Used 1998 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews
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1998 540i - 2nd owner
adius, 02/23/2010
1998 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
2 of 15 people found this review helpful
Purchased this with 60K on odo as 2nd owner in 2004. Selling it with 108K. Replaced radiator. expansion thank and heat connection because of known weakness. Other issues were only wear items. Great handling and brakes. Comfort is terrific in all seats. Upgraded stereo is very good. Road MPG dropped 2 mpg with ethanol. Have Blizzaks for winter that work very well on car. Hated to sell. Reliable and smooth. Rated by car mag as the best sports sedan ever built up to that point and I agree. Hate to see it go. Would sell this car to my mother.
540i 6-speed
pdxzen, 06/04/2008
1998 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 540i is a fine & fun car. The acceleration is better then most cars on the road with the HP and good torque. Mine is black, w/ black leather interior, and chrome 18in Hamann deep dish rims, w/ 40 series tires, lowered about 1.5 inches, w/ angel eyes conversion, cone air intake, & custom exhaust. It looks pretty good for a 10 year old car. It handles well in corners, but you can tell that it is a little bit nose heavy due to the V-8 in the front as you can break the rear loose when coming around a corner.
1998 BMW 5 Series for sale near you
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My 1998 540i Rocks!
My 540i Rocks!, 08/01/2008
1998 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Okay, bought my 540ia used from a lease, it is still in perfect condition at 65,700 miles. This car rocks! I have owned 3 Cadillacs in the past, this car is more refined, tighter, and just plain rocks! The power of the BMW V-8 is tremendous, much more than the Cadillacs I had. This car is fun to drive, handles like the blazes, and makes me feel good. Everything, and I mean everything, still works perfectly on mine. I own a museum condition E30 with 16,100 miles on it, it is in great condition, but this E39 with over 65,000 miles looks just as good.
528i
tennis15, 04/24/2002
1998 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
never had a problem
The Best Car Ever Made
Mr. M, 08/27/2002
1998 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The only thing I would add to this car is factory installed radar detector.
My first BMW
mseals, 11/13/2002
1998 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I can't believe how incredible this car is. Even though it is a used CPO, this car continues to amaze me with it features. Power, smoothness, quietness, are just a few words that epitomize this car. I don't think I can ever go back to a plain car again.
love to drive my 540
DanRube, 11/15/2002
1998 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
1st BMW great car very fast with Dinan chip and intake (came with car) solid driving machine. Not the best car for just going to the store and back it likes the open road and long distances. Like the weight of the car feels safe.
Scared to own an M5
Converted007, 12/07/2002
1998 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is one rock-solid car that delivers phenomenal gas mileage. At first we thought the digital readout was incorrect, but have learned to trust it after fill to fill checks. With the cruise set at 140-160 kph (86 to 99 mph) and a good radar detector we have consistently achieved 30+ miles per gallon on the highway and 23 mpg in the city.
Too late to turn back
uncleg, 12/21/2002
1998 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
When we first bought this car for my wife she was in love wthi the style power and performance. I loved the the features. But little did i know it would be the beginning of the end. Not soon after we bought the car we had to replace all the head lights and break lights under warranty. Buy the 3rd yr we have replaced allexterior lights at least 3 times. Called BMW and they state, it is a common problem up until I started to experience more expensive items like the ASC and the transmision relay.etc.etc.etc. The BMW dealers will only provide a loaner if yuo bought it there? Not lexus or mercedes. I will never buy another, I go back to Mercedes and lexus.
1998 540i Sport
Scott C., 12/28/2002
1998 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This cars lives up to the hype and continues to impress at 70,000 miles down the road. I can not think of a single car that I would want to drive for what the value of this car is worth currently. It is still tight and drives as good as ever. Taken care of properly this car is as good of a performance sedan that has been put out in the last 10 years. I can't wait to see the new 540 due out in 2003 as an 04 model.
The Ultimate Driving Machine
BMWTom, 01/02/2003
1998 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I can't wait to get in my car and drive, this is the ultimate driving machine.
can't go wrong
540i sport, 01/13/2003
1998 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The best car I've ever owned. Awesome power, handling, safe and attractive, as well as good resale value. I can count on one-hand 4-door sedans out there that have better attributes than this automobile. Does need snow tires for the winter, but once you put them on the car becomes entirely benign. Also, stick shift and sport package make all the difference.
Massive Torque BMW 540
Big Bad BMW, 02/11/2003
1998 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the car for those who enjoy driving and driving fast and this is important...under CONTROL!!
BMW
grefer, 03/03/2002
1998 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I enjoy driving my car.
