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 1 through 10 of 81.00

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  99 528i - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By czego82 - January 6 - 10:21 am

  Purchased the car with 110,000miles and sold it with 200,000. Owned the car for 3 years and during that time other then $30 per oil change every 10k i had to spend $100 on new water pump. THAT IS IT. This car costed me nothing to own. If you are looking for a nice car that requires little to no maintenance - this is a car to get. Very good engine that has no problems, good performance and good MPG (30mpg on highway at 60mph).

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  The best sports wagon you can ever own!! - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By hellsredsled - December 13 - 12:35 am

  Smokin! If you have one you know what a great car it is!! Its easy to work on so I wont get rid of it. 120,000 miles and it is still as strong running as if it had 20,000. The torque is just a great feeling! Its a sleeper on the streets. Its hard not to drive it hard like a sports car!!! I will fix any problem because you cant replace this car with an SUV. I have a Navigator for luxury rides and a Mini MC40 edition for go-cart fun rides but the wagon is a load hauling sports-car!!!

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  Awesome car - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Vince - November 2 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car. One of my favorite cars that I own and I have owned many. Great family car to pick up kids from school and fun to drive after hours

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  A Fond Farewell - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By dc e39 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Purchased CPO in 2001. Only had a few problems in my 9.5 years. Performance and build quality is unbeatable. Just sold the car as maintenance is getting expensive on a 12 year old BMW. My all in cost to drive the car (including repairs but excluding routine maintenance) was less than $3,600 per year. With a set of snow tires this car did great in the snow. Car was expensive upfront but more than worth it over time. I miss this car already. I only wish the new 535 wagon wasnt plagued with problems or I would not hesitate to buy another.

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  99 528i - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By AA - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle used in 07 with 85K. This vehicle was been a joy to own. No major issues at this time just the basic maint. I know its just a matter of time. Might have to sell soon to avoid costly repair bills.

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  Worst car Ive ever had - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By hovious - June 17 - 7:53 pm

  Drives great when its not being repaired which is every other week, Ill take a Honda with all upgrades over an over priced over rated BMW. Sell before warranty expires or be ready to empty your wallet.

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  High-maintenance - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By etc - March 20 - 1:11 am

  E39 doesnt age well. The cooling system is sure to fail by 100K - radiator, water pump and more. Front end likely shot by that mileage. Rear end suspension too. All kinds of leaks, power steering, transmission hoses. All the vacuum tubes get extremely brittle and disintegrate when you touch them. The VANOS system is likely shot by that mileage, decreasing MPG and power. Automatic tranny replaced at 80K Basically just ridiculous how such an expensive car can have reliability of a 1980s Ford. Its a true FORD car, Fix-Or-Repair-Daily.

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  ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By alan robinson - February 27 - 6:08 pm

  Acquired 5 years ago - this is a sport car sedan. Driven properly it has no serious maintenance issues. It does run through tires every 25,000 miles. Avoid around town driving - best if driven on interstates at 70 mph minimum 30 minutes. Basically, I drive it 1-2 days per week for pleasure. An extremely powerful vehicle that clings to the road. It is the ultimate driving machine.

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  A Costly Mistake - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By Markscars16 - February 12 - 8:20 pm

  When I first purchased this car it looked great as far as paint, along with fit and finish. It also rode well but needed more power. But from 2004 which is when I purchased the car with about 42,000 miles on it from a one owner until now with 100000 miles on it, I have spent over $6500 dollars on brakes, power steering leaks, power window motors, head and tail lamp shorts, transmission problems, and other engine and electrical issues! These cars are over priced, over rated and you will pay bigtime after the 4 year new car warranty is gone! This car is a NO! NO! The Germans need to wake up as the Americans are doing now!

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  High milage 528I - 1999 BMW 5-Series
  By K.L.Denham - January 30 - 2:24 pm

  We bought this car in 2004 for its styling and performance. Its the wifes primary driver and she puts on a lot of miles. All was well until about 120K. Both rear window regulators have been replaced, $160 ea. The water pump went out. The alternator went out and we replaced with a low mile used one for half the $260 for a new one. Three weeks after the alternator the radiator sprung a leak, $550 to have it replaced. Added with the expensive oil changes $60-$70 and the sport suspension that wears the inside of tire out in 25,000 miles if not constantly rotated and lack of good certified BMW mechanics outside of big city areas, you might think twice about a higher mileage beemer.