BMW 5-Series Saloon
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Good value. Well made car for Mondeo money, if you are willing to own one a few years older.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Had no major parts costs so far. Servicing quite expensive. Fuel economy could be better.

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Excellent ride. Very smooth. Handles well.

    Performance

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Acceleration not great. Need to rev quite high to get best from engine. Compared to my previous car (2.0DOHC Sierra), feels considerably slower. However, to be fair, it's bigger.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    No complaints.

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Looks great. Later de-chromed models nice too. Needs alloys. Steel wheels do not look good on this car. Some say the image is fading, but to me it looks just fine.

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    BMW are supposed to have some of the best seats in the business. To me they are ok. Again, my previous car was more comfortable, although the BMW's seat adjustabilty is much better than the Ford.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Security appears to be quite good with deadlocks and factory fitted alarm. I use a steering lock as well, just as a precaution.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Not dealt with manufacturer.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Overheating problem solved by fitting new fan coupling.

    Other

    Central locking temperamental. Replaced both back actuators.

    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