Used 2000 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews

By far the Best Sedan I've ever owned

I'm a 60 year-old high performance car guy. I've had Hot Rods, sports cars, Mercedes (500SL), BMWs & Porsches (including a wicked 914 w/a 400 HP 350 Chevy V8), you get the picture. Our 2000 528i is the most reliable & fun to drive sedan I've ever owned. I'm 6'4" & 220 lbs & this is so much more comfortable than any of our past Mercedes or BMWs. Excellent handling; quick & nimble; great gas mileage; ideal for long trips. Never get tired of driving it. Huge trunk & way more practical than a cumbersome 7 series. My wife, kids & grandkids are tall & there's plenty of room in back for 3 passengers. This is a fantastic car. In a 100K miles I've only replaced tires, brakes & an alternator!

Looks/drives great for a 16 year old daily driver

I have owned my 2000 528i for seven years and love it! Bought it with 43,000 miles on it and have driven it to 132K mostly commuting. Have had a few repairs ( radiator, nav system) but as I use an indie shop the repairs are not as expensive. BMW even agreed to help me replace a bad nav unit and now that works great, and I saved about $3,000 dollars installing a used part. As a road car it is really superb. Great ride and feels like a tank. Decent mpg overall ( 24).. Best of all mine is CLEAN. Looks new really and people comment as it is increasingly older. I took a risk buying a ten year old car, but it's worked out great for me and I really respect the brand. As an update, in fall of 2015 the ABS module failed, but the car is still drivable, just not with ABS if needed. The replacement cost is 1600 dollars-so the future ability to keep this car hinges on the number of such repairs that are needed. Update 3/2018-no further mechanical problems. car has 132K now and still drives excellently as a commuter car. I got offered 500 dollars for it on a trade, and said thanks I'll just keep driving it. So it's a reliable, if very old, second vehicle.

3woodAl speaks

Excellent workmanship,reliable and cruises at the upper limits of the speedo in a smooth pusuit of the highway. 8-19 hour drives are a treasure. No tiredness and you feel like the trip should have been longer. Cupholders are non-functional but who cares!!!!!

Best Car I've ever owned

I bought my wagon at 1.5 years old from a BMW dealer. It had 10,600 miles & was CPO. 9 years later it has just under 30K miles, & still looks & drives like new. I had 2 repairs under warranty; a brake sensor, & a broken door handle. At warranty end, I started taking it to an excellent indie bmw shop. During that time, the only repairs have been: the tailgate latch failed twice, costing $200-$300 each time. And now A/C needs recharge or repair, I'm a bit nervous about that. But all in all, to spend only around $1k in 9 years on maintenance & repairs on an expensive Euro car I consider amazing. (I owned a used Range Rover-under warranty!-it cost me that in one year).

2000 540i sport

After five years of driving, the 540 with the sport package is the most fun car I have ever driven. The six speed manual is a necessity. That said, this is also the most delicate car I have ever driven. Lots of issues with sensors, water pump and radiator replacement etc. The radio is also less than stellar. Not even worth calling a stereo. I spend on average $1500-2000/year on maintenance and repairs. Part of this cost is getting the wheels repaired after hitting speed bumps too fast (sport package comes w/low profile tires and alloy wheels). I don't know if this is typical, but I'd suggest budgeting for higher than average repair costs. All that said, i'm still addicted to the drive.

The good, the bad, and the Ugly

I bought this car new. Fun to drive, hugs the road, looks good. After 4 yrs problems: A/C blower, steering wheel return, coolant thermostat, exhaust sensor, pulse generator, broken bleeder screw, leaking P/S supply hose, plastic radiator split down side - replaced(big bucks). The car is now 10 yrs old but only 64,000 mi. Just spent $1728 for valve cover gasket leak, crank case vent valve, hoses. Repairs needed per BMW serv rep: fuel inj serv, all rad hose replacement, engine oil pan leak, engine drive belts, thrust arm bushings torn, engine mounts,alignment-cost $4642!! I'll never again buy a BMW. The car handles beautifully on the road. In the shop, bend over and hock your 1st born!!

