Used 1998 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews
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It is a classic
I bought my BMW 540i back in 94, with 100k miles on it. Now 100k miles later, this car is running as a charm. What a nice car to ride. It looks great, and when you need power this car has a lot to give. The only way to replace it, it is finding another one just like it. Highly recommended.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
I LOVE this car! but...
I bought this car used in great condition w/63,500 on OD. Looked like a new car in and out. Very good deal-got it for less than my previous VW GTI new. This car has a GREAT engine! Be prepared for high dealer repair cost... I put in three saturdays of work in the car and saved over $2000 in labor. I knew what to look out for- the stock shocks are almost always blown by 50,000, but I would have switched to Bilstiens anyways. Put in a new water pump and thermostat , changed all the fluids and spark plugs. Did a once over on the car-Not bad for a used car that should be bullet proof for a while now.
- 540i SedanMSRP: $4,895520 mi away
- 540i SedanMSRP: N/A470 mi away
- 528i SedanMSRP: N/A2,333 mi away
Top notch car
I registered just to post how much I loved this car. I recently sold it to get something newer, but in over 6 years/50k of ownership, this is BY FAR, THE BEST, MOST RELIABLE CAR I'VE EVER OWNED. And I bought this car in 2005 w/over 100k on it. Aside from that, it's an absolute blast to drive, look at. MPG is amazing for a car this size, 25 mixed. Build quality is superb. Doors shut solid. Engine is solid, drivetrain. I had some minor repairs like a window regulator, fan blower, but was never stranded. Mine was the sport, so it had the lowered suspension and the 17" BBS style wheels. Amazing car. The 5 speed/sport pkg is a must. Anyone thinking of buying this, do it. You will love this car!!
This car rocks!
I just bought a 540i used with 62K miles but totally clean. This car is so fun to drive... fast, good breaking, & cornering. I got the sport package, but still feel the suspension could be tighter. Perhaps it needs new shocks. The stereo in this car is my biggest complaint. Not sure why BMW can't put a killer amp in the car so the 12 speakers rock. I'll upgrade this myself. Other than that, I can't image why anybody would spend more money for a new car that can't even come close to this one!
Who'd consider this an economy car - ME!
Best trip mileage ever 39.49, with return mileage on same trip 38.86 - I PROMISE THIS IS THE TRUTH!! Worst gas mileage ever - 23.0 ONE time, first year of ownership ONLY. Past winter avg commute/errand mileage 27. Current summer avg commute/errand mileage 29.5! I consider myself an "extra- miler", NOT a "hyper-miler". With that standard vacuum (gas mileage) gauge and using the trip computer, I have steadily improved my gas mileage even as my odometer reads over 150,000! Drives so elegantly when taking it easy, but accelerates and tracks so securely whenever desired. Drives like brand new, not like an 11+ year old car, because I ALWAYS drive her with respect!
An excellent veichle
I have a 1998 BMW 528i . A reliable and safe car. I've only had it for a year and the only thing that went bad on me were the brakes, but overall it's an excellent vehicle and I strongly recommend one as a first car. The parts are expensive but I think it's worth it. The fuel is not so bad on it unless you floor it all the time, otherwise it's fuel economy.
The Ultimate Driving Machine
There's a beautiful spirit about this car. Every time I get into the vehicle I find a great peace with the world. This is truly the best car I have ever owned. This beauty of mine is my first BMW. I'm now middle aged and have had plenty of cars and driving experiences but nothing compares to this machine. Perfect handling on the curves and it gives you power when you need it. I find myself driving on the back roads and the highways with comfort and ease. I feel no stress at all. If I feel like cruising at 40 mph or putting it to the test at 95 mph it's all good. I will always have this car of mine. It's a classic now and forever.
Best BMW so far
Bought my 1998 528i used in 2002 and have put on 72k miles. Car is at 115k and still runs like new. Replaced struts, brakes, new Michelin tires and other minor stuff to be expected but overall, an easy car to maintain. I stopped giving BMW all my money and now have a private mechanic do the work for me. Those inspections are ridiculous and unnecessary. Great mileage on hwy (30+) and looks great in white/tan. Couple of small problems, the seat molding cracked early on, the cup holders have been replaced twice, and the radio readout is starting to loose some of it's display. But the radio (I have the upgraded DP) is my favorite part. A lot of fun to drive and i will keep her as long as I can.
