1998 BMW 5-Series Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.53/5 Average
72 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Side-impact airbags are now available for rear-seat passengers, as is break-resistant glass for the windows and moonroof.

Pros:
  • Sport sedan in a luxury car package. This is a perfect way to spend that new raise.
Cons:
  • Cheap plastic buttons for the power door lock switches are out of place in a car of this caliber.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 72.00
  • The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1998 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Theres a beautiful spirit about this car. Every time I get into the vehicle I find a great peace with the world. This is truly the best car I have ever owned. This beauty of mine is my first BMW. Im now middle aged and have had plenty of cars and driving experiences but nothing compares to this machine. Perfect handling on the curves and it gives you power when you need it. I find myself driving on the back roads and the highways with comfort and ease. I feel no stress at all. If I feel like cruising at 40 mph or putting it to the test at 95 mph its all good. I will always have this car of mine. Its a classic now and forever.

  • Top notch car - 1998 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    I registered just to post how much I loved this car. I recently sold it to get something newer, but in over 6 years/50k of ownership, this is BY FAR, THE BEST, MOST RELIABLE CAR IVE EVER OWNED. And I bought this car in 2005 w/over 100k on it. Aside from that, its an absolute blast to drive, look at. MPG is amazing for a car this size, 25 mixed. Build quality is superb. Doors shut solid. Engine is solid, drivetrain. I had some minor repairs like a window regulator, fan blower, but was never stranded. Mine was the sport, so it had the lowered suspension and the 17" BBS style wheels. Amazing car. The 5 speed/sport pkg is a must. Anyone thinking of buying this, do it. You will love this car!!

  • Best BMW so far - 1998 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Bought my 1998 528i used in 2002 and have put on 72k miles. Car is at 115k and still runs like new. Replaced struts, brakes, new Michelin tires and other minor stuff to be expected but overall, an easy car to maintain. I stopped giving BMW all my money and now have a private mechanic do the work for me. Those inspections are ridiculous and unnecessary. Great mileage on hwy (30+) and looks great in white/tan. Couple of small problems, the seat molding cracked early on, the cup holders have been replaced twice, and the radio readout is starting to loose some of its display. But the radio (I have the upgraded DP) is my favorite part. A lot of fun to drive and i will keep her as long as I can.

  • 1998 540i - 2nd owner - 1998 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Purchased this with 60K on odo as 2nd owner in 2004. Selling it with 108K. Replaced radiator. expansion thank and heat connection because of known weakness. Other issues were only wear items. Great handling and brakes. Comfort is terrific in all seats. Upgraded stereo is very good. Road MPG dropped 2 mpg with ethanol. Have Blizzaks for winter that work very well on car. Hated to sell. Reliable and smooth. Rated by car mag as the best sports sedan ever built up to that point and I agree. Hate to see it go. Would sell this car to my mother.

  • Love it!! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    I have had my 528 since July of this year, and love it!! It has 101k on it and is a blast to drive. Everyday I look forward to the commute to and from work as it is my unwind mobile! I average around 26-28mpg combined, yet it has snappy off the line and low end torque. Mine has the 5-speeds which is what I was looking for. Only maintenance problem was a broken motor mount ($40) done myself, relatively simple repair, and a rear window regulator ($95), again, did it in 1hr!! The fit and finish of BMWs has always impressed me, and the 528 does not disappoint!! People gripe about the cost of parts, but thats a fair trade off for a quality, well-engineered car that is designed to perform!!

  • Whod consider this an economy car - ME! - 1998 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Best trip mileage ever 39.49, with return mileage on same trip 38.86 - I PROMISE THIS IS THE TRUTH!! Worst gas mileage ever - 23.0 ONE time, first year of ownership ONLY. Past winter avg commute/errand mileage 27. Current summer avg commute/errand mileage 29.5! I consider myself an "extra- miler", NOT a "hyper-miler". With that standard vacuum (gas mileage) gauge and using the trip computer, I have steadily improved my gas mileage even as my odometer reads over 150,000! Drives so elegantly when taking it easy, but accelerates and tracks so securely whenever desired. Drives like brand new, not like an 11+ year old car, because I ALWAYS drive her with respect!

  • An excellent veichle - 1998 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    I have a 1998 BMW 528i . A reliable and safe car. Ive only had it for a year and the only thing that went bad on me were the brakes, but overall its an excellent vehicle and I strongly recommend one as a first car. The parts are expensive but I think its worth it. The fuel is not so bad on it unless you floor it all the time, otherwise its fuel economy.

  • Fun but ..... - 1998 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    This car is a blast to drive, but the cooling system and electronics leave much to be desired. Dash lights, cd player, window mechanisms, radiator, etc all had to be replaced in a car that had less than 100k.

  • Ill Drive It Another 10 Years - 1998 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    Rock solid at 150K miles. Replaced all cooling components (pump, radiator, thermostat & housing, belts) as a precaution at 140K. Just replaced the struts (they didnt owe me a thing.) Great gas mileage (30+ on highway) having a manual tranny helps. Looks good, handles great, safe and comfortable. Best six cylinder on the market. Bullet-proof drive train. Mine is Canyon Red, which looks great on this car.

  • This car is fast - 1998 BMW 5-Series
    By -

    My 3rd BMW. Since I have had this car I have had wheel bearings replaced twice. Valve cover gasket replaced. One day I could not get in the damn car. I unlocked the door and the door handle would not let me in the damn car. I crawled in through the back door while my 6 year old kid laughed at me. The next time I picked her up from school she said “Daddy you should leave the windows down and slide in like the DUKE boys”. I have only had cold A/C 1 out of the 4 years I have owned this car. I drove in to work with my back wet from sitting in this hot box.

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