NRMA Car Review - BMW 530i and 540i

The current 5-series BMWs have been widely acclaimed for their good looks, their high standards of finish and comfort, and their excellent chassis dynamics. They offer pleasant travel for passengers and are very rewarding to drive.

Now, BMW has made the opposition's task that much harder again by upgrading the performance of the three six-cylinder models (the 520i, 525i and 525i Touring) and introducing two new and highly desirable V8 versions, the 530i and the 540i.

These 3.0 and 4.0 litre quad-cam multi-valve M60 V8 engines, which debuted in the 7-series last year, raise performance and smoothness levels to new plateaus. It could be said the V8s have found a perfect home in the 5-series, which now combines much of the sporting character of the 3-series with the luxury of the 7-series. This is especially true of the 540i, which is a truly exhilarating car to drive.

BMW is very conscious of the fact that buyers are placing increasing emphasis on value for money and the 530i came onto the Australian market in June at a price $3,620 less than the now superseded 535i model. Subsequent currency and tax changes have edged the price up $860 to $109,860 but that's still very competitive pricing.
  
With its considerably higher performance, the extra safety of automatic stability and traction control (ASC+T) and luxury items such as electric front seats, electric sunroof and hi-fi stereo system, the 540i costs $130,650. That's $10,000 less than the 4.0 litre V8 Lexus LS400.

Features and equipment

BMW media information for the 530i and 540i describes the M60 V8 engines as "supreme masterpieces of engineering" and for once, it's a manufacturer's boast that few would dispute.

These engines are about as far removed from the traditional, thirsty old V8 with its heavy cast iron construction and basic pushrod operation, as you can imagine. Made of aluminium alloy, they are lightweight, compact, very powerful and beautifully responsive, fuel efficient and environmentally friendly. BMW points out that 95 per cent of the V8 engine can be recycled.

The V8's smoothness is enhanced by the new 5-speed automatic transmission that's standard in both the 530i and 540i. Using a combination of electronic and hydraulic control, it features three different driving modes; Economy, Sports and Winter. The ASC+T (automatic stability control plus traction) that's standard on the 540i and a $4,000 option on the 530i senses whenever a driving wheel begins to slip and maintains traction through a combination of engine control and brake application on the spinning wheel.

Though even the "base" model of the 5-series range - the 520i - features quite a long list of safety, convenience and luxury equipment, there's a significant step-up in each model, culminating in the 540i. But the 540i isn't the end of the story; if you specified every option for this model, you could spend another $23,420. Add all the options available for the 520i and you would be up for another $46,950!

Space precludes listing all the items on each model, but every 5-series model has the 5-speed automatic, ABS anti-lock brakes, engine speed-related power steering, alloy road wheels, central locking, electric windows and exterior mirrors, CFC-free air conditioning, height-adjustable front seats, automatic seat belt height adjustment, a first aid kit, telescopic steering column and a six-speaker anti-theft sound system.

Additional items on the 530i V8 include a driver's airbag; ventilated front brake discs; leather trim; heated driver's door lock, exterior mirrors and windscreen washer jets; on board trip computer; remote control anti-theft system; cruise control; burr walnut interior panelling and interior lights activated when driver's door handle lifted. 

The 540i adds larger brakes with ventilated discs at the rear as well as the front, ASC+T, electric sunroof, electrically-adjustable front seats, a higher grade sound system, windscreen wiper pressure dependent on road speed and a front spoiler with brake ducts.

In the NRMA's anti-theft rating exercise, the 5-series BMWs are right up there with the best of them, scoring 73 out of a possible 100 points. The current top-rating vehicle is the Holden Calais on 77 points, followed by Ford's Falcon/Fairlane range on 74 points.

Body and finish

The 5-series styling is now five years old in its present form and therefore it displays a more angular look than the currently-fashionable "blob" shapes, however I think it remains one of the better-proportioned medium/large sedans around. 

The 530i and 540i discreetly set themselves apart from the six-cylinder models by having wider versions of the traditional BMW "kidney" grille and a revised bonnet to match. Badging and larger diameter twin tailpipes are the clues for those following. 

One expects top quality finish in this segment of the market and the 5-series BMWs certainly don't disappoint. Both the 530i and 540i test cars were beautifully presented, with impeccable bodywork, paint and trim. The interior looks the part with plenty of highly polished wood panelling blending nicely with the leather trim.

