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2000 5 SeriesThe Base prices for the BMW 5 Series have not changed from the previous year, in fact BMW has added a few standard features to each of the...
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The Base prices for the BMW 5 Series have not changed from the previous year, in fact BMW has added a few standard features to each of the models to improve their overall value. The Dynamic Stability Control System is now a standard feature on the 528i models. Metallic paint is now a no charge option on the 528i as well. The 540i now comes with standard Xenon headlights and Rain Sensor Wipers. All 5 Series models have available sport packages which come with sport suspension, performance tires, upgraded wheels and the M-Sport steering wheel. Another option on the BMW 5 Series is the GPS Navigation System, which includes an Onboard Computer, Emergency Call System, Geographic Disc and Automatic Ventilation System.
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88 Reviews from Epinions.com
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2000 5 Series
Thanks for taking time to read my review. As a BMW owner/restorer and a DIY guy, I have some wonderful tips on making owning this automobile a positive and less costly experience. We'll start with my baby(had her only three weeks, still grinning), a 2000 BMW 540i w/sport pkg, 4.4 litre V8, 6spd, black, cream Alcantara leather throughout and well you know the rest. Interior is FLAWLESS, navigation screen was inop as well as a few pixels missing on msg board(will address these issues later) and thats all interior wise. Carfax shows no accidents. Paint is good(total respray in future). No minor dings and dents(black cars are not forgiving when flaws are present). Wheels are the 17" 15 spoke chrome(same as the 18" on the 7-series) and will be restoring these myself. Car has 130000 documented miles and was purchased for, ready??? $5500. That is in us currency(grinning returns). For those who have the 540i in sport trim know that the only way to experience this car fully is to have three pedals to work with. And the 540i with 6spd are a rare BMW to own. I have never owned a automatic sports car and as long as I have two legs will never.Now for some words for you and your 540 to live by, pay heed or pay a mechanic. First thing I always do to a newly required toy regardless of dealership prep, is to replace ALL fluids. This includes oil(full synthetic ALWAYS), brake fluid, transmission fluid(don't let them tell you it's sealed for life). Then why is there a drain plug and fill plug? Same goes with the rear differential fluid(same bad advice will be given as well). I highly recommend RED LINE MTL products. These two fluid changes will prolong the life of your drivetrain(standard or automatic trans.) in ways you can't imagine. Cooler running temps, smoother shifts, up and down. Every 30,000 mile mind you. New fuel filter, new plugs(use BMW recommendation, trust me). A waterpump upgrade will prevent a blown head gasket. A new timing belts as well(if it goes, so does some bent rods and maybe a piston or two. It's all about preventive maintenance to keep ownership cost down. A oxygen sensor or two may be needed if poor mpg or rough idling occurs(will show up as a fault code if read). It's a good idea not to let these cars idle to long(automatic owners). Car likes to be warmed up on the road in motion. When shutting of car to exit, turn off stereo, nav screen and climate controls before killing the engine. Can't find logical reason but have heard from more than one reliable source this helps prolong the life of these electrical devices. If your six disc changer is skipping badly check the horizontal/vertical adjustment located externally on either side of the changer. Mine was set incorrectly, skipped over every bump. Adjusted it accordingly and all is well, not a skip one. If this doesn't work try a lens cleaner. You changer my just be worn out, they can be fixed but a new one would be more practical. Either a BMW oem replacement or I believe Alpine has a 6disc changer that will integrate and allow your steering wheel controls to function. Be careful about any non-BMW stereo add ons. One wrong move could cost you. If your navigation screen is not working, unplug both connects to nav unit(small cd type unit that's sits above your changer in trunk) and plug back in(you would be surprised how often this works). Make sure you have a navigation disc in your unit. If this fails you may have a bad trunk unit or bad screen. $350.00 will solve this and you could upgrade the screen with tv capabilities. If stereo shuts off intermittently and has to be turned back on you may have a broken solder point on your radio unit circuit board. This is an easy fix, diy it or have a local stereo place to remelt solder. Circuit board comes out easy and with a magnifying glass and a little patience you will find the break. As for the missing pixels this is a difficult diy repair but can be done or gauge unit can be sent for repair. Eventually you will have some pixels go out, doesn't effect the way car runs but those who are anal about their baby will want to correct. The BMW forums out there are invaluable. There are two dedicated 5-series forums which I highly recommend. Take a little time and do your homework and you can save a lot of $$$. Sorry to ramble but I think you will find these tips will make your bimmer happy as well as you and your pocket book. Good luck!!FYI-Michelin Pilot Sports are a fantastic tire choice and your 540 will respond well with this tire. I would welcome any questions and can be reached at tangoechos9r@yahoo.com. Give me a chance to show you my totally restored 1985 BMW 325e E30 series(took 8 months and about 400 hrs). Those Bavarians sure know how to make a sports car, two or four doors.
