BMW 5 Series 540i V8 Review

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BMW 5 Series 540i V8
4.4 stars
Average rating for this product is: 4.4 out of 5

From 13 ratings and 42 reviews

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Rich.'s Review of BMW 5 Series 540i V8

19th Jun 2002

Overall Rating

1 stars
  • Value for money
    0 stars
  • Practicality
    4 stars
  • Performance
    4 stars
Good Points

Great handling and power.


Bad Points

Too many to mention......but I'll try.


General Comments

I owned a '97 BMW 540i, and traded it in yesterday. Where do I start? This is a $50K car and should be manufactured as such. Let me list the deficiencies: Squeaky door seals, lack of interior storage, only adequate sound system (DSP unit), sqeaks and rattles, confusing climate controls, weak air conditioning. Had the water pump fail, check engine light that said O2 sensor, and after replacing all four still said O2 sensor, rotten radiator hose coupler, the front spoiler fell off, plastic seat control housing broke......on, andon, and on. DON'T BUY THE BMW MYTH.

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Members' Comments onRich.'s Review

  • Mr. T. on 14th Mar 2003

    I empathize with someone who has had to endure a lemon! It's rare, given BMW's quality control, but it can still happen, even with the legendary 540i. I know because I just bailed out of a Porsche Carrera, so I understand the frustration and dissapointment that repeated emission-control and engine problems can produce.

    In any event, I just bought a 2003 540iA and am very impressed with it, so far. I wanted a change to something a bit more luxurious yet still sporty and this is definitely the car that acheives that balance.

  • leedstony on 1st Sep 2004

    i bought a 1996 528i and after £2700 of repairs and a well dodgy engine, will be hard pressed to buy another, the last one i had was a 1989 520 and i loved it so and did 100000 in it (231000 when i sold it)
    aparently there is a massive floor with the engines mainly 523 and 528, so after my latest quote of 3500 to fix the engine i think i will buy a ford!