Used 1997 BMW 5 Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Great car
Paul the Preacher, 04/01/2010
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car used July 2007 with 150,000 miles. I love this car. The previous owner took good care of it. It's like new on the inside. If gas was cheaper I would have a million miles on it. I only have 181,000 mile. It is a joy to drive. I've only had minor issues with it, and they all are covered in other reviews. cup holder, battery dies, tie rod, and alarm system a little crazy. I will purchase at least 2 more.
Executive Experss
BrianB, 08/03/2005
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
I've had the bimmer for a couple of years now, and it still thrills in the curves, coddles on the highway, and being all black, with tinted windows, with the 17" sport wheels, still turns heads. I perfer the looks of this 5 to the new one, but given that the 3 series started to look very much like the 5 it does make it look like you see it all over the place. Engine reliability has been good, but I've been let down by the little, but expensive things... $400 rear window motor and attachments... Air pump, niggly electrical issues, battery, and ball joints that wearout too quickly for a high end car. But, overall, I buy another one in a minute! And that's the best review anyone can give a car.
Great car
frick, 08/09/2008
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is my 4th BMW and was purchased with 320,00 km cheap. Car needed struts, control arm, tie rods, rear ball joints, stab links and cvv. After doing all the work this car runs and drives like new. Body had small rust on back trunk lid (repaired) shined back up to almost new condition after 10 Canadian winters. Good value for used car.
Future Classic
Farhan haque, 11/28/2008
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
it is a well know fact that E39 (97- 02) is among the best BMWs. For its size, it has matchless handling. few cars of this era has heated steering. All controls inside are intuitive. Exterior is matchless and even now it does not look dated, in fact is still a head turner. You hear the bump but you dont feel it, suspension is so good. Compared to its competitors, E class or Lexus GS, it's sportier and should be the choice of a car enthusiast.
The Ultimate Nightmare
quikslvr, 03/15/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
7 of 10 people found this review helpful
1997 BMW 540I 6speed The car is fun to drive when it works. In 44000 miles the car has been flat bedded back to the dealership three times. The car has been back to the dealership five times in the last nine months for repairs to the cooling system. The car is leaking oil from the engine. BMW tells me there is nothing wrong with the car. The bottom line is they just don't care. This is definitely my last BMW.
One of the best cars I ever had!
kriss77, 04/30/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a superb car, and it is definitely the best in its class. This is a true sports sedan, that not only is very comfortable (16 way adjustable seats), but performance oriented. Acceleration times are amazing for this type of cars. 6.2 seconds from 0 to 60 on an automatic, and 5.8 seconds on a manual transmission speaks for itself. The V8 produces a massive torque and every time you step on the accelerator, you get "pulled" into the bucket of the seat. If you have never owned a 540i, you are missing a lot. If you plan on buying this car, make sure you get an extended warranty.
what a great car
bobbybuche, 02/25/2009
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I just purchased a 1997 528i yesterday and the car only had 65,000 miles on it. The car is great it feels like I'm riding on rails and the suspension beats the heck out of my old explorer. I have seen a few people talk about wind noise from the front windshield and what you need to do is pull of the weather stripping and lay down a very small bead of silicon and place a small piece of rope on the inside of the groove of the seal when you reinstall the window pull the rope back out al the way around and this will provide the best seal and will eliminate the wind noise I guarantee. Other than that the car is amazing.
Been a great car
Susie, 02/20/2010
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had my 540 for almost 5 years now. I love the car, fun to drive, fast, reliable. Gas mileage is poor but it is a big V8 under the hood. Have only done routine mileage related repairs that any car would need, only at a much higher cost and we do all our own repairs. Hate to say it has been hit twice and is the only 10+ year old car I know of that was totally covered for a combined 10k of body repairs. My only re-occurring complaint is the need of new tires, alignments more often then most cars, I only put 20k on it in 5 years and I am on my 3rd set of tires. Oh and for winter driving, this car stinks, which is why my next auto, later this year, is the X5!! I do love my 540 though!
