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2001
BMW 530

Starts at:
$39,400
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New 2001 BMW 530
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 530iA 4dr Sdn Auto
    Starts at
    $39,400
    18 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-Cyl
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 530i 4dr Sdn 5-Spd Manual
    Starts at
    $39,400
    21 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-Cyl
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 2001 BMW 530 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
BMW adds new base versions to its 5 Series lineup, introduces two new six-cylinder engines and freshens the appearance of all models.

The 5 Series returns in sedan and station wagon body styles, and with the new engines, model nomenclature changes. Base models are now called 525i. What was the 528i sedan last year is now the 530i. The 540i sedan returns with the same 4.4-liter V-8 engine.

With a base price of $35,970, including the destination charge, the 525i sedan is $3,500 less than last year’s cheapest 5 Series model. Also returning from last year is the high-performance M5 sedan.

Exterior
Styling changes include a reshaped twin-kidney grille, body-color side moldings, and new headlights, turn signals and front fascia. The taillights get new LED lights. At 188 inches overall, the 5 Series sedan is about an inch shorter than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and nearly 9 inches shorter than the Lexus LS 430. The 111.4-inch wheelbase, however, places the 5 Series among the full-size cars.

Interior
All models come with front bucket seats with 10-way power adjustments for the driver’s side, remote keyless entry, a 10-speaker audio system and a power tilt/telescopic steering column. Leather upholstery is standard on the 540i and optional on the 525i and 530i. A split, folding rear seatback is optional on all models.

Under the Hood
The 525i uses a new 184-horsepower 2.5-liter inline-six-cylinder engine, and the 530i has a new 225-hp 3.0-liter inline-six. The 540i’s 4.4-liter V-8 generates 282 hp. The inline-six-cylinder models are available with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, and the 540i comes with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.

In a switch from usual pricing practices, the 540i costs more with the manual than the automatic transmission: $54,470 versus $51,670. All-wheel drive is optional on the smaller 3 Series sedan and wagon, but the 5 Series remains rear-drive only.

Safety
All models have two-stage front airbags whose deployment force depends on crash severity and whether the occupants are buckled up. In addition, side-impact airbags for the front seats and the Head Protection System, which consists of a curtain-type airbag that deploys to protect front-seat occupants, also are available. Rear side-impact airbags are optional, and this year they include head-protection curtains for the rear seats.

Traction control, a lateral-skid control system called Dynamic Stability Control and antilock brakes are standard across the board.

 

Reported by Rick Popely  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2001 Buying Guide

2001 BMW 530 review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
BMW adds new base versions to its 5 Series lineup, introduces two new six-cylinder engines and freshens the appearance of all models.

The 5 Series returns in sedan and station wagon body styles, and with the new engines, model nomenclature changes. Base models are now called 525i. What was the 528i sedan last year is now the 530i. The 540i sedan returns with the same 4.4-liter V-8 engine.

With a base price of $35,970, including the destination charge, the 525i sedan is $3,500 less than last year’s cheapest 5 Series model. Also returning from last year is the high-performance M5 sedan.

Exterior
Styling changes include a reshaped twin-kidney grille, body-color side moldings, and new headlights, turn signals and front fascia. The taillights get new LED lights. At 188 inches overall, the 5 Series sedan is about an inch shorter than the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and nearly 9 inches shorter than the Lexus LS 430. The 111.4-inch wheelbase, however, places the 5 Series among the full-size cars.

Interior
All models come with front bucket seats with 10-way power adjustments for the driver’s side, remote keyless entry, a 10-speaker audio system and a power tilt/telescopic steering column. Leather upholstery is standard on the 540i and optional on the 525i and 530i. A split, folding rear seatback is optional on all models.

Under the Hood
The 525i uses a new 184-horsepower 2.5-liter inline-six-cylinder engine, and the 530i has a new 225-hp 3.0-liter inline-six. The 540i’s 4.4-liter V-8 generates 282 hp. The inline-six-cylinder models are available with a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, and the 540i comes with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.

