BMW 5 Series 540i V8 Reviews
Latest Reviews
★★★★★
“1999 BMW 540IA Sport M PKG ”
Written on: 09/05/2012
I have always loved the BMW 540I Sport for years. I have always leased cars and my last 2 were an 2006 AUDI S4 and a 2010 Audi A6 Sport. And in January of 2011 I found a beautiful 540 and fell in love with.So I purchasaed it and it is a 1999 BMW 540IA Sport M Pkg with only 59k miles on it. I LOVE this car the 4.4 V8 has 282 hp and 325 Lb F Torque is AMAZING. It can throw you back in your seat and next thing you know your doing 100. It is so smooth and tight and quiet. It drives and... (read more)
★★★★☆
“A Beautifully balanced car & Ride,can be docile or it...”
Written on: 18/10/2009
A Beautifully balanced car & Ride,can be docile or it can "ROAR"! My car has been trouble free because it has been regually maintained by "Engineers"& NOT BUY MAIN BMW AGENCIES....Just love it to BITS!!!...TRY ONE! (read more)
★★★★★
“Ive owned two 540's the first a t reg and the current...”
Written on: 11/10/2009 by bmw540 (3 reviews written)
Ive owned two 540's the first a t reg and the current a 52 plate. The performance is amazing especial in manual mode at the traffic lights. It handles brilliantly and seems to look alot better than for eg a 528. the newer model with the double vanos engine seems to pick up better than the older 1. My new one is fully loaded and i love the tv in traffic jams. the car is great on petrol for a 4.4 v8 i averaged 34 mpg on the motorway. i still have the origianal 2002 sat nav dvd which works ok... (read more)
★★★★★
“i ow a 97 bmw 540i in silver its out of this world the...”
Written on: 08/06/2009 by conhaynes82
i ow a 97 bmw 540i in silver its out of this world the 4.4litre v8 engine growls at stupid challengers as it tears away from them at magnificent speed the comfort of the car is amazing it is so quiet and brilliant to experience the ride if u want speed comfort power and performance then this is the car to purchase you defo aint going to be disappointed this car is a MONSTER (read more)
★★★★★
“I bought my BMW 540i, 2002, as a part exchange with an...”
Written on: 23/04/2009
I bought my BMW 540i, 2002, as a part exchange with an older BMW 520i, but in a main dealer. I was already delighted with a 520i for comfort and built quality. I found all this and a lot more in my 540i. More power, faster, more torque, and still, this beast can be driven in a very gentle and diligent way. I enjoy every moment behind the wheels of that car. (read more)
★★★★★
“I have owned my BMW 5 Series 540 6 speed (the one to...”
Written on: 18/04/2009
I have owned my BMW 5 Series 540 6 speed (the one to have) for over 5 years now after my good friend bought and owned the car from new so I know the history from day one. Its crystal green metalic, full sport body kit 19" split rim BBS alloys,schnitzer door mirrors. boot lid lip spoiler,xenon headlight upgrade,grooved front discs with performance brake pads re-mapped to 315hp, de-speed restricted so there is non of that annoying cutting out at 155mph as confirmed by an embarrased Porsche... (read more)
★★★★★
“I purchased my 2003 540iA (with the full M-sport pkg)...”
Written on: 20/03/2009 by Sammy the Eagle (1 review written)
I purchased my 2003 540iA (with the full M-sport pkg) in Feb/09 in Vancouver BC and drove it back to Manitoba. After going thru 'Rogers Pass' in the Rockies I was tempted to go back and do it again. Everytime I get in the car I can't wipe the grin off my face, other 540i owners know what I mean. The car is a monster, it will go, turn, stop on your every whim. I look for excuses to go drive it. It is incredibly hard to hold back the horses under the hood and when you do let them loose... (read more)
★★★★★
“Wow - I own a 2003 BMW 5 Series 6 Speed stick...This...”
Written on: 25/01/2009
Wow - I own a 2003 BMW 5 Series 6 Speed stick...This thing is unbelieveable!! Love It!! 62K and cranking without any issues. Had the car to around 150 Mph with more to go! Car Really Pulls hard!! Drivin many M5's - too expensive on gas and maintenance. LOVE IT - If you can find one GET IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (read more)
★★★★★
“My husband bought me a 1999 BMW 540i wagon with the...”
