1999 BMW 5 Series Review

It really is the Ultimate Driving Machine

Written by: Tim in Charlotte, NC on 10/03/2009

Vehicle

1999 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528i Sedan

Review

I have loved it since day 1. Now has 203,000 miles and still love it. Love taking it to the mountains and pushing it to its limits. Very comfortable and easy to drive. With newer tires it rides like a dream. Only have had three issues...rear wheel sensor--$1,000 in 2005. In 2007 AC went and the repair bill was $2,500....ABS Module went...cost is going to $1,000-1,500....unfortunately repair/maintenance is starting to cost too much. Did well for several years...guess mileage is starting to show. Think I have reached my return on my investment.

Favorite Features

It truly is the Ultimate Driving Machine....very reliable and dependable. Love the controls on the steering wheel and the comfort in the seats...fits like a glove.

Suggested Improvements

Wish they made the cup holders reliable and realistic...what a joke. Larger trunk area...I love the diagram for three golf bags in the trunk...what are they kids clubs.

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Best car in the world

Written by: Al on 09/18/2009

Vehicle

1999 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 540i Sedan

Review

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!

Favorite Features

Handling, power, internal comfort.

Suggested Improvements

cup holders

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Bargain sports car

Written by: mtnwheat on 04/14/2009

Vehicle

1999 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 540i Sedan

Review

What an excellent sports sedan! The looks are timeless and the performance is outstanding. It will put a grin on your face and up to four others in the car with you. Silky smooth V8 with the 6sp manual is a great combination in this size car. A premium car that anyone can afford. Glad I finally got one.

Favorite Features

Performance (325ft/lb torque) handling and style all in a 5 seater!

Suggested Improvements

Yea, the cup holders stink and driving it hard produces brake dust requiring cleaning. Boo hoo.

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Phenom - Best Car I've Had

Written by: dogsbrekky on 04/10/2009

Vehicle

1999 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 540i Sedan

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Power, drivetrain, handling (cornering) and internal comforts.

Suggested Improvements

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BMW Driver for life!

Written by: Nando on 10/29/2008

Vehicle

1999 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 540i Sedan

Review

We bought our 540i as a Christmas present for us last year and it has not disappointed. It has the 4.4L engine so it's not great on gas, but the thrill factor is off the charts. Maintenance is not cheap but we didn't expect it to be either. We purchased it with 155,000 miles on the odometer and now have 183,000 and it still runs super strong. Highly recommended with the 6 speed sport package!

Favorite Features

6-speed manual transmission, 282 hp, 330 lbs of torque engine, plenty of room in the back seat and trunk which makes it perfect for families.

Suggested Improvements

Better cupholders and less smell from the exhaust.

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