Gotta be one of the 'BE' cars in the World !

there is a Simple "Reason" it is Called the Ultimate Driving Machine ....It "IS". the Build Quality is Wonderful, the Engine is a "Perfect" Balance of Economy/Performance Very Bullet Proof, and NO! you do not need 400 horse power. i can't find one Problem with its Design and Build ,my 2000 528-I sedan came with a Great Professional Business Sound System as Good as any Recording/film studio I've worked in,and that is What I do for a Living over 35 Years now. yes the Owners before me took "Great" care of it, it looks and Drive like a NEW car..NO leaks at all I mean NONE, not a drop. rare for any car, guess I'm lucky. it now has 180,000 miles .I did fix the two front windows with a Indie Shop in Laguna Beach for only $150 each window, it has Luxe 20" wheels on it and it Looks and Performs as a Euro-Racer. I just Cleared the inside rear Wheel wells a bit so there was no rubbing of the 275 Tires. I do light work on it myself, but there are only two shops I'd let touch it. Most lie and Rip you off with Un Needed Repairs (sound Right?) it has a Performance Air filter on it but no other modifications at all. I'm just Driving and Enjoying it as long as I can. I'd not Trade or sell it for any Reason, Again. I got Lucky, if you take care of your car it will Serve you and keep your Family Safe, ..what price do you put on that ? I think cars "Know" when you love and care for them. Everything Needs up-keep. learn what the means.in the future science will figure it out and give it a name. These are Such Great Cars,I Also just bought a 2002 540i (4.4 V8 engine /Steptronic Trans, and NO i'm not a Kid that needs to Shift a 6 Speed all day, For what ? I Added a 530-I for my daughter. next I'm looking for a good post 96 750il With a 5.4 V 12 Engine and a Well cared for X5 SUV with a 4.4 Engine. as part of my Fun Collection.

Poor engine design

My first BMW to be the last, expensive replacement parts, engine head that sits on the engine block is made of an alloy that can't be refurbished, has to be replaced with a new. When the Head goes oil seeps into the coolant ruining the coolant system. When the head is replaced the bock is damaged and has to be replaced. The bolts for mounting head onto the block often damage the block, thus making it obsolete. Read internet response to this particular model overheating. It's a shame BMW hasn't addressed the issue nor recall the poorly design Head.

What a car should be

I have owned my BMW 528i since June, 2000. It has 85,000 miles and I have had only one significant repair - an electronic component affecting the transmission's performance. Other than that, this car has been a dream to own and drive. It has loads of safety features and drives like a car should drive. It's a solid, responsive, road- hugging blast. The inline 6 is throaty and powerful although you won't be pinned to your seat like the V8 540i. Two gripes for me - the bucket seats are not comfortable in long drives and the environmental controls require too much button mashing. What the heck is wrong with a knob? Still very happy and I'll own this car for at least another 50,000 miles.

My baby will be ten soon

I got this car new, blue with the M sport suspension, then did a ton of mods right in the first year to make it unique and just an absolute monster in terms of HP and torque. Lowered, body kit, Dinan engine and transmission mods, Remus exhaust system, 19-inch wheels, subwoofer, bigger brakes, too many upgrades to list. I love this car, the performance is incredible, I have pegged the speedo at 155mph and driven for over an hour at 135mph with the engine staying nice and cool. The 4.4L V8 with custom exhaust has an awesome sound. Having said all that, you really need to be on top of your game keeping this car running well. You need to have a race mechanic that knows everything about BMW.

My 2000 540i Sport 6-speed

The 540i Sport is as close as you can get to the Ultimate Sport Sedan, the BMW M5, for thousands of dollars less. The ride quality and all-around performance characteristics are top- notch. The DSP sound system is also without compromise for a factory installed system. The braking and clutch operations leave little room for improvement. No wonder BMW is called the "ultimate driving machine."

Lots of things to fix at 146K miles

It's a family car that's turned over to me. I have mixed emotions. Happy because it's a gift. Nervous because it's turning to be a money pit. I have a long list of things to fix: driveshaft replacement, oil pan gasket replacement, transmission service and selector shaft seal replacement, upper control arm bushings replacement, brake rotors, pads, water pump, thermostat and hoses replacement for preventive maintenance. Update: It's now on its 151K miles and didn't replace water pump, thermostat, and cooling system hoses. I didn't replace the driveshaft and oil pan gasket. I only lose 200 ml of engine oil every 5K miles. I can live with the driveshaft "ting" noise only at take of anyway. Update @ 157800 miles - Car is strong. Engine oil leak is not bad and I replace the oil at least twice a year. Cooling system is ok without replacing any parts since 145K miles. This BMW E39 is really comfortable and reliable.

