The BMW 525i was launched with the model revision of the 5 Series in the autumn of 2000. The 2.5 litre inline six-cylinder engine familiar from the BMW 523i now generated 192 hp. The increase in performance was achieved by dethrottling the intake system and increasing the nominal engine speed by 500 rpm. The BMW 525i quickly became one of the most popular models in the series with a perfect balance between economy and sportiness.