BMW 5-Series Saloon 525 td 4d (1995/M) Owner Review
-
Economy
Value
Can you buy a better car for a grand? running costs the same as a diesel Mondeo but will not depreciate much more.
Costs
Servicing away from main dealers is no more expensive than any other car. Insurance could be cheaper (but how much - £100/year, so what?), 40 mpg average.
-
On the road
Driving
Very surefooted and solid, quality feel. Only irritation is notchy gear change 1st-2nd.
Performance
Very smooth 6-cyl diesel engine with sporty (yes!) sounding exhaust. Not the fastest, but can keep up - similar acceleration to 1.8/2.0 family saloon. 550-600 mile range every time.
-
Living with it
Reliability
Dicky windows needed new switch and motor - plenty of parts available 2nd hand for peanuts (I paid 99p for a window motor on e-Bay).
Image
Well, it's 10 years old so don't expect the girls to be fighting over you. On the plus side it has none of the negative image associated with the modern white shirt & sunglasses 3-Series brigade. A sensible runabout for cheap money.
Comfort
This car has 136K miles on it and is smoother and quieter than many NEW cars. Driver's seat especially good.
-
Security and Service
Security
Alarm doesn't work. Immobiliser does though.
Service
Go to independents.
-
Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Rear sub-frame bushes - £300 ouch! Shouldn't need doing again though.
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