Written on: 24/01/2009 by natomic (1 review written)
My husband bought me a 1999 BMW 540i wagon with the Premium package in 2007 in Canada. Despite him offering to look a the Audi, Volvo and Passat equivalents, after reading the reviews I kept being lured to the 540. After driving this car for only a short time, I knew that there is absolutely no comparison: the BMW wins hands down in all categories. It's sleek, the power response is when you need it, no lag. The inside is a pleasure, and the heated steering wheel, which I thought was a... (read more)
★★★★★
“I own a 2003 540 Stick Sport Very smooth power, quite...”
Written on: 16/11/2008 by rriegal
I own a 2003 540 Stick Sport Very smooth power, quite at speed... I can get about 30 MPG at 60-65 MPH on a long trip as long as I watch my throttle and Acceleration. What a dream to drive. I have had the car to 145 Mph and could not believe that it was still pulling!
Wow - I cannot think of an issue - Just a great car. If you put Blizzak Snow Tires on board for the winter months, it just plain GOES even in the snow! With new Snow Tires and at nearly 2 tons...IT GOES!
(read more)
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Showing 1 - 10 of 43 Reviews
★★★★★
“I chipped, airboxed and opened the exhaust on my stock...”
Written on: 15/10/2008 by cheapguy24 (1 review written)
I chipped, airboxed and opened the exhaust on my stock 540 auto trans and it is a beast. With the right tires and driver with the anti-skid turned off this thing wil roast almost anyone that wants to race. (read more)
★★★★★
“Over all in the 4 years of BMW 540i V8 ownership...”
Written on: 08/07/2008
Over all in the 4 years of BMW 540i V8 ownership rarely did I have to worry about the 540's reliability and only when fuel prices have got silly have I had to get rid. Can you imagine moving to a 2 l diesel! (read more)
★★★☆☆
“This is a great car. Unfourtunately I live in a city...”
Written on: 19/06/2008
This is a great car. Unfourtunately I live in a city where there are speed limits and cops around every corner. Enjoy. (read more)
★★★★★
“This car is excellent look stunning nice comfortable...”
Written on: 30/05/2008
This car is excellent look stunning nice comfortable car. This car is the best car I ever had in my life I prefer this to everyone who loves fast, smooth and comfortable drive. Overall I think this car is mostly for people who loves fast driving and is easy to drive very smooth. (read more)
★★★★★
“I bought my silver 2001 BMW 540i Sport 3 months ago...”
Written on: 08/05/2008 by F756016 (1 review written)
I bought my silver 2001 BMW 540i Sport 3 months ago and have been in heaven ever since. Great power and comfort and very importantly to me extremely safe which with a 13 month old child is a high priority. There is nothing out there with as much spunk and pure poise! (read more)
★★★★★
“Tell you what, give your BMW 540 a wash on a nice day...”
Written on: 31/03/2008
Tell you what, give your BMW 540 a wash on a nice day and then hit the highway for a little cruise, it ' s the best feeling know that your driving the quintessential sports sedan with endless capabilities, while it ' s spotless on a nice day. I bought my triple black 97 540 I 6 speed about two months ago and I am still in awe. The car is fast as anything as long as you keep the rpm over 3400. No problems with anything. (read more)
★★★★★
“The E39 BMW 540i shares its body and basic trim with...”
Written on: 12/02/2008
The E39 BMW 540i shares its body and basic trim with the 520i, 523i, 525tds, 528i, 530d, 535i and the almighty M5. It is a 5-series (medium sedan) and has a 4.4 liter displacement V8 engine, the M62, with VANOS. We could go on with numbers all day (and will, later) but for now, let's talk about the car.
The car is incredibly stable. I have to make judicious use of the cruise control in order to not get ticketed. Maneuvers at speed, both sudden and gradual, happen with firmness. Above...
(read more)
★★★★☆
“I've owned e39 540 with MU62B44 engine and 6-speed...”
Written on: 12/02/2008
I've owned e39 540 with MU62B44 engine and 6-speed manual gearbox for few months now. It's a fast car ... until it starts to snow. Big engine heats interior real quick, so with traction control it's quite comfortable car even during winter. It is very hard to find better car that would be that fast AND convenient to drive. I probably don't have to add that V8 sounds nice, you all know that already :) (read more)
★★★★★
“I traded in my beloved 2001 BMW 530i when I discovered...”
Written on: 21/10/2007 by toddasummers (1 review written)
I traded in my beloved 2001 BMW 530i when I discovered a one owner trade, 2003 BMW 540i V8 6-Speed, being offered as a CPO by a local BMW dealer. It is the last model year of the E39 chassis and mine was the 30th anniversary run of BMW's 5-Series in 9/2002. The engine is a piece of automotive engineering genius. The 6 Speed M-Tecnic Sport Package is a must. It is very difficult not to show ignorant challengers that they have no idea what they're up against. It is unlike any car I've ever... (read more)
★★★★★
“Fantastic car for the price (paid 20% of new after 4...”
