Car Review: 2003 BMW 325i and 540i Sport Wagons
 540i Sport Wagon |
 325i Sport Wagon |
SEE ALSO: BMW Buyer's Guide
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH CAREY RUSS
If BMW didn't actually invent the serious sports sedan, it has
certainly made the concept its own. The 3-Series and 5-Series
sedans are benchmarks in their respective classes - just check how
often they are mentioned in competitor's advertising and
promotional literature. And then, for the hard core enthusiast, there
are the M3 and M5, which combine space and luxury comfort with
exotic sports car performance. But what is there for those who
want the performance and handling of a sports sedan, but need a
little more room?
Sports wagons. Jettison any notion of station wagon as large,
cumbersome family hauler, spiritual ancestor of minivan. We're not
in the 1950s anymore. There are wagons in both the 3-Series and 5-
Series lines, and they can haul the groceries and more.
A number of circumstances conspired to allow me to
consecutively test both the 325i and 540i sport wagons recently.
Both were ``sport package'' equipped, adding to their handling
potential with no negative impact on comfort. They are
complementary, not competitive, in the BMW lineup. The 325 is
smaller, and more nimble because of its size, while the 540i wagon
is more luxurious and faster in a straight line. In either case, a
BMW wagon is virtually two cars in one, with the versatility and
functionality of a wagon, and the performance and handling of a
sports sedan. Sport meets utility in the best possible way.
APPEARANCE: There is a definable ``BMW look,'' and it shows in
the styling of both the 3-Series and 5-Series. With a twin ``kidney''
grille integrated into the front of a bulging hood, and low front
fenders, it is contemporary but also looks back to the Bavarian
company's luxury sedans of the 1950s. The basic body shape for
both wagons is conservatively rounded. The 3-Series sedan and
wagon have redesigned headlights, with a more elliptical shape. The
outside ends point upwards, instead of downwards as they did
before and still do on the 3-Series coupes and convertibles. The 5-
Series is generally similar in look, but larger. The ``Sport Package''
available for the wagon adds M5-inspired bodywork, with an
aggressive, competition-look front bumper fascia, lower side sills,
and rear bumper.
COMFORT: Space is not a problem in either BMW wagon. The
540 is wider than the 325, and so has more shoulder room for both
front and rear passengers. But, surprisingly, rear-seat leg and head
room are nearly equal. Two adults fit well in either, with the center
position available for shorter people and times. Seat comfort, front
or rear, is top-notch. Interior styling for both the 3-Series and 5-
Series is similar, with the 5 being more luxuriously-appointed.
Where the 325 has titanium-look trim, the 540 has walnut, and
leather, optional in the 3, is standard in the 5. Instrument panel
design in both is very similar, with all instruments easily visible and
controls logically placed. Seat and steering wheel adjustability
ensures the perfect driving position for any driver. The 540i
wagon's sport package includes door sills and a thick-rimmed
steering wheel with the BMW Motorsport ``M'' logo. Both wagons
have plenty of useful rear space and split folding rear seats. Cargo
nets and shades secure items in the rear area.
SAFETY: The body structure of the BMW wagons is designed for
effective energy management in the event of impact. Dual-stage
front airbags, front side impact bags, front Head Protection System
airbags, and an immobilizer key are standard passive safety features.
Responsive handling, strong anti-lock disc brakes, and electronic
braking and stability aids enhance active safety.
ROADABILITY: Both wagons were equipped with sport package
suspensions, tuned a little more firmly for handling, but not so stiff
as to detract from everyday comfort. Like most BMWs in recent
years, struts are used in front, with a multilink design in the back.
Aluminum is used to reduce unsprung weight, further improving
responsiveness. In town and on the highway, both the 540 and 325
are quiet and comfortable. And, when the road gets tight, they both
feel like the sports sedans they really are. But, basic physics, size
matters. The 325 wagon's smaller size and lighter weight mean that
it is a more agile vehicle than the larger 540. And the 540i wagon is
no slouch in the corners. When it comes time to stop quickly, no
problem. Both have powerful four-wheel vented disc brakes and a
full complement of modern electronic stopping and stability
enhancement electronic aids.