2000 BMW 540i Sport Essentials and Words of Wisdom
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Pros: Performance, prestige, interior layout, aggressive stance, heritage, build quality, helpful forums and just love BMWs.
Cons: Possible high maintenance cost, eats tires, dealerships unwilling with any free helpful advice.
The Bottom Line:
Excellent car and with right preventive maintenance schedule is pretty much trouble free. But a high performance car like this is a tad more expensive to own.
Thanks for taking time to read my review. As a BMW owner/restorer and a DIY guy, I have some wonderful tips on making owning this automobile a positive and less costly experience. We'll start with my baby(had her only three weeks, still grinning), a 2000 BMW 540i w/sport pkg, 4.4 litre V8, 6spd, black, cream Alcantara leather throughout and well you know the rest. Interior is FLAWLESS, navigation screen was inop as well as a few pixels missing on msg board(will address these issues later) and thats all interior wise. Carfax shows no accidents. Paint is good(total respray in future). No minor dings and dents(black cars are not forgiving when flaws are present). Wheels are the 17" 15 spoke chrome(same as the 18" on the 7-series) and will be restoring these myself. Car has 130000 documented miles and was purchased for, ready??? $5500. That is in us currency(grinning returns). For those who have the 540i in sport trim know that the only way to experience this car fully is to have three pedals to work with. And the 540i with 6spd are a rare BMW to own. I have never owned a automatic sports car and as long as I have two legs will never.Now for some words for you and your 540 to live by, pay heed or pay a mechanic. First thing I always do to a newly required toy regardless of dealership prep, is to replace ALL fluids. This includes oil(full synthetic ALWAYS), brake fluid, transmission fluid(don't let them tell you it's sealed for life). Then why is there a drain plug and fill plug? Same goes with the rear differential fluid(same bad advice will be given as well). I highly recommend RED LINE MTL products. These two fluid changes will prolong the life of your drivetrain(standard or automatic trans.) in ways you can't imagine. Cooler running temps, smoother shifts, up and down. Every 30,000 mile mind you. New fuel filter, new plugs(use BMW recommendation, trust me). A waterpump upgrade will prevent a blown head gasket. A new timing belts as well(if it goes, so does some bent rods and maybe a piston or two. It's all about preventive maintenance to keep ownership cost down. A oxygen sensor or two may be needed if poor mpg or rough idling occurs(will show up as a fault code if read). It's a good idea not to let these cars idle to long(automatic owners). Car likes to be warmed up on the road in motion. When shutting of car to exit, turn off stereo, nav screen and climate controls before killing the engine. Can't find logical reason but have heard from more than one reliable source this helps prolong the life of these electrical devices. If your six disc changer is skipping badly check the horizontal/vertical adjustment located externally on either side of the changer. Mine was set incorrectly, skipped over every bump. Adjusted it accordingly and all is well, not a skip one. If this doesn't work try a lens cleaner. You changer my just be worn out, they can be fixed but a new one would be more practical. Either a BMW oem replacement or I believe Alpine has a 6disc changer that will integrate and allow your steering wheel controls to function. Be careful about any non-BMW stereo add ons. One wrong move could cost you. If your navigation screen is not working, unplug both connects to nav unit(small cd type unit that's sits above your changer in trunk) and plug back in(you would be surprised how often this works). Make sure you have a navigation disc in your unit. If this fails you may have a bad trunk unit or bad screen. $350.00 will solve this and you could upgrade the screen with tv capabilities. If stereo shuts off intermittently and has to be turned back on you may have a broken solder point on your radio unit circuit board. This is an easy fix, diy it or have a local stereo place to remelt solder. Circuit board comes out easy and with a magnifying glass and a little patience you will find the break. As for the missing pixels this is a difficult diy repair but can be done or gauge unit can be sent for repair. Eventually you will have some pixels go out, doesn't effect the way car runs but those who are anal about their baby will want to correct. The BMW forums out there are invaluable. There are two dedicated 5-series forums which I highly recommend. Take a little time and do your homework and you can save a lot of $$$. Sorry to ramble but I think you will find these tips will make your bimmer happy as well as you and your pocket book. Good luck!!FYI-Michelin Pilot Sports are a fantastic tire choice and your 540 will respond well with this tire. I would welcome any questions and can be reached at tangoechos9r@yahoo.com. Give me a chance to show you my totally restored 1985 BMW 325e E30 series(took 8 months and about 400 hrs). Those Bavarians sure know how to make a sports car, two or four doors.
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