Used 2001 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews
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Amazing!
coop540, 07/07/2004
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sport Wagon (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Wow. That's all I keep saying everyday I drive this car. After years of lumbering around in SUV's 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 don't 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!
2001 525i review
gammak, 04/01/2002
2001 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Other than for two recalls, very satisfied.
2001 BMW 5 Series for sale near you
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BMW 530IA Sport Package
Todd Baker, 05/10/2006
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
5 of 18 people found this review helpful
The BMW 530IA is one of the best cars on the road. It is extremely reliable as far as making sure you get to and from your appointment. Many times, even the car is having issues.. the parts are so 'tough' that they will even get you to the dealership in a 'reasonable' amount of time w/o a tow. Of course.. there have been no 'major' failures thus far. The car handles like a race car.. but you can put your parents in the back seat for those trips to and from the airport. Lots of space where it is needed.. but gives most Corvettes a real run for the money off the line and at high end speeds. The car is at home around 90mph on the freeway. You hardly notice when you pass 120. NICE CAR.
Gotta love BMWs
SheBMW, 09/23/2006
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for 5 years now, and I will not part with it for love or money. She ROCKS!! I love the styling, the feel of the car on the road, and the response of that smooth inline-6. Have heard of people having trouble with theirs, but we've had countless BMW's in the family, and never a day of trouble. This will certainly not be the last BMW I drive - I'm a die-hard BMW fanatic!!!!
Bad Experience 540, m-sport
rams, 03/27/2010
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
4 of 17 people found this review helpful
I purchase this vehicle for my wife. Looks and feels excellent. powerful v- 8, excellent handling however it had 277,000 kilometers. i understand that with this mileage the car may need repairs et.. however the engine had a stalling problem. When stopping the RPM gauge would drop causing the engine to stall sometimes. the problem became progressively worse. BMW and 2 other mechanics looked at the car and ran scan tests. Nobody was able to solve the problem. I sold the car as is and lost thousands. Buyer beware
CarMax LEMON
K Word, 06/25/2018
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought the car from CarMax. It had obviously not had any kind of presale inspection cause when I brought it home, oil leaked about 40 yards across my street from my engine!! Within the first year of buying the car, most of the engine needed replacing, the transmission had to be replaced and much of the suspension. And, at the time, it only had 70K miles on it!, once repaired, the care was awesome to drive and the performance was great. At 130,000 I had to replace the engine. At 147K miles, the car was in an accident and declared a total loss. Because of the cars age, the value is only $4,200.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best in the end
Town Savage, 11/14/2004
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an extremely good buy for someone looking to keep this car for good. It has the perfect ballance between drivability and economy, and performance. The styling is extraordinarily popular all over the world.
Excellence
owner, 01/14/2005
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When this thing gets out in the road you can't even hear the engine but that power is directly under your foot. When you unleash this car on the highway you feel a sense of love. You would understand if you've even driven one. With the sport package on this car you get a great amount of features especially that suspension it makes you feel like your driving on a pillow. I love the way you can just drive without feeling uncomfortable. You can go on long trips without even feeling like you just have to get out the car and walk. The way the seats hug you when you drive is a thing of delight. It has the real BMW power in all ways. It's just great fun to drive. This car is the ultimate driving machine.
A fun ride
Barry, 12/24/2004
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is a great car if you don't need to haul any extra passengers or misc. gear. The trunk is smaller than previos 5 series that I have owned and the back seat is cramped as well. One other questionable feature is the cup holders, or lack thereof. There are none in the back and the front ones are worse than useless. Other than that, a fun car to drive and excellent performance.
Near perfect
pmrobers, 10/06/2003
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Every time I drive it I smile. The perfect balance between ride comfort and handling/performance. Handles like my corvette but the ride is much more forgiving. This is close to being the perfect car.
You'll Never Regret Owning This Car
kicker12, 12/10/2004
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
After an array of domestic and import sports car, I finally found what I was looking for (or maybe I finally got old enough to afford what I wanted). Drove everything out there from Acura TL to 350Z to Corvette to R8 to.... Nearly bought a new TL, for the price is the best vehicle out there. Finally found a 540i and decided to make sure before the Acura. Made it 2 miles on a test drive, called my wife and said we are done looking. Bought a CPO from Markel in Omaha, sight unseen, flew my 21 year old out to drive it back to Boise. He called after 50 miles and said "You should have done this a long time ago." Absolutely the best car I've ever driven or ridden in, if you can, buy it.
best car on the road
Chad Klimek, 10/14/2003
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
couldnt ask for a better car
Best car I've ever owned
Rubens, 05/27/2009
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is one of the best bimmer ever made. Reliable and performance are the words describing this baby. For best drive you will need to maintain the car...and when I say maintaining I mean it. So far I spend about 1000$ a year (it's my 3rd year for breaks, oil and air filter...tune up). But I still enjoy and love this beast!!!!
