BMW 1996 5-Series Saloon

Want to know everything there is to know about this car?

  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Pricey, but you get what you pay for.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Not bad for a high speed exec. Proper BMW or specialist servicing essential.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Swift, smooth, comfortable. Feels much smaller than it is and gets close to the 3-Series for handling balance.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Bog standard 528SE is a wolf on sheep's clothing. Very quick if you want it to be. Just as happy to cruise at 2000rpm (80-85mph).

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Minor niggles all resolved under approved used warranty.

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Top motor! Looks good. Proportions about right. Makes new E60 look misformed.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Very comfortable over long distances. Really takes care of you and does not induce aches and pains.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Not unnickable, but as secure as it can be. Probably one of the best in its class.

    Service

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Top class service. Like I said before, you get what you pay for. Dealer also very helpful.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Other

    Suspension can be high strung. Very sensitive to wheel banance, tyre type etc. Needs to be 100% perfectly set up to avoid vibrations through steering. Brakes very good, but produce huge clouds of dust which means the wheels are never clean for long.

    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