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Used 1997 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
72 reviews

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great Investment

justducky150, 09/29/2005
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Great investment... if a used car could be such a thing. This 540i has been stellar in reliability and performance. I bought with 29,000 miles and it started service on the road in August 1996. 80,000 miles later and the car still is turning heads and has tremendous thrust. Parts that had to be purchased: water pump, windshield wiper motor, AC compressor (covered under warranty). Other than that, it has been almost flawless. I started driving it in brutal Western Pennsylvania winters 2 years ago, favoring its reknowned safety cage, and have never had a problem with sliding/skidding. The car is perfectly balanced. Above average cost of investment for excellent long term return.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

top of the food chain

jr roadcaptain, 04/18/2003
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I am coming up on 7 years of ownership and 90K on the clock. Yes I just did the radiator but got the cat and a couple of small items under the extended warranty. I have owned and driven various Bimmers and this one is the berries. Do not, I repeat, do not drive this car for any length of time if you cannot buy--it will ruin you for all other cars, even some other Bimmers.

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3.75 out of 5 stars

Stay away

badnews, 04/10/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is the most dangerous car I've ever owned. In the two years I have owned it, the engine has blown, the electrical system has completely failed, and the car almost caught on fire. I bought it used with 42,000 miles on it and it now has 91,000 miles on it. BMW should be embarrassed. The only saving grace is that I have a 100,000 mile extended warranty. It has easily saved me $15,000 in repairs. I am about to trade it in for a Honda Accord.

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3.88 out of 5 stars

Superb Euro Sedan

Blondebeard, 02/19/2003
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The ’97 E39 540i Sport is a study in contradictions, completely in-line with expectations. I’ve had mine about a year, and just crossed 72K miles. On the whole, the car has been a splendid purchase. They stop on a dime, handle well, and start to really shine where other cars sign off. With the right tires and fresh clutch, they’re a blast at track days, too. Imagine that: a family sedan that performs well at the track. Short of an M5, I cannot recall another sedan that can make this claim.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

In love

bimmergal, 09/25/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my 528ia last year, and I love it! Not only is it fun to drive, but I get great gas mileage, and I get a lot of attention from the guys! I have never had a car before that responded as quickly and powerfully as this one. I would like to have an M5 but as of yet can't afford it. Thank goodness I didn't get that 98 328 convertible I looked at first! My car is gorgeous outside and inside.I'm only 26, so I didn't want a sedan that looked like an old lady car. I doubt that I will ever buy a car by any other maker! So far reliability has been good.I'm at 47,988 miles now.

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