1999 BMW 5 Series 23i review from Australia and New Zealand
"Ultimate Driving if not electrically wise machine"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
BMW build quality is top notch except for the cup holders, which are flimsy and also location of the disk stacker in the boot means it constantly malfunctions.
Also just like consumer group surveys show, Lexus has the best electronics in this class. My dad's beemer door locks have failed meaning one of the doors you can't open at all while the other can only be open from the inside.
The break pedal is a bit hard and the power plant is not really up to the ask, if you are seeking pre update petrol model go the 528i as it is really the only one that has sufficient power. Though with the 523 I there is the advantage of good fuel economy.
General comments?
Great handling and steering and front seats are perfectly contoured. FOr the the driver it is the ultimate driving experience, though for rear passengers the the headrests really should be moved forward ever so slightly.
Recommended Reviews:
  | Good handling, refined car, let down by the dealers |
  | 1998 - 5 Series 528i 2.8 Litre A Troublesome Enthusiast's Sedan |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | No |
| First year of ownership | 2004 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | petrol Automatic |
| Performance marks | 7/10 |
| Reliability marks | 6/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 7/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 140000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 220000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Ford Fairlane |
| Date of Entry | 24th September, 2007 |