Buying this car was my greatest decision
Driving this car is so much fun; the tight steering, the way the car responds to the gas pedal, the braking system, and the safety. Everything about this car is great, although I recently had a problem with the rear window. It is the most comfortable car I have ever owned. It has a luxury interior and a sporty exterior especially with my aftermarket m3 tires and rims. I highly recommend this car to anyone who is out to buy one, although there are some problems that can be fixed.
I'll Drive It Another 10 Years
Rock solid at 150K miles. Replaced all cooling components (pump, radiator, thermostat & housing, belts) as a precaution at 140K. Just replaced the struts (they didn't owe me a thing.) Great gas mileage (30+ on highway); having a manual tranny helps. Looks good, handles great, safe and comfortable. Best six cylinder on the market. Bullet-proof drive train. Mine is Canyon Red, which looks great on this car.
For Passionate Drivers Only by DWR
True German engineering at its finest. As a passionate driver and an attendee of BMW club gatherings, I appreciate my 528i Sport to the utmost. Sure Im not impressed with the cup holders, but those whom have that to comment on probably are talking on their cell phones,drinking your drink, all-the- while splitting the white lines doing 40 in a 55. What I appreciate as a 25,000 mile a year driver is what the Germans are all about,DRIVING. Confidence, security, and performance all sum up what I cant fully express. The only other car I would consider is the 540 Sport oh baby. At age 28 I feel blessed to have the finest made car on the road.
My Bimmy !!
I bought my used 528I with 68616 miles and its just been a fun experience. I think the exterior design really attracted me to buying the car. The interior is in great shape with really good quality leather. Nevertheless, I think that for a luxury car of this price, the cupholders must go!! The stereo is just ok. Overall, this car is excellent!! It takes the same amount of money to buy a new domestic car or a used 3-5 year old BMW with low miles. My choice... Buy the Bimmer!!
My horrible BMW 528i ordeal
I bought my 1998 BMW used in 2000 with it being certified pre-owned. My car first overheated and the passenger side window stopped working within the 1st year that I bought it,but I only had to pay $50 to get it fixed under warranty. My car overheated so many times it's stupid. I was so scared that my eyes were always fixed to the temperature gage. I replaced the radiator, many hoses, reservoir tank, water pumps, plus the sunroof is stuck, trunk only opens with the key due to the inside buttons not working. This would be a great car if it worked half the time but it was so unreliable that I had to give up on it.
Shame on BMW
What an expensive piece of junk! At 55000 miles, this garbage had nothing but problem after problem. The catalytic converters went (luckily covered under warranty), the engine had multiple oil leaks at different times, the power steering hoses leaked, the front control arms had to be replaced. On the inside, the power tilt stopped working, the driver's power seat stopped working, the electronic dash lights burned out to the point of being of the messages being illegible and the back cup holders wouldn't open. All of this happened while I pampered the car. I am somewhat of a fanantic about caring for my cars. I gave poor performance and fun to drive scores because I was afraid to drive it!
The Ultimate Machine (under statement)
The best car I every driven. The Lexus GS300, Acura RL, Benz E300, absolutely no comparison!
E39, the best BMW!
The E39 version (1997-2003) of the 5-series is one of the best sedans BMW has ever made. A very solidly built car with a huge following on the internet. All problems and fixes can be found online with detailed descriptions by enthusiastic owners.
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Value
Great Car!
Bought this car with 47,000 obviously well cared for miles on it. Great speed and handling with nearly every conceivable luxury. As previously mentioned cupholder are nearly worthless but not that important to me. Service light has a mind of its own and I wish it would burn out. Why there is a gas economy gage and no oil pressure gauge is a mystery to me. You don't buy this model for great fuel economy. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone who is looking for a sports sedan. You probably better buy the extended warranty though just to be safe.
Update from previous review.
