BMW 5 Series 2000–2004 car dimensions: 4805 mm long, 1800 mm wide and 1445 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,670 kg. Braked towing is 1,600 kg.
Manual climate control with microfilter is standard, dual-zone automatic climate is optional. Cruise control comes as standard. PDC parking sensors front and rear are optional. Navigation with on-board monitor screen is optional. No advanced driver aids like emergency braking or cameras appear in the equipment lists.
The Touring boot holds 410 litres with seats up and expands to 1525 litres with the rear seats folded. The load floor is flat and the rear window opens separately.
Braked towing capacity is 1600 kg and unbraked is 750 kg. Payload is 600 kg. Roof load is 100 kg.
The cabin uses high-quality materials with multi-zone foam seats that adjust for length, height and angle. Optional comfort seats add side bolster width adjustment, upper backrest angle, seat length and ventilation. Active seats provide mild hydraulic side movements to reduce fatigue. Dual-zone climate control is available, along with optional heated front and rear seats plus a heated steering wheel. Double glazing cuts noise on some models. A sliding glass sunroof is optional but there is no full panoramic roof.
Combined fuel use 6.1 l/100 km diesel
Oil service around every 15 000 km or 12 months
Euro NCAP 4 stars adult occupant (1998)
Standard ABS, ASC+T, front/side/head airbags, belt tensioners
The 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel returns a combined 6.1 l/100 km with a 70-litre tank. City use sits near 8.1 l/100 km and highway near 5.0 l/100 km.
Service follows the onboard interval indicator. Oil and filter changes come roughly every 15 000 km or yearly. Larger inspections follow at longer intervals based on use.
Crash testing gave four stars for adult protection. Standard kit includes ABS with cornering brake control, ASC+T traction control, dual front airbags, front side airbags, ITS head airbags, pretensioners and force limiters on front belts, plus five headrests and three-point belts all round. DSC is not offered on the 520d. Rear side airbags and tyre-pressure monitoring are optional.
Keep the car by watching cooling-system plastics and underbody rust. Regular oil changes and fluid checks help the aluminium-intensive chassis and M47 engine last.
Length 4805 mm, Width 1800 mm, Height 1445 mm, Wheelbase 2830 mm (5 Series 2000–2004)
Sources: manufacturer data, BMW Presse Technische Daten, 5er touring 520d/525d/530d, 28 March 2002, BMW 5er touring price list, September 2002, BMW 5er touring sales catalogue.