1999 BMW 5 Series Review

Good commuter so far

Written by: Eric on 03/06/2008

Vehicle

1999 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528i Sedan

Review

I've always liked this body style- more so than the new 5 series. I found this grey one in fine shape at 88K miles. It handles very nicely and is so sneaky quiet I've got to be careful not to speed too much. I got 29.5 mpg going to Florida over holidays and was so shocked I checked it again for 2 more tanks of gas. Same, over 29 mpg each time. Wow. I've had to replace 2 power steering hoses and oil filter manifold gasket for $800. All else is good so far at 91,000 miles. Car alarm goes off sometimes needlessly which is annoying. I'd like to to disable it. Motor on.

Favorite Features

Look and ride. Acceleration of the 528 is adequate for me.

Suggested Improvements

A 1999 model with a cartridge oil filter. Come on BMW, I thought that went out 20 yrs ago!! Make it easier for the home mechanic to work on. BMW seems to design it so only the dealer is supposed to work on it. I can't afford that. Real car enthusiasts like to work on their own cars!!

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Excellent buy

Written by: James on 05/12/2007

Vehicle

1999 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528iT Wagon

Review

Bought a 4 year lease return from a used car dealer with slightly over 40,000 miles. Have driven it to 80,000 miles after 3 years and had no problems except some minor cosmetic details (e.g. cup holders, door sill trim, door rubber moldings). From a mechanical point of view, had to just do my yearly synthetic oil change at the BMW dealer and put in gas. I've driven slightly over a couple parking stops and pulled away the front valences slightly. If you want a reliable, fun to drive car (not truck) with capacity for five and rear cargo for Home Depot, Costco or Ikea runs, this is a great car to consider. From my recollection, it is top of class (E39) for many years running.

Favorite Features

Design - timeless and will be a classic. Ride/ handling - the perfect 50/50 balance and "German" ride qualities. I've avoided a couple sure accidents with the sure stability, braking and reponsiveness of the anti-lock brake, anti-skid, stability control. I was amazed I didn't ram the car ahead.

Suggested Improvements

Trim - plastic cup holders, door sill, better placement of the rubber door seals, because I always rub upon entering/leaving the car. repeated wear causes them to wear away. Common to replace the cheap cup holders in front and back. Thankfully, they are cheap and easy to get from the BMW dealer.

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1999 BMW 528iT

Written by: Ichiro on 12/26/2006

Vehicle

1999 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528iT Wagon

Review

Purchased lease return at 43,000 miles from a used car dealership. The former owner was a middle aged lady, one owner. The car was basically just broken in. Have had car going on three years now and not a single problem except accidentally parking over a park stop and minor damage to the front air dam. Otherwise, absolutely a gem. The 17" BBS Cross-Spokes can be noisy, but the Bridgestone Turanza tires made it smooth as a Lexus, yet much sportier. The rim guards have prevented a couple rim rashes too. I'm veering off, sound off for the tires now. Anyways, I highly recommend this car, this years build to anyone considering.

Favorite Features

I've been an enthusiast to the styling, which is very clean lines and engineering focused design. The car is designed around a foundation that is refined and perfected. The wagon is a rarity stateside.

Suggested Improvements

For these cars the standard cup holders are cheap plastic and break. Over time the front drivers side door rubber seal can wear out from repeated abrasions getting in/out of car. As mentioned above good tires on the upgraded wheel package, like Bridgestone Turanza.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Texas BMER

Written by: dalworth55cars on 09/06/2006

Vehicle

1999 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528i Sedan

Review

This car is tight and handles well and feels sturdy. The driver's leg room and seat adjustments are a little cramped. I am very pleased with the highway gas mileage, however the city miles are less.

Favorite Features

The sound system and the steering wheel integrated audio controls.

Suggested Improvements

To move the window controls back in the middle like the earlier BMWs and to have the seat controls on the door panel so you don't have to squeeze your hand along the side of the door.

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Nice car

Written by: James on 07/12/2006

Vehicle

1999 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 528iT Wagon

Review

I bought the car used and had a little trepidation about the reliability of the car. The exterior design of this car is unbeatable bar none. I have the performance 17 inch wheels and the ride is harsh to say the least. The road noise from the tires are too loud. But the car looks and runs so well that I can overlook those few faults. Also I have to take into account that the car is six years old.

Favorite Features

The exterior design, the high quailty leather seats and other interior designs.

Suggested Improvements

Can't really think of anything to improve this car. Just keep building them.

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