Now have 72,000 miles on car. Have replaced the radiator, water pump (left me stranded) valve cover gaskets, power steering hoses. Down to one functioning cup holder. Replaced one catalytic converter for a thousand bucks and the other one sounds like it's rattling (I hope it's the other one!). Blowing fuses on remote locking system and had to unplug the gas filler door actuator to stop it. Headlight adjusters broke. Still love the car though. Fun car but not Lexus reliability by any means.
Buy One if You Can
There always lemons and people who cannot be pleased and I would say those are anybody who does not love this car. The 540i is the car to own for fun. Mine is fully loaded with more gadgets than I can ever remember how to operate. The radio went out, I purchased one off e-bay, and self- installed with little effort. The radiator blew out and I replaced that also with no trouble, in fact only needed a screwdriver. Nevertheless, who has not had issues with a use car, this car rocks! I love the body style and the dark red color is the best ever when washed and waxed. In city or on highway this car is so much fun to drive plenty of power waiting to respond and comfort to sit back and relax.
Beautiful and classy, but temperamental
This is a car that is rewarding to drive and own, but it won't be cheap. My sport package 5-speed 2.8 I6 is a beautiful, well-handling, sporty and overall solid machine. I love it, but when something breaks, it is expensive to fix. Very expensive. Potential owners: be wary of the cooling system around 90k+ miles. Replace it before it goes. It will go bad and that's bad times.
Love it!!
I have had my 528 since July of this year, and love it!! It has 101k on it and is a blast to drive. Everyday I look forward to the commute to and from work as it is my unwind mobile! I average around 26-28mpg combined, yet it has snappy off the line and low end torque. Mine has the 5-speeds which is what I was looking for. Only maintenance problem was a broken motor mount ($40) done myself, relatively simple repair, and a rear window regulator ($95), again, did it in 1hr!! The fit and finish of BMW's has always impressed me, and the 528 does not disappoint!! People gripe about the cost of parts, but that's a fair trade off for a quality, well-engineered car that is designed to perform!!
E39 best 5 series of all time!
Bought it with 30K on it after trading in my 328i. Still have it with 100K and it's been the best drive I ever had. Also own a 03 330 convertible and still like the solid, smooth ride and power curve of the 98. It's as tight as a drum, no rattles. All E39s need an aftermarket water pump at 50K due to the plastic impellar, thermostats every 30k, and a better cupholder which can be retrofitted in the change holder. I'm thinking of getting a new 3xi series, but can't bear parting with the 98. Oh yeah, no iDrive!!!
Bimmer Rating '05 for 1998 540i
This is a excellent vehicle to drive. The V8 packs quite a punch. The interior is wonderful and spacious. the only thing that I thought was a negative was it has some electrical problems. Such as the sunroof. Although I would buy this car any day for its unmatched performance and quality.
A Great Vehicle
This vehicle is in the process of being passed down from my parents to me. I only have a permit, but have driven the car and have been living with it for about 4 years. It's so much fun. I think the exterior styling and interior comfort and luxury combined with the performance of it's engine make it the best beginner's car I could have ever hoped for. We have only had one maintanence problem with the vehicle but it was kind of a Doozy. But otherwise, a near PERFECT car.
Reliability or Performance
Great car to drive when it is on the road. I've owned cars that had a reputation for poor reliability but the car beats them all. I'm a first and last time BMW owner. Buy it only if you have a second car and lots of extra cash.
My wife hates it???
This is the finest car I have ever owned. Recently we moved to NC where almost everyone drives a truck, so of course I talked my wife into trading in her 94 Volvo 850 turbo wagon in on a new Tundra which I now drive, giving her the privledge of driving the BMW. She hates it??? She claims the most comfortable seats in the world are hurting her legs, and the dash controls are too complicated. I keep offering to let her have the truck, but she doesn't want to drive something that big everyday. We will soon be trading in this beautiful classic for a new Cross Country, breaking my 18 year streak of owning BMW's. It's too bad the truck is so practical.
BMW 528i
The car has be great since I have had it in '98. Handles well and is designed as you would expect from BMW.