My Bimmer
Saud, 07/29/2002
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had owned other sport cars as well as luxury cars. I enjoyed them all, but this is my first BMW 540 I with Sports package... Wow, I can't begin to tell you how much fun I have driving it. I don't think I would be going back to any other manufacturer from here on.
Best of the Best
Shashi, 04/05/2005
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my second one, handling is awesome. Especially on highways. Seating design is excellent. On other cars, I can't drive more then 3 hrs at a straight, with my back pain, but in my 540 I can drive more then 8 hrs straight. One of the most comfortable car to drive and you can leave your worries behind. Makes your presence on the road to others ... Sure there are lots of other cars on the road, but its BMW .. :)
Bmw performance
Mr.Bmw, 06/04/2005
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This 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 you're 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.
BMW 540i sport, premium 6
Robert L. Huser, 07/06/2005
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This 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 can't beat a V8 manual transmission combo for all out driving excitement. Just awesome!!
Ultimate driving machine! Buy it !
robotech, 10/05/2005
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I 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.
540 Sport
DC, 10/17/2005
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I 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.
xxx
juliesbmw, 09/20/2002
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
great fun to drive, handles excellent
Love isn't blind
Roadster, 12/17/2005
2001 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love 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, don't 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.
Excellent choice
too fast, 12/09/2003
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you're like me and had to give up the vette or some other two seater toy for the family....the 540 six, or M5 should certainly delete and sadness! This car is great, and if I didn't see the 4 doors it could easily pass for a true sports car. I've disappointed a few cars including a CLK430, 99M3 (modified) and recently the new 350Z. It's the best all in one car I can think of at the moment that provides family time and performance driving!
If I weren't typing I'd be driving!!
axelro43, 07/15/2006
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car!! Handling and speed are superb. Xenon is wonderful. The Interior is plush and driver friendly. Cupholders aren't great but you won't think about drinking anything while driving this performance machine!! In addition I believe that this is one of the best looking vehicles on the road as well as best performing! You'll never sell it!!
German perfection
Troy, 01/08/2004
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best car I have ever owned. I will now own nothing but BMW.
Uber Wagon
JAMindfw, 01/21/2004
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sport Wagon (4.4L 8cyl 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Not only the best wagon on the market, but the best car. The wagon actually gives you 50/50 weight distribution. Handles better than the sedan. The extra torque of the 540 is worth the investment. I have used it to haul and road trips, etc. Did a euro delivery too, so got to drive it on home turf. Seeing euro delivery is actually cheaper, one would be crazy not to buy that way. New wagons won't be available (E60) til 2005-06.
Got To Love a V8 and Manual Transmission
Robert L. Huser, 03/22/2006
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Only thing that sounds better than the DSP stereo is the sound of the engine working its way up through the slick shifting 6spd. Can't beat the low slung looks and accompanying wide tires. Don't 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.
BMW 540 with sport options close to M5
IL_Tim, 07/19/2007
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I commute a lot and needed an auto transmission, therefore no M5. This was as close as I could get and no disappointment. ALWAYS get the 540 with the sport option, otherwise stay with the V6. Fine, fine car, best of sport tuning and luxury.
Love my BMW
durwiler, 02/03/2004
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great all around sports sedan. Performance, comfort, and exceptional build quality. Dealer experience for maintenance has been stellar. I am hooked on BMW.
Best car I ever owned! A blast to drive
kechal, 04/05/2002
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car rocks! It is just plain fun to drive and I never tire of getting behind the wheel. The exterior looks get it noticed and I have recived many compliments on how great the car is. The only thing better than this car would be to own the M5. If you are thinking of buying this car - DO IT! I can't imagine anyone haveing regrets. Just make sure you like the dealer you buy from as dealership quality does not always live up to the quality of the car.
and
anderkr, 02/12/2004
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
all around an excellent car
Ned's Review
Ned, 01/18/2003
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Way over priced. Tiny trunk; does not handle well in snow or on wet road surfaces; non-existent cup holders (break at least once a year); limited interior storage. Difficult for a six footer to enter and exit (steering wheel feature not really helpful); leg romm is very narrow for driver; no compass.
Best car I've ever owned
Sean P, 03/01/2004
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an exceptional car that combines true two-seater performance in a 4-door family sedan's body. Like other reviewers, I smile every time I get in and head for an interstate.
How not to design a navigation system
ashwini, 01/09/2003
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If another car (Lexus) in the class offered manual transmission with almost 300 horses then this would be the wrong choice. Lots of little things keep going wrong with the car. Sometimes the service engine soon light with turn-on and gone after 15-20 miles. The electronic key will stop working. But once it starts to move, this is awsome. I live with the minor annoyances since I really want a manual transmission in my car.
