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 51 through 60 of 103.00

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  MY 540ia - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Kwan chow - November 2 - 4:13 pm

  I wanted a car with the power and handling ability of a sports car. Yet, I wanted the comfort and room of a four door sedan. When it came time for me the buy a new car, I decided on the BMW 540ia (with the sports package). I know the 540ia is not the most powerful, the fastest or the best handling car. And, I know that it might not have the most comfortable ride. However, I do think this is the best car overall, in one complete package.

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  Sport wagon for everyone - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By BMWPILOT - November 2 - 2:00 am

  You dont have to have kids to own this car. This is my 3rd BMW and I love it. Came out of a Nissan SUV which was nice but the gas milage and ride was KILLING me.I am now getting 30MPG on the highway! My last BMW was an 89 3 series (2.5L) that I had for 225,000 miles so I know this engine can go the distance and all of the extras on this car are amazing (fully loaded).

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  Exellence all you can expect from BMW - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Jaixl - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Great Handeling The only manufactur that have being able to create a perfect machine thats its in constant comunication with your sences and your soul.

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  another happy customer - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By jefflieb - September 9 - 2:00 am

  4 bmw and very happy

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  Amazing! - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By coop540 - July 7 - 2:00 am

  Wow. Thats all I keep saying everyday I drive this car. After years of lumbering around in SUVs of all sizes I started looking at BMW wagons on the strong advice of two good friends. Now I am forever indebted to them! This car is an absolute dream to drive and I really dont feel that I have lost much (if any) cargo space. The power delivery is powerfully smooth and seemingly never ending. The car is very quite and handles like its on rails! You will want to drive everywhere! If you have the opportunity to pick up the 540i rather than the 528i or 525i, do it! This car has put the fun back into driving for me!

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  simple and nice - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By MongMong - June 18 - 2:00 am

  its simple, classy, nice

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  Superb fun sporty sedan - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Stan - June 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my second 5 series BMW. It provides the fun driving experience of a truly responsive car while providing the room and flexibility I need to also use it for work. It is a joy to drive on the highway especially in the mountains. It makes going to meetings fun. Given todays gas prices I appreciate the true 32 mpg I get on the highway. The controls and guages are all easy to read and work. I wish mine had the more extensive trip computer. I have found nothing that matches the handling and sheer fun of driving a stick shift BMW. There have been minor mechanical glitches which have been fixed under the BMW warranty.

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  Passion To Drive - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By Beamer Boy - June 11 - 2:00 am

  The finest car that I have ever owned or driven - ride, fit and finish, and prestige. The 5 series has lived up to all the reviews and then some. The driver can feel the engineering. Even in rainy weather, the car hugs the road. The weight balance and responsiveness makes it ideal for winter city driving even in this hilly town. It is a drivers car!

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  the best of the best - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By tony wyan - June 2 - 2:00 am

  What can I say other than this vehicle is fun fun fun-not just transportation.Add the streptronic transmission and you get the thrill of a lifetime-driving a true sports machine and loving every mile you drive.I have driven them all but this one leads the pack in all catagories- the best..

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  2001 530i with Premium/Xenon - 2001 BMW 5-Series
  By kashvyas - May 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 2001 530i after a few months of research but dealer left a bad taste. The car is fun to drive and looks awesome but seems to require regular visits to the shop for various issues like radio, cup holders, wipers, bulbs, etc. The dealer experience is terrible - I have tried 4 different dealers over 3+ years and it is the only major regret I have (enough to make be go to another brand for my next car). Poor handling in snow. Front bumper is low enough to require frequent visits to the shop. Side and rear visibility is poor due to small mirrors and huge headrests.