It has been incredibly reliable except for, and this is funny, the front cup holders. I never drink coffee, but friends of mine do. Their cups apparent spilled on the cup holder and caused both it and the fan switch to stick. Bizarre. You would think they would make the area around the cupholders liquid-proof. It was all covered under warranty, but if it wasn't it would probably be expensive to fix (relative to the repair).
This is the most reliable car I have ever owned, and I have owned BMWs, Mercedes, Toyotas, Hondas, Chevys, and such. Absolutely nothing has gone wrong and this car has seen all sorts of conditions from city driving to the autobahn (I did European delivery) to country roads to everything in-between. The DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) is a lifesaver in snow and/or rain. The funniest part is the gas mileage. It is rated 19/29 which is roughly the same mileage as many smaller cars including the new Nissan Sentra SE-R! The 16-way sport seats (optional) are not the most comfortable, especially on long trips. There is also some quirky ergonomic stuff (like the rear view mirror, rain sensing wipers) but that is very minor. The car is heavy, but the BMW engine has grunt when you need it. And that's what I love about BMWs. They are docile when you need them to be (i.e. commuting) and a real terror when you want to have fun.
I agree. My 528i SE A is coming up for three years old and the more I drive it, the more I admire it's abilities. I would normally change my car after three years, but this is one I'm going to keep as there is currently no other car made that can take it's place. And that definitely includes the new 5 Series. What a shame, that! I reckon my car will go to 150,000 miles and beyond. At 50,000 miles it still feels and drives like new. Surely the very best car ever, in the real world, for real people.
I've just had a test drive in a 2000 525i and a 2001 E240. The 525i wins hands down in all departments. I tried the new 5 Series, but to be honest I can't quite get used to the new body style. I think I'll trade in my 740i and get the 528i!
I have now owned a 528se (leather and all the 'bits') for 1 year having bought it with 91,000 on the clock (at 6 years old)
It is now 7 years old with 107,000 on the clock.
Except for a split hose and a rumbling wheel bearing (both now fixed) I have had no problems.
The car drives like a new car - smooth, quiet, very good acceleration and confident handling.
The paintwork still gleams (the odd tiny stone chip), the original alloys are like new and the interior is better than most 2 year-old cars.
I have owned around 30 cars over the last 30 years including 3 new ones (I have never owned one with more than 50,000 miles before the beemer) Previous ownership has covered most makes other than Mercedes and Peugeot, including sports, coupes, prestige and family saloons. The 528 is better than all of them (although the Rover 600ti came close)
A tremendous package of speed, comfort, reliability, practicality and image.
I'm going to buy a cheap cherished plate and keep it for a couple of years more.
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