BMW used the same philosophy on most of its car lines: Design a sophisticated front-engine/rear-drive car, then fit it with a variety of drivelines to create different models across a broad price range. It had done this with the compact 3-series, the large 7-series and the midsize 5-Series as well (since 1972).
Competitors for these BMWs ranged from Chrysler's LHS to Mercedes' E420, including such mid-price luxury models as the Lexus GS 300 and the Infiniti J30.
At the beginning of the E28 generation (1983-1988), there were two engine sizes: 528e and 533i, the latter being replaced by a 535i in 1985, when a new 524td engine was also introduced for only two model years.
In 1987, a new 535is was released, followed by the M5 in 1988.
The E34 generation began in 1989. The 528e was replaced by a new 525i, while the 535i and 535is merged to one engine size (535i), and the M5 was dropped.
Year-to-year changes
1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | 1995 | 1996 | 1997 | 1998 | 1999 | Discontinued |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
525i 4DR Sedan | 528i 4DR Sedan | 2000 | |||||||
535i 4DR Sedan | 530i 4DR Sedan | ||||||||
N/A | 525i 4DR Wagon | N/A | 528i 4DR Wagon | 2000 | |||||
N/A | 530i 4DR Wagon | ||||||||
M5 4DR Sedan | 540i 4DR Sedan | 2001 | |||||||
N/A | 540i 4DR Wagon | 1999 |
1991
The entry-level 5-series sedan, the 525i, shared its 189-hp 2.5-liter inline Six and 5-speed gearbox with the smaller 325i. The 535i had a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 208 horsepower. The M5 was brought back this model year with an even bigger 3.6-liter V6 engine with 310 horsepower.
1993
A station wagon version of the 525i was released, but BMW preferred to call it a "Touring" model.
1994
In 1994, two new trim levels replaced the old 535i and M5. The 530i, available in both sedan and wagon body styles for the first time, had a torquey 215-hp 3.0-liter V8; while the top-line 540i, available only as a 4-door sedan, had a 282-hp 4.0-liter version of this same engine. A 6-speed manual transmission was optional on the 540i.
The 540i was a high-performance sport sedan in the $50,000 range. It was fast, had superb handling, excellent brakes and was as comfortable as any other midsize luxury sedan. Comfort is something you don't always get when a car's emphasis is on "sport" rather than "luxury."
BMW's AST computerized traction control was standard on the 530i Touring station wagon and available on all other 5-series models. The 530i Touring wagon also included a unique dual sunroof as standard, optional on the less expensive 525i Touring.
1997
After skipping the 1996 model year, the 5-Series sedan was redesigned and released on sale as an early 1997 model on April 27, 1996. There were two engine sizes: 528i and 540i.
Retail prices
4DR Sedan
Model year(s) | Engine size | List price | Destination charge | Effective date |
---|---|---|---|---|
1991 | 2.5L | $34,500 | $375 | February 10, 1991 |
1991 | 3.5L | $42,600 | $375 | February 10, 1991 |
1991 | 3.6L (M5) | $56,600 | $375 | February 10, 1991 |
1992 | 2.5L | $35,600 | $375 | October 13, 1991 |
1992 | 3.5L | $44,350 | $375 | October 13, 1991 |
1992 | 3.6L (M5) | $58,600 | $375 | March 1, 1992 |
1993 | 2.5L | $37,100 | $405 | December 1992 |
1993 | 3.5L | $44,350 | $405 | December 1992 |
1993 | 3.6L (M5) | $60,700 | $405 | December 1992 |
1994 | 2.5L | $34,900 | $450 | Q1 1994 |
1994 | 3.0L | $41,500 | $450 | Q1 1994 |
1994 | 4.0L | $47,500 | $450 | Q1 1994 |
1995 | 2.5L | $35,300 | $470 | October 1994 |
1995 | 3.0L | $41,750 | $470 | October 1994 |
1995 | 4.0L | $47,950 | $470 | October 1994 |
1995-1996 | 2.5L | $36,500 | $570 | May 22, 1995 |
1995-1996 | 3.0L | $44,400 | $570 | May 22, 1995 |
1995-1996 | 4.0L | $49,000 | $570 | May 22, 1995 |
1997 | 2.8L | $38,900 | $570 | July 27, 1997 |
1997 | 4.4L (540iA) | $49,900 | $570 | July 27, 1997 |
1997 | 4.4L | $52,350 | $570 | July 27, 1997 |
As of 2017, a modern-day BMW 3-Series costs as much as an early 90's BMW 5-Series.
4DR Wagon
Model year(s) | Engine size | List price | Destination charge | Effective date |
---|---|---|---|---|
1992 | 2.5L | $38,600 | $375 | March 1, 1992 |
1993 | 2.5L | $39,800 | $405 | December 1992 |
1994 | 2.5L | $37,300 | $450 | Q1 1994 |
1994 | 3.0L | $45,800 | $450 | Q1 1994 |
1995 | 2.5L | $37,700 | $470 | October 1994 |
1995 | 3.0L | $47,050 | $470 | October 1994 |
1995-1996 | 2.5L | $38,900 | $570 | May 22, 1995 |
1995-1996 | 3.0L | $48,600 | $570 | May 22, 1995 |