1999 BMW 5 Series 520i SE review from UK and Ireland

The car has failed to start on three separate occasions, two of which BMW Service were called out to, one of which required a new battery (at approximately 20000 miles).

The paint-work (optional metallic) on the car marks and scratches far too easily, next doors cat climbing on it will scratch it.

The rear cup holders are very fragile and broke within a couple of months (but were replaced by BMW).

The cloth seating is not wearing very well and is hard to clean (I do have two young kids to abuse them).

BMW dealers are rubbish. They were very eager to get the sale but after that have provided a low level of backup service and customer care. The worst example was when the car failed to start and required a new battery. The dealer refused to bring a new one out saying that BMW Service were responsible and they would not be paid if they supplied it. The result was a couple of hour's delay and a missed holiday ferry.

The car's handling is superb, it always feels safe and secure on dry or wet roads. It can however be very nervous in snow and ice but that's probably down to the rear-wheel drive.

The car is a very refined cruiser. It's both comfortable and very quiet, you hardly hear the engine which is a gem. It is however very sluggish to get going and its acceleration is sedate rather than sporty. It is a bit quicker if you turn off the traction control system. Should have got a bigger engine.

The main let downs are the paint-work, the cloth interior (get leather) and above all the dealers.