Used 1997 BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan Consumer Reviews
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The Ultimate Nightmare
quikslvr, 03/15/2002
BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
7 of 10 people found this review helpful
1997 BMW 540I 6speed The car is fun to drive when it works. In 44000 miles the car has been flat bedded back to the dealership three times. The car has been back to the dealership five times in the last nine months for repairs to the cooling system. The car is leaking oil from the engine. BMW tells me there is nothing wrong with the car. The bottom line is they just don't care. This is definitely my last BMW.
One of the best cars I ever had!
kriss77, 04/30/2002
BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a superb car, and it is definitely the best in its class. This is a true sports sedan, that not only is very comfortable (16 way adjustable seats), but performance oriented. Acceleration times are amazing for this type of cars. 6.2 seconds from 0 to 60 on an automatic, and 5.8 seconds on a manual transmission speaks for itself. The V8 produces a massive torque and every time you step on the accelerator, you get "pulled" into the bucket of the seat. If you have never owned a 540i, you are missing a lot. If you plan on buying this car, make sure you get an extended warranty.
1997 BMW 5 Series for sale near you
3 of 4 listings
- 528i SedanMSRP: $7,9001,036 mi away
- 540i SedanMSRP: $24,9951,449 mi away
- 528i SedanMSRP: N/A988 mi away
See all 4 listings
Been a great car
Susie, 02/20/2010
BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have had my 540 for almost 5 years now. I love the car, fun to drive, fast, reliable. Gas mileage is poor but it is a big V8 under the hood. Have only done routine mileage related repairs that any car would need, only at a much higher cost and we do all our own repairs. Hate to say it has been hit twice and is the only 10+ year old car I know of that was totally covered for a combined 10k of body repairs. My only re-occurring complaint is the need of new tires, alignments more often then most cars, I only put 20k on it in 5 years and I am on my 3rd set of tires. Oh and for winter driving, this car stinks, which is why my next auto, later this year, is the X5!! I do love my 540 though!
Poor reliability offsets driving thrills
Peter, 11/14/2007
BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
Fast, solid, highly capable car. I thoroughly enjoyed driving it. The 540i adds power but gives up the 528i's nimbleness. The great driving experience was more than offset by poor reliability though - particularly the electronics. I had to take the car in for unexpected repairs about twice a year.
528's Are BAD NEWS
felgar, 08/05/2002
BMW 5 Series 540i 4dr Sedan
3 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this car as a lease return with an after market warranty. It has constantly been in the shop. The last major problem was a blown head gasket and warped head - BMW took no ownerhship in the problem and cost me $5K. These are very unreliable cars and I will never purchase a BMW again. Great looks but Big Money Wasted