1997 BMW 540i Price, Review, Specs & Road Test

Of all the long-term test cars we've ever had, only two made us misty-eyed when they were returned: our speed-yellow 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 and this jet-black 1997 BMW 540i manual. But the empty void we felt as each of these cars left our garage wasn't merely because we instantly missed the power and prestige such German machines deliver. It was something more, something deeper. At the risk of sounding maudlin, these cars have soul.

The redesign of BMW's 5 Series in 1997 sharpened the midsize Bimmer's focus. With its new tauter platform, upscale styling, improved all-around performance, increased safety features, and larger and more supple interior, the 5 Series instantly became the quintessential sport/luxury sedan. It was also the hands-down winner of our 1997 Import Car of the Year award.

That the 5 Series continues to sell exceptionally well in its third model year of production (essentially unchanged, except for the addition of a sport wagon version) is testimony to the excellence of design throughout the vehicle. But the 5 Series lineup also delivers a strong value statement, with the six-cylinder-powered 528i basing at $39,470 and the powerful V-8 540i beginning at $52,350. And interesting fact, culled from our survey of new 5 Series owners, was that 80 percent of those people bought, as opposed to leased, their 528s and 540s. That's far higher than the typical 50/50 buy/lease percentage split of other luxury marques and may suggest that 5 Series drivers want to keep their cars for a longer period of time than the typical lease term.

Both the 528i and 540i come with an impressive list of standard equipment that includes dual-zone automatic climate control with micro-filtration, 10-speaker AM/FM/cassette sound system, 10-way power adjustable front seats, power sunroof, trip computer, power tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cruise control, and keyless remote entry with security system. Also on the docket is BMW's excellent All-Season traction control.

Choosing the 540i nets front-passenger side-impact airbags and a glass moonroof at no extra charge. In options, we ordered the heated front seats and steering wheel package, as well as folding rear seatbacks to expand the vehicle's cargo-carrying abilities (seats folded, it's like a mini-SUV; we once carried four 17-inch tires and four loose wheels with room to spare). We also opted for the 16-way power adjustable Comfort Seats with articulated backrests that proved on numerous long journeys to be the best seats in any car, regardless of price. The rest of the options list is brief, with only metallic paint, the Sport package, power rear sunshade, and premium sound system with CD changer remaining to be selected