Faults:

Technically nothing, however I have noticed a few imperfections consistent with age.

Namely:

- Rear wheel arches are starting to bubble up with rust. This theme is consistent on the off-side sill.

- Front head light lenses mist up when it rains.

- Both wing mirrors have failed. They still operate as they should except the seals have gone, and due to the fact that they are oil filled, this oil has leaked and therefore the mirror appears to be orange to look at.

General Comments:

Having never been much of a BMW fan myself, I was pleasantly surprised when I drove my first mile in the 523i. Although I have only had the car 3 days now, I just can't put it away. I've spent most of the weekend washing and polishing her and shining the tyres, and it just makes me feel like I've hit the big time. This is one aesthetically pleasing car.

The engine sounds gloriously silky and powerful and really roars. When driving around town, it is whisper quite and well behaved, but soon leaps into action when you push on.

The suspension and handling is much better than my Volvo 850, and with the Pirelli P6000 tyres all round, it grips reassuringly through the twisty bits when you wanna have a bit of fun.

The seats are uber supportive and really comfortable, and the leather still looks good despite the fact the this car is a high miler.

Now as pleased as punch as I am with the car, I only wish it was as rust free as my 15 year old Volvo 850!

I'm gonna get the few minor gripes fixed, cos I want the car to be as mint as possible, but it is rather disappointing!

I just hope that the next 12 months are as trouble free as the last 3 years have been with my 850!

Faults:

There were a few minor faults present when I took ownership (4-5weeks ago) which were:

Leaking front headlights - replaced from ebay with angel halos for €270.00

Broken rear cup holder - replaced from ebay €30.00

Intermittent fault on stereo - repaired, loose connection in fusebox mounted in glovebox

Dirt on leather - valetted and now pristine.

Additionally there is another issue with the car. The autobox works fine in all modes for about 30 minutes, then it seems to start to stick in third (or it could be possibly jumping to fourth - it's hard to tell sometimes). Anyway, the net result is it feels like a manual car that's been put into too high a gear for the speed. The work-a-round seems to be to give it a bit more welly when it baulks, it then goes into the right gear and powers away, no problem. If you do not follow this procedure though, it eventually goes into emergency mode, and performance and economy go out the window. It does not seem to be a mechanical fault, as it works fine for about 30 minutes or so, shorter if you drive hard from the get-go.

I have done some reading up on the issue on the net, and it does not appear to be very common. Initial things recommended to me were to have the complete transmission oil changed out, and also possibly check with BMW for updated software for the autobox. These two options are currently being investigated, and I will report back when I get an update.

Aside from the autobox issue, this car is a beauty. It has some minor stone chips to the front, which will soon be repaired.

General Comments:

A beautiful cruiser if not a rocket on the back roads. Although the sport mode or using steptronic does allow me to open it up a bit, but I'm never going to be racing an r-type down the countryside. This is more of a 'get you there in perfect comfort' type of car, and this it does with ease.

Engine start up is faultless every time, interior beige leather is beautiful now it's be restored. Every other mechanical items works a dream. There is a feel of quality and tightness to the car.

I had looked at '99 530 (diesel) and it was more powerful, however when you take into consideration the fact that 1 years road tax on a 3ltr versus a 2ltr is almost 700€ more, I don't think the minor improvement in fuel economy makes the the diesel a better choice. The petrol is definitely quieter and more refined.

I have added the following parts since purchase:

Clear Lens front Halo Lights with Xenon, ala M5 (€270 from ebay)

Black/Red Rear Light Cluster, ala M5 (€140 from ebay)

Clear Side Repeater Lights and Orange Lamps (€40 from ebay)

Clear/Black Front Fog Lights - to replace broken (€70 from ebay)

Rear Cup Holder Assembly (€30 from ebay)

Complete M5 Badge/Decal Set - Front Grille Badge, Rear Tailgate Badge, Side Moulding Badge (x2) - (30.00 from ebay)

I am currently looking at M5 Alloys c/w Tyres on ebay, which are retailing for €280 plus shipping, and they do look like they'd finish it off nicely on the exterior, but I still have to convince the wife!

It's Deep Metallic Burgundy (Wine) coloured with beige leather and wood trim c/w M5 three-spoke black leather steering wheel.

At €9000.00 to buy it is pure luxury for little money.

I hope to get about two years from it and would definitely look at another one then, possibly an 02-03 model, but not the new type as I've read they give more trouble.

Overall, a very special car - a joy to start each morning.

Regards.

Gary

Robertstown

Kildaree

Ireland.