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2001 BMW 5 SeriesFor 2001, the BMW 5 Series is available in five models: the new 525i Sedan and Wagon, the new 530i Sedan, and the 540i Sedan and Wagon. The...
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For 2001, the BMW 5 Series is available in five models: the new 525i Sedan and Wagon, the new 530i Sedan, and the 540i Sedan and Wagon. The 525 is a new base model and includes a 184-hp 2.5L in-line six engine. The new 530i sedan replaces last years 528i and includes a 225-hp 3.0L in-line six engine. The Dynamic Stability Control System is standard on all models. The 540i models include Rain Sensor Wipers, Xenon headlights, a power moonroof, and an automatic dimming inside mirror. The Sport Package is available on all models and includes the M-Sport steering wheel, performance tires, 17-inch alloy wheels, and sport suspension. The optional vehicle navigation system includes a trip computer, an Emergency Call System, and a Geographic Disc.
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24 Reviews from Shopping.com
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My Daily Inspiration
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Pros: Money can buy love -- I love this hunk of metal
Cons: Slower than my best friend's Mini Cooper S JCW
The Bottom Line:
Part car, part love affair
I bought my first BMW (a 1987 735) in 2000. I will never buy anything else.
I kissed the 735 goodbye last year (got a little bit teary!) and bought a 2001 530i.
I freaking LOVE this car. Love love love it. It is very much an inspiration in my day. While I can't drive the bejesus out of it every day as I would like to (I work just one mile from home) but I have had transcendent moments in this car on the highway.
I don't think I have ever had a car elicit such emotion from me -- thrills, aggression(!), joy, and sometimes fear sneaks up from the sheer power at your control. There is a real reason that BMW people are passionate about BMWs.
And yes - I will admit to driving "like a BMW driver" -- it's hard to deal with all of the slow people and morons when your car was meant to GO! I do think that the BMW is also a good car to "menace" with -- people will move over when they see your shark grill.
The car will never back down, and incredibly agile. My dad collects Mopars and says my 530 is like a Mopar -- but with handling!
I also test drove the 540 -- but it really had more HP than I should have -- I drive my clients around a lot, so I went with the 530. I do not regret the decision. But -- next time I might consider a 3 series with a big engine. Depends on how many clients I have to truck around. It's also a roomy, comfortable, impressive car for my clients.
I paid under $15,000 for the 2001 530i in 2006. It was in nice shape, well cared for, and worth every dime. I have had only one repair in the year I have had it -- something that other owners of this model have had. It's repair history is WAY WAY WAY better than our Audi.
My one annoyance is that my best friend bought a Mini Cooper S JCW that will beat my car in the 0-60 by a full second. Crap!
Amy
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