Fun, Safe, but oh yeah, it's fun
joesurf, 09/26/2003
1998 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I fell in love at second gear. Gotta buy the 6 speed! Fourth gear is like nitrous. I have not found the limit on cornering.
Out of control
Hong Kong, 03/07/2003
1998 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I don't know what it is. When I decided to get a grown-up car, it was between a beemer or a benz. The Beemer won because I was only a grown-up, not yet a geeser. I'm in Hong Kong where there is a 120% tax on cars so my 3 year old 523i came in at US$30k after I beat the dealer down (who had it on consignment) by about 5 grand. But it's been a dream. During the 1st couple of months, I couldn't wait for Sunday mornings when I would take it out on the hilly back roads here to push the envolope on the corners. It's great. There's no other feeling. Oh, BTW, the 5 has room for the wife & kids.
540 is #1
G-ADAMS, 04/07/2004
1998 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
BMW IS NOT CALLED THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE FOR NO REASON. THIS V8 IS GREAT. IT IS A SPORTS CAR CAMOUFLAGED AS A FAMILY SEDAN. I CANNOT SAY ENOUGH ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE WITH THIS VEHICLE.
Great Car, when not in the shop
Bob, 07/12/2006
1998 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Have owned the car for a couple of years and seem to have a major (>$500) repair about every 6 months. Most of the previous posts highlight the poor quality cooling system parts (replaced) and window mechanism (twice replaced). I have also replaced the steering and a/c fan,. That said, it handles perfectly on the road. I am considering either a CPO 5-series or a Porsche now - both are always in the shop anyways.
Wonderful Car, Not so nimble
RichGilb, 05/03/2004
1998 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
It's a beautiful car, and BMW does an excellent job thinking of luxury details. The pickup is wonderful, but the handling around sharp curves is not as nimble as a sports car. It's a true sports sedan, and perhaps the best one you can buy. The 6-speed manual is a rocket! I had a number of minor electronic glitches (ghosts). Sunroof stopped working here and there, then started, etc. It was enough to make me a bit nervous about its reliability. But I must say, they were minor issues.
The best of all worlds
j528i, 07/16/2005
1998 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
A classic vehicle that offers a truly sporty ride, with excellent highway handling, while comporting itself with that slow lingering class often found in high-tea cosmopolitan settings. Refined, elegant but full of secret agent type surprises.
Glad I bought it!!
earl8, 05/15/2003
1998 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I just traded in my 1995 Volvo 850 T5R after having it for 4 years... what was I waiting for!! I have always admired BMW's, but never a serious admirer until now!! I looked at the Q45, the GS 300 and the E430, but got a good deal on the BWM w/ relatively low miles for the year. It's as quiet as a cat and I like the overall smooth ride. Not crazy about the dreaded cupholders, the climate controls are a little strange, but minor complaints about a great vehicle. I feel like I finally arrived!!! Thanks BMW!!
Best Car I've Owned
Matthew Gilligan, 01/19/2003
1998 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My mates tell me this is an old man's car, until I take them around the block and they realise its a wolf in sheep's clothes. It's an absolutely fabulous car, smooth and exciting to drive. Feels sturdy and safe at all speeds, and great breaking ability. Open road driving is magic in a 540i. If you like smooth grunt with refined elegance, this machine qualifies.
lots of fun!
cachitongo, 06/21/2003
1998 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've only had my car for 2 weeks but am loving it! It is solid, predictable and responsive. Awesome brakes and suspension. Beautiful car - a real head turner! I'm glad I made the leap.
Nobody Does It Better
TMPB, 03/29/2002
1998 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Heat/AC control awkward, difficult to operate while driving, too long a reach around shifter, otherwise can't beat it, true pleasure to start it up and drive
Best car I've ever driven!
Sadas, 05/08/2008
1998 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 156000 miles. Drives like new. Everything works perfect! All electronics work perfectly. A lot of people complain about replacing BMW parts. It's really not that hard; takes a little effort and time. I change my own oil air filters, radiators, pumps, and bunch of other stuff. This is a really nice car! I have owned Lexus and Acura this car beats them all!
Luxury family car with tons of speed
Warhorse, 11/24/2021
1998 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Big enough for a family. Fast enough for a adventurist. Unbelievable power after it gets going. Easy to maintain
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Still my favorite
duggan, 03/02/2002
1998 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Over 4 years now, and I still love to get in this car. It's my second 540ia, the last being a 1995 540ia also. We live on the west coast, travel the mountain highways across the rockies, so that we get to use the V8 on the winding twisting passes. In summary, the car is understated, fits nicely in both the country and the city, whereas I think the Mercedes 'E-quivalent' is overstated and somewhat pretentious for what it does for similar money ...