroof, auto dimming interior mirror, rain-sensor wipers, multifunction M sport steering wheel, high-gloss Vavona wood trim; in-dash single CD player ($200) |
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Destination Charge:
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570 |
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Gas Guzzler Tax:
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Price As Tested (MSRP):
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45745 |
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Layout:
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rear-wheel drive |
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Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
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225 @ 5900 |
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Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
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214 @ 3500 |
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Transmission:
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5-speed Steptronic automatic |
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EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
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18/26 |
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Wheelbase:
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111.4 |
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Length/width/height:
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188.0/70.9/56.5 |
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Track, f/r:
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59.5/60.1 |
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Turning circle:
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37.1 |
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Seating capacity:
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5 |
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Head/hip/leg room, f:
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38.7/NA/41.7 |
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Head/hip/leg room, m:
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Head/hip/leg room, r:
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37.9/NA/34.2 |
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Cargo volume:
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11.1 |
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Payload:
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|
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Towing capacity:
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|
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Suspension, f:
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Independent |
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Suspension, r:
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Independent |
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Ground clearance:
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Curb weight:
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3549 |
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Tires:
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P235/45R17 |
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Brakes, f/r:
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disc/disc with ABS |
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Fuel capacity:
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18.5 |
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