BMW 5-Series Saloon (1988 - 1996) 520i SE 4d Auto (1995/N) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Likes classic car styling, must have a big wallet to maintain the thing.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They all think it's a good car, apart from the reliability issues. A few freinds say it makes me look like a mobster or something when I'm wearing black and have my wooly builders hat on because of the car naturally sitting low.

Would you buy this car again and why?

No...unless it was the TD/TDS, which my freind has on a K-reg plate; it's only ever let him down once, and that was only because of a fault speed sensor, a £17 fix. I've spent over a grand on this so far. I've learnt my lesson now; buy a strong Diesel.

What are you likely to buy next?

Was thinking of a old 1988-1996 Toyota Hi-Lux 2.4TD pick up truck as on Top Gear for it's reliability, strength and good running; if not, then an Audi A4/Golf/Any other VAG car with a TDi engine, a Diesel Merc, or a Diesel 5 series.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,800

When did you buy the car?

June 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Car had full service history, and a lot of paperwork showing work had been done, i.e. ball joints, track rod ends, suspension, etc.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Apparently, bulletproof, reliable, and not Too bad on the juice; good for my job which involves a LOT of motorway driving.

What was the dealer like?

Didn't want to know after I bought the car; LMC Cars let me down, big time.

What's it like to drive?

It's a binge drinker in town if you aren't careful; sports mode seems to quicken the car up but also doubles the rate of fuel consumption! It's not too bad to park, but it's good on the motorway, cruises at 80mph at around 2700rpm, which isn't too bad.

What's it like to park?

Not too bad, but you have to have good judgement to allow room for the saloon boot, otherwise you'll hit something (As one of my female freinds did when she borrowed it!)

Have you had any problems with the car?

More like what Hasn't gone wrong? I bought the car, drove it for 2 days, and the rear suspension spring broke/collapsed; fixed it myself in 2-3 days. Didn't use the car for 3 days, went to work, and it wouldn't start again! Got it AA'd home, was off the road for 6 weeks while I had mechanics check it. It turned out it was a bad connection to the fuel pump. Now the auto transmission is slipping (Low fluid), and there's a clicking/ticking noise from the engine towards the cabin, not the Vanos end. Where does it end? Every week, something goes wrong, the Most Unreliable car I have EVER owned. In it's defence though, it's a brilliant car to drive.

What's most practical about your car?

The size; can accommodate 4 full size adults in good comfort.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Cruise Control and Sports Mode (Hooligan Mode!)