1999 BMW 5 Series 530d SE (executive in Holland) review from Netherlands
"A very expensive great grand tourer"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Fuel pump fuse broke at 15000km's (3 months)
Common rail replaced at 90000km's.
Turbo replaced at 110000km's.
Water pump replaced at 115000km's.
Aluminium rods replaced front and rear at 140000km's.
Door rubbers replaced 4 times.
Drivers seat piping replaced.
Interior lighting unit replaced within the first year.
Central information display replaced within the first year.
General comments?
This car is a great grand tourer.
It has performance to dream of (you can't get as good in gear acceleration unless you buy a 540i) and handles like a dream.
However, it still rides superb, even with the optional M sports suspension.
Economy is good (I got a 7.5 litres to 100km), but running costs suffer from high maintenance costs due to poor reliability.
Add considerable asking price and a ludicrous optional extras price and you've got a wonderful, but expensive (mine was 40000 pounds with sports suspension and 16 inch wheels) car.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 1999 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2002 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.0 direct injected turbo diesel Manual |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 5/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 7/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 0 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 205000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Mercedes-Benz E-Class |
| Date of Entry | 7th February, 2003 |






