1998 BMW 5 Series 540ia review from North America
"Beautifully performing car, if you like the repair shop"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Catalytic Converters went at 46k.
Battery at 40k.
Dashboard Pixels went at 40k.
Water pump and radiator 72k.
Thermostat 72k.
Oxygen sensor 46k & 78K.
Airbag sensor 75k.
Tie Rod and Bushings 72k.
Air Conditioning Unit 80k.
General comments?
The BMW 540 is a beautiful car as well as top notch when it comes to performance of a sports sedan.
The reliability is absolutely terrible for a 63k vehicle. I understand that there are certain things that you give up when you buy a performance car, but the items I have listed should have lasted at least till 90-100k. The list cost approx. $9,000.
The previous owner was my father and it was kept in a garage for the life of the vehicle. It has never seen 130k nor pushed past the red line.
This is unacceptable for any car. BMW should learn about what happens to unreliable luxury cars... ask Cadillac and now Mercedes.
This will be my last BMW.
Recommended Reviews:
  | A good look no matter where you go! |
| Very well balanced car, but, put some money aside for repairs!!! |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| Model Year | 1998 |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2006 |
| Engine and transmission | 4.4L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 1/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 2/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 0/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 32000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 82000 miles |
| Previous car | Nissan 300ZX |
| Date of Entry | 30th April, 2006 |