BMW 5-Series

The BMW 5-Series is an executive car manufactured by German automaker BMW since 1972.

1994
BMW used the same philosophy on most of its car lines. They were designed as sophisticated front-engine/rear-drive cars, fit with a variety of drivelines to create different models across a broad price range. This was done with the compact 3-series, the large 7-series and the midsize 5-series as well.

Styling of the 5-series was virtually identical to that of the much more expensive 7-series, nicely used when impressing the neighbors on a limited budget. Competitors for these BMWs ranged from Chrysler's LHS to Mercedes' E420, including such mid-price luxury models as the Lexus GS 300 and the Infiniti J30.

The entry-level 5-series, the 525i, shared its 189-hp 2.5-liter inline Six and 5-speed gearbox with the smaller 325i. The 530i had a torquey 215-hp 3.0-liter V8; the 540i had a 282-hp 4.0-liter version of this same engine. There were station wagon versions of the 525i and 530i, but BMW preferred to call them "Touring" models.

The top-line 540i was available only as a 4-door sedan. A 6-speed manual transmission is optional on the 540i.

The 540i was a high-performance sport sedan in the $50,000 range. It is fast, handles superbly, has excellent brakes and it's as comfortable as any other midsize luxury sedan. Comfort is something you don't always get when a car's emphasis is on "sport" rather than "luxury." 

BMW's AST computerized traction control was standard on the 530i Touring station wagon and available on all other 5-series models. The 530i Touring wagon also came with a unique dual sunroof as standard. It was optional on the less expensive 525i Touring.