Written on: 01/08/2007 by doctor damian (1 review written)
Fantastic car for the price (paid 20% of new after 4 years). Monster torque - don't be afraid to overtake at 800rpm. After owning an E36 M3 it's a disappointment at the top end but hey, it's half the price and it doesn't EVER break down - unburstable is the name of this major player in the motorway pecking order. (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 11 - 20 of 43 Reviews
★★★★★
“Comparing with my previous owned cars, Mercedes S280,...”
Written on: 03/07/2007 by Josef Langreiter
Comparing with my previous owned cars, Mercedes S280, Mercedes SL 350, Volvo 240, BMW 730 and BMW 750, the BMW 540 is my choice by far; and a joy to drive! (read more)
★★★★★
“Really enjoy the car. The BMW 540i is turning out to...”
Written on: 09/06/2007 by steveburk1912
Really enjoy the car. The BMW 540i is turning out to be a great value for the money as long as you take good care of them. (read more)
★★★★★
“Studied the BMW 5 Series 540i V8 for about a month...”
Written on: 09/03/2006 by ghopkins (1 review written)
Studied the BMW 5 Series 540i V8 for about a month before purchasing a 2000 model auto, had it a few weeks now so only realising its potential. Best compromise is sports auto mode for optimum control. 5000 revs excellent V8 sound. This is a car you can drive for hours and hours, if you need to relax cruise control can take over. The quality and engineering is that good (read more)
★★★★☆
“I own a 97 BMW 5 Series 540i Sport 6-Speed E39 V8. ”
Written on: 12/08/2005 by BMWM3King (1 review written)
I own a 97 BMW 5 Series 540i Sport 6-Speed E39 V8.
It is very fast. Off the line a lot of cars can stick with it, but on a freeway, few have a chance.
Mine is Blue with a Tan interior. The 4.4L V8 has a lot of torque and can go from 20 - 120 in 4th gear.
I would recommend this car to anyone who needs a 4 Door, and loves performance.
(read more)
★★★★★
“I have had a number of recent style 5 series cars, and...”
Written on: 26/07/2005 by ewango
I have had a number of recent style 5 series cars, and this is the most powerful, and a late 2003 at that. It has all the extras bar a sunroof, and is a delight to own and drive. It looks superb in gun metalic grey, and has black privacy glass, adding a bit of mystery to the car. This car is all you need. An M5 is flasher and dearer, and an M3 is for flash hairdressers. We debaged the car and used 3M Hand Glaze for the polish. It looks better than new. Buy the polish, and buy the car,... (read more)
★★★★☆
“I have owned my 1994 L plated BMW 5 Series 540i V8...”
Written on: 25/05/2005 by daveplogan (1 review written)
I have owned my 1994 L plated BMW 5 Series 540i V8 Touring for about 2 months now and the only car in the world which I would swap it for would be a newer 540 or above. I have always dreamt of owning an M5 and my 540 is the first step toward my goal. These cars are luxury personified, even the wife enjoys driving this one, a true motorway car. (read more)
★★★★★
“I have owned a few cars and was looking around for...”
Written on: 18/05/2005 by retrac777
I have owned a few cars and was looking around for something that was fast yet stable. It was a second car and so needed to be able to take the kids out etc so realy didn't want the restrections you get with sports cars that we tried, plus they didn't really excite me. I was actually looking at the 740i but was trying to find the right one, we saw this BMW 5 Series 540i V8 for sale, looked at it and loved the drive, it was awesome. Since then every day I absolutly love geting in the thing.... (read more)
★★★★★
“The BMW 5 Series 540i V8 is an excellent sporty car...”
Written on: 08/05/2005 by gerrycentral
The BMW 5 Series 540i V8 is an excellent sporty car for not a lot of money with all the toys you will ever need. Look after her and she will look after you. Brings back that feeling of the first ever car you owned, the one you passed your test for and could not wait to drive forever, then spend all day Sunday cleaning it. What a joy (51 years old) I feel like i'm 21 again! Thanks BMW (read more)
★★★★★
“I have had my BMW 5 Series 540i V8 Executive car for...”