Bugs Still Not Worked Out
First, the good things: the 528i drives like the 3 series and is larger and heavier. Corners like a dream and is solid as a rock. As much as I hate to say it, BMW really over-engineered this car in many respects. So many unnecessary saftety features used. My 3-series had one thing go bad in 3 years-the oxygen sensor, thats it. My 528i has 130,000 miles on it and here is a list of things on the car that don't work: cruise control, rear window, sunroof, e-brake, catalytic converter broke and o2 sensor went out. Yes, it is true parts for BMWs are expensive, probably 2-3 times that of even other luxury cars. I feel betrayed. I hope this travesty is never allowed by BMW again.
You can't do better than this...
A dream to own and drive. The Sport Suspension (rare on a 528i) is a big plus.
Good Performance
This car drives like sports car and feels like a tank! The solidness of this car is like non other. It has been very reliable and had it in the shop once after the warranty expired for a new thermostat replacement. I would recommend this car to anybody. Its well worth the money spent.
The way driving was meant to be!!!
I bought my 528i from a private owner in CA with 88k mi. on it. My drive back home to NM was nothing short of breathtaking! I was between 95 and 125 mph the entire way and it felt as though it wanted to keep going! HP is rated at 190+ but moves as good or better as most V8's, on the open road. Handling is great w/solid ride. Putting mi. on my car used to be something that I worried about because of resale value. Now that I have my 111k mi. e39 I don't worry about miles because I can't think of a better place to be than behind the wheel!
Bought one and love it!
Lives up to the hype. You will not find a better desinged, bulit, or higher quality sports sedan on the market. I can not think of a single new car that could touch it for the price of a two or three year old 540i.
One little problem after another
Buy the extended warranty while still under manufacturers warranty and go long. Lots of $400 repairs with bigger ones to come
The best car!
This car is awesome except for the old school windows on a pulley. The are expensive to replace!
Love at first drive
Went into the dealership looking for an SUV, GMC Envoy( car of the year, ye right). Spend hours haggling, till we stumbled on this beemer on the lot, and in an hour I was out of there. I have lived happily ever after. There is something about this car. I just feel the respect everybody has for it, and I respect it too.It is like they are saying, take care of it, we are watching you , we love to watch that car. Of course evedrybody talks about their sister or brother-in-law who has one, I get to say I have one.
Worth the wait.....
Friends in our small Midwest town cannot understand why I "settled" for this car when a new Chevy could have been purchased for the same price. If they could only drive this beauty, they would understand. The performance and handling of this car is pure joy compared to its American counterparts. In addition to being rock solid at 90+MPH (reflecting it's autobahn roots), it handles the tightest of curves like a steel rollercoaster. I can barely stand to drive the family minivan anymore!
This car stole my heart!
I purchased a brand new 98 528 with the 5 speed and sport package, drove it for 3 years... incredible car! I still miss it and my heart literally stops when I see a familiar artic silver profile on the road with a gray leather interior... just awesome car!
Should not have bought new
I bought this new in '98 -- mistake, I should have bought used and saved some depreciation. The vehicle is trouble free. Below normal wear and tear-no real system failures. I still love driving the car and it looks great. The seats wear like iron-even with my considerable weight. At 121,000 miles it is tighter than my wife's Acura was new. I do agree that the cup holders are junk. I make several long trips a year and average over 30 mpg at speeds well in excess of posted. The braking and handling have saved my bacon several times in Atlanta traffic.
1998 BMW 528
I have been driving BMW's off & on for 20 yrs. Started with 3's, movedup to 5's. Driven Saabs, Infinitis and Mercedes in between. No other production sedan handles like a BMW. Quiet, catlike on turns and NOTHING brakes like a BMW. Great sight lines too.
Buy one now!
The styling of the E39 is perfect-- understated, sensuous, mysterious, and with the right wheel package, subtly aggressive. Performance is incredible-- tracks through corners like it's on rails, accelerates quickly, cruises effortlessly at speed. Leather is buttery soft. This is the kind of car you will never tire of driving. Haven't had any mechanical issues yet. It will need routine maintenance and parts replaced as it has 100k miles on it. Still--it drives like it's brand new. Smooth, quiet, and fast. This car is just plain beautiful.
