Sensational drive
The only problems I have encountered with this car are a few bulb replacements (very minor).
This is a six speed manual which is very fast.
Silver fully electric, heated leather sports seats which are very comfortable/supportive.
V8 engine is very smooth.
Roomy estate.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 31st December, 2004
The 540i is the ultimate grocery getter
There were some things wrong with the car when I purchased it.
There is shudder in the steering between 50-60 MPH. I understand this is a bushing problem. Dealer replaced these prior to my purchasing, along with front struts. Shock towers were reconditioned. I am going to rotate the left rear tire to the front, as the front tire was running on the old bushing/strut combination.
The BMW stereo bites. The amplifier behaves as if it were a tube amp, requiring significant time to warm up before the volume can be raised high enough to appreciate the music. When the headlights are on, the dimmer switch affects the volume: the dimmer I set the panel lights, the louder the volume. The volume control knob has static and the sound cuts out on rough roads.
This is a nine year old car. I was expecting some quirks when I bought it. Other than the two items mentioned above, everything on the car is as new.
I did my homework on the E34 before buying one. My dealer was forthright with me that the engine block was the newer Alusil and had no problem with my visually inspecting the casting number for myself.
That being said, this is a fantastic car. I travel quite a bit and needed something that would gobble up the miles in mountains and flats. The car cruises at 72 MPH and averages better than 26 MPG, which is better than rated.
I haven't owned an auto-box car in over 20 years. I was hesitant, but you don't find 540's with Alusil engines for sale very often; I spent over a year looking regionally for the right one. In "Sport" mode, the acceleration is great. The "Adaptive" mode is a bit on the lazy side, but I'm not complaining about it. Haven't really needed to play with the "Manual" mode.
Great ergonomics, comfort, firm ride. I actually look forward to my commute.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 3rd August, 2004
To die for get one
The slip ring for the airbag and horns wires broke and I had to go the BMW dealers to get a new one.
N/s front shock leaked on the m.o.t so replaced both inserts.
The best car I've had in ages looks smart and goes even better.
People say that they are expensive to own and run, but if you do your homework and shop about they are just as cheap or expensive as you want them to be.
Main dealers are great well mine is Bridge-gate Derby and very helpful.
Just do it get one you only live once!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th December, 2003
Good deal car to buy
Nothing.
The car is really nice to drive. It's fast and runs on less than 8 liter pr 100 km.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 12th October, 2003
The world's sexiest wagon
The only problem I had was that the rear speakers that are on the roof rattle sometimes and are not very good and can easily be blown. It took quite a few visits to the dealer to get the problem corrected. I suggest changing them instead. Speakers do not cost that much and great sound quality from your speakers is important.
The styling is beautiful. I could just sit and look at the car for hours. Especially after changing the BMW shocks and suspension for Bilstein. I also had it lowered a few inches and it just grips the road perfectly now. It turns well and accelerates fast enough for a large wagon. I love driving it.
And I can fit my surfboard in easily and and my snowboard and anything else I want.
It never fails to turn heads at the beach.
The inside is simple and well planned out. All the controls are wear they should be.
The orange lighting on the instrument panel is the easiest on the eyes as far as I am concerned.
Seats and leather are very supportive and comfortable and the CD changer works well.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 27th January, 2003
20th May 2003, 04:47
I am thinking of replacing the rear speakers, so I was wondering what you replaced them with?
I am also in the process of replacing the front suspension too, though am keeping them the standard height, and would love leather, perhaps next time!