2000 528i Sport

I've owned this car since new, and after three and one-half years and 108,000 miles still feels like a new car. The ride on the sport suspension is solid as a rock; with Bridgestone Pole Position S-03's it goes around corners like it's on rails, yet is quiet on the highway. At a steady 65 mph will deliver 32+ mpg. Outstanding for a car that can do 0-60 in under 8 seconds and is capable of cruising all day at 90 mph with incredible comfort.

4 an Awesume Driving Experience..

I have owned many many cars but never a BMW. I had heard they were fun to drive but that was all. After purchasing mine, I have never enjoyed my commute to work as I do now. I feel safe and comfortable in this car. All controls are easy to reach and well thought out! I WILL NEVER GO BACK TO ANY OTHER MANUFACTOR... My NEXT CAR WILL BE A BMW!!

Ultimate Driving Machine Requires Repair

Without question, the finest vehicle I have ever driven or owned in terms of the driving experience. On the other hand, without question the most expensive vehicle to keep in top running condition. I purchased the car with 82k miles where the car was a single owner with all maintenance up to date. In the 15k miles I owned it, I replaced a radiator, rear brakes, oxygen sensor, air mass flow meter, belts, radiator cap and rear ball joints. Also, had multiple issues passing state inspection due to Check Engine Light (where mechanic could not fix) In comparing other Bimmer owners, my experience is consistent... Ultimate Driving Machine that is Expensive to Own

Yeah, baby!!

My wife made me buy it. Honest! I was set on a 2002 Lexus IS300. Boy, was she ever right! There is just no comparison between the two. This is by far a classier, more powerful (and expensive) animal of a car! And, I bought it with17K miles for $10K below book. Yeah, baby!! I bought an Extended Warranty for $2400 and have gotten $2000 worth of use from it. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THESE CARS!! As has been said, repairs are expensive -every time. Though, I have had no major issues with this car. I put Bridgestone Potenza SO-3 Pole Position tires - $1Kfor 4 - 20K miles a set - on this car. It LOVES the rain, almost better than the dry road. I LOVE THIS CAR!

worth every penny

My first, definitely not the last.. I left it for a service and got a Chevy Tahoe as a loaner. What a difference in steering. I could not go straight! Once back in my BMW I felt like being bolted to the road. Great overall; smooth ride except sharp bumps (those joints on a concrete highway).

Awesume car to own and drive!!!

This car is a pleasure to own and drive... I never used to look forward to driving in traffic...

Great!!!!

I've always owned a BMW but only with the 3 series family. However, I finally upgraded to 5 series and its great. It feels heavy bec of lack of power but it has been reliable and has not given me any problem as of yet. I will always own a bmw just bec they are safe. I got into an accident(Truck T bone my car, passenger side) and none or I got injured. Great car.

BMW 528i

Great European sports sedan for the money. Unless you're driving the Autobahn or wide open roads of the West, the 528i gets you there plenty fast with much better gas mileage than its bigger brothers. Have owned 528s since '85 and this particular model design is their best yet.

Great Car !

This has been a great car. No problems.

2000 528i

After almost 4 years of driving experience with the 528, this car is by far the best automobile I have ever owned.

Stay with the E39

Ok, this is my second Bimma. 1st was an 84 325e that saved me a couple of times. I bought this 528i in 06 with only 35k miles on it. Only issues were the typical stuff that I had my dealership fix. The reason I am writing this review is to state that I just got 620 miles on 1 tank of gas. I am no "hiper-miler" but that's outstanding. That equated to 34 mpg. Just installed my own cd player and a sub. 10 speakers and still no bass. great thing is that my radio charges my bbery curve.

Wonderful Car

I bought my car used, 3rd owner at 108k. I drove it a year and had continuous cooling system problems. It turns out the previous owner cracked the head by overheating the car. I replaced the head myself and now the car is fantastic. You cannot have these cars serviced by the dealer, it is way too expensive. Do maintenance and repairs yourself or find a good independent mechanic, there are many. This is a great car on the highway and the handling with the sport package is exceptional. Overall the car is very well made and you can see where the money has gone to. I would highly recommend to anyone.

