2000 BMW 5 Series Review

The BMW mid-size 540i sports sedan is so good it's the car most rivals shoot at.

The 540i should be an accomplished car because BMW invented the modern mid-size sports sedan with its 1975 530i model. BMW even beat Mercedes-Benz to the punch with such an auto because it long was a producer of sportier cars than Mercedes.

The rival Jaguar S-Type and Audi A6 4.2 sedans look more stylish than the 540i. But the 540i is plenty handsome and comes out on top when the whole driving experience is considered.

The 540i is a member of the fifth-generation rear-drive 5-Series line. The entry model is the 528i, and there is a hot rod M5 sedan. Don't look for low prices here. They range from $38,900 for the six-cylinder 528i to $69,400 for the low-volume, hot rod M5 V-8.

The well-equipped 540i sedan costs $51,100 with a five-speed automatic transmission and $53,900 with a six-speed manual.

The 540i has a dual-overhead-camshaft 282-horsepower V-8 that allows it to streak to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. It also provides easy merges into fast highway traffic and quick passing on highways.

The manual transmission shifts nicely, but works with a long-throw clutch that is hard for shorter persons to work while keeping a comfortable distance from the steering wheel.

Not that a driver has to shift much, because the 540i's butter-smooth V-8 has so much power and torque you can shift from second to sixth gear with no protest from the docile car. Even 65-75 mph passing times are good without downshifting out of sixth gear.

New features for the 2000 540i include powerful Xenon headlights and rain-sensing wipers. New 17-inch parallel-spoke wheels are optional for the 540i with a six-speed manual transmission_or with the 540i automatic-transmission model with the Sport Package.

The $2,800 Sport Package contains a manual-shift feature for the automatic transmission, performance axle ratio for faster acceleration, front sport seats, sport suspension and wider tires.

The automatic shifts crisply, so there's no need to use the transmission's manual-shift feature most of the time. And the Sport Package's firm sport suspension causes the ride to occasionally become jerky.

BMW power steering long has been extremely precise, although it's rather heavy. In fact, the entire car has a heavy feel because it weighs approximately 3,800 pounds.

This is a potent rear-drive car, so it has a standard stability control system to help it maintain good grip on slippery roads. Handling is sharp, and the powerful brakes are controlled by an easily modulated pedal.

The weight hurts city fuel economy, with an mpg figure that is only in the mid-teens. Highway economy is an estimated 23 to 24 mpg, but the 540i with the manual will deliver up to 26 mpg at 65-70 mph during steady cruising.

The luxurious wood-and-leather interior is quiet, except for some road noise. It easily swallows four tall adults_or five in a pinch if the center rear occupant doesn't mind having feet straddle a high driveline tunnel. The front seats are very supportive, and a big, fold-down center rear armrest gives the spacious back seat area a limo-style atmosphere.

Up front are standard side air bags and head-protecting tubular air bags_besides two-stage front-impact air bags.

The 540i has BMW's typical no-nonsense dashboard, with easily read gauges and smooth controls. The large radio controls deserve kudos. But the front console eats up too much space, and rear headrests hinder driver visibility. At least the back windows roll all the way down.

The long, deep trunk has a low opening for easy loading, and its lid smoothly raises on hydraulic struts that don't eat into cargo room or damage luggage.


BMW 540i SEDAN

Price: $38,900-$69,400.

Features: Fast, luxurious, roomy, prestigious, king of the hill.

Drawbacks: Low city fuel economy, long-throw clutch, overly large front console