Overview & Reviews

The former base 2.8-liter engine gets bumped up to 3.0 liters, with an expected horsepower and torque increase to go along with the larger displacement. A new 2.5-liter engine premieres this year, as do rear seat head airbags and a slightly freshened exterior. BMW also improved some of the optional equipment, including Park Distance Control for both the front and rear of the vehicle, a bigger LCD screen for the navigation system, and an optional single-disc in-dash CD player.

• Thrilling to drive, luxurious ride quality, clean exterior styling.

• Confusing interior markings, demanding manual transmission, high-end models are pricey.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 103.00

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  Reliable - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By josh37 - March 15 - 8:20 am

  I bought my 2001 BMW 530i with about 80,000 miles on it. It now has 140,000 on it. I have not had any MAJOR problem, but little ones here and there.. For a while, the car would just cut off at a stop light or in the drive way or anywhere when you hit the gas. It always started right back up, but it started getting worse and worse.. Nobody could tell me what was wrong with it because it didnt have any engine lights on... One day it cut off and the service engine soon light came on... It turned out to be the Camshaft posision sensor.. Now it runs like its brand new. Had a bad oil leak but only cost me $30 to get fixed. Cup holders are broke, and the wheels get break dust on them pretty bad...

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  Bad Experience 540, m-sport - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By rams - March 27 - 4:03 pm

  I purchase this vehicle for my wife. Looks and feels excellent. powerful v- 8, excellent handling however it had 277,000 kilometers. i understand that with this mileage the car may need repairs et.. however the engine had a stalling problem. When stopping the RPM gauge would drop causing the engine to stall sometimes. the problem became progressively worse. BMW and 2 other mechanics looked at the car and ran scan tests. Nobody was able to solve the problem. I sold the car as is and lost thousands. Buyer beware

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  Great ride despite high maintenance cost - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By SeanK - October 19 - 11:20 pm

  I was looking for a luxury car to modify into a performance vehicle (gs300 +turbo kit & +tranny swap). When I found this car looking for 6 speed rear wheel drives, I was immediately taken. Quick, comfortable & connected. Why buy another luxury automobile and turn it into a performance vehicle when you can buy one that is already dialed in. They are rare to find, and even more rare w/ low miles & in good condition. Car feels glued to the road at any speed the governor allows. After leaning on the throttle uphill in 6th, I realized how much power this engine has. If you understand the cost of ownership, go for it. You will not be disappointed. If you care about MPG, get a different car!

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  Good car - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Dutch in Texas - March 27 - 9:06 am

  The 540iA with Sport Package is great to drive. The car is rock solid on the road, but I have had a number of parts replaced. My one gripe with the car is it sits too low to the ground. My front bumper cover and front air spoiler were torn off by objects. The car is solid to speeds up to 145 mph (yes, we drove it that fast once as per the speedometer). There is likely some small amount of speedometer error. I purchased the extended warranty, and it was a wise investment. The extended warranty cost ~$3,300, but it got me a new factory radio, radiator, radiator expansion tank, power steering pump, and several thousand dollars of replacement suspension parts (plus service).

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  No Compromises - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Jeff - August 28 - 2:36 pm

  Found a 2001 530i Sport for the same price as a used Accord. After driving primarily American and Japanese front wheel drive vehicles for 15 years, the no compromise engineering that goes into BMW was like attending a driving revival. RWD, I-6, trunk located battery, 50/50 weight distribution, aluminum 4 wheel independent suspension, etc make this vehicle drive like lawyers dont exist at BMW. Some cars will turn and accelerate well when you ask them to, this car begs you to turn and accelerate at every chance. It accelerates quicker than a 3.0L should it handles better than any 3500 Lb vehicle should. Balanced, focused, no compromise performance. The Ultimate Driving Machine.

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  Great car under 70k mi - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Maddog - February 25 - 6:03 pm

  Awesome car right up to 75k miles, when the car started having many coolant sys problems. Long term reliability not acceptable for people like me who like to keep their cars.

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  Executive Ride - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Chris - September 27 - 1:44 pm

  Found myself wanting a sporty, high-end sedan and the 2001 530 with Sport and Premium is most definitely it. Took some time to find a manual, and silver wasnt my first color choice but found one with less that 50K miles. Car is beautiful inside and out, will enjoy for a long time. Sport suspension makes you really feel the road yet nothing jarring, acceleration is surprising with a relatively big car with a six cylinder, and the engine is incredibly quiet. Time will tell re reliability, disappointed that a week after purchase the alternator went out on me. Rec - dont take to dealer, find a good indie mechanic and get to know him.

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  Excellent.. BUT - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By MRF - December 13 - 2:47 pm

  While this is certainly the finest car Ive ever owned, I have been rather disappointed with a few items. Good stuff: This car has an amazing balance of handling prowess and ride quality. Its quiet (except for Dunlops) and feels planted at any speed. The sport seats are incredibly supportive and the controls are well-placed. Silver/black which is a stunning combination. No comparison to my Saab 9-5 in most ways. Main complaint comes from the seriously weak sound system (base system) and the creaks/rattles that come (Im told) from my fold down seats. Hey BMW, dont offer fold downs if you cant build them without resulting in rattles. Rust spots not covered by BMW (still fighting).

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  New to me! Elegant and fun A+ - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Xclent - April 21 - 10:48 pm

  Having just recently purchased my first BMW 530iA, although used, I can honestly say I am not disappointed with my decision. This car is superb. Sport, convenience and premium package with 17 inch wheels. I did order new headlights from an aftermaket internet wholesaler and that did the trick. The front looks new again. Getting rid of yellow and cracked lights will give your BMW or any car for that matter a new look again. If you decide to purchase a clean title BMW 530i you will be pleased every morning when you turn the key to go to work. :)

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  540 Sport - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By DC - October 17 - 11:46 am

  I bought this vehicle with a little over 7k on it. It was a worthly vehicle for about a year. Electrical problems started with the HVAC system which eventually led to a major electrical fire. An igition coil overheated which melted the entire electrical main housing. The car was under warrantee, but was in the shop for 47 days. I fought BMW and they agreed that I got a lemon.