BMW 5-Series Saloon 518i 4d (1991/H) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
A lot of car for the £1,000 I paid for it.
Costs
£45 of unleaded gets me 300 miles. Insurance is £250 fully comp (I am 39, 6 years no claims, no points)
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On the road
Driving
Comfortable ride, reasonable accleration in straight lines, a little wallowy around corners.
Performance
See above under 'driving'.
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Living with it
Reliability
Ball joints failed. Radiator blew (top hose connector snapped). Drove 3 miles with overheating engine. No permanent damage. Water pump failed the next week. When I got it to the garage, they were working on...another 5 with a blown water pump!
Image
The end is nigh. Burberry cap wearers gather like vultures...
Comfort
Reasonably roomy. Good seat adjustment. I'm 6ft tall so in most cars I either have my legs cramped or end up stretching for the gear lever. Not in the BMW though - great driving position.
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Security and Service
Security
Locked myself out when the battery went flat (due to previous owner's miswired stereo). Couldn't get in due to deadlocks! Eventually we figured a non-destructive way in.
Service
Not applicable
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Water pump, radiator. Burns a bit of oil but doesn't leak it.
Other
Doorlocks need regular oiling. Tach and econoscope work when they choose.
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes