Sensational drive
The only problems I have encountered with this car are a few bulb replacements (very minor).
This is a six speed manual which is very fast.
Silver fully electric, heated leather sports seats which are very comfortable/supportive.
V8 engine is very smooth.
Roomy estate.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 31st December, 2004
To die for get one
The slip ring for the airbag and horns wires broke and I had to go the BMW dealers to get a new one.
N/s front shock leaked on the m.o.t so replaced both inserts.
The best car I've had in ages looks smart and goes even better.
People say that they are expensive to own and run, but if you do your homework and shop about they are just as cheap or expensive as you want them to be.
Main dealers are great well mine is Bridge-gate Derby and very helpful.
Just do it get one you only live once!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th December, 2003
Fast, solid, economical, practical estate... that's a BMW
Offside front and nearside rear shock absorbers needed replacement - dealer replaced all before delivery.
Brake discs and pads all replaced by the dealer.
Rear trailing arm bushes replaced by the dealer.
Exhaust just replaced from the CAT back.
Steering judder on braking - brake disc warp?
Had all metric wheels balanced, improved feel for car roadholding.
Considering tyre replacement. Wheel and tyre replacement probably cheaper!
Aircon needs re-priming.
Good, solid, well built motor car. I paid top money for this car with a full BMW Service History - this is essential I would say for piece of mind, although there is a good parts dealer network in place which offers good value for money on most items for the Five Series.
Performance via the switchable auto box is good in Economy Mode, but better in Sport Mode - hangs on to the revs longer. Quite a nimble car for the size.
Economy is excellent for the weight and size of this car. I drive 40 miles to work and back every day of the week and the car returns 32 - 35 MPG, bear in mind this is via A roads and a lot of stop start. If taken on motorway jaunts then it will provide in excess of 40 - 45mpg at a steady 80 - 85 MPH.
Comfort is great, velour seats with walnut burr trim and door cappings provide a classy cabin. Aircon a must.
Roadholding great for the size, thanks to the large footprints of the 230/55R390 metric tyres on metric rims. Only drawback is the cost of renewing tyres - £120 plus each. Dunlop and Michelin are only manufacturers to make new ones. I do not know whether to consider good quality remoulds, or swap the rims.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 31st July, 2001
Fantastic cruiser
Gearbox mode indicator in the instument binnicle failed.
Rust on both front wings behind the front wheel arch.
Failed to start one morning.
I love these cars. Big, beautifully made and they still look great 13 years after launch.
Rust on my car is disappointing but will be fixed under warranty.
520i auto is tardy low down, but once the engine is breathing it flies.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 28th December, 2000
I've a 520i 24v, it is a fantastic car! 150HP, 6 cylinders,... But one problem: it drinks a lot of liters of fuel! It is expensive to drive with it!
I've got a '93 520i SE touring, the best car I have ever driven - inc. a fast new Porsche. Solid with beautiful suspension and steering - it does things other big cars would kill you in - and its about as stylish and elegant as any car could be. BM ruined the 2nd series - too heavy -lost the sport element. I would have a 3liter next time for more autobahn use. Find a good one and its just smooth and dreamy. This shape is now collectible!
16th Jan 2002, 15:22
I have a 95 540i with steering judder on braking. I was told it was warped rotors but a closer inspection revealed it was a leaking steering box!!!Yiks... $3,000.00 later. Not uncommon on this car.