Used 1997 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews
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Great Car Limted By Electrical Quirks
mickt2, 05/27/2004
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Mechanically, the only thing I've had to do is replace the brakes once. Electrically, it's been a nuisance. In the past 2 years it's been in the shop for ignition failure, windshield wiper motor replacement (twice), window regulator failure, electronic trunk release failure, failure of sunroof, loss of sound to half the speakers. The heated seats keep blowing a fuse,and it can't be repaired without replacing both front seats. Each shop visit has run in the several hundred dollar range, and BMW dealers seem to think its nothing for you to wait 2 weeks for an appointment and then leave your car there for 2-3 days.
Almost as good as it gets.
Rodney J, 08/22/2004
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car handles and corners amazingly well considering how soft, quiet, and luxurious it otherwise rides. The inline six is sporty enough but could use some more torque. The black interior looks luxurious and a little wicked at the same time. I took a friend of mine who recently bought an Infiniti for a ride in my 528. Within a mile he was already talking about getting a BMW. The reliablilty, compared to Toyotas, is dismal. The dash electrics, air conditioning, exhaust, 3 sunroof repairs, engine idle solenoid, window motor, trunk release, radio have all had problems (1 non- routine problem per 6,800 miles).
1997 BMW 5 Series for sale near you
Showing 3 of 5 listings
- 540i SedanMSRP: $24,9951,045 mi away
- 528i SedanMSRP: $7,4951,121 mi away
- 540i SedanMSRP: $9,9952,316 mi away
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Great Car but Can't Wait to Sell It
JonesDM, 09/06/2004
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great highway cruiser, quiet, firm, comfortable - feels like its part of the highway. Fun to drive and looks great- an almost perfectly executed car, but has needed over $12,000 in repairs since new.
Fun to drive!
PAER, 10/21/2004
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Initially, I wanted to purchase a 7 series, but discovered that I could get the same V-8 in a 540. Plus! Why pay a few extra thousand dollars to have leg room for people to sit in the back who are not paying your car note! The 1997-2001 5 series look basically the same, so I used the worst house in the best neighborhood theory and purchased a 1997 in mid-Jan 2004 with only 52K miles on it. At the 61K mark, the cooling system died and I got that and all belts replaced at an independent BMW shop. I saved some pennies and went from riding a bike to getting this BMW! :-)
It's Time to Go
RLight, 10/27/2004
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is so much fun to drive. The pick up is great even though it needs major repair. I can hit 100mi before I know it and it looks cute too. I bought the car with high miles thinking it's a BWM, it can go for miles. But the repair problems are mounting. From water pumps, brakes, suspenion, thermostat and theromstat housing, the list goes on. The trunk release motor is shot and don't get me started on those cheap A$$ cup holders. It's no longer cost effective to be able to drive this BWM. It's gotta go.
Should have lasted longer
TnD, 11/12/2004
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Totally babied my 528 with best oil every 5k and easy frwy driving..Thought it would go at least 300k like my old 735 that's still running good , but at 180k [not alot these days] engine needs bottom end rebuilt, [full rebuild]..Very dissapointed..Should have lasted alot longer!
MacGregor Review
MacGregor, 03/19/2005
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Rides and handles very well. This body style is the best they've ever had. A solid, well built machine, though a bit pricey to have parts or work done.
Well Maintained, Used the way to go!
mjack85, 06/09/2005
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Looks that stand the test of time. Great handling, this car is unbelievable for an 8 year old car. Bought it with 90k with all service records. Previous owner kept meticulous care and seems to have repaired and replaced most trouble spots prior to trading it. I cannot find anything wrong with this car and love driving it.
528i can go a long time
budokan, 03/14/2003
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
needed new cat conv at 135K, various bulbs, trunk release, interior lighting, headlight bulb, minor oil leak seal housing. fun to drive. safe. fast. got 147k now going for 200.
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.
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.
BMW 540
Clark Lindemann, 05/05/2003
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Once I have owned a BMW 540 I can truly say it is the Ultimate Driving Machine.