Great drive, average reliability
Bought the car used while still under warranty, thank goodness. Fun to drive and great acceleration, had multiple issues with the vehicle - ranging from emissions to faulty sensors. Expensive to maintain, but the best car I have ever driven.
1998 bmw 528i
Best car I've ever owned. Purchased in 2005 with 58k miles now has 313k miles. Same motor and transmission runs as good as the day I bought it. I'm a professional mechanic and have only done routine maintenance. No front end components,shocks,alternator,almost all original. If I could find another one with low miles I'd buy it in a heartbeat
What a rare bmw you have there
I own a 1998 bmw 528i 5 speed maual in barclot red and it is absolutely amazing I mean the leather has lasted though snow mud and dust the body is in good shape for 21 years old it’s been a beater or a iconic aged luxury car it’s been tough for that car. it dose have some down sides thought it has been a hassle with monkey see monkey do with this car one headlight went out I had replaced it and within a week the other one went out and soon after my brake lights did the same. I had replaced the starter and it ran better after that the window regulator on the the back right passenger window went out fixed that then the left one did as well as the drivers too driver but It had not been that bad since the things that had broken were relatively cheap so 20–30 sometimes a 100 dollars here and there won’t break your wallet to bad but it is just regular maintenance for this car I mean the things it’s been through while staying reliable for so long it isn’t that bad. The next thing I want to talk about is the alarm now the key pad goes bad in about 20 and a half year old but you still have your alarm that is still very effective it scares thief’s away with its ear piercing siren and the motion sensors still works. But what I really want to talk about the transmission it shifts really well it doesn’t ship hard or gritty it shifts how it’s supposed to soft and easy and it has some pick me up for 21 year old car I’ve gone as fast as 185mph in it and it’s a speed demon and I dobaby it because it’s been tortured when I lived in Pennsylvania snow and all that and I only have 2 little rust spots on it. And the gas is great it goes over mpg ratings I got 45 mpg one time but it usually stays at 22 and 25.
- Technology
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Oldie but a Goodie
For an older car with 100,000 miles on it this car is superb. However, I would not recommend this car unless you can get a warranty or you have cash to blow. All of the car problems have been little (sensors, fuses, etc.) issues. But if I didn't have a warranty I would be out a good chunk of money.
BMW 540i The Ultimate Dream Machine
Sold my low mile 95 M3 and kept old Porsche SC Cabiolet. Bought used 540i thinking comfort but did not expect comfort and FUN. Corrected usual bugs in cooling system for peace of mind. Great acceleration, not as quick as M3 but easier on these old bones. As fast as P-car but not through corners. Don't understand knock on stereo as premium unit is terrific once you read directions. Added homelink via ebay (very simple install). Will buy another when - and if - I wear this one out. Rock solid at > 100 mph (so wife tells me).
This car is fast
My 3rd BMW. Since I have had this car I have had wheel bearings replaced twice. Valve cover gasket replaced. One day I could not get in the damn car. I unlocked the door and the door handle would not let me in the damn car. I crawled in through the back door while my 6 year old kid laughed at me. The next time I picked her up from school she said Daddy you should leave the windows down and slide in like the DUKE boys. I have only had cold A/C 1 out of the 4 years I have owned this car. I drove in to work with my back wet from sitting in this hot box.
Great Buy
Great buy...holds value well...reliable auto.
540i
E39 540i is one of the best cars ever made, bar none. With that said, there is one thing to watch out for when purchasing one, the cooling system. Water pumps with PLASTIC impellers, PLASTIC expansion tanks that crack, Thermostats that fail, and radiators that usually don't last past 70K miles. CPO is great, when it runs out, do-it-yourself and save a bundle. This car is put together right and working on them (and I didn't until this car) is a breeze. You will not be disappointed with this car.
Fun but .....
This car is a blast to drive, but the cooling system and electronics leave much to be desired. Dash lights, cd player, window mechanisms, radiator, etc all had to be replaced in a car that had less than 100k.
bmw 541
this car is fun to drive but takes a lot of gas.