Poor reliability offsets driving thrills
Peter, 11/14/2007
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
Fast, solid, highly capable car. I thoroughly enjoyed driving it. The 540i adds power but gives up the 528i's nimbleness. The great driving experience was more than offset by poor reliability though - particularly the electronics. I had to take the car in for unexpected repairs about twice a year.
528's Are BAD NEWS
felgar, 08/05/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this car as a lease return with an after market warranty. It has constantly been in the shop. The last major problem was a blown head gasket and warped head - BMW took no ownerhship in the problem and cost me $5K. These are very unreliable cars and I will never purchase a BMW again. Great looks but Big Money Wasted
Great Sedan
petepeter, 05/04/2006
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchased my 528i new & have driven 84000 miles. Great road & @town performance. Just had a wreck, a total loss. Doors still open and no injuries. I was in control to swerve & miss a head-on collision & was hit on the driver's door and to the rear. Great safety for its age. Can't find a comparable to replace it.
My first, and last
TomnMemphs, 12/11/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Purchased this car CPO with 53K miles on it. Yeah, it's a BMW, but that doesn't impress me much anymore. It drives great, but that's it's only decent feature. In the last month, I have spent nearly $1,000 on various maintenance....brakes (just for the front - $500)and the dreaded Inspection II ( a glorified tune-up, and another $500). I've owned both domestic, japanese, and other European autos and trucks. This car is NOT worth the cost ( both for the car, and the total maintenance costs). If you live in Memphis, you're forced to buy from a single dealer. I suggest you buy something else.
Where do I put my stuff?
fofoshack, 08/07/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Perfect, except the console storage (or lack thereof)
One Great Used Car!
78280z, 04/12/2006
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car on eBay with 82k miles. I have changed belts, spark plugs, oils. At 100k I changed the valve cover gasket (piece of cake) at 105k I had the tie rods change. I have done some little things to keep it looking and operating like new. The car is easy for the "DIY" to work on. This is the finest car I have driven. I'm a car salesman and this is not the brand I sell. It will be the brand I drive from now on. A Car To Be Proud Of!!
Love this car
Wilfredo, 09/20/2006
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
My 1997 540i is 163,000 miles-old and it still feels & drives like a brand- new-year-model. With a powerful V8 that's not designed to pull you back into your seat when taking a ride, but instead, gives you the smooth enjoyable feeling which makes you just want to keep driving. At first it all had to do with just experiencing what was to have a BMW, but once I had it, it all changed. I thought I had tried it all, I was very wrong. This is the Ultimate Driving Machine. Quality Interior design & components, powerfull awesome engine,... There are new cars coming out every year (Lexus, Infiniti, etc) and most of them don't even come with the gadgets that came in my BMW 540i 1997 model.
Can't go anywhere with out it
540 single gal, 12/25/2007
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Love this car...sold my 911 for something bigger but just as fun to drive. Now in 12/07 with over 120,000 miles (6 years and 90,000 miles later) it still looks and drives great. Stevens Creek, a San Jose dealership takes great care of me and my 540, although parts and labor can get pretty pricey, this dealership does help me out quite often, even out of warrranty. I have kept it garaged and well maintained, has second set of after market wheels and tires, just so I can stand out even more :)
wonderful 528i
jeffjjh, 07/31/2003
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best car I have ever owned! Not one problem in 60,000 miles. Gets 30 mpg on the highway and 25 to 27mpg just running around. The guality is superb and the car is worth every penny! It rides and drives just like it did when new. 80 mph feels like 55 mph. No wind noise and SOLID at high speeds.
Bimmer Bummer
delawaredriver, 11/04/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Electrical and mechanical problems plague this car. It has more rattles than an old Chevy. Thank goodness for the extended warranty. I used to overlook the failures because of how much "fun" it is to drive a BMW. No more! Can't wait to get rid of it.