In a switch from usual pricing practices, the 540i costs more with the manual than the automatic transmission: $54,470 versus $51,670. All-wheel drive is optional on the smaller 3 Series sedan and wagon, but the 5 Series remains rear-drive only.

Safety
All models have two-stage front airbags whose deployment force depends on crash severity and whether the occupants are buckled up. In addition, side-impact airbags for the front seats and the Head Protection System, which consists of a curtain-type airbag that deploys to protect front-seat occupants, also are available. Rear side-impact airbags are optional, and this year they include head-protection curtains for the rear seats.

Traction control, a lateral-skid control system called Dynamic Stability Control and antilock brakes are standard across the board.

 

Reported by Rick Popely  for cars.com
From the cars.com 2001 Buying Guide

Available cars near you

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
4 years / 50,000 miles
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years / 50,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Certified Pre-Owned Elite with less than 15,000 miles; Certified Pre-Owned with less than 60,000 miles
Basic
1 year / unlimited miles from expiration of 4-year / 50,000-mile new car warranty
Dealer certification
196-point inspection

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  • 2005
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Consumer reviews

4.6 / 5
Based on 17 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.6
Interior 4.4
Performance 4.8
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 4.1

Most recent

  • Good car. Be careful for over heating.

    I love this car. The car rides comfortable and quiet with a lot of take off power. It handles good on the highway and takes the hills easily. The only problem I have is over heating from water leaks what may be expensive to repair.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Thoroughly Satisfied

    Wonderful vehicle. It's my 6th BMW and I remain brand loyal! She's got ~250K mi. Does she need to go into the shop occasionally, sure, but you've got to maintain your assets!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most comfortable

    I own the 2018 /March still there has no issues in engine and electronic but only issues on body is getting rust and it’s really hard make it . If you make it it’s expensive. Other all better than modern cars
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Very reliable Took me to 287,000 comfortable miles

    It has the right amount of performance as a daily driver Good torque delivery. Just traded it for a a low mileage 525! Also great, but miss the grunt of the 3.0 liter.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Solid German ultimate driving machine

    I have had 4 vehicles from this generation and every single of them performed very well. They all had high mileage but kept me running even in the harshest of conditions. Driving experience is in another level for these cars. Currently own another 530i from a later generation and still loving it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Most fun to drive I have ever own

    The BMW E39 (mine is a 530i) is quite possibly the world's most enjoyable car. I have had mine for many years and it is still a joy to drive.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • good looking vehicle

    Has a lot of new partslike tires A good starter car has tinted windows and the car is very clean has a new battery
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great looking and reliable car !

    This is a great looking car and runs fantastic, great interior and sunroof to enjoy the great Miami sunshine.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best car I ever owned, by far!!

    Amazingly sporty, fast, smooth ride and so reliable!! Such a truly fine car and it flys! Minor maintenance, tires, nothing major for 5 years, and it already had 90,000 miles!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great drive, expensive to maintain.

    Great drive. Something goes wrong frequently. Average repair cost is $(1000+2000). Trade in when the warranty expires.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 2.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best handling vehicle I have ever owned

    after 11 different BMWs this has been the most efficient and best handling vehicle I have owned yet.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Do Indpenant Inspection

    The car has any issues, malfunction fuel pump, noisy heater blower motor, popping noise in front wheels, poor alignment, rattling driver door. Total out of pocket repair bill $ 1,500.00. If you are travelling long distance to pick up a car, do independent inspection before picking up the car. Once you leave the car lot, you are on your own.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

BMW dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2001 BMW 530?

The 2001 BMW 530 is available in 2 trim levels:

  • 530i (1 style)
  • 530iA (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2001 BMW 530?

The 2001 BMW 530 offers up to 18 MPG in city driving and 26 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2001 BMW 530?

The 2001 BMW 530 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2001 BMW 530 reliable?

The 2001 BMW 530 has an average reliability rating of 4.1 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2001 BMW 530 owners.

Is the 2001 BMW 530 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2001 BMW 530. 94.1% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.6 / 5
Based on 17 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.6
  • Interior: 4.4
  • Performance: 4.8
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.1

BMW 530 history

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