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2002 BMW 540 consumer reviews

$51,200–$53,900 MSRP range
side view of 2002 540 BMW
(13 reviews)
100% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.7
  • Interior 4.5
  • Performance 4.9
  • Value 4.3
  • Exterior 4.6
  • Reliability 4.2
Explore the 2002 BMW 540

Best overall sport sedan I have ever owned!

Nobody blends power, sophistication and handling like BMW. The cars feels like it has 350HP when it is really about 287HP. It pulls strongly all of the way through 100mph (I don't usually go much more than that and rarely go that fast). I have had over 25 cars in my life (RX-7s, Mustang GTs, older musclecars, Mercedes, Audis, etc.) and this has to be my all time favorite. Not great in the snow, but what do you expect from a rear-wheel drive car. I would highly recommend this car to a friend.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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What you'd expect

This car is what you'd expect from BMW - the exterior shape is a bit disappointing as I was hoping for a new sleek design, but no such luck. Performance is good - there is some power to push around. Handling is very good, no concerns there. Overall a good car, but I was hoping for more from this one

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 3.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Last car you'll ever want/need.

As I love the streamlined version over the newer body styling I set my sights on a 2003 but with only nominal differences and substantial savings I opted for an '02 that the seller had kept in mint condition. Bottom line, were I to hit the lottery I wouldn't have to worry about buying a car b/c this is it. For a family sized sports sedan, you will be hard pressed to find a better car with equal power, performance and safety all rolled into one. The car growls from the start and seems to get annoyed if you don't frequently push it above 100mph. This car will go but you'll feel just as safe and confident driving this at 120 as you would at 75. I've pushed it to 132 and the needle was still climbing. The 540i Sport grabs the road and 80 feels like you're doing 55 in anything else. The interior is comfortable and the cooling and heating systems are simply the best on the hottest or coldest days. The engineers thought of everything except the cupholders (you'll find this a common refrain amongst plenty of bimmer owners). If you prefer the sleeker lines of the 99-03 mode and can afford the 2003 get it. If you can't, a used 2002 will make you every bit as happy.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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