By mtaylo3 on 09/14/07 09:32 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1999 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
Review
I've been trained in and conducted vehicle pursuits as well as driven for performance. I didn't know how incredible a normal road car could be until I found this car used. Yes I miss cup holders but the Germans build cars to drive, not eat and drink in. The power can almost be scary and the knowledge that you can dust just about everything else on the road is comforting. Do your own maintenance and you can afford driving the car. Change your oil (on your own it's $35-40 not $150) every 2500 miles and you'll do well. Keep your wheels balanced and aligned. If they are out ever so slightly you'll know it and think your brakes are having problems.
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By James on 05/12/07 13:18 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1999 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Wagon
Review
Bought a 4 year lease return from a used car dealer with slightly over 40,000 miles. Have driven it to 80,000 miles after 3 years and had no problems except some minor cosmetic details (e.g. cup holders, door sill trim, door rubber moldings). From a mechanical point of view, had to just do my yearly synthetic oil change at the BMW dealer and put in gas. I've driven slightly over a couple parking stops and pulled away the front valences slightly. If you want a reliable, fun to drive car (not truck) with capacity for five and rear cargo for Home Depot, Costco or Ikea runs, this is a great car to consider. From my recollection, it is top of class (E39) for many years running.
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By fred on 04/15/07 14:32 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1999 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
Review
The 540i if you're going to buy one is an excellent car. The only draw backs which you should worry about are the brakes and water pump. They go on these cars and will cost to fix. But remember the problem won't arise again for years if even then. So go ahead and purchase one, just have some money on the side for repairs or find someone who works on BMWs for a reasonable price!
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By Ichiro on 12/26/06 01:51 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1999 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Wagon
Review
Purchased lease return at 43,000 miles from a used car dealership. The former owner was a middle aged lady, one owner. The car was basically just broken in. Have had car going on three years now and not a single problem except accidentally parking over a park stop and minor damage to the front air dam. Otherwise, absolutely a gem. The 17" BBS Cross-Spokes can be noisy, but the Bridgestone Turanza tires made it smooth as a Lexus, yet much sportier. The rim guards have prevented a couple rim rashes too. I'm veering off, sound off for the tires now. Anyways, I highly recommend this car, this years build to anyone considering.
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By Mark on 12/10/06 20:39 PM (PST)
Vehicle
1999 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
Review
Bought this car as a CPO in 2002 when it had <20k mi on it, replacing my 93 325i. Pluses: A joy to drive, no question. Can be thrown into corners almost with impunity. Great touring car, can drive all day w/no fatigue. Excellent sound system. Classy exterior design. Power out the wazoo. Legendary braking. Downsides: Eats tires even with proper inflation (stagger prevents rotation) - typ. 15-20k on rear, 30k front (all-seasons). Expensive routine mx. Expensive non-routine mx. Cupholders are for decoration only - go aftermarket or avoid drinks. CD changer not bump tolerant.
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By 540i6 Sport on 09/15/06 11:31 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1999 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
Review
I've owned my 540i 6 speed sport for one year now. Although its going on 8 years old and 103K miles, it doesn't have a single rattle - the build quality is exceptional. The torque of the V8 is addictive and takes the car from an everyday commuter to track day hooligan. Two car seats fit great in the back and even though I'm putting in premium at >$3 a gallon, I'm getting 24 mpg on the highway in 6th gear. These cars are more maintenance intensive than your everyday Japanese appliance, but the drive is worth it!
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By dalworth55cars on 09/06/06 19:50 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1999 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
Review
This car is tight and handles well and feels sturdy. The driver's leg room and seat adjustments are a little cramped. I am very pleased with the highway gas mileage, however the city miles are less.
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By James on 07/12/06 20:50 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1999 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Wagon
Review
I bought the car used and had a little trepidation about the reliability of the car. The exterior design of this car is unbeatable bar none. I have the performance 17 inch wheels and the ride is harsh to say the least. The road noise from the tires are too loud. But the car looks and runs so well that I can overlook those few faults. Also I have to take into account that the car is six years old.
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By BMW Owner on 05/25/06 15:28 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
1999 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
Review
I bought a "certified" BMW and had NOTHING but problems since I bought it. I have had three different severe problems with the cooling system alone and this is with a car with only 50,000 miles on it. All three cooling system problems happened three weeks after my "certified" maintenance expired and each cost approx $1000 to fix and left me stranded. This car drives nice and is fast and all but mechanically it is a nightmare and it totally unreliable. And again, it was a "certified" car when I bought it. BEWARE: BMW service like brakes and regular service is EXPENSIVE! $1000 just for front brakes which you need every 25,000 miles or so. I am not happy and getting rid of the car.
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By bmw_owna on 03/04/06 10:27 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1999 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
Review
I bought this vehicle certified pre-owned (CFP). BMW has one of the best CFP plans in the US. I love the car. I have had a few technical problems but other than that I love the car. I highly recommend it.
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