Used 2000 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews
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Ulimate Discomfort Machine
The sport seats have nearly crippled me. The seat cushion sags even under my moderate 170 lb. frame. This causes spine to flatten and forces a slouch position. The lumbar support tries to force your spine into normal curvature, but it is poorly positioned, hard as a rock, and not adjustable. I've never been so pleased with a car, and yet been unable to enjoy it due to the major discomfort of the seats. I've owned 10+ cars and driven countless European, Japanese and American cars on business trips. I've never had a seat bother me before, despite very long trips.
2000 BMW 528i car for rich people
Very expensive to maintain. A lot of plastic details clips, houses, etc., in engine that needs to replace. Only rich people can afford to have this car serviced at dealership. You need to have 1K in your pocket all the time for unexpected maintenance. I would not take this car for a very long trip. Prepare to downtime. Do not buy it if you do not have a good mechanic you can trust.
- 528i SedanMSRP: $5,800210 mi away
- 528i WagonMSRP: $5,499213 mi away
- 528i SedanMSRP: $7,990306 mi away
Rocket ship
I drove a 3 series for the past three years. I loved it. I recently graduated to the 540i. The 540 feels like a rocket ship. If I could afford an M-5, I'd buy it...but...this car has everything I need.
FUN...at a price
What a great car to drive...for the first 80,000 miles. Since then, one thing after another has started to fail, and of course, it costs a fortune each time. If money isn't an issue to you, I would recommend this car to anyone. You can't beat the adrenaline rush of dropping a gear at 80mph and feeling the car jump forward!
528i sport suspension and 5-speed
This is simply a great car. Good balance of performance and luxury. Not as peppy as my previous BMW, 95 M3, but far more comfortable and convenient. Great handling characteristics for a "larger" car with so much comfort. Astonishing gas mileage -- pushing 30 on the highway at unmentionable speeds.
Fun to drive and reliable
My second BMW, this 5-series is a great improvement over the late 80's models. It is solid, great build quality, no roll in the turns and the computer sensitive power to wheels helps in snow for a rear wheel drive vehicle. Great combination of luxury and performance.
A Great Car
I have owned this car for over 2 years now and it performs better more than a few luxury vehicles I have driven. If upscale driving performance and handling are what you appreciate than you don't have to look further!
The Best of the Best
Owning a 528i with sport package puts a daily smile on my face. No other four door sedan has this classy appearance and exceptional feel for the road. Power is average but the sound and feel of the engine is second to none. Handling is superb as is braking. Creature comforts are excellent with the exception of the cheesy cup holders.
It is almost perfect for me.
Solid car. No major problems. The following items have been repaired or fixed so far: 1. cam position sensor. 2. Water pump. 3. thermostat. 4. Seatbelt harness cause the SRS light on. Almost all the parts you can order from the internet for very cheap price.
I'll buy the same tomorow!
Is the best car I ever owned! Looks expensive, but on long term is not!
Pricey to own
Greetings fellow beamer owners to be. Well this is by far the nicest car I have ever owned. It has everything you will ever need speed, comfort, luxury. A few things to be aware. Servicing this monster is VERY expensive. Cup holders stink, and it could use a better radio for the money.
Sensor Headache
I had owned this car for about 3 years now and it has been giving headaches with sensor lights coming on like Christmas all year round. The most common lights/failure is the odometer where ASC, ABS, Engine check lights all comes on at once. When this happens, the dealer charges an arm and a leg to have them fixed. Most time it is the stupid ASC Module that failed which is an expensive equipment to replace. BMW dealership's repair are a repair. Bunch of rip offs. They charge you by just talking to you. $140 for a scan check, then a few thousands for repairs. Don't buy these cars if you can't handle stress.
Some Practical Advice
Great car, solidly built, nimble at high speeds. Monstrous brakes and the Stability system has saved me more than once - getting itself out of an understeer. There is only one real weakness - the tires. Once I upgraded the tires (wait for them to go on sale, $150s per tire every now and then, though i paid the full 200) i could not have been happier. Now I don't need to endanger all of my neighbors and strangers by driving a car-crash-incompatible SUV and menacing the roads in general. Last winter (a doozy of one on the East Coast), I drove 364 out of 365 days and that the vast majority of rolled-over and road-side crashed cars were trucks like the Explorer and Blazer.
