1998 BMW 5 Series Review
1998 BMW 5 Series Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sport sedan in a luxury car package. This is a perfect way to spend that new raise.
Cons
- Cheap plastic buttons for the power door lock switches are out of place in a car of this caliber.
What’s new
Side-impact airbags are now available for rear-seat passengers, as is break-resistant glass for the windows and moonroof.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$200/mo for 5 Series 528i
5 Series 528i
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
BMW redesigned their 5-Series line of sedans in 1996 and introduced them as a 1997 model. No significant changes have occurred for the 1998 model year, but side-impact airbags are now available for rear-seat passengers, as is break-resistant glass for the windows and moonroof.
BMWs are famous for the suppleness of their ride and the responsiveness of their steering; firmness without harshness is the phrase most often bandied about our offices when discussing these cars' uncanny ability to stay connected to the road while communicating almost telepathically with the driver. The 5-Series is no exception. Breakthrough, all-aluminum suspensions on six- and eight-cylinder models reduce the vehicles' unsprung weight by 46 pounds; better allowing these cars to respond to irregularities in the road. Variable-ratio, variable-assist rack-and-pinion steering, borrowed from the M3, finds its way into the 528i. The variable-ratio steering results in a ratio that increases exponentially as the wheel is moved towards the locks; thus allowing safe, effortless high-speed correction and easy low-speed maneuvering. The 540i makes do with recirculating ball variable-assist power steering, a similar to the setup found on the 7-Series sedans.
The biggest news for the 5-series, of course, is found under the hood. The entry-level 5-Series has an inline six-cylinder engine that provides excellent midrange torque. The 540i gets a more powerful 4.4-liter V8 that offers zero to 60 times in the low-sixes. The 528i comes standard with a five-speed manual transmission and is also available with a sophisticated four-speed automatic. Equipped with BMW's Adaptive Transmission Control, the four-speed tracks the driver's driving style and road conditions; allowing the shift timing to adjust accordingly. The 540i models continue to be available with a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission. Opt for the six-speed manual and prepare yourself for an invigorating ride; the suspension is firmed up noticeably on this lively model.
As one would expect in a top-end, luxury-sport sedan, equipment levels are first-rate. Safety equipment includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction control, nine-mph bumpers, dual airbags, side-impact airbags, optional rear passenger side-impact airbags, three-point seatbelts at all seating positions, impact sensors that unlock the doors and activate the hazard lights in the event of a serious accident, remote keyless entry, two-step unlocking, coded driveaway protection and a vehicle security system. To list all of the 5-Series' luxury features would take more space than we have; a few of the more noticeable ones are automatic climate controls, power moonroof (540i) or sunroof (528i), 200-watt stereo, 10-way power front seats with power headrests, heated outside mirrors, heated steering wheel and a right-hand outside mirror that tilts down when the car is in reverse to help drivers see curbs when parallel parking.
Yes indeed, the new 5-Series is a wonderful car. Given all of the inquiries we receive about it, you apparently think so too. If you can afford to buy one, we recommend that you do. Sure there are other great cars out there in this price range; we just think that this one's the best. Good luck, safe driving, have fun; we're sure you'll love it.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 BMW 5 Series.
5 star(77%)
4 star(17%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(1%)
77 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
It is a classic
Pedro, 03/08/2016
1998 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
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.
4.75 out of 5 stars
I LOVE this car! but...
c1, 07/18/2004
1998 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
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.
5 out of 5 stars
Top notch car
djlarroc, 09/25/2011
1998 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
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!!
5 out of 5 stars
The Ultimate Driving Machine
artprophet, 11/27/2013
1998 BMW 5 Series 528i 4dr Sedan
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.
1998 5 Series Highlights
540i
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $225/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.1 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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