Written on: 09/11/2004 by rivermouth (1 review written)
I have had my BMW 5 Series 540i V8 Executive car for approximately 5 months now and I simply love it! I looked at Porsche, Mercedes, Acura, Lexus and Jaguar, but realized that they were all trying to be BMW (except for the Porsche, which is in a class all by itself). The 5 series sedan is the car that all other sports sedans want to be. This car is not cheap, whether it's gas for the powerful engine, or the regular maintenance that needs to be performed on a car of this magnitude. But,... (read more)
★★★☆☆
“I have a 2000 model BMW 5 Series 540i V8 executive car...”
Written on: 13/10/2004 by bavarianjake (1 review written)
I have a 2000 model BMW 5 Series 540i V8 executive car with the sport package and 6-speed manual transmission. It's the first car I've owned, and all around it is very classy and tasteful. However, it's definitely not the M5, and being a horsepower junkie, I've honestly already grown a bit bored with this car since I bought it two months ago. Mainly, it's that the ride is too beefy. The only way to know you're accelerating as fast as this car is capable of is to look out the window at... (read more)
See next 10 reviews
Showing 21 - 30 of 43 Reviews
★★★★★
“The BMW 540i V8 is a very impressive car !. I...”
Written on: 29/02/2004 by bpettis129
The BMW 540i V8 is a very impressive car !. I personally don't own one yet but had the opportunity to test drive one this week. I drove a 528 and a 540 auto and manual. All were 1998 - 2000 models. all I can say is WOW!. My daily driver is a 1999 Chevy silverado X-cab. My last sports cars over the past 3 years were a 1985 Corvette and a 1994 6-speed Trans am. I will be honest, the 1998 540i would be a very hard competitor to shake off on the big end on the freeway. As for cornering, the... (read more)
★★★★★
“Had my cream leathered, blue beast BMW 540i V8 a week...”
Written on: 16/11/2003 by kirkmh (1 review written)
Had my cream leathered, blue beast BMW 540i V8 a week and I'm in love. Had a 320 merc before and there is no contest. This is truly a car to live (and probably die) in. I find excuses to drive it - like popping out for petrol when I could really get it the next day - and on the subject of petrol who cares about the consumption - I don't mind paying for pleasure!!!
Don't think about it buy one!
(read more)
★★★★☆
“I'm a reformed boy racer. I've owned 28 cars since I...”
Written on: 18/11/2002 by Paul.
I'm a reformed boy racer. I've owned 28 cars since I left school. I'm 39. I now possess a 1997 540ia and I'm loving it. I don't have to prove anything anymore. I will keep a respectful look out for the M3 and M5,but there's not much else that'll daunt me. When I wake up in the morning and I'm greeted by those 8 gurgling pots, I'm ready to take on the world! Britsh Airways comfort - American grunt! P.s My wife LOVES it!! Paul. (read more)
★★★★★
“If you are the person who wants it all, then this BMW...”
Written on: 11/09/2002 by MrBreadToast.
If you are the person who wants it all, then this BMW 540i V8 is the car for you. Luxury Sport. Most cars advertise themselves as sporty cars, but they aren't...not like the 540/6. You've got muscle to get this 2 ton car moving fast off the line, and muscle to accelerate as needed at higher speeds.
This car definitely does not ride like a boat nor does it have a harsh ride. It communicates perfectly with the driver so you know exactly what is happening with the road. You can drive this...
(read more)
★★★☆☆
“Bought My 2002 BMW 540i yesterday. Loved the look and...”
Written on: 09/08/2002 by rocket.
Bought My 2002 BMW 540i yesterday. Loved the look and the drive.
Disappointed in the creature features for this priced car.
A Nissan Maxima has a better dash and controls for 20K less.
Stereo should be upgraded.
(read more)
54831_Ade.'s Response to 32435_rocket.'s Review
Written on: 30/11/2002
Shallow, uninformative and biased. Does not deserve a 540i sport for sure
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★☆☆☆☆
“I owned a '97 BMW 540i, and traded it in yesterday....”
Written on: 18/06/2002 by Rich.
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... (read more)
80077_Mr. T.'s Response to 28405_Rich.'s Review
Written on: 14/03/2003
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.
<br>
<br>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.
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Leedstony's Response to 28405_Rich.'s Review
Written on: 01/09/2004
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)
<br>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!
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★★★★★
“i purchased my BMW 540i sport executive car this year,...”
Written on: 08/05/2002 by MrWrX.
i purchased my BMW 540i sport executive car this year, thinking it wasn't that different from an m5. Yes i wish it were but i got a better deal on this, and i love it. It's body is like a goddess, the interior makes me think i'm a king and it has very good performance. One thing i must say is that the bi xenon lights are very impressive.
The car is expensive, and for that it would put a lot of people off, but if you have the money and you don't want an m5 buy this! don't buy the mercedes e...
