1984 BMW 5 Series 533i review from North America
"Nice balance of sports car and family sedan"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Not much since I've driven it. Brake Pressure accumulator the only thing that actually crapped out (oh..besides the radio...) - brake pads - the usual. The previous own had installed new rad, wiring harness, all vacuum hoses, control arm bushings, new exhaust.. Paint is starting to go, but... no rust.
General comments?
I picked up the car via a private sale. Previous owner got it in a trade and had lost storage. Found out it started life as a leased car, then 1 ten year stint to one owner. Sat in 4 different lots for the last 6 months of it's life.
Car came with leather heated seats & leather steering wheel - in very good shape - no rips or cracks. Came with heated seats (which worked) - that were very nice in winter.
Car has great pick up for a 4 door sedan. Gobs of torque, loves to cruise at 130kph while being rather miserly with fuel (2200 rpm). Crisp handling, suspension is nice and taut. Excellent road feel. Great brakes, very powerful, great feel.
Acoustically..the stock sound system was pretty damn poor. Thank god for aftermarket...
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| First year of ownership | 2001 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | 3.2l SOHC 6 cylinder Automatic |
| Performance marks | 8/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 9/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 3/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 240000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 265000 kilometres |
| Previous car | BMW 3 Series |
| Date of Entry | 17th June, 2001 |