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 1 through 10 of 71.00-
Great car - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By Paul the Preacher - March 31 - 8:02 pmI purchased this car used July 2007 with 150,000 miles. I love this car. The previous owner took good care of it. Its like new on the inside. If gas was cheaper I would have a million miles on it. I only have 181,000 mile. It is a joy to drive. Ive only had minor issues with it, and they all are covered in other reviews. cup holder, battery dies, tie rod, and alarm system a little crazy. I will purchase at least 2 more.
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Been a great car - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By Susie - February 20 - 4:56 pmI 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!
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Great value great running condition - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By Jim Mal - July 7 - 4:00 pmI know a mechanic who worked at BMW 7 years said this model and years were some of the best
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Love my 540i - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By Sue - April 21 - 7:30 pmHad this car going on years. Bought it with 92k on, have had to do normal maintenance on the car but thats it. This car is fast, but it also stinks on gas, that 18-21 mpg is only possible on highway in perfect conditions. But boy is it fun to drive!! Handles amazing, rides amazing, well you see where Im going with this!! Going to add an X5 soon, we also have a 318, thats great on gas. I will always drive Bimmers now!!
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what a great car - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By bobbybuche - February 25 - 7:57 amI just purchased a 1997 528i yesterday and the car only had 65,000 miles on it. The car is great it feels like Im riding on rails and the suspension beats the heck out of my old explorer. I have seen a few people talk about wind noise from the front windshield and what you need to do is pull of the weather stripping and lay down a very small bead of silicon and place a small piece of rope on the inside of the groove of the seal when you reinstall the window pull the rope back out al the way around and this will provide the best seal and will eliminate the wind noise I guarantee. Other than that the car is amazing.
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Future Classic - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By Farhan haque - November 28 - 4:08 pmit is a well know fact that E39 (97- 02) is among the best BMWs. For its size, it has matchless handling. few cars of this era has heated steering. All controls inside are intuitive. Exterior is matchless and even now it does not look dated, in fact is still a head turner. You hear the bump but you dont feel it, suspension is so good. Compared to its competitors, E class or Lexus GS, its sportier and should be the choice of a car enthusiast.
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Great car - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By frick - August 9 - 3:24 pmThis is my 4th BMW and was purchased with 320,00 km cheap. Car needed struts, control arm, tie rods, rear ball joints, stab links and cvv. After doing all the work this car runs and drives like new. Body had small rust on back trunk lid (repaired) shined back up to almost new condition after 10 Canadian winters. Good value for used car.
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Just remarkable - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By don - February 10 - 1:16 pmI bought this car with 100k and needed some work like control arms and flex joint. Since then it has been a thrill and pleasure to own this car. Its a manual trans. And this car does not miss a beat, it handles well on curves as well as straight aways and the braking is excellent. Could change these cup holders even though I dont use them I dont have time to because Im too busy driving the car. It is the step up from my 325i which I thought was a beast but the 540i is one step down from the M5 which is OK. Because I dont need any speeding tickets.
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Cant go anywhere with out it - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By 540 single gal - December 24 - 6:18 pmLove this car...sold my 911 for something bigger but just as fun to drive. Now in 12/07 with over 120,000 miles (6 years and 90,000 miles later) it still looks and drives great. Stevens Creek, a San Jose dealership takes great care of me and my 540, although parts and labor can get pretty pricey, this dealership does help me out quite often, even out of warrranty. I have kept it garaged and well maintained, has second set of after market wheels and tires, just so I can stand out even more :)
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Too early to tell - 1997 BMW 5-Series
By jgogan - December 1 - 2:31 pmI just purchased this 540i (my first Bmer) in Sept, 07. The car had been well cared for with 130K. I like this car a lot. Acceleration, ride, styling and amenities are all first rate. The transmission is a 5-speed auto that keeps are RPMs down when cruising. Just developed a transmission leak and the heating comes on when it wants to. Presently waiting to be inspected by my mechanic for cause and cure analysis. Im hopeful to create a review after 1 year that comes off a little more positive. I still remain positive though realizing how much I enjoy this car when all is working well. Get back to you in a year.
