1997 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews

Love the car but my wallet doesn't!!

Written by: Al on 07/23/2006

Vehicle

1997 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528i Sedan

Review

My second bmw. I had a 325i before and loved it. Decided to get the 528i later. Car is great. Love all the features and the DRIVE!

Favorite Features

Heated steering wheel, AM/FM control on steering wheel, heated seats, sun roof, Nice grip on the road! Love all the girls that stare!!

Suggested Improvements

Lower the price on the parts!!!

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Great Sedan

Written by: petepeter on 05/04/2006

Vehicle

1997 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528i Sedan

Review

Purchased my 528i new & have driven 84000 miles. Great road & @town performance. Just had a wreck, a total loss. Doors still open and no injuries. I was in control to swerve & miss a head-on collision & was hit on the driver's door and to the rear. Great safety for its age. Can't find a comparable to replace it.

Favorite Features

Great road feel, always feel you're in control. Quiet, comfortable for 4.

Suggested Improvements

Problems with electrical system; impossible to find power drain that frequently gave me a dead battery. Dealer could not help. Terrible cup holders. Replaced tie rod @82,000 miles.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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One Great Used Car!

Written by: 78280z on 04/12/2006

Vehicle

1997 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528i Sedan

Review

I bought this car on eBay with 82k miles. I have changed belts, spark plugs, oils. At 100k I changed the valve cover gasket (piece of cake) at 105k I had the tie rods change. I have done some little things to keep it looking and operating like new. The car is easy for the "DIY" to work on. This is the finest car I have driven. I'm a car salesman and this is not the brand I sell. It will be the brand I drive from now on. A Car To Be Proud Of!!

Favorite Features

Driveabilty, looks and comfort. Always a blast to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Better cup holders. Better Highs in the stereo.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great Investment

Written by: justducky150 on 09/29/2005

Vehicle

1997 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 540i Sedan

Review

Great investment... if a used car could be such a thing. This 540i has been stellar in reliability and performance. I bought with 29,000 miles and it started service on the road in August 1996. 80,000 miles later and the car still is turning heads and has tremendous thrust. Parts that had to be purchased: water pump, windshield wiper motor, AC compressor (covered under warranty). Other than that, it has been almost flawless. I started driving it in brutal Western Pennsylvania winters 2 years ago, favoring its reknowned safety cage, and have never had a problem with sliding/skidding. The car is perfectly balanced. Above average cost of investment for excellent long term return.

Favorite Features

6 speed clutch manual, I don't believe in automatics. Rear wheel drive, car is pushed instead of pulled. Tight turning radius. 8 cylinders of spine tingling thrust.

Suggested Improvements

Typical of BMW 540s in 1997 model year, dash display pixels failing.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Executive Experss

Written by: BrianB on 08/03/2005

Vehicle

1997 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528i Sedan

Review

I've had the bimmer for a couple of years now, and it still thrills in the curves, coddles on the highway, and being all black, with tinted windows, with the 17" sport wheels, still turns heads. I perfer the looks of this 5 to the new one, but given that the 3 series started to look very much like the 5 it does make it look like you see it all over the place. Engine reliability has been good, but I've been let down by the little, but expensive things... $400 rear window motor and attachments... Air pump, niggly electrical issues, battery, and ball joints that wearout too quickly for a high end car. But, overall, I buy another one in a minute! And that's the best review anyone can give a car.

Favorite Features

Handling, acceleration (I have the five speed), looks, interior comfort (heated seats and steering wheel in Clevelands winter a real plus!), room (two adults and three kids fit well). I will look for a 2001 or so M5 for my next car. I would like the same again just with more power!

Suggested Improvements

Higher quality electrical components, more durable suspension linkage/joints, electronic compas (my X5 has it, and I miss it in my 5 sedan), A BETTER RADIO! FM reception is weak, and AM is terrible... CD Changer works great though, and the 10 speakers sound fantastic. A maintenance free battery!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Excellent car

Written by: Exelent car on 07/28/2005

Vehicle

1997 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528i Sedan

Review

I drive my 2000 BMW 528ia from Los Angeles to Cancun 3 times a year, plus must of my driving is on Mexican highways. The car never breaks down,and is super stable. Averages speeds of 85 to 100 mph on this roads. Few little things are bad in car like condensation in the headlights and wind noise from the windshield, other than that it's a rocket. I had to replace the rear window motors.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders stinks.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Well Maintained, Used the way to go!

Written by: mjack85 on 06/08/2005

Vehicle

1997 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528i Sedan

Review

Looks that stand the test of time. Great handling, this car is unbelievable for an 8 year old car. Bought it with 90k with all service records. Previous owner kept meticulous care and seems to have repaired and replaced most trouble spots prior to trading it. I cannot find anything wrong with this car and love driving it.

Favorite Features

Highway driving is fantastic, quiet, smooth, comfortable and amazing power at highway speeds for lane changing and passing. Car is really engineered for maximum power and efficiency at highway speeds. It's all about power delivery and this one has it.

Suggested Improvements

Cost of repairs and maintanence reputation hurts an other wise great car.

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look out open road

Written by: bigb on 03/31/2005

Vehicle

1997 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 540i Sedan

Review

Bought it recently and car was well cared for. What a car-like going on vacation every time behind the wheel- just pure pleasure. I know it will eventually cost me but who cares-you can't take it with you. If you have the desire-try one used and you will see what I mean.

Favorite Features

world class speed and handling

Suggested Improvements

less complicated stereo and heating/ac

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MacGregor Review

Written by: MacGregor on 03/19/2005

Vehicle

1997 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528i Sedan

Review

Rides and handles very well. This body style is the best they've ever had. A solid, well built machine, though a bit pricey to have parts or work done.

Favorite Features

The look and the ride.

Suggested Improvements

Better cup holders. am/fm control on steering wheel.

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Should have lasted longer

Written by: TnD on 11/12/2004

Vehicle

1997 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528i Sedan

Review

Totally babied my 528 with best oil every 5k and easy frwy driving..Thought it would go at least 300k like my old 735 that's still running good , but at 180k [not alot these days] engine needs bottom end rebuilt, [full rebuild]..Very dissapointed..Should have lasted alot longer!

Favorite Features

Great ride..

Suggested Improvements

Mechanical quality!

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