1998 BMW 5 Series SE 2.0 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Overestimated marque

Faults:

Interior driver's door handle fell off.

Windscreen split after seven days.

Climate control failed twice now.

Skid control doesn't function in cold weather!

Gear box locks in 2nd in cold weather and kick down fails.

Seat bag warning light permanently on, this cost £200 to repair.

General Comments:

Typical black Teutonic interior.

Chassis excellent.

Needs more power.

Very comfortable.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 9th June, 2001

9th Aug 2001, 11:29

You seem to have got a bad one. I've got a Dec 1998 520iSE auto (twin vanos engine-the later one) which has done 101,000 miles up to today Aug 01. It has been absolutely faultless. It still runs as well as the day I bought it. There are no rattles etc.. which I would expect from a car of this mileage.

1998 BMW 5 Series 525 TDS SE 2.5 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Potential to be great

Faults:

Pinched hose between the inlet manifold and the boost pressure sensor.

Pistons/piston rings.

Excessive fuel consumption.

Loss of power above 3000rpm.

General Comments:

Disgraceful service from BMW and two of their dealers.

I used an independent engineer to assess the vehicle. Found excessive metal content and soot in the oil and excessive cylinder leakage. BMW still argued saying the car was within their specifications.

Ultimately took them to court where they settled prior to trial. Dealer bought the car back at market value and paid compensation for cost of the additional fuel used.

It seems that they don't want to fix your car unless it stops going and they can't get off the hook. The warranty gives great peace of mind until you need to use it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th January, 2001

12th May 2003, 09:36

I found the comment about the BMW defined specifications interesting.

I had owned a BMW K1100 LT Bike with 20K on the clock. It used 950ml oil per 1000 miles which I found to be excessive, my previous K100 used virtually no oil and oil changes were only carried out during service every 6000 miles.

When I took the bike back to the main dealer, he quoted the BMW spec. that states an oil consumption of 0-1000ml per 1000 miles. As my bike was only just within spec, the dealer gave me a litre of oil and indirectly told me to F... O..

A two stroke wouldn't use that much oil. If BMW allow such huge tolerances I don't rate their engineering skills. I would not touch a BMW car or bike with a barge pole. Totally overpriced crap engineering.

1998 BMW 5 Series 525 TDS SE 2.5 turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Huge expensive disappointment

Faults:

Air bags.

Electric windows.

Catalytic converter.

Central locking.

Excessive fuel consumption (28mpg).

Excessive engine knocking.

Rough running.

Peculiar exhaust note (sounded blocked).

General Comments:

The obvious faults were rectified by the dealer, but the biggest problem ie. the engine was never rectified. They fitted new fuel injectors but the fault remained. After this they argued that that there was no fault present. They repeatedly stated that their diagnostic machine had indicated no fault present and that was their final word. After months of arguing and involving BMW GB LTD, I gave up and sold the car.- don't believe the BMW hype - the cars are not what they claim - and as far as I am concerned their warranty is a joke.

I have had five BMW's - never again!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 17th January, 2001

18th Jan 2008, 05:56

28 MPG! I dream of 28 MPG. How about 14!

1998 BMW 5 Series 540i Sport 282hp V8 from North America

Faults:

To unlock door from the inside, you pull the handle once to unlock and a second time to open. So, before 5000 miles the lever broke off. But the dealer fixed it same day without an appointment.

General Comments:

An oil change would cost $85, but the dealer does it free for three years. This is synthetic oil, which is costly.

But this car is amazing to drive. It corners like a mid-engine car, perfectly in balance. The seats are unbelievable, and I'm over 6'4" tall. I just would like about 50 more horsepower/ftlb torque. What a great commuter car! Heehee. You gotta roadtest one, at least! But it may cost ya!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st June, 1998

21st Aug 2011, 02:37

Get a Canadian 1998 BMW 540; it's rated at 325hp /

330lb/ft torque.

1998 BMW 5 Series 528i ASE 2.8 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

None yet, it is only 6 weeks old.

General Comments:

The 528i has an excellent ride/handling compromise and a raft of driving aids which work extremely well together - AGS, Rain Sensor, Climate control, self dipping mirrors, speed sensitive stereo etc. The AGS gearbox predicts your driving mood well and makes this car a pleasure to drive in all conditions. Only shortcoming is fuel economy which is poor on the urban cycle.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th May, 1998