1983 BMW 5 Series 528e review from North America
"Even after 25 years, this car's refinement and quality shows through, particularly on the highway"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Replaced entire exhaust system.
Starter would make only buzzing sounds, replaced it with a used one.
Apparently, the idle control valve was dirty, causing poor starting and excessive time using the starter to get the engine running. Starts up right away now after cleaning.
Alternator no longer charged the battery, replaced it.
Rear drivers side coil spring was snapped in two places, replaced all four springs and rear struts.
Floor was swiss cheese, replaced with new sheet metal, not surprising for a 25 year old car where salt is used extensively on the winter roads.
General comments?
Once I had the idle control valve problem fixed, the car fires up and runs great.
Fuel economy is very good considering the age and mileage, averaging 23-25 MPG in combined city/highway driving.
Car would be peppier off the line with a manual transmission but gets the job done adequately. Three speed transmission is obviously geared for economy, shifting quickly to third gear. You really have to stomp the accelerator to move quickly.
Recommended reviews
| Great car for very little money |
|
| Fantastic ride, would buy another one |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model year | 1983 |
| Year of manufacture | 1983 |
| First year of ownership | 2007 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.7L Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 6 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 241000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 243000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Mazda 323 |
| Date of Entry | 30th August, 2008 |