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 31 through 40 of 103.00-
Got To Love a V8 and Manual Transmission - 2001 BMW 5-Series
By Robert L. Huser - March 22 - 12:38 pmOnly thing that sounds better than the DSP stereo is the sound of the engine working its way up through the slick shifting 6spd. Cant beat the low slung looks and accompanying wide tires. Dont complain about the cup holders there is help waiting for you at the parts counter. There are both door mount and center console mount available. The car offers both outstanding comfort and exciting performance and handling. I LOVE THIS CAR.
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Love isnt blind - 2001 BMW 5-Series
By Roadster - December 17 - 2:13 pmLove the car overall and cannot find anything comparable. Outstanding gas mileage & performance. Smooth quiet and responsive ride and handling. Accessories are light weight... cup holders replaced twice, dont work well anyway, sunroof replaced twice after falling from tilt mode. Bought it certified so have the extended warranty and bought extended maint... so far well worth it. The parking sensors are fantastic, all cars should have them.
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540 Sport - 2001 BMW 5-Series
By DC - October 17 - 11:46 amI 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.
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Ultimate driving machine! Buy it ! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
By robotech - October 5 - 1:10 amI absolutely love this car. I find myself making excuses just to go for a drive in this car. This car will truely put a smile on your face every time you take it out. I drove the 525, 528, 530 and 540 as well as MB E320, Lexus GS300 & GS400 and even Volvo S80 models before settling on the 530i. In my opinion the 530i is the best choice in this series for power and fuel economy. Regular maintenance is expensive but I expected that with BMW. No problems, except for the lousy cup holders. They break easily and are practically useless. Trunk could be bigger (height wise). Buy a good used 530i and you will never look back! By far the best car that I have ever driven.
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not a great bimmer but a bimmer - 2001 BMW 5-Series
By Carlover - October 3 - 11:52 pmWe have owned it for 4 years.I now have it at college. Looks are nice yet little to understated for me. Handling is awsome! Much better looking then E- class. Interior is fitting of a 40k german luxery sedan.We havent had any reliability issues at all, just regular maintenance. Good for starting business person. However it lacks the power (which is the ultimate luxury) and prestige of an M5 or 760i. Which I know cost more. Also decent gas mileage.
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BMW... There is no other. - 2001 BMW 5-Series
By Dutch von Bimmer - July 16 - 3:42 amThis is a fantastic car. I think BMW broke the mold with this body style. I have loved this car every minute I have owned it. I have had many offers to buy this car. No chance, amigos! Get your own car.
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BMW 540i sport, premium 6 - 2001 BMW 5-Series
By Robert L. Huser - July 6 - 4:12 pmThis car is the ultimate driving machine. From the engine, transmission, overall gearing, handling, comfort, and sound system (DSP audio & engine) this machine rocks. Its also the best looking car on the road with very reasonable economy for the performance experienced. Averaged 26.4 mpg on latest 1500 mile vacation. This car satisfies all my wants, needs, and wishes. Forget complaining about useless cupholders, pickup a set of door pocket mounted holders at BMW accessory counter. Only unlucky reliability issues could bring complaints about this otherwise perfect overall automobile. You just cant beat a V8 manual transmission combo for all out driving excitement. Just awesome!!
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Shes a Smoker! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
By Blue Charvel - June 29 - 1:43 pmAwesome car, got a CPO after coming to the end of my 99 328i lease. Powerful and quiet, it does everything with a touch of class (even beating the pants off a CLK430 the other day :D ). I didnt buy it for the cupholders or fuel economy so really the only thing I could complain about is the standard stereo system... could be better, not quite crisp enough, gets too mushy at high volumes. Other than that minor detail, I love this car! Went through an adjustment period after the 3, the 5 handles much differently being quite heavy but after the last 5 months Im hooked.
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Buy It - 2001 BMW 5-Series
By CinATL - June 27 - 2:30 pmI bought this car for my wife as a car to drive around kids in - I think I want it for myself! This car has got all the power you will need, excellent handling and its smooth as silk. The 540, like the other posters say, is well worth it over the 528. There are too many great things about this car to list... simply love it, love it, love it.
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Bmw performance - 2001 BMW 5-Series
By Mr.Bmw - June 4 - 2:29 pmThis car is one of the best cars I ever driven. The styling is very terrific. I love my xenon lights and the rounded fog lamps. The leather seats can feel a little uncomfortable at times but if youre not going on long trips it should be just right. The thing I hate most is the reliability. I seem to find myself at my local Bmw dealership about every month for such things like noises, brakes etc.