97 BMW 528
dasherhart, 08/02/2003
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car was bought used which saved quite a bit of money. It is very quiet, comfortable and very easy to shift this 5-speed. It is very enjoyable to drive and has great acceleration and handling. The A/C and Heater work very quickly. The backseat leg room is good and trunk space is plenty. Maintenance - the thermostat has been replaced 3 times at no cost and the water pump was replaced after 5 years. The scheduled maintenance for BMW's is a bit pricey but they take care of so many items at one time to keep the car running well.
wolf in sheeps clothing
Tyson, 10/12/2003
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
What a treat it is to peek over your shoulder as you leave it in a parking lot. But this pales in comparison to the effortless excelerating that awaits your return. The engine and transmission co-operate beautifully. The auto-tranny seems to downshift at just the right momment, never leaving you in search of power. Steering is predictable and responds as only a rear drive car can. If you're still wanting more, try overriding the stability-control. Now the 540, already responsive, really perks up ( be cautious in wet conditions). Comfort is splended as long as you're sitting up front. Rear seats are comfortable, but at 6'1" it's a litttle cramped.
Some like it Hot!
Habu, 07/08/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Fantastic performance, acceleration, and handling. overall Quality unexcelled except perhaps by Mercedes. The 6-speed trans. makes me feel like a teenager again. I can't wait to drive it, even just to the grocery store. My next car will be the "M5".
So far so good
gbucey, 10/27/2003
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the car a little over six months ago with almost 107,000 on it and it now has 113,500 miles. The car is fun to drive, very reliable and very comfortable. A lot of power for a six cylinder and very smooth ride. I've had no problems with it whatsoever thus far.
Great Car
Excell, 10/28/2003
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car used in 1/2000 with 44,000 miles. Now have 119,000 and it has been a great car and given great service. I have never driven a car that is more fun to drive.
Just remarkable
don, 02/10/2008
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 100k and needed some work like control arms and flex joint. Since then it has been a thrill and pleasure to own this car. It's a manual trans. And this car does not miss a beat, it handles well on curves as well as straight aways and the braking is excellent. Could change these cup holders even though I don't use them I don't have time to because I'm too busy driving the car. It is the step up from my 325i which I thought was a beast but the 540i is one step down from the M5 which is OK. Because I don't need any speeding tickets.
NICE TO DRIVE, BAD FOR YOUR POCKET!
GEORGES, 08/23/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The ride is great, it is fun to drive, good performance, good looking, but bad reliability... I have changed all the fans rumbling and some rear drivetrain piece because of a strange TIK" coming from the rear of the car when you start up with the car. If you have much money to spend on your car, it's a great choice
Buy a different car!
Diane K-C, 01/27/2004
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I thought that a BMW was the way to go after running my Honda Accord into the ground at 235,000 miles. The total amount of money that I had spent on repairs that I had done on the Accord were just about what I have spent on repairs in just one month on this car! It is ridiculous...I am in the shop literally every other month and there are still things that I need to get done to it. I was impressed by the "name" and safety record of these cars, but am now just figuring out how to get rid of it!
The best car I have EVER owned
jss, 07/02/2003
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
WOW! what a car! such good build quality, extremely fun to drive and boom! is it fast or what?
The Ultimate Driving Machine
UNKNOWNBMW M5, 10/24/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best Car on Earth All BMW's are
Great car!
jnr, 08/01/2003
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just purchased this car, and man what a fun ride! The only thing that I can complain about is those stinking cupholders!
Great Car!
Brendon, 02/21/2004
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Exellent performance. One of the nicest sounding engines ever! It goes like a bat out of hell.
Great Buy
GoCubsGo, 10/11/2003
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Excellent car to drive.