It rocks, but fix the climate control
I bought this one with 17k miles on it - for $10K under book. What a deal!!! I replaced the noisy Yokohamas with Bridgestone SO2's (Pole Positions) and could actually hear the beautiful engine sounds. Handles like a dream - loves the rainy roads almost better than the dry. Always ready to go as fast as I dare and never balks. I bought an extended warranty to 7 years/100K miles - great idea. I've gotten more than I paid for the warranty in paid repairs - some are right expensive. Biggest complaint is that BMW Service can't seem to find out why it is blowing A/C in my face when it's 45 degrees outside and I've got both thermostats set on 78-80 degrees. It makes me crazy !!!!!!!!!!!!
I love it
The title says it all, truth is this is the overall very best car I've ever owned. After over 30K miles I still smile every time I drive the car. And because it's a touring model I can haul real things. The only complaint I actually have is stupid and dangerous cupholders. Oddly the only cup which works is "Mini" mug.
Good Car
Like owning the 2000 BMW 528i. Performance is perfect with soft braking. Maintenance is higher than other cars (to be expected), but if you stay away from dealer and find other BMW specialty mechanic shops, your wallet will be happier.
Pleasure and pain
I bought the car w/38k miles. In the 22k I've put on it, it's given me lots of smiles, and also had me cursing at it. It's a great performer and handler, but I've replaced a mass air sensor, camshaft sensor, CD changer and more. I'm not sure if I would get another one.
yawza!
The absolutely BEST car I have ever owned. Manually tranny, sports package, zenon lights - it goes where you point it. Handles like a drea, extremely smooth shifting, suspension is surperb. 17" tires with skinny sidewalls - if you start to lose air, kiss the tire goodbye. The sidewall will be chewed up by the time you get over to the shoulder of the road. Also, tires are hard to find -be prepared to wait a day or so to get replacement. Low ground clearance- especially with front spoiler. Be careful of jerky valet parking lot attendants. Complaint - lousy coffee cup holders! But, ze should not be drinking kaffee whilst driving! Ya?
great car
A great driving machine. Does 120 as easy as 65.
A foreign muscle car
It took a while to find, but my persistence yielded me a used 540i with aftermarket intake and exhaust upgrades. Stock HP is already 282, and with the upgrades mine is around 310. The 5 series is one of the best combinations of sport and luxury you'll ever find. Don't hesitate to get one!
Magnificent at 9 yrs old
Wonderful car, looks great, drives better. V8 thirsty around town but not bad (25mpg) on hwy, 19mpg avg over 40k mi. I'll dare to say 6-spd manual has long-ish throws & clutch delay valve (CDV) makes smooth driving tough. Bought used w/80k, now have 117k. Repairs: Final stage unit (FSU) for climate control (installed myself), coolant reservoir (recently; cooling system had been gone through before I bought). Now needs brakes (again--they were replaced just before I purchased), some clunking from front end (but steers/rides fine). What other car can one find for under $10k w/this much gravitas, ability & quality? Much prefer to newer 5-series. Still stylish/impressive to clients. A classic.
Beautiful car.
We bought this car used with 72000 miles on it. Before our first month was up we had to replace the $400 water pump. Other than that we have taken it on some long trips and couldn't be more pleased. This car drives as smoothly at 110 mph as it does at 65 mph. Bridgestone tires are working well for us. My fiancee is the main driver, and when I get to drive it it's usually with her and our son so I don't get to push it like I want to. It is a joy when I do get it out by myself. Acceleration is great for a 2.8 and it corners very well right now, and I will probably get sticker tires for next time. Very enjoyable car to drive.
love it
No problems at all in 1.5 years. Car should come with radar detector standard. You are cleared for takeoff Runway 19L......
A recent addition to the BMW Family
I just purchased my first BMW(528IA Sport) and I have certainly been missing out on life! The performance of this vehicle is phenomenal, and the styling is distinctive and impeccable.
Wonderful vehicle.
I purchased this vehicle used with 22,000 miles on it. It was absolutely spotless. Mine has the Sport and Premium packages and is beautiful both in and out. I was afraid that the 2.8L V-6 would not be powerful enough, but it is more than adequate for the type of driving I do. Besides, the wonderful suspension, brakes and steering more than make up for it, and your gas mileage is a lot better as well. I owned two Lexus ES 300s before this. They were both very competent automobiles, but cannot hold a candle to the 528 in terms of driving experience.
