1999 BMW 5 Series Review
1999 BMW 5 Series Review
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Used 5 Series for sale
Appraise This CarBMW 5 Series model years
BMW 5 Series types
- Sedan
- Wagon
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sport sedan and wagon in a luxury car package.
Cons
- Cheap plastic buttons for the power door lock switches are out of place in a car of this caliber, manual transmission in 540i difficult to modulate smoothly.
What’s new
New 528i and 540i sport wagons debut, all 5 Series models achieve low emission vehicle (LEV) status, and consumers will find extensive new standard and optional equipment on the cars.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$203/mo for 5 Series 528i
5 Series 528i
vs
$181/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
BMWs are famous for the suppleness of their ride and the responsiveness of their steering; "firmness without harshness" is the phrase most often bandied about our offices when discussing these cars' uncanny ability to stay connected to the road while communicating almost telepathically with the driver. The 5-Series is no exception. Available in two flavors, 528i or 540i, drivers can choose a sedan bodystyle or new sport wagon. 528i models are powered by a 2.8-liter inline engine that provides excellent midrange torque and makes 193 horsepower, up from 190 last year. The 528i comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission and is also available with a sophisticated four-speed automatic. Equipped with BMW's Adaptive Transmission Control, the four-speed tracks the driver's driving style and road conditions, allowing the shift timing to adjust accordingly. This year, both cars receive car and key memory as standard equipment, Dynamic Stability Control (DCSIII) as an option, and a revised Sports Package option, which offers 17-inch alloy wheels, high performance tires, a sport suspension, M-sport steering wheel and shadowline blackout exterior trim.
Under the hoods of the 540i sedans and sport wagons sit 4.4-liter, 32-valve V8s that offer zero-to-sixty times in the low sixes, make 282 horsepower and can be mated to five-speed Steptronic automatic transmissions. The 540i sedan continues to be available with a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission while the new 540i sport wagon comes with the Steptronic tranny standard. Other standard equipment includes rear self-leveling suspension, car and key memory, roof rails, retractable luggage net and Dynamic Stability Control. All 540s get new radial style alloy wheels and high performance tires for 1999, as well as new option packages to choose from. If you love to drive, opt for the six-speed manual 540i and prepare yourself for an invigorating ride. The suspension is pleasantly firm on this lively model, but the transmission is hard to operate smoothly.
As one would expect in a top-end, luxury/sport vehicle, equipment levels are first rate. Safety equipment includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control, nine-mph bumpers, dual airbags, side-impact airbags, optional rear passenger side-impact airbags, three-point seatbelts at all seating positions, impact sensors that unlock the doors and activate the hazard lights in the event of a serious accident, remote keyless entry, two-step unlocking, coded drive-away protection, and a vehicle security system. To list all of the 5-Series' luxury features would take more space than we have; a few of the more noticeable ones are automatic climate controls, power moonroof, 200-watt stereo, 10-way power front seats with power headrests, heated outside mirrors, heated steering wheel, and a right-hand outside mirror that tilts down when the car is in reverse to help drivers see curbs when parallel parking.
Yes indeed, the 5-Series is a wonderful car. Given all of the inquiries we receive about it, you apparently think so, too. If you can afford to buy one, we recommend that you do. Sure, there are other great cars out there in this price range; we just think that this one's the best.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 BMW 5 Series.
5 star(74%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(1%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
84 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
BMW 528i
wahill, 03/20/2002
1999 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
Outstanding ride. Very impressive in the snow and on ice. Quiet, comfortable and fun on the highway.
4.88 out of 5 stars
99 528i
czego82, 01/06/2011
1999 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
Purchased the car with 110,000miles and sold it with 200,000. Owned the car for 3 years and during that time other then $30 per oil change every 10k i had to spend $100 on new water pump. THAT IS IT. This car costed me nothing to own. If you are looking for a nice car that requires little to no maintenance - this is a car to get. Very good engine that has no problems, good performance … and good MPG (30mpg on highway at 60mph).
4.63 out of 5 stars
Phenom - Best Car I've Had
dogsbrekky, 04/10/2009
1999 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
I have driven every car under the sun except for maybe the Bugatti's and McLaren Merc. This is a total favorite. I owned a 1995 version which had some electrical and suspension problems. This 1999 version is a beast with refinement and awesome handling. I grew up with a test engineer father and we absolutely thrash our cars. This 540i holds up better than any vehicle I have tried to … thrash. I have owned Australian racing Toranas, several Subarus, a few BMW (540i, 3 series) and a Lotus Espirit (twin turbo). Overall this is the best machine I have had the pleasure to own or drive and it's handling is 2nd to none in the luxury car stakes.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Best car in the world
Al, 09/19/2009
1999 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
Have this car for two years, bought it used. Drove to Nova Scotia from New York this year and had a great drive all the way. Incredible handling, great comfort, powerful as all get out! Am 78 years old and have had them all--MB's, Lexus rx, 330S etc. Nothing compares to this car which makes you regret it when you exit the car--you want to drive on!
1999 5 Series Highlights
Sedan
540i
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $234/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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