Even by today's standards the third generation 5-series is a knockout. Borrowing much from the 7-Series that preceded
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| Even by today's standards the third generation 5-series is a knockout. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
it by a year, the 5 seems proportionally perfect. Its tidy front fascia incorporating quad halogen headlights was the first BMW to sport body-color accents within its trademark chrome adorned grille. Just aft of its wrap-around front turn signals, delicate shoulder creases cut through the top of the front fenders and then across each side profile, passing the bottom line of each door handle on their way rearward, and finally ending at the 5's distinctive tail lamps. The model's sharply folded trunk lid creates a Kamm tail effect, benefiting aerodynamics. The greenhouse is open and airy while incorporating BMW's famed Hofmeister kink, the notched rear quarter window that has become an often imitated design cue. Overall, the 1989 to 1995 5-Series might just be the marque's most beautifully executed modern day sedan.
Leather was optional but power windows, locks and mirrors weren't, at least in
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| The 535i is the car to have for performance enthusiasts, still competitive by today's standards. (Photo: BMW Canada) |
Canada. Actually in Europe, the base midsize model was a 518i, incorporating the 318i's 1.8L 4-cylinder engine. Such a small displacement engine might be OK for an entry-level luxury compact car in North America, but not a midsize. The base 525i received a 168-hp 2.5L inline-6 with 164 lb-ft of torque available from 4,300 rpm. The car was hardly lightweight at 1,540 kg (3,395 lbs) but still delivered surprisingly quick acceleration. For those wanting more go, BMW offered the 535i, complete with a 208-hp 3.5L inline-6 with a rear-wheel spinning 225 lb-ft of torque available from only 4,000 rpm. The 535i is the car to have for performance enthusiasts, still competitive by today's standards. Its nominal weight gain to 1,601 kg (3,530 lb) is completely overshadowed by its impressive power.