The Ultimate Driving Machine
Driving in a BMW 528iT is like driving in a vault. The sportswagon is truely sports and drives like a sports car. Words simply do not do it justice. You are in complete control and should you decide to put some distant between yourself and others on the highway, you can with a blink of an eye literally jump from 65mph to 105. Simply put, the 528iT is exciting, exhilerating to drive, practicle, beautiful to look at and solid, I mean SOLID. Buy one and enjoy it.
needs better feature quality.
great drivers car, but why do so many things break on it? seems ours is cursed by that and being a "target" of problems (keying of total car, rock chips in windshield, nails in tires, shredding of tire sidewall when rotating, cupholder breaking, shimmying at fwy speeds a couple of times for no reason, cd changer jamming up, etc.). love the engine, but needs better interior quality.
BMW 540ia sport
Awesome power, fun to drive, safe, good looking..what more could you ask for? Never have I regretted paying the enormous cost of the car...would do it again.
Overpriced hassle
This car offers good balance between comfort and fun sporty ride. Bit stiff for this class, unless you're driving on the perfect highway, you feel every little bump on the road. Seats are very uncomfortable. After 3 years of ownership, I suffer major back problems. Sound insulation could be better. But the biggest and the worst problem with this car is reliability. I have never owned such unreliable vehicle. Something breaks every 1000-1500 miles. I purchased mine as Certified Pre-Owned and can't get out of repair shops. Most of repairs are covered by the warranty, but I am tired of going to the dealership every month.
is it worth it?
I had the 328 convertible before "upgrading" to the 528. Loved the 328 so much I just knew that my next car would be a BMW. I had the car for a few months and had some problems with the service dept. and some suspention problems. 1st thing the cool looking brushed 17" aluminum rims had some scratches and pitting.. The dealership decided to fix this problem by painting them silver. What a joke.. They finally did the right thing and replaced the rims. After 6000 miles I am getting a rumbling noise. The tire have worn.. They tell me that this is normal. If I knew this before hand I would have never bought it with the Sport Package.
Great car to buy for the money
I bought this car used. It already had 92000 miles. I drove for one year and it is over 100K. The car runs perfect and in a very good shape. The only thing is you have to change the oil on time and the car will last you for a very long time. It is perfect for short or long trips. You can be a single person or have a family, this car will work for you no matter what. When it comes to snow, it is not that difficult to drive if you know what you're doing. Overall, the car is great and I would recomend it to anyone who can afford it.
Riding a Silver Bullet
This is definitely a driver's car. My only complaint is that I should have gotten the sports package. You definitely get the lookies from other luxury car drivers. The torque-ie engine makes the car feel a lot faster than it really is, but at cruising speeds, the passing power of this car can be felt and seen by those in your rear view mirror; all you have to do is nudge on the gas a bit, all without having to downshift like other cars. This is, after all, a car meant for the autobahn where everyone drives like speed racer.
MPG
I have always gotten 23 to 29 mpg with this model 540i m sport. Great automobile, very fun and very fast.
Best car I've EVER bought
Except for the cheap plastic cup holders that keep breaking.....and these are replaced FREE....this is absolutely the best car I have ever bought or driven. I can see why Consumers Report and all the car magazines love this car!
great great car
I have owned my 2000 528ia w/sport premium pkg for 4 years and love it today as much as I did when I first got behind the wheel of this incredible car. I take full advantage of the steptronic tranni' which makes this amazingly great handling luxury sport sedan a pure pleasure to own. Thought of trading in on a new VW, but backed out every time, because I am confident I will be hugely disappointed.
What a car!
It is a joy to drive.
pros and cons
This is the best driving car I have ever owned. However, the Audi A6 had better interior ergonomics. I know that many people like the exhaust roar of the engine, but more sound dampening in the interior to eliminate the noise would enhance the total luxury driving experience.
Favorite Car Ever
After 6 1/2 years and 123,000 miles, it's time to get a new one. Best car I have ever owned. Aside from Cam Sensors,a Blower Resistor and a power steering hose, only other thing I have done is std stuff like change the Oil. Rule of thumb with BMW is never to use the dealer unless it is a electrical problem and you will save big bucks. Manual and sport pkg is the only way to go. Great performance and avg 25MPG. Car, both inside and outside looks like it did the day I drove it off the lot and performs like new. Unreal fit and finish that lasts and is a Gold Standard for automobiles. My new 530i is on order and I can't wait. Expensive yes, but worth it if you love to drive.
