BMW 5-Series Saloon 528i Series 2 4d (1985/B) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Bought it for £1.500, and got a lot of car for the money. Bit of a petrol guzzler at 23 Mpg, but then this is a Big, Heavy Saloon with a 6 Cylinder engine.
Costs
It can be rather costly to run. But I treat it as a Classic car. In fact - it IS a Classic car and it should be treated like one.
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On the road
Driving
Handles very well on the dry, but it can be a bit tricky to drive on ice or wet. Brakes are good and Power steering is light yet responsive.
Performance
Very rapid car that still gives a good kicking in most of newer cars of today. Great acceleration I once topped 140 mph! Engine is very torquey and it sounds very nice. Gearbox is smooth and clutch is light.
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Living with it
Reliability
Typical German engineering - car has 250k miles, but no interior rattles, minimal wear on steering wheel rim, pedal rubbers and gearlever. The car has a full service history, so I had no qualms about buying.
Image
A classic. The image may be getting a bit dodgy because of the pimps who are buying these cars, but once a great car, it always will a be a great car. BMW badges says it all. It looks outdated, but at least in not an ugly duckling thing.
Comfort
Well equipped, roomy interior and comfortable seats. Good driving position, but the ride is very stiff.
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Security and Service
Security
It has the original alarm, but no immobilizer. Nobody tried to steal it yet. Insurance is a bit more expensive, than most of cars of this age. No air bags, ABS or ESP but still is a strong car in an accident.
Service
BMW dealers are expensive and arrogant - specially with this kind of a car. They seem to only care, about newer models. Better off, with a BMW specialist.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Developed a misfire problem, which I solved myself spraying the engine bay, with Gunk to clean off the dirty. Then I Sprayed WD-40 around the plug leads appears to have helped.
Other
What a beauty it must have been when it was new! Still a good car, for today standards. I don't use it everyday - for everyday use, I drive a dreary 1998 Ford Mondeo LX 1.8 16V, which may be a modern car, but nowhere as special as the old Bimmer.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes