2004 BMW 530 Review (continued)
Add your own review or comments

Summary

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.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	BMW 525i ($39,995); 530i ($44,995); 545i ($54,995); 545i 6-Speed ($58,295)
Engines:	3.0-liter dohc 24-valve variable valve timing inline-6
Transmissions:	6-speed manual
Saftey 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
Saftey Equipment (optional):	rear-passenger side airbags; active head restraints
Basic Warranty:	4 years/50,000 miles; includes scheduled maintenance
Assembled In:	Dingolfing, Germany

Specifications 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
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)
Destination Charge:	695
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):	53305
Layout:	rear-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	225 @ 5900
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	214 @ 3500
Transmission:	6-speed manual
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	20/30
Wheelbase:	113.7
Length/width/height:	190.6/72.7/58.0
Track, f/r:	61.3/62.3
Turning circle:	37.5
Seating capacity:	5
Head/hip/leg room, f:	37.7/NA/41.5
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:	37.9/NA/36.0
Cargo volume:	14
Payload:
Towing capacity:
Suspension, f:	independent
Suspension, r:	independent
Ground clearance:
Curb weight:	3472
Tires:	P245/40WR-18
Brakes, f/r:	vented disc/vented disc with ABS and electronic brake proportioning
Fuel capacity:	18.5