MPG
Awful cup holders with AC blowing on them. Mine has 94,000 and just performs more gracefully with age. Recommend you absolutely find a local garage that you trust and you will save at least half of dealer repairs. My MPG indicates 5.9 miles per gallon (not, not on liter scale). But I seem to be getting about 16 MPG, which is not great. For first time this week, I used 89 instead of 91 at the pump and car is running beautifully.
2000 528I
This is a great car. It handles great. It has great acceleration. All the small usability details are there as well. I got the premium sports package and found the few small issues I have with the car here. The front bumper scrapes on EVERYTHING. It has caused some damage to the underside of the front bumper. I am 6'4" tall and the car barely accomodates somebody of my size. BMW does offer a sport seat package that will allow for about 2" more of height. Had I known this I would have gladly purchased the more expensive seats.
Cup Holders? Yikes!
Awesome ride. Can't add more to what has already been said. Speed, comfort, handling this car has it all. The cup holders are a laugh aren't they?
Own it till it stops
Have owned 5 series since '85 - 528e, 535is, M5, u name it. This car has been the best of the lot. Beautiful classic exterior and interior lines - 2.8L is BMW's most reliable in-line 6 with plenty o' power (yes the M5 clearly is the pocket rocket, but 2.8 can get up and go and is easier on the gas guzzling.) The E39 is also the last 5 model without the ridiculous iDrive computer, which is completely unneccessary for driving, a safety hazard and blight on the dashboard. No major repair issues to date. When this stops running, I'll buy another used E39.
Still in Love
Lease is expiring in 2 months, and both my wife and I are SOLD on this car. Even at 31,000 miles it runs like new - tight handling and quick in 2nd and 3rd gear. The comment about 60 to 105 mph is right on.
Good Bad Ugly
I love driving this car. At 162000 miles the ride is still great albeit I have redone most of the suspension. Gas mileage on my six cylinder is around 25 with hiway city mix. Repairs have been astronomical. I understand putting money in the suspension, belts, etc but everything is expensive. The ugly. Electronic modules run everything and need to be replaced far too often. I would love to buy another of this design model but just could not afford it.
Amazing Bimmer!
This car has the sport/premium package and what a difference it makes. The car handles like a dream, equally balancing sport handling with a luxury feel. The quiet, smooth ride makes you want to go around the block one more time. The car has 33K miles and accelerates just like new. Best Car I've ever driven - beats Lexus, Audi and Mercedes, hands down.
Best Car Ever Driven
What an awesome, fun to drive car! Best combination of sport and luxury on the market. Car handles incredibly. Ride is supple and quiet. Car has 33K miles and accelerates like new. It's hard to get me out of the car, I find excuses to run errands.
fun, but unreliable
It looks good, a bit underpowered, but is fun to drive. However, its reliability is very poor, especially if you owned a Japanese car before. Also, the dealership is always busy, and with its reliability, you might as well onw a second car, otherwise you'll be renting alot (the dealership never has any loaner cars).
Keeps on giving
I've put over 100k miles on my car and I still love it. I want to be cool and buy the new body style but I just can't justify it. The quality is great. It is a driving machine, this is no car.
Serious Sedan
This is a Serious car. I have the 528i with the Sport Package. A must for the price, it adds a better suspension, M series steering wheel and 17" rims w/ low profile sport tires. It is comfortable and sporty, has a big trunk (holds clubs and luggage easily)and handles great. Not only is this car fun to drive it looks awesome, this added to the fact that long distance travel is as easy on you as city driving. Overall the best sedan in its class (except the 540i).
528i pre-owned sport
Quality vehicle. My second BMW (both 5- speed manuals). Saved me big time when hit by red-light runner, so proven safety record. V6 gets me up onto frwy very nicely and out of 'jams' . Exceptional on long trips and gas mileage around 32mpg hwy avg. Only problems have been electronic, as on my 1998 5-series; guess it's the Germans. Also some seat rattles no one can fix. I'll take manual trans over auto trans any day (I'm middle aged female, too!). Now ISO a pre-owned 2003, manual transmission.