1999 BMW 540

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1999 BMW 540

Kelley Blue Book Retail $6,725–$7,200  

Average Rating

4.3 out of 5
Review This Car
Comfort:4.7 out of 5
Performance:4.7 out of 5
Exterior Styling:4.7 out of 5
Interior Design:4.5 out of 5
Value for the Money:4.0 out of 5
Reliability:4.0 out of 5

3 out of 4 people would recommended this car to a friend

Consumer Reviews

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Great performance but too costly to maintain

by Hiker
from Nashville | April 25, 2011

Rating from

(3)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 3 out of 5
Reliability: 3 out of 5

"I bought my 540 "port package" sedan new in 1999. I've driven it only 65,000 miles and have maintained it by the book or better. The car is powerful and handles well but is quite expensive to drive. Three water pumps, two radiators, $1800 A/C compressor repair, water leaks, power steering leaks, oil leaks, chews up expensive tires, etc. Oh, and 17 MPG. My ewife had a 328 BMW. It cost a fortune to maintain also. I also have a 2001 Ford Explorer. I've spent less on it for the entire time I've owned it than I've spent on the 540 each year. This is my last BMW."

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Not your typical mama wagon

by 1999 540i Wagon Owner
from Indianapolis, IN | January 26, 2011

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 4 out of 5

"This car has power. I've had many mustangs and other sport car enthusiast try to race me. I'm happy to report I beat some of these race fanatics. The best part is belonging to the BMW fan club; the other day an M3 past me on the highway and politely waved as to say "nice car." I proudly nodded and exited the freeway with a grin. You'll love the performance of this wagon."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Work


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2 out of 2 found this review helpful

Great Fun!

by Ex Rocketman
from Kokomo, Indiana | June 9, 2010

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Features: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 4 out of 5

"I own a 1999 BMW 540I and previously owned a 2000 model as well. They are great fun to drive and if you are mechanically inclined, great fun to work on. The older models of the 5 series have great styling and still have great performance. Bothe my 540i's had abut 100,000 miles on them and still held their looks and funstionality. Everything still works. I like the rear window sun screen and the rain sensor wipers (on my 2000). The 6-speed manual transmissions were in good shape and felt better aftr a lube job. The 4.4 liter v-8 in these cars is notorious for oil leaks. Both of mine needed head cover and timing cover gasket work. I have done all the engine work on my 1999 myself (with the help of a good brother-inlaw and good service manuals). These cars are a good value for the performance you get."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

PHENOMINAL AUTOMOBILE

by JROCK
from Indianapolis | January 18, 2007

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Handling: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Features: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"One of the best designed cars I've ever owned/driven. Incredible power curve will never allow you to ask "where's the beef". Handles like a dream."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: N/A


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2 out of 2 found this review helpful

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