Overview & Reviews

New 528i and 540i sport wagons debut, all 5 Series models achieve low emission vehicle (LEV) status, and consumers will find extensive new standard and optional equipment on the cars.

• Sport sedan and wagon in a luxury car package.

• Cheap plastic buttons for the power door lock switches are out of place in a car of this caliber, manual transmission in 540i difficult to modulate smoothly.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 81.00

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  BMW Driver for life! - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Nando - October 29 - 6:37 pm

  We bought our 540i as a Christmas present for us last year and it has not disappointed. It has the 4.4L engine so its not great on gas, but the thrill factor is off the charts. Maintenance is not cheap but we didnt expect it to be either. We purchased it with 155,000 miles on the odometer and now have 183,000 and it still runs super strong. Highly recommended with the 6 speed sport package!

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  awesome car - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By jeff - October 20 - 10:19 pm

  Bought it used and am very pleased with the car. My first few tanks of gas I averaged 25.8 MPG, added a K&N air filter and its up to 27.1 MPG with some added power.

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  Last car Ill own - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By mtaylo3 - July 19 - 2:55 pm

  The cars power and performance sold me within two miles of leaving the dealership for a test drive. Ive had to replace a couple of parts but Ive been able to do it myself. This was due to previous owners neglect though. Easy to work on (as long as its not an electric problem) but some parts are a bit pricey. There are few stock cars that can outperform the 540i on the road. Its nice to have the power and brakes when u need it.

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  Brace yourself - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Hang on - March 12 - 12:29 am

  Bought the 99 540i-6speed w M-Sport suspension 2 months ago with 137K. I didnt have the BMW bug until I went with my son to test drive one. A month later I bought this car. Doing all the maintenance myself. I saw the previous owner was spending $$$ on maintenance, at the dealership. The trip to work has never been the same since. Everyday I get out of the car absolutely amazed. Accelerates like a space shuttle, turns like a cat, shifts flawlessly ...this cars performance is awe inspiring. I am sure there are faster cars, but nothing will touch it under $50K. Something will go wrong, I am sure. When it does, I will just recall this wonderful feeling and repair her back to original -)

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  Excellent buy - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By James - May 12 - 3:18 pm

  Bought a 4 year lease return from a used car dealer with slightly over 40,000 miles. Have driven it to 80,000 miles after 3 years and had no problems except some minor cosmetic details (e.g. cup holders, door sill trim, door rubber moldings). From a mechanical point of view, had to just do my yearly synthetic oil change at the BMW dealer and put in gas. Ive driven slightly over a couple parking stops and pulled away the front valences slightly. If you want a reliable, fun to drive car (not truck) with capacity for five and rear cargo for Home Depot, Costco or Ikea runs, this is a great car to consider. From my recollection, it is top of class (E39) for many years running.

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  Good car - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By fred - April 15 - 4:32 pm

  The 540i if youre going to buy one is an excellent car. The only draw backs which you should worry about are the brakes and water pump. They go on these cars and will cost to fix. But remember the problem wont arise again for years if even then. So go ahead and purchase one, just have some money on the side for repairs or find someone who works on BMWs for a reasonable price!

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  1999 BMW 528iT - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Ichiro - December 26 - 3:51 am

  Purchased lease return at 43,000 miles from a used car dealership. The former owner was a middle aged lady, one owner. The car was basically just broken in. Have had car going on three years now and not a single problem except accidentally parking over a park stop and minor damage to the front air dam. Otherwise, absolutely a gem. The 17" BBS Cross-Spokes can be noisy, but the Bridgestone Turanza tires made it smooth as a Lexus, yet much sportier. The rim guards have prevented a couple rim rashes too. Im veering off, sound off for the tires now. Anyways, I highly recommend this car, this years build to anyone considering.

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  A blast to drive, expensive upkeep - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Mark - December 10 - 10:39 pm

  Bought this car as a CPO in 2002 when it had <20k mi on it, replacing my 93 325i. Pluses: A joy to drive, no question. Can be thrown into corners almost with impunity. Great touring car, can drive all day w/no fatigue. Excellent sound system. Classy exterior design. Power out the wazoo. Legendary braking. Downsides: Eats tires even with proper inflation (stagger prevents rotation) - typ. 15-20k on rear, 30k front (all-seasons). Expensive routine mx. Expensive non-routine mx. Cupholders are for decoration only - go aftermarket or avoid drinks. CD changer not bump tolerant.

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  Just Awesome!!! - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By 540i6 Sport - September 15 - 1:31 pm

  Ive owned my 540i 6 speed sport for one year now. Although its going on 8 years old and 103K miles, it doesnt have a single rattle - the build quality is exceptional. The torque of the V8 is addictive and takes the car from an everyday commuter to track day hooligan. Two car seats fit great in the back and even though Im putting in premium at >$3 a gallon, Im getting 24 mpg on the highway in 6th gear. These cars are more maintenance intensive than your everyday Japanese appliance, but the drive is worth it!

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  1999 BMW 528i ... very, very nice - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By bmw_owna - March 4 - 12:27 pm

  I bought this vehicle certified pre-owned (CFP). BMW has one of the best CFP plans in the US. I love the car. I have had a few technical problems but other than that I love the car. I highly recommend it.