PERFORMANCE: Neither of BMW's sport wagons can be called
slow, but the 540's better power-to-weight ratio makes itself known
with the first touch of the throttle. With 290 horsepower, 324 lb-ft
of torque, and a 4056-lb curb weight versus the 325's 184 hp, 175
lb-ft, and 3362 lbs, the 540i wagon is the winner on acceleration.
Its 4.4-liter V8 is never intrusive, just pleasantly noticeable. And it
produces plenty of torquey thrust from any speed, which gets to the
rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission with
``Steptronic'' manual shift mode. Manual shifting adds to the driving
experience, but is hardly necessary, given the engine's plentiful
torque. The 325's silky-smooth 2.5-liter inline six has plenty of
punch, too, good off the line, with a great midrange, and healthy
top-end power. It makes wonderful music, and is matched to a
wonderfully smooth Getrag five-speed manual gearbox.
CONCLUSIONS: Need space, want performance? BMW has two
good solutions to your quandary in the 325i and 540i sport wagons.
SPECIFICATIONS
BMW 325i Sport Wagon
Base Price $ 30,400
Price As Tested $ 38,040
Engine Type dual overhead cam 24-valve inline
6-cylinder with variable valve timing
on both camshafts
Engine Size 2.5 liters / 152 cu. in.
Horsepower 184 @ 6000 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 175 @ 3500 rpm
Transmission 5-speed manual
Wheelbase / Length 107.3 in. / 176.3 in.
Curb Weight 3362 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 18.3
Fuel Capacity 16.6 gal.
Fuel Requirement 91 octane unleaded premium gasoline
Tires P225/45 WR17 Michelin MXM (part
of sport package)
Brakes, front/rear vented disc / vented disc
Suspension, front/rear independent strut /
independent multilink
Drivetrain front engine, rear-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed 20 / 29 / 24
0 to 60 mph 7.4 sec
Coefficient of Drag (cd) 0.32
OPTIONS AND CHARGES
Steel Gray Metallic paint $ 475
Black leather $ 1,450
Cold Weather Package - includes:
heated front seats, retractable headlight
washers, ski bag $ 700
Sport package - includes:
17x8.0 alloy wheels, performance tires and
sport-tuned suspension, leather steering wheel,
adjustable front sports seats $ 1,400
Power front seats with driver memory $ 995
Bi-xenon headlamps $ 700
On-board computer $ 300
Harmon Kardon sound system $ 675
Full-size spare $ 200
Destination charge $ 695
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SPECIFICATIONS
BMW540i Sport Wagon
Base Price $ 54,100
Price As Tested $ 63,385
Engine Type dual overhead cam 32-valve
V8 with stepless variable valve
timing on the intake cams
Engine Size 4.4 liters / 268 cu. in.
Horsepower 290 @ 5400 rpm
Torque (lb-ft) 324 @ 3600 rpm
Transmission 5-speed electronically-controlled
automatic with ``Steptronic''
manual-shift mode
Wheelbase / Length 111.4 in. / 189.2 in.
Curb Weight 4056 lbs.
Pounds Per Horsepower 14
Fuel Capacity 18.5 gal.
Fuel Requirement 91 octane unleaded gasoline
Tires P235/45 YR17 Michelin Pilot
Primacy XSE
Brakes, front/rear vented disc / vented disc
Suspension, front/rear independent strut with double-pivot
lower arms /
independent multilink
Drivetrain front engine, rear-wheel drive
PERFORMANCE
EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon
city / highway / observed 17 / 21 / 18
0 to 60 mph 6.3 sec (mfg)
Coefficient of Drag (cd) 0.33
OPTIONS AND CHARGES
Cold Weather Package - includes:
heated front seats, retractable headlight
washers, ski bag $ 700
Sport Package - includes:
17-inch alloy wheels, sport-tuned suspension
and performance tires, power front sports seats,
M-Sport steering wheel, high-gloss shadowline
trim, aerodynamic package $ 3,200
Park Distance Control $ 700
Navigation System $ 1,800
Premium Sound System $ 1,200
Destination Charge $ 695
Gas Guzzler Tax $ 1,000