Consumer Reviews
2001 BMW 540

Love owning BMW 540i!

by AJ from Northern CA on June 28, 2014

I've owned a 2000 BMW 540i sport 5 yrs ago and I loved it - had to let it when I moved. Now I own a 2001 model, what a joy it is to ride! Other cars in this class do not compare to 540i & I've owned many top of the line V8 sedans (Lexus, Infiniti, Jaguar & Cadillac) - this BMW just does everything better, I like it more than a Mercedes Benz or Audi. Now, as any BMW, it does require more $$ on service than a Japanese car (I'd say $1,000 a year more), but if maintained properly, this car would serve you well for a long time. If you want to buy a used 2001 540i, they are a great value now. Find a well maintained 540i with a clean title, Carfax report & all service records (whether it was maintained by dealer or independent mechanic). If you buy it from a kid in his 20s, chances are high its been raced or neglected & behind on mechanical maintenance - then you'll have to invest a lot of money to fix someone's problems. Now, if you will own this car: find a trustworthy, independent shop that charges much less than $200+/hr that a dealer would (my mechanic charges 4 times less). Also, buy parts from Amazon, etc. (I save 70+% compared to retail prices). So when you need to do a tune up - you'll pay 80% less, enjoy riding this beauty/beast more & spend the money you save on a nice vacation.

Purchased a Used car

Uses car for Commuting

Does recommend this car!!

3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Did you?

Best car ive ever had

by Rhino822 from Chicago il on August 6, 2017

Meet all my needs. Perfext powet, perfect looks. E39 or go home. Everytime i get in the car its absolutely breath taking.

Purchased a Used car

Uses car for Having fun

Does recommend this car!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you?

Very fun Sedan. Very Reliable. Very Fast

by Bradley from Greer, SC on May 12, 2018

Everything I look for in a European Sport Sedan! Safe and Secure, Beautiful, Stylish, easy to maintain, Fast! One of the best vehicles I've ever owned out of 31 cars!

Purchased a Used car

Uses car for Commuting

Does recommend this car!!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Did you?

Best BMW I've Ever Owned

by 60 Nomad from Connecticut on June 16, 2010

I bought an 01 540I 6speed manual w/sports pkg last summer. It's the closest thing to an M5 without the extra 100 ponies and $$$$ parts. It's a rocket ship and a pleasure to drive. Handles like a dream w/Z rated tires. I've owned it for a year w/ no problems. Bought it w/124K w/all service records. Only issue was a blown radiator hose last February. Pixels on the dash will go and the cupholders are fragile. That's about all on the downside. This is my 4th 5 series starting with a 72 Bavaria. Great cars. My last 5er was an 89. I owned it for 10 years and put over 150K on it w/ no problems. I bought it w/95K. My son still drives it to school. I highly recommend the 540I w a stick. It's an awsome vehicle to drive.

Purchased a Used car

Uses car for Just getting around

Does recommend this car!!

31 out of 32 people found this review helpful. Did you?

This was my car

by Ed from Nirthridge ca on August 4, 2012

This exact car belonged to me. It s a great vehicle and has an added Dinan Chip not mentioned in this ad. The only problem is the cooling system. I maintained this car carefully and kept a waranty on until I traded It in this May. I installed the XM radio system too. Lot of fun to drive but with the stick stay out of heavy traffic.

Purchased a Used car

Uses car for Just getting around

Does recommend this car!!

6 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Did you?