BMW 5-Series Saloon (1996 - 2003) 540i Sport 4d Auto (01) (2001/Y) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
With the timeless design of the E39 BMW combined with the M-Sport aero package the car is still unassuming to those who are not complete car bores and says much about how I like the discreet look of a car with plenty of punch.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
A luxurious, comfortable car with plenty of poke.
Would you buy this car again and why?
With comfort and power going seamlessly hand in hand it's hard not to consider buying another.
What are you likely to buy next?
Similar car.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Independent
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£0
When did you buy the car?
August 2012
Did you get a good deal and why?
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
A reputation for fastidious German engineering during the golden era of BMW and a 4.4 V8 petrol engine to boot.
What was the dealer like?
Friendly service.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Weighing nearly 1800kg you expect the car to wallow and pitch like a whale on stilts, counter-intuitively the car handles exceptionally well, keen to turn in even with the leviathan of a lump upfront; keeping composure through the tightest of turns. The body control is kept under check and even with the DSC switched off the back end is easily controllable in even the wettest of days. Once you exit the corner and mash your foot on the accelerator pedal you feel each one of the 290 rampant stallions in the stable surging forward, squeezing your body deeper into your seat as you ride a tsunami of torque with a V8 burble belching in the background; relentlessly and effortlessly accelerating to a seemingly never ending top speed.
What's it like to park?
But for those who simply wish to waft around town the car will don the sheep's clothing and comfortably progress to your destination, whereupon with the aid of the parking sensors and excellent all round visibility parking is a cinch.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
Thermostat, coolant pipe and washer fluid pipe.
What's most practical about your car?
Enormous boot.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
In car telephone with SMS and the on-board computer with TV/NAV function.
