1997 BMW 5 Series Reviews from UK and Ireland

Glow plugs after 2 severe winters, was still able to start with just 1 working (2011).

Rear springs due to heavy load (2010).

Battery, though after 10 years original died (2010).

Front OS bearing (2009).

Rear bearings (2008).

Front discs & pads (2007).

Rear discs (2006).

Front shockers (2005).

Parts can be expensive, there are cheaper alternative parts out there, but you only get what you pay for these days.

Drivers side air spring (at 169K), although this was due to a fault in the self leveling rear suspension pumping car up to max height, then the weakest link in the chain goes. £140 for the new part.

Rusted connection rods on passenger side self leveling sensor, causing false ride height readings.

Rusted lower lip of tailgate (a problem I've seen on a few other 5 series estates of this age)

Rust in sills. Ratchet on handbrake lever broken.

Various sensors telling me there's faults, eg ABS and ASC sensors tell the dash there's a fault every so often.

Car once would not go into 1st 2nd or 3rd gear, after about 10 minutes of playing around with gear lever problem disappeared, never to return (18 months so far!).

Despite a few problems with sensors etc, which are to be expected on a 12 year old car with so many sensors, the car has been absolutely great.

The 2.5 straight six may not be a firecracker, but it is very smooth and refined, gives around 35-40mpg on an easy run, low to mid 20's around town.

Not that quick off the mark, but the car weighs around 1700Kg, is very solid and picks up well over 3000rpm.

Comfortable, spacious, green leather interior with aircon etc, very relaxed motorway cruiser.

I'd love another one, great cars, just watch the rear suspension on touring models though!

Air conditioning condenser fan failed (common problem I'm told). The condenser was an original BMW part and was showing very minor signs of leakage, so it was replaced at the same time as the fan (£300 all in).

Rear window lift motor has failed. Fortunately in the 'up' position, Not yet been quoted to repair/replace.

Both rocker cover gaskets replaced due to very minor leak (£100 all in).

Had the restrictive rear silencer removed and replaced with a magnaflow universal rear box.

Also had the engine management system re-mapped by a company called 'Chipped-UK'. These modifications saw the BHP rise from 282 (Still as good as the day it left the factory! That shows just how good these engines are) to 320. The fuel consumption is also better now and the car has a far smoother power curve. The difference in power is excellent and the car sounds wonderful too. According to the on board computer, on the motorway at around 70 - 80mph, It can return between 27 and 37mpg.

The car has the TV and Satnav too, so it's almost home from home in there.

Absolutely love this car. May sell one day, but likely to be only for another 540 touring or 3 series convertible with the 2.8 engine, or an M3 if I can afford one.