1997 BMW 5 Series Review
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Just remarkable
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1997 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 540i Sedan
Review
I bought this car with 100k and needed some work like control arms and flex joint. Since then it has been a thrill and pleasure to own this car. It's a manual trans. And this car does not miss a beat, it handles well on curves as well as straight aways and the braking is excellent. Could change these cup holders even though I don't use them I don't have time to because I'm too busy driving the car. It is the step up from my 325i which I thought was a beast but the 540i is one step down from the M5 which is OK. Because I don't need any speeding tickets.
Favorite Features
The redesign, the interior, the heated steering wheel the car is a all around fit.
Suggested Improvements
Cup holders and they need an in dash cd player, gets pretty cold in n.y. to be outside changing your cds
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Can't go anywhere with out it
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1997 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 540i Sedan
Review
Love this car...sold my 911 for something bigger but just as fun to drive. Now in 12/07 with over 120,000 miles (6 years and 90,000 miles later) it still looks and drives great. Stevens Creek, a San Jose dealership takes great care of me and my 540, although parts and labor can get pretty pricey, this dealership does help me out quite often, even out of warrranty. I have kept it garaged and well maintained, has second set of after market wheels and tires, just so I can stand out even more :)
Favorite Features
Just plain fun to drive, short trips as much as the long hauls. Those heated seats and heated steering wheel are to die for. Who would have thought that those items would come in so handly on those cold mornings.
Suggested Improvements
Those cheap cup holders... apparently we're not supposed to drink and drive. Better stereo and needs an in dash cd player. I bet I can get better gas mileage if I kept my foot out of it!
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Too early to tell
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 6 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1997 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 540i Sedan
Review
I just purchased this 540i (my first Bmer) in Sept, 07. The car had been well cared for with 130K. I like this car a lot. Acceleration, ride, styling and amenities are all first rate. The transmission is a 5-speed auto that keeps are RPMs down when cruising. Just developed a transmission leak and the heating comes on when it wants to. Presently waiting to be inspected by my mechanic for cause and cure analysis. I'm hopeful to create a review after 1 year that comes off a little more positive. I still remain positive though; realizing how much I enjoy this car when all is working well. Get back to you in a year.
Favorite Features
Color (Canyon red), tracking, interior fit, trunkspace (huge), engine, soundproofing and seating adjustability and comfort (I'm 6'8").
Suggested Improvements
Cupholders need better engineering. I don't need an automatic mirror on the right side. I feel too blindsided on the driver's side with limited mirror visability. My suggestion would be for less fancy engineering and for more practical ideas; increasing safety in the ultimate driving experience.
1 out 2 people found this review helpful
Poor reliability offsets driving thrills
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1997 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 540i Sedan
Review
Fast, solid, highly capable car. I thoroughly enjoyed driving it. The 540i adds power but gives up the 528i's nimbleness. The great driving experience was more than offset by poor reliability though - particularly the electronics. I had to take the car in for unexpected repairs about twice a year.
Favorite Features
Power, handling and solidity.
Suggested Improvements
Better electronics (security system, electric motors).
Love this car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 5 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 4 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1997 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 540i Sedan
Review
My 1997 540i is 163,000 miles-old and it still feels & drives like a brand- new-year-model. With a powerful V8 that's not designed to pull you back into your seat when taking a ride, but instead, gives you the smooth enjoyable feeling which makes you just want to keep driving. At first it all had to do with just experiencing what was to have a BMW, but once I had it, it all changed. I thought I had tried it all, I was very wrong. This is the Ultimate Driving Machine. Quality Interior design & components, powerfull awesome engine,... There are new cars coming out every year (Lexus, Infiniti, etc) and most of them don't even come with the gadgets that came in my BMW 540i 1997 model.
Favorite Features
ASC (Stability Control), curtains, windows retract (pinch point). I can leave my kids inside the car, windows slightly down, lock the car and they can't get out. +++
Suggested Improvements
Most of what i've thought of, is already included in newer models.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
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