1998 BMW 5 Series 523iSE review from UK and Ireland
"Superb practical performance car"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Rear cup holders broken 5 or 6 times. (Young children's feet each time.)
Fuel sender unit failed (At 180,000 miles)
Drivers door handle snapped (At 90,000 miles)
Air Conditioning/Climate Control failed after 2 years.
General comments?
I have owned my manual 523iSE from new and first registered in January 1998.
Previously owned Saab, Mercedes, Jaguar and with none of my previous cars have I felt confident to take past 80,000 miles.
The 523iSE is amazing. Have completed 185,000 miles with original engine, gearbox, suspension, exhaust system.
It still looks and drives like a 20,000 mile car, engine and gearbox are as sweet as ever. It uses no oil between services and there is not a rattle or a squeek to be heard.
I, m a big guy (18 stone+) and the interior is as new. Grey leather is unmarked and shows no sign of wear even on the drivers seat. (No sagging whatsoever)
All this and 32miles to the gallon!
The car handles superbly and my local dealer (BMW Col chester) are fantastic (nothing is too much trouble - but others might be finding out as the waiting time for servicing has become progressively longer.) If any dealer wants to know about customer service visit them!
I am about to buy a People Carrier (4 Children now and a large dog) but will keep the BMW as I couldn't bear to part with it!
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1998 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 9/10 |
| Comfort marks | 8/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 9/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 miles |
| Most recent distance | 185000 miles |
| Previous car | Jaguar XJ6 |
| Date of Entry | 13th October, 2002 |