BMW 5-Series Saloon 523i 4d (1997/P) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
-
Economy
Value
Bought from dealer, only a 4 now because I know I could have got even more goodies for the same price, not many more though surely!
Costs
Have not serviced it yet, and expecting quite a sting. However I was shocked to return 35 mpg over full tank, 10p a mile, surely not! Very pleased.
-
On the road
Driving
Very surprised at how ""small"" the car feels on back roads. The traction and stability control is rarely needed with a decent set of tyres, as the steering is fluid. A temptation just to leave it in fifth misses out on a great drive.
Performance
I took advice from a dealer not to rule out the 523. They were right, and pull in fifth is more than adequate and you can work the box, just envious of a 28 or 35 though!
-
Living with it
Reliability
The dealer had let the battery run flat too many times, the original ""gel"" battery, would not recharge off the alternator and this required the AA and some stern words about replacement, but nothing else so far.
Image
Discreet, more so than some other beemers, good presence on the road.
Comfort
Found a really good driving position, have found this hard in smaller beemers, over time I would defy anyone not to find perfection.
-
Security and Service
Security
Was pleased it would not let me lock up when the battery went flat, there would be no way of getting in this thing!
-
Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Battery reliability.
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