540i StationWeapon

Jast as fast as my brother '96 911, with seating for 5, cup holders (okay they suck), and room for the kids. Just the best car I've ever had. Mileage is similar to SUV but driving everyday brings much more joy. Xenon lights are incredible, engine is smooth and powerful. The only downside is you need to put your golf bags in diagonally.

2000 540i 6-spd.

Fantastic, fantastic car. Elegant and luxurious, but crack the whip and you can get places in a hurry. Doesn't handle or feel like a 3,800 lb. car. I had a '99 M3 for three years and loved that rig, but this one can essentially do everything that car could, while offering more room and many more standard features. Too bad BMW lost focus and is now turning out hideous designs and chasing after segments they should never bother touching.

The best car I ever had. Period.

This is by far the best car I ever had, comfortable and it is 100% fully loaded with all the gadgets. Ride is smooth and it has a lot of power, I will buy another 5 series any time.

Amazing to Drive - Extremely Unreliable

I have owned my 540i for six years now and will be giving it to my son. It is a pleasure to drive and has very good safety features and can get 28 - 30 MPG cruising on the freeway at 75 MPH. As for reliability - lets just say a Ford Taurus is way better and much less expensive to repair. Even a GM car would have better reliability and that isn't saying much. For as much as I love the way the car drives, I can say I will never own another Bimmer. Looking forward to a Pontiac G8 GT

Fun car, i love it

Bought the car used, unfortunately it had rear axle problems so we went through 3 sets of tires before it was found but after that problem was fixed everything is running perfectly. The car originally had 70k miles on it and there is now 111k miles on it and we have not had to do anything but routine maintenance on her. I plan to drive her until she dies. Mom has an '86 3.25es and it still runs like it did the day she bought it, so I'm hoping for a long life.

I'd buy one again

I am the original owner, ordered it new. I love the performance, handling and the way it it can make a u-turn in such a small space. With the 42k that I have on it I have had to replace the radiator, and 2 of the sensors. The last time, BMW did not charge me because of the low miles on the car. That I appreciated. Living in NJ where there is a lot of traffic, pulling onto the Parkway is very easy with the power of this car. People are amazed at the speed and pickup that it has.It still does, after owning it for 6 yrs. This car came standard with everything one needs. I would buy another one.

Fun but expensive

Owned the 528 with M sport package, The sport package is a must if you really wanted to experience true BMW performance. Definitely consider snow tires if you live in wintery climate. This car is great HOWEVER I hope you make good money because you will need it... an oil change alone is $135.00. All I can say is it doesn't get serviced that often but when it does be prepared to shell out the cash. You are better off to have your "out of warranty" Beemer service at a reputable european car service center. back to performance it is 2nd to none.

Its a high maintenance lady !

I have owned a base 540i automatic for 14 years ...ive replaced just about everything , except the engine and transmission ..there are incredible weak spots and and amazing quality ..the exhaust system is incredible .never been replaced ...the plastic radiator breaks down every 2 years ! The piersburg air pump is a disaster ..the gaskets leak on the v8 . All that being said , its the best long road trip car ever ...drive 800 miles a day , it eats up the miles ..cant seem to just let it die ..wish i had the manual model ...but have too much invested to start again ! The new stuff out there isnt built like this , its a tank !

2000 528i BMW Review

I drove my first 5 series to my senior prom almost 20 years ago - borrowed my aunt's and was 2 days late bringing it back! Finally able to get my own and am loving it. Ride is firm but supple - never harsh or unpredicatable. Solid vehicle throughout - wish my Ford SuperCoupe had some of the same characteristics.

Close to perfect

Performance, Reliability, and Economy

I have had the car for over 56,000 miles and 106,000 miles overall. Recent engine oil analysis showed almost no wear. Gas mileage is averaging 24 MPG in mixed driving. Car has exceptional acceleration at any speed and even better braking. As much under control at 120 as at 40. Interior comfort could be better but control layout is totally logical. Some wear on seat plastic trim. Maintenance is easy but not cheap. Expensive but worth it.

My first car from across the pond...

Confidence inspiring. That really sums it up. This car has legendary handling, more than adequate power and killer brakes. This is my first BMW and it will not be my last. I was a little concerned about the maintenace stories, but after having the car a while and doing some research on maintaining this car and some of the cures to common issues, I'm not at all worried. Love the styling in and out. The style #66 wheels are my favorite as well.

head turner

After 18 years of driving many different vehicles, my 540i with the sport/M package is by far the best car I've ever owned. I recently test drove a M5 and honestly, it feels only slightly faster than my 540i. The car is now 4 years old and still turns heads at stoplights! Especially fun is blowing away the kids in the ricers'; they don't know what they're up against! : )I'd definitely buy one again..