540 6-speed
trainmandan, 02/03/2004
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fantastic vehicle. Two years after the fact it still brings a smile. Great acceleration, smooth ride, good looks.Replaced stock differential with Dinan 3.15, added other Dinan upgrades.Acceleration from 70 mph to 120 is amazing.Wish the car had a bit more rear leg room. Only minor maintenence problems with light bulbs, key losing initiation and aux. fan. OEM Dunlaps fair, replacement Bridgestone Pole Position SO4's poor, Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3's by far the best. Has held its value well, by far the best car I've ever owned.
2001 540iA
timmcgarry, 05/22/2003
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 540iA automobile is one of the finer cars I have had the pleasure to drive. The handling and cornering is the best I have had experienced on an automobile. My sole complaint is centered on the stability of the automatic transmission. It slips. Several trips to the dealer have failed to resolve the problem permanently.
UDM
Eddei, 02/25/2003
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Just more space at the back seat and you have a winner in all catagories.
most bang 4 the buck
LION MCCOY, 05/31/2003
2001 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i've always wanted a wagon,however, i dont have any kids...YET.the price of this vehicle was enough for me 2 sign $28,000 for a 2001 bmw 525i wagon w/ only 22,000 miles i have had sooooo much fun driving u can buy bmw's back of book
No wonder it won so many accolades!
DDS2B, 07/27/2003
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The complete package!! Absolute fun to drive!
New to me! Elegant and fun A+
Xclent, 04/22/2006
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Having just recently purchased my first BMW 530iA, although used, I can honestly say I am not disappointed with my decision. This car is superb. Sport, convenience and premium package with 17 inch wheels. I did order new headlights from an aftermaket internet wholesaler and that did the trick. The front looks new again. Getting rid of yellow and cracked lights will give your BMW or any car for that matter a new look again. If you decide to purchase a clean title BMW 530i you will be pleased every morning when you turn the key to go to work. :)
Hard to Beat
ThinGuy, 06/27/2003
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car (6speed, Sport Package) is a hoot to drive. Insane amounts of torque, and a suspension that strikes just the right balance between comfort and capability. If you want a reasonably roomy sedan that shows the world how successful you are, buy a Lexus or a Merc. If you want a sedan that delivers a superior driving experience, buy a 540. My car was in the Certified Pre-Owned program, so it has warranty until 100K miles or 6 years from the original in- service date. With 13K miles when I got it, it was indistinguishable from a new car, with a better-than-new warranty.
This is the ultimate driving machine?
bardi, 05/21/2003
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car drives well but suffers in the reliability category. Something seems to go wrong every month. Numerous attempts to fix the same problem seem to have failed. Build quality is poor relative to price. Of course, when the car isnt in the shop it does drive like a BMW should.
Definitely the ultimate driving machine
RickBMW, 03/02/2004
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best car I've ever owned. Everything about it reeks of quality and attention to detail. Gas mileage does suffer in city driving (16 mpg) but it gets a whopping 30 mpg on the highway and it's smooth as glass.
530i - fine sports sedan
brad_t, 08/25/2003
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love my 530i w/ Steptronic and Sports Premium pkg. While it's not as powerful as, say, a G35 sedan, its better balanced handling, precise steering and grippiness make it the most satisfying sports sedan in the mid luxury class. New 5 coming soon (with fancy steering), but I think most people will find the old 5 fine enough. 5/5 stars... and I'm not alone, "Car" of UK rates the 5, 5/5 also. Brad
Certified what
golfbimmer, 08/06/2003
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2001 530i in January and have been to the dealer 6 times for different problems. I live 80 miles from the dealer and when something goes wrong, I have to wait 10 days to get a free loaner and service. I am looking for a different car. This is my second Bimmer and I hate to say maybe my last.
2001 530i with Premium/Xenon
kashvyas, 05/28/2004
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Superb fun sporty sedan
Stan , 06/17/2004
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Best Ever
beegee, 08/13/2003
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Highest rated car by Consumer Reports for a reason. Wicked-fun to drive, as long as the weather is nice. If it snows, leave it in the garage and take the bus. I still get 2nd looks and compliments 2 years later mainly because of the M-style wheels that came with the early Sports Package.
simple and nice
MongMong, 06/18/2004
2001 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
it's simple, classy, nice
A Corvette for the family
booger, 03/10/2003
2001 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan (4.4L 8cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It is way better in the snow than most front wheel drives. It handles and rides like a luxury car but when challenged can perform like a sports car. The best car I ever owned.
The best car of its time
mrmomo313, 03/31/2008
2001 BMW 5 Series 530i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought her 7 years ago and it feels the way it did when it pulled out of the showroom. Car runs perfect. I have never had to fix anything on it. I take it for its usaul check ups. This is the Ultimate Driving Machine! Buy it if you need a new car.