(read more)
★★★★★
“The BMW 540i V8 executive car is a monster. There is...”
Written on: 16/04/2002 by flembot.
The BMW 540i V8 executive car is a monster. There is nothing on the road that I fear while in the driver seat of this stunning 2000 540i 6 Speed Speedster. "Look, Corvette ahead, phew.... on his tail... phew.... he is on my rear view mirror...." And all 4 of my buddies get to witness the Vette Slayer's nimble handling and agility. (read more)
48340_Rob.'s Response to flembot.'s Review
Written on: 04/11/2002
The 540 is a great car, but let's not get carried away. A late model vette can dust a 540 any day. If you want to compete with a vette you need to spend the money for the M5.
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Bavarianjake's Response to flembot.'s Review
Written on: 13/10/2004
Right you are rob...all I can say is 282hp in a sedan DOES NOT EQUAL 400+hp in a roadster
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★★★★★
“The brute force of the BMW 540i V8 engine is nothing...”
Written on: 15/04/2002 by Clyde.
The brute force of the BMW 540i V8 engine is nothing short of amazing.
My ones got all the toys-comfort seat's double glazing, xenons, M tec sports suspension 17 inch multispoke alloys etc.
With double glazing you'll think engine is stalled and you'll be reaching for the ignition keys at traffic lights.
(read more)
★★★★★
“I bought a used '98BMW 540i V8 in order to let someone...”
Written on: 05/04/2002 by grand daddy.
I bought a used '98BMW 540i V8 in order to let someone else eat the first bit of depreciation. Wonderful car - my engineering friends at BMW in Munich call it the 'torquemeister' and I certainly know why. This car has a wonderful power to weight ratio - I only wish I could get it out on the highway more often. Mine has a 6 speed stick with M-5 seats for extra fit, a bit of a thorough bred for city driving, but you can't have it all. What I really need is a 10 year old Chevette for the city,... (read more)
89015_Tommy Boy.'s Response to 18178_grand daddy.'s Review
Written on: 14/04/2003
I have a 98 540i, I LOVE IT. MAJOR BALLS under the hood!
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Showing 31 - 40 of 43 Reviews
★★★★★
“I have Biarritz blue, cream comfort leather totally...”
Written on: 03/02/2002 by Ade Pepin.
I have Biarritz blue, cream comfort leather totally extra'd up BMW 540i Sport. Someone at the BMW dealership told me that I can get over 36 miles per gallon out of my 540i Sport, but I don't see why I should want to! As it is, I get 22.4 overall without trying to save penny. If running cost is an issue, buy a Nissan Micra. Otherwise, if you want to own and use one of the finest, if not THE finest all round performance saloon cars in the world then forget the Lexus and also rans, buy THE REAL... (read more)
★★★★★
“The 5 speed Auto is my favourite in every way”
Written on: 25/01/2002 by Robert.
The 5 speed Auto is my favourite in every way (read more)
G60 Dude's Response to 10546_Robert.'s Review
Written on: 29/07/2004
I wouldn't have thought that people would buy a BMW 540i sport for economy! And obviously it's a Beemer; parts will be expensive.
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★★★★★
“Superb car - great for the family man that wants a bit...”
Written on: 22/05/2000 by Mark Allison.
Superb car - great for the family man that wants a bit of grunt! Very refined. (read more)
3470_Mike.'s Response to Mark Allison.'s Review
Written on: 13/08/2001
I have recently driven the BMW 540. Both the 6 speed and the automatic. The 6 speed is a miserable car to drive in the city and spoils an otherwise wonderfully engineered car. On the otherhand the BMW 540 automatic is without question the finest luxury sedan in its class and price range in the world. Smooth as silk, terrific handling, very fast, stops on a dime and easy to drive. Definitely a cut above Cadillac STS, Lincoln LS, Jaguar and other would be competitors. I currently own a Cadillac STS that cannot come close to the BMW 540ia in fit and finish, quiteness, or handling. Needless to say I will be purchasing a new 540ia soon!
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Top 5 Executive Cars
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2. BMW 5 Series 540i V8
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85895_Wiz.'s Response to 51821_Paul.'s Review
Written on: 03/04/2003
I've had an older 535i for a year now and totally agree with Paul, especially about the danger of feeling imortal, I actually pay far more attention to where I'm going in my RS Turbo (yes I know, 32 and NOT a reformed boy racer I'm afraid!) cos you know if you hit something you've probably had it!! In the beemer you don't feel the need to drive so quickly either - I do want to get it chipped now thou :) Hail the flying armchair !!
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