Re: What's new with the '01 540? (very long) (archive)

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Body-color moldings in the center of the bumpers, fenders and doors replace matte black moldings. On the 540i there is a thin chrome strip along the bottom of the molding with and with out the sport package. On all 1998 to 2000 5ers with the sport package the matte black had no chrome strip along the top of the molding (non sport 5ers did). The body-color moldings on the 2001 525i and 530i do not have a chrome strip at all (whether it is the base, premium package, sport package and sport/premium package versions). Other changes include a new display for the CD ROM based nav system with improved software and optional in-dash CD (sans nav only). Other changes include a new optional convenience package (525i and 530i only) which includes a power right front passenger's seat and integrated 3-way programmable universal garage-door opener. On the 525i, it also includes front and rear automatic climate control with dual-zone feature for front-seat occupants (which is standard on the 530i and 540i). The integrated 3-way programmable universal garage-door opener and power right front passenger's seat are standard on the 540i. The power right front passenger's seat is optional on the I6 models to offset most of the cost of new 2.5 Liter and 3 Liter I6 engines. The base price is $500 higher on the 2001 530i than on the 1997 to 2000 528i. Option for option, the 530i is $500 to $1,000 less than the 528i because the moonroof is included with the premium and sport/premium packages. The cost of the premium and sport/premium packages are still $3,100 and $4,300 despite including the moonroof. On the 1997 to 2000 528i regardless of whether you buy the base, premium, sport or sport/premium packages the moonroof was a stand alone option priced at $1,050. On the 2001 525i and 530i base and sport package versions, the moonroof is still a stand alone option at $1,050. Want to know more? The sport seats are still a $475 still requiring sport package with optional leather ($1,450; leatherette (luxurious vinyl) is normally included), sport/premium package (which only includes leather) and convenience package. The premium package also only includes leather. On the base 525i and 530i the leatherette is standard and the leather is also a $1,450 option. The Motorsport 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers and sport seats are not available at all on the 525i. The automatic dimming rearview mirror is an accesory on the 525i. The Motorsport 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel is still included with the sport and sport/premium packages on the 530i and 540i, the latter being available only on the 530i. The automatic dimming rearview mirror and rain sensing wipers are included with the premium and sport/premium packages on the 530i and standard on the 540i. The comfort seats ($1,200 option) requires optional leather interior trim (base and sport package), premium and sport/premium packages and convenience package on the 530i. The comfort seats are a stand alone option on the 540i and not available at all on the 525i. Hope this helps.

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