Overview & Reviews
The 5 Series is redesigned and introduced midway through 1996 as a 1997 model. The Touring wagons are no longer available, and the 3.0-liter V8 is history. New 5 Series models can be had as a six-cylinder 528i or a V8 540i. Both models feature new engines, all-aluminum suspensions, improved brakes and available side-impact airbag protection.
- This is pretty hard. I guess we wish that a CD player was standard.
User Reviews:
Showing 41 through 50 of 71.00-
I expected more - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By California Driver - June 28 - 2:00 amMy previous car was a 87 BMW 325. Got 257,000 miles with no major repairs - wonderful car. I have 150,000 on this car - just replaced the drive-shaft, control arm is going and some bushings as well. The transmission (auto) has slipped twice and my mechanic tells me it will need to be replaced soon. Thats about $7000 total. I expected much better reliability, especially compared to my previous car.
-
BMW 540 - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By Clark Lindemann - May 5 - 2:00 amOnce I have owned a BMW 540 I can truly say it is the Ultimate Driving Machine.
-
top of the food chain - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By jr roadcaptain - April 18 - 2:00 amI am coming up on 7 years of ownership and 90K on the clock. Yes I just did the radiator but got the cat and a couple of small items under the extended warranty. I have owned and driven various Bimmers and this one is the berries. Do not, I repeat, do not drive this car for any length of time if you cannot buy--it will ruin you for all other cars, even some other Bimmers.
-
528i can go a long time - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By budokan - March 14 - 2:00 amneeded new cat conv at 135K, various bulbs, trunk release, interior lighting, headlight bulb, minor oil leak seal housing. fun to drive. safe. fast. got 147k now going for 200.
-
Daily Exhilaration, > Fun Than Imagined - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By my540aye - March 5 - 2:00 amFantastic response in power,braking and handling. Watch maint. issues: 1. Cat. Converters (8yr/80K from BMW) 2. Radiator & Overheating Issues 3. Vacuum Plate & Crankcase Valve. PURE SPORT LUXURY. Insur. Class is high 23 for automatic and a 24 for the 6- speed. The 540i is the wonderfully fun and still functional. A longtime car salesman told me the 540i (vs. 528i) was for people who really want a Porsche, not a BMW I now have perspective of his reference, yet disagree. I recommend the 540i for anyone over 21 years old. There is a reason the 540i resale is greater than the 740s. Drive one for yourself.
-
Lots of Fun - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By zipper - February 19 - 2:00 amCombines luxury with performance. Very fun to drive.
-
Superb Euro Sedan - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By Blondebeard - February 19 - 2:00 amThe 97 E39 540i Sport is a study in contradictions, completely in-line with expectations. Ive had mine about a year, and just crossed 72K miles. On the whole, the car has been a splendid purchase. They stop on a dime, handle well, and start to really shine where other cars sign off. With the right tires and fresh clutch, theyre a blast at track days, too. Imagine that: a family sedan that performs well at the track. Short of an M5, I cannot recall another sedan that can make this claim.
-
This is the one - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By Carlosq - February 7 - 2:00 amNothing better to drive
-
Theres Only One! - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By Vegas Bob - January 21 - 2:00 amI have been driveing for 30 years and have owned..everything at one time or another. My 528ia is by far the best machine I ever owned. Its now got 62,000 miles and its now just breaking in. It may be a six cyl, but it just chews on most 8s and spits them out as it goes by. The quality in every aspect is just the best. The only problem is I have to buy another one now that my lease is up. Theres just no driving anything else after this car.
-
Sexy 6 Speed - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By M1ke B - January 20 - 2:00 amUltimate Driving Machine: it fast(beat a z28 stick, M3) , handles great, and looks great.
