1998 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews Page 3

540 is #1

Written by: G-ADAMS on 04/07/2004

Vehicle

1998 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 540i Sedan

Review

BMW IS NOT CALLED THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE FOR NO REASON. THIS V8 IS GREAT. IT IS A SPORTS CAR CAMOUFLAGED AS A FAMILY SEDAN. I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE WITH THIS VEHICLE.

Favorite Features

THE ENGINE OF COURSE.

Suggested Improvements

FUEL ECONOMY IS THE ONLY DOWNFALL

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

This car rocks!

Written by: Brad Gessner on 03/26/2004

Vehicle

1998 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 540i Sedan

Review

I just bought a 540i used with 62K miles but totally clean. This car is so fun to drive... fast, good breaking, & cornering. I got the sport package, but still feel the suspension could be tighter. Perhaps it needs new shocks. The stereo in this car is my biggest complaint. Not sure why BMW can't put a killer amp in the car so the 12 speakers rock. I'll upgrade this myself. Other than that, I can't image why anybody would spend more money for a new car that can't even come close to this one!

Favorite Features

Power, styling, comfort.

Suggested Improvements

Better stereo, cup holders, more storage trays in arm rest.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Buy one now!

Written by: Itstoobeautiful on 02/27/2004

Vehicle

1998 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528i Sedan

Review

The styling of the E39 is perfect-- understated, sensuous, mysterious, and with the right wheel package, subtly aggressive. Performance is incredible-- tracks through corners like it's on rails, accelerates quickly, cruises effortlessly at speed. Leather is buttery soft. This is the kind of car you will never tire of driving. Haven't had any mechanical issues yet. It will need routine maintenance and parts replaced as it has 100k miles on it. Still--it drives like it's brand new. Smooth, quiet, and fast. This car is just plain beautiful.

Favorite Features

Interior lighting at night; exterior styling; comfort; brakes; roominess.

Suggested Improvements

cupholder design/strength; AM radio reception; need a 12V power supply for rear seat.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Great Car!

Written by: SLW on 02/15/2004

Vehicle

1998 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 540i Sedan

Review

Bought this car with 47,000 obviously well cared for miles on it. Great speed and handling with nearly every conceivable luxury. As previously mentioned cupholder are nearly worthless but not that important to me. Service light has a mind of its own and I wish it would burn out. Why there is a gas economy gage and no oil pressure gauge is a mystery to me. You don't buy this model for great fuel economy. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a sports sedan. You probably better buy the extended warranty though just to be safe.

Favorite Features

Acceleration, handling and styling. Very nice interior.

Suggested Improvements

Substitute oil pressure gauge for MPG gauge. Move clock to instrument cluster. Fix the gremlins in the service sensors. Add power lumbar support as standard.

Report inappropriate post

My wife hates it???

Written by: L. Lindahl on 02/06/2004

Vehicle

1998 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528i Sedan

Review

This is the finest car I have ever owned. Recently we moved to NC where almost everyone drives a truck, so of course I talked my wife into trading in her 94 Volvo 850 turbo wagon in on a new Tundra which I now drive, giving her the privledge of driving the BMW. She hates it??? She claims the most comfortable seats in the world are hurting her legs, and the dash controls are too complicated. I keep offering to let her have the truck, but she doesn't want to drive something that big everyday. We will soon be trading in this beautiful classic for a new Cross Country, breaking my 18 year streak of owning BMW's. It's too bad the truck is so practical.

Favorite Features

I have never owned a car that puts the driver in such a perfect position between the seat and the steering wheel for enjoying the incredible handling this car puts forth.

Suggested Improvements

The cup holders should have been recalled long ago. They really are a driving hazzard if you make the mistake of using them.

Report inappropriate post

Worth the wait.....

Written by: dlgseattle on 12/20/2003

Vehicle

1998 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528i Sedan

Review

Friends in our small Midwest town cannot understand why I "settled" for this car when a new Chevy could have been purchased for the same price. If they could only drive this beauty, they would understand. The performance and handling of this car is pure joy compared to its American counterparts. In addition to being rock solid at 90+MPH (reflecting it's autobahn roots), it handles the tightest of curves like a steel rollercoaster. I can barely stand to drive the family minivan anymore!

Favorite Features

Steady ride, polished looks, great brakes. Automatic traction control gives this rear-wheel drive vehicle surprising control on snowy roads. Interior is comfortable and the heated seats are heaven on cold mornings.

Suggested Improvements

The cupholders are a joke - particularly the back ones. Wish there was some type of storage in the center console, seems like wasted space as is.

Report inappropriate post

The best car!

Written by: TampaBMW on 12/18/2003

Vehicle

1998 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528i Sedan

Review

This car is awesome except for the old school windows on a pulley. The are expensive to replace!

Favorite Features

acceleration

Suggested Improvements

windows

Report inappropriate post

The way driving was meant to be!!!

Written by: SlickRick on 12/04/2003

Vehicle

1998 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528i Sedan

Review

I bought my 528i from a private owner in CA with 88k mi. on it. My drive back home to NM was nothing short of breathtaking! I was between 95 and 125 mph the entire way and it felt as though it wanted to keep going! HP is rated at 190+ but moves as good or better as most V8's, on the open road. Handling is great w/solid ride. Putting mi. on my car used to be something that I worried about because of resale value. Now that I have my 111k mi. e39 I don't worry about miles because I can't think of a better place to be than behind the wheel!

Favorite Features

Both interior and exterior styling. Sport Packge (lowered suspension,17" rims,etc.)Handling. Making the driver feel like they are in control.

Suggested Improvements

Cupholders! They were already broken when I bought the car. The onboard computer to give an accurate reading on mpg. CD player instead of tape in dash. Replacing rotors @ every front brake job???

Report inappropriate post

Fun, Safe, but oh yeah, it's fun

Written by: joesurf on 09/26/2003

Vehicle

1998 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 540i Sedan

Review

I fell in love at second gear. Gotta buy the 6 speed! Fourth gear is like nitrous. I have not found the limit on cornering.

Favorite Features

Handling, acceleration, BRAKES, comfort

Suggested Improvements

Horrible cupholders. AM Radio reception is very poor

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Great Buy

Written by: westerner99 on 08/08/2003

Vehicle

1998 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528i Sedan

Review

Great buy...holds value well...reliable auto.

Favorite Features

Exterior look.

Suggested Improvements

None.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post