2001 BMW 5 Series 530i M-Sport Sedan 3.0L from Botswana
Summary:
The best kept secret. Once you try one, you are hooked
Faults:
I ordered this car from Japan through a dealer that I have dealt with for personal use vehicles over the past 7 years. He has always included me in the selection process, so when I received it in Feb 2014 (on Valentine's Day!), I already had an idea of how it looked. I had expected that it would be in near perfect condition, but was disappointed that the radiator was leaky and it looked like it had previously had a poor attempt at a mend job done.
I was wary of the radiator problems BMWs are notorious for, so I immediately bought a brand new one and had it fitted. After that was fixed the mechanic noticed that some of my water pipes were also leaky. But not to a detrimental extent. I can manage with filling up once or twice a week. Each time with about 500 ml of water/coolant. This will have to continue until I raise enough money to do a complete cooling system overhaul.
General Comments:
Other than the minor problem above, this car is mind blowing each time I drive it. It has been 5 months and 5000 km later and I still haven't gotten used to the power and crisp driving response of the engine and gears. I always out-accelerate cars and actually end up with nobody willing to play with me!
The 3.0 liter is the sweet spot of performance, reliability, comfort, prestige, good looks (mine is an M-Sport), fuel efficiency (especially for a 3.0), and sheer driving pleasure (that statement is no crock).
Let me end by saying: I love this car so much... I have recently ordered and received a 2nd one (a non-M Sport) for my wife! His and Hers. And she is more than satisfied. I'm not obsessed. Just satisfied.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 21st July, 2016
30th Dec 2015, 22:27
A hell of a lot of problems for such a mileage.