This thing rocks!

I have owned a Saab 9000 turbo, a Range Rover, a BMW 6-Series, etc. All-in-all, this is the best vehicle I've ever owned. It's "subtle", esp. w/the 6 cyl. It's so competent, so smooth, esp. with the auto trans., that it took me awhile to realize the many ways in which it excels. Just take a 5-Series on a road trip.....10 miles out, you're thinking, "OK, I could drive to Canada right now, no problem!" I used to wish for the V8, but the BMW 6 cylinders are legendary for reliability, smoothness, & make really nice sounds. The "Touring" model is a bonus; all the goodness of a Five, but more distinctive, & with cargo capacity.

Manual 528i

Best car I've owned, period. No car handles and performs as well for the price. Reliability has been superb.

Fun but costly

Most fun car to drive I've ever owned when it's running. In 9 months of ownership have spent over 2K on repairs. Best advice is to find a competent independent mechanic who specializes in Bimmers. Going to the dealership for repairs or routine maintenance is a very costly and time-consuming adventure. From a driver's perspective the car is awesome. Enough power off the line and especially when passing on the freeway over 60. The steering makes you feel like you're connected to the pavement. If you can afford the repairs and downtime, this is a fun car to drive.

Raves

Just bought this car, but its everything I thought it would be and more. It's the ultimate performance car. Bravo BMW.

Best Car EVER

This is my 6th BMW and my favorite overall. Took delivery at German factory and drove in Europe for 6 months at autobahn speeds, then another 6 years of pure fun. Quiet, safe and secure at 50 mph or 120 mph. Except for the cupholders and the climate control, everything has held up beautifully, and the body style is a classic. Sports package and 5-speed manual makes the car. Repairs are getting expensive but worth it as I plan to keep this car another 6 years. A radar detector is recommended.

BMW 540i 6sp

This car is always a pleasure to drive and its stealth performance is there when you need it. The body style and popularity of lesser 5-series models doesn't turn heads but this car is made to thrill the driver, not the bystanders. Cupholder criticisms aside, the quality and durability is everything that its numerous awards suggest.

Love our BMW!

Purchased used (a one owner lease return) 528I w/sports package and 38,500 miles last year. Have driven it for 10,000 miles and it has been flawless. I have never owned an automobile that felt soooo secure - this car really handles. Previously owned a Saab and a couple of Volvos. My wife drives it every day - I get to drive it on trips - she says she never wants to own another car make - only BMW (and I don't disagree!)

Allen's critique

This car is a gas to drive. Responsive and solid. Feels and handles like a sports car. Now the bad news: be prepared to be raped by your local BMW service dept. They assume all owners are rich and do not care about price. My dealer was charging my wife $125 for an oil change!(Try $8 a qt. for Mobil 1 that can be had at parts stores for under $6) Routine repairs are always $800 to $1,000. I have all the service records and will be happy to share the news.I will buy another when pigs learn to fly. My '01 Corvette is faster,way cooler and I get the oil changed for $40.

Money Pit

Remember the '80s movie with Tom Hanks and Shelly Long-The Money Pit...it was like that. Great car to drive when it ran. Electrical problems caused the battery to drain leading to 3 new batteries and 20 jumps/charges over the course of a year. Add new tires, brakes, water pump, antifreeze and oil leaks, control arms, sway bars, brake/abs/traction control sensors, etc and no repairs are affordable.

best bmw

528 WAGON

WAGON'S DRIVING PERFORMANCE IS EXCELLENT WITH EXTRAORDINARY CORNERING AND TYPICAL BMW CONTROL. A JOY TO DRIVE AND CARRY A LOAD OF FAMILY SHOPPING TRIPS.

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.

Last Beemer for me!

Very disappointed with this my 2nd BMW. Yes - it's a wonderful, fun-to-drive car. BUT - A/C has died 2nd summer in both cars - $1300 to repair!! Cupholders are a joke - unusuable and constantly broken - and now the water pump went -2 months before my lease ends - another $1000 to fix. For $700/month I'm going to be looking elsewherefor my next car. And the dealership is NO help - they act like it's a privilege to own one of their cars.