One minor aspect that's out of character with the general standard of finish is the glove box. It's a flimsy affair that hangs down on two straps and the lid is wobbly even when closed. Why not have the usual fixed glove box with an opening lid?

Comfort and space

Four adults of average size will enjoy excellent comfort and have ample space, but there are a few restrictions for bigger-than-average people, or if you need to carry the full complement of five. 

Front leg room is good for all sizes, but those who are long in the legs may find the seat cushions too short to provide effective thigh support. Front occupants who are long in the body may wish for a bit more head room, particularly in the 540i with its sun roof. However, occupants who aren't in either of these two categories are sure to find the seats very comfortable and well suited to long distance touring.

The rear compartment is not as spacious as you might expect for the exterior car size. Leg room is restricted for adults if the front seats are set right back. The rear seat is wide and comfort is very good in the two outer positions, but the centre occupant has to contend with a high-perched position, a hard arm rest sticking in their back and a fairly large transmission hump.

The centre rear arm rest contains a neat and useful storage compartment, plus there are pockets in the backs of the front seats and front door pockets.

Though the boot is fairly shallow, it's long and wide and easy to load, with a low loading lip and a wide opening. A full size spare wheel and tyre resides under the boot covering and the floor area is solid and flat. Two rubber straps are provided to stop small items sliding about and a neat fold-down compartment in the boot lid houses the tools and a safety triangle. Overall, it's a very well finished boot compartment.

On the road

There are very few cars that deliver their power as smoothly or as progressively as the 530i and the 540i. The excellent five-speed automatic plays its part in the almost seamless performance curve, but there can be no doubt that these two super-efficient V8s are as good as you'll find anywhere.

Not unexpectedly, the 4.0 litre version is the quicker of the two; it has abundant power for all situations and really moves this fairly heavy car (1710 kg) when called upon for maximum performance. Another nice thing is the wonderful snarl the V8 makes when it's accelerating hard. On the other side of the coin, both V8s are whisper quiet when cruising, but like a jungle cat, are only too ready to pounce when the situation calls for a quick response.

The 530i has less weight than the 540i to carry around, but is down about 25 per cent on the bigger engine's power and torque. So, though 530i owners sacrifice nothing in the way of engine smoothness or high speed cruising ability, acceleration isn't as sparkling as in the 540i.

Buyers used to larger capacity V8s should be well pleased with the consumption of these 3.0 litre and 4.0 litre engines. Overall consumption for the 530i was 13.7 litres/100 km, while the 540i used 14.7 litres/100 km. The downside is that the more expensive Premium grade unleaded petrol is recommended for best performance and fuel economy.

As already mentioned, the five-speed automatic is generally a superb performer that combines so well with the silky V8 engine. Just a couple of times in the 530i when slowing to a stop did the transmission change down with a slight bump. I didn't experience this in the 540i.

Being fairly heavy cars, the 530i and the 540i tend to lean into corners and lurch a little when asked to make sudden changes of direction, but overall, both are great handlers with tremendous road grip and impressive high speed stability. Long-distance, high-speed cruising is the obvious forte of these cars; now if only we had some European-style Autobahns!

Both test cars put in impressive braking performances, pulling up in short distances during emergency stopping exercises and showing excellent resistance to fade under heavy usage. Braking doesn't require a high effort and the positive, progressive action instils confidence.

Summary

The prospect of powering 5-series BMWs with the V8 engines out of the 7-series cars was an exciting and alluring concept from the outset and the result is even better than expected. BMW now has a mid-size luxury contender that's a winner in its class and one that can appeal to a broad cross section of buyers.
 
Both the 530i and the 540i offer a silky smooth responsive performance, have top-class finish, high levels of luxury and comfort, superb road manners and impart a reassuring sense of great structural integrity - in other words, they're delight to drive, great to ride in, and look and feel as if they're built to last a very long time.

Obviously, the 540i is the pick of the two V8 models because of its superior performance and its even higher levels of luxury and safety features, but if your budget extends no further than the 530i, you'll still end up with a very desirable and satisfying motor vehicle.

Test vehicle supplied by BMW Australia.

By NRMA Motoring, October 1993.

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