Luxury carmakers typically offer one or two variants in this class, but BMW has had at least three 5 Series sedans for more than a decade. That tradition continues for 2005.
The least expensive is the 525i ($41,300), powered by BMW's 184-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine. Next up is the 530i ($45,400), with a larger, 225-horsepower six-cylinder engine. At the top is the 545i ($55,800) with a 325-horsepower V8.
All 5 Series models come loaded with luxury features, starting with the 525i. Among them: automatic climate control with active micro-filtration; AM/FM/CD with 10 speakers, two sub-woofers; power tilt-and-telescope leather steering wheel; keyless entry with a multi-function remote and Vehicle & Key memory, which sets seat and climate controls for the driver whose key opens the car; automatic head lights; fog lights; 16-inch wheels. There are three 12-volt power outlets in the cabin and one in the trunk. There's also a rechargeable flashlight in the glovebox. All 5 Series models come with BMW Assist, which provides telematic collision notification, an SOS button, roadside assistance, locator and concierge services.
The 530i adds the bigger six-cylinder engine, slightly larger brake discs and 17-inch alloy wheels. The 525i and 530i come standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. A six-speed automatic transmission is optional ($1,275). The 525i and 530i come standard with leatherette upholstery. Leather upholstery comes as part of a Premium Package on the 525i ($2,000) and 530i ($1,800), which includes a universal garage door opener and the swanky interior lighting package with ambient light, auto-dimming and outside lighting.
The 545i comes with the six-speed automatic, leather upholstery, a power glass sunroof, a three-function garage door opener in the overhead console and more elaborate auto-dimming interior lighting. It gets still bigger brakes to complement the powerful V8. BMW's racy Sequential Manual Gearbox is available on the 530i ($1,500) and 545i (no charge).
Options: A Cold Weather Package ($750) with heated seats, heated steering wheel and headlight washers; on-board navigation system ($1,800); active cruise control ($2,200); SIRIUS Satellite Radio ($595); head-up display ($1,000).
The M5 version, the screaming high-performance four-door worshiped by enthusiast drivers, was introduced in September 2004, featuring a V10 engine and seven-speed sequential manual gearbox. BMW says it has no plans to sell a 5 Series wagon in the U.S.