1998 BMW 5 Series Review

Who'd consider this an economy car - ME!

Written by: me on 08/17/2009

Vehicle

1998 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528i Sedan

Review

Best trip mileage ever 39.49, with return mileage on same trip 38.86 - I PROMISE THIS IS THE TRUTH!! Worst gas mileage ever - 23.0 ONE time, first year of ownership ONLY. Past winter avg commute/errand mileage 27. Current summer avg commute/errand mileage 29.5! I consider myself an "extra- miler", NOT a "hyper-miler". With that standard vacuum (gas mileage) gauge and using the trip computer, I have steadily improved my gas mileage even as my odometer reads over 150,000! Drives so elegantly when taking it easy, but accelerates and tracks so securely whenever desired. Drives like brand new, not like an 11+ year old car, because I ALWAYS drive her with respect!

Favorite Features

The surprising gas mileage, performance, handling, comfort, and such a joy to pilot! A/C handles up to 100 degrees - and has NEVER been recharged in my 7 ownership years! I always wanted a BMW straight six. The engine's so smooth if not concentrating on mileage, sometimes forget to shift.

Suggested Improvements

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An excellent veichle

Written by: alex lopez on 07/20/2009

Vehicle

1998 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528i Sedan

Review

I have a 1998 BMW 528i . A reliable and safe car. I've only had it for a year and the only thing that went bad on me were the brakes, but overall it's an excellent vehicle and I strongly recommend one as a first car. The parts are expensive but I think it's worth it. The fuel is not so bad on it unless you floor it all the time, otherwise it's fuel economy.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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Fun but .....

Written by: DB on 09/03/2008

Vehicle

1998 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 540i Sedan

Review

This car is a blast to drive, but the cooling system and electronics leave much to be desired. Dash lights, cd player, window mechanisms, radiator, etc all had to be replaced in a car that had less than 100k.

Favorite Features

Handling and acceleration

Suggested Improvements

quality of electronics

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I'll Drive It Another 10 Years

Written by: jkhuddy on 09/03/2008

Vehicle

1998 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528i Sedan

Review

Rock solid at 150K miles. Replaced all cooling components (pump, radiator, thermostat & housing, belts) as a precaution at 140K. Just replaced the struts (they didn't owe me a thing.) Great gas mileage (30+ on highway); having a manual tranny helps. Looks good, handles great, safe and comfortable. Best six cylinder on the market. Bullet-proof drive train. Mine is Canyon Red, which looks great on this car.

Favorite Features

Engine/drive train and suspension. Handling. Fuel efficiency. Structural integrity. Reliability. Easy to work on (really!) Parts aren't too bad if you know where to shop.

Suggested Improvements

Cupholders? The Germans didn't want us to have them anyway. Drive the car and have your coffee at the diner. Less plastic in critical cooling system components.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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This car is fast

Written by: 540inupe on 08/04/2008

Vehicle

1998 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 540i Sedan

Review

My 3rd BMW. Since I have had this car I have had wheel bearings replaced twice. Valve cover gasket replaced. One day I could not get in the damn car. I unlocked the door and the door handle would not let me in the damn car. I crawled in through the back door while my 6 year old kid laughed at me. The next time I picked her up from school she said “Daddy you should leave the windows down and slide in like the DUKE boys”. I have only had cold A/C 1 out of the 4 years I have owned this car. I drove in to work with my back wet from sitting in this hot box.

Favorite Features

Power

Suggested Improvements

Valve cover gaskets, water pumps cupholders, window regulators

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