Fun Fun Fun But Nickle and Dimed
FGORILLA, 11/05/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Unbelievable performance, but there have been quite a few minor ($$$) electrical issues (i.e. rear window won't retract, warning lights stay on, etc).
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.
Love the car but my wallet doesn't!!
Al, 07/23/2006
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My second bmw. I had a 325i before and loved it. Decided to get the 528i later. Car is great. Love all the features and the DRIVE!
fantastic all around
ginzoes, 11/18/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
when a company allows the factory warranty to remain withe car;irregardless of #of owners,it's plain to see a car company that believes in their product!
so far so good
Georges81, 05/04/2004
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the car handle well, it's fun to drive, and it gives a nice driving pleasure. The only thinks you are scared of, is that you don't know if you will arrive to your destination with out having a small technical problem.
look out open road
bigb, 03/31/2005
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought it recently and car was well cared for. What a car-like going on vacation every time behind the wheel- just pure pleasure. I know it will eventually cost me but who cares-you can't take it with you. If you have the desire-try one used and you will see what I mean.
The best
skiier, 08/01/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The most fun to drive - and I thought nothing would beat my '93 Taurus SHO. Even with less HP, this one really goes. Love to set the cruise at 100 for long trips - that's when the car is at it's best.
First model year
dan7788, 01/09/2004
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
97 is the first model year of the 528i (build starts 96). I think many 97 528 owners, many of the them have the same problems. The rear power window regulator breaks. Water pump would go at about 70k mi. power seat have problems, so is the airbag warning sensor. interior starts making noise after awhile. The alarm sensor for the trunk might have problem. BMW issued notice for dealer to fix a lot of these problems. Early model don't have manual shift mode. The brakes are really good but don't last long. The engine only makes 190hp, it runs slower than my old C280.
6 Speed 540i
BCUZICAN535, 10/06/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
BMw is goin in the right way i also have a 91' 535i 5-speed and the 540 is much more powerful. The clutch is really have and has rapid engagement. The car is one of the best handling cars out their and its a sedan. I have not had any major mechanical problems yet. Maintanance is high but you do get what you pay for.
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).
Very clean
johnnybadboy, 12/07/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
the best car i ever had
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.
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.
Same $ as a camry
Mike ., 12/03/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
well, for the price of a new camry 2003, I got a 5 yr old bmw 5-series with only 41k and a full warranty...which was the better deal? duh. my only complaint is the window rubber trim is crappy...is brittle and weathered too much for a BMW
Love my 540i
Sue, 04/22/2009
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Had this car going on years. Bought it with 92k on, have had to do normal maintenance on the car but that's it. This car is fast, but it also stinks on gas, that 18-21 mpg is only possible on highway in perfect conditions. But boy is it fun to drive!! Handles amazing, rides amazing, well you see where I'm going with this!! Going to add an X5 soon, we also have a 318, that's great on gas. I will always drive Bimmers now!!
Wow.
FrostyPaw, 12/27/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
You just can't drive anything else once you've owned one of these.
Sexy 6 Speed
M1ke B, 01/20/2003
1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Ultimate Driving Machine: it fast(beat a z28 stick, M3) , handles great, and looks great.
knock on wood
pupjr, 09/06/2002
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
No mechanical problems, no reliability problems. The most solid, quiet car I have driven. What's with the AM radio reception? Am beginning to get a little bit of hesitation in first shift of the automatic, could the beginning of the problems be near? 75,000 miles and I hope all this talk about expensive to repair isn't going to come true! What else out there drives like this for the money AND is cheap to repair?
There's Only One!
Vegas Bob, 01/21/2003
1997 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have been driveing for 30 years and have owned..everything at one time or another. My 528ia is by far the best machine I ever owned. Its now got 62,000 miles and its now just breaking in. It may be a six cyl, but it just chews on most 8's and spits them out as it goes by. The quality in every aspect is just the best. The only problem is I have to buy another one now that my lease is up. Theres just no driving anything else after this car.
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