Faults:

Wow, where do I start?

The computer crapped itself..

The timing chain was gone, injectors not the best, the trans is weak, and the electronics in the car are not very good.

General Comments:

It is a nice car to look at, but that is it. If you can't get a new one, do not buy secondhand, it's a nightmare. There is a reason why they are so cheap, because you need to spend double what you paid for it on the car, and it's very slow take off. On the motorway it's nice, but you'll kill yourself in the city; it's quicker on the push bike LOL.

Faults:

Had to replace the main engine fuse when I plugged a car fridge into the cigarette lighter and overloaded it.

Factory alarm siren malfunctioned and went off randomly; had to be replaced.

Erroneous 'check coolant level' warnings at times.

Has developed a 10-second rough idle on cold start.

General Comments:

The E39 5 series BMW was often named 'best car in the world' during its lifetime, and it's a well deserved recognition.

The car is beautiful to drive, especially on long distance. The ride quality is excellent, and it handles very well for a large car. It's also a very good looking car.

My one complaint would be that the car doesn't feel quite as solid as my previous (E34) 5 series, but this is relative, and it still feels like it built from granite compared to other manufacturers. Because I have the satellite navigation and 6 stack CD, the boot space is a little restricted, and the rear seats are not split/fold as my previous 5 series had.

I bought my 5 series in the UK while living there, and liked it so much I imported it back into Australia with me.