Daily Exhilaration, > Fun Than Imagined
my540aye, 03/05/2003
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fantastic response in power,braking and handling. Watch maint. issues: 1. Cat. Converters (8yr/80K from BMW) 2. Radiator & Overheating Issues 3. Vacuum Plate & Crankcase Valve. PURE SPORT LUXURY. Insur. Class is high 23 for automatic and a 24 for the 6- speed. The 540i is the wonderfully fun and still functional. A longtime car salesman told me the 540i (vs. 528i) was for people who really want a Porsche, not a BMW; I now have perspective of his reference, yet disagree. I recommend the 540i for anyone over 21 years old. There is a reason the 540i resale is greater than the 740's. Drive one for yourself.
This is the one
Carlosq, 02/07/2003
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Nothing better to drive
Too early to tell
jgogan, 12/01/2007
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just purchased this 540i (my first Bmer) in Sept, 07. The car had been well cared for with 130K. I like this car a lot. Acceleration, ride, styling and amenities are all first rate. The transmission is a 5-speed auto that keeps are RPMs down when cruising. Just developed a transmission leak and the heating comes on when it wants to. Presently waiting to be inspected by my mechanic for cause and cure analysis. I'm hopeful to create a review after 1 year that comes off a little more positive. I still remain positive though; realizing how much I enjoy this car when all is working well. Get back to you in a year.
I expected more
California Driver, 06/28/2003
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My previous car was a '87 BMW 325. Got 257,000 miles with no major repairs - wonderful car. I have 150,000 on this car - just replaced the drive-shaft, control arm is going and some bushings as well. The transmission (auto) has slipped twice and my mechanic tells me it will need to be replaced soon. That's about $7000 total. I expected much better reliability, especially compared to my previous car.
My red concorde
Justind, 03/18/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I must say even with the problems that I have had with my 540i, it still is a pleasure to drive. I am a little disappointed with BMW because over the past years of ownership I have had to replace Sunroof Tilt, control arms, radiator, wheel bearing, instument panel. It is an expensive car to run there no questioning that. That why I have a Honda. The quality of the car is excellent but the reliability could be better. I have never been stranded anywhere but there have ben tedious moments with my 540i. The performance on the car is AMAZING. You get pushed back into you Seat on full trotle takeoffs. The feeling is great. Its like having an f-16.
Still gets it!!
Shannon, 08/05/2020
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If you don’t like a lot of fuses or sensors not the car for you. I have owned my 540i 6speed for 16 years. It still starts up anytime. It has never broken down. As long as you do the Simple maintenance it will go forever. I have 200 thousand miles on it. Yes the tires eat up because of the suspension but that’s ok cause tires wear out anyway now a days. Best car ever! I only drive it for luxury
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
My favorite car...ever.
cork, 01/06/2004
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Your best bet is to buy a used one with higher mileage. I bought my 1997 in 2002 with 100K on it. I've put on 20,000 trouble-free miles. It had a sticker of close to $50,000 and I bought it for $18K. The car spins like a top. High quality fit and finish, comfy, and fun to drive.
Bavarian Bliss
Bimmer One, 08/04/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased the car on the certified plan with 53000 miles. The car is incredibly solid and has performed flawlwessly. It is expensive to maintain, so be prepared. I routinely get almost 30MPG on the highway and the car cruises at 80MPH all day long. I added a couple of Dinan modifications to boost HP and they work flawlessly.
Excellent car
Exelent car, 07/29/2005
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I drive my 2000 BMW 528ia from Los Angeles to Cancun 3 times a year, plus must of my driving is on Mexican highways. The car never breaks down,and is super stable. Averages speeds of 85 to 100 mph on this roads. Few little things are bad in car like condensation in the headlights and wind noise from the windshield, other than that it's a rocket. I had to replace the rear window motors.
Great value great running condition
Jim Mal, 07/08/2016
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I know a mechanic who worked at BMW 7 years said this model and years were some of the best
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort