BMW 1996 5-Series Saloon

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  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Took a big knock in depreciation when the new 5 series came out, but otherwise a lot of car for my second hand cash buy.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Average 44 mpg on the motorway and overall 39.7 mpg in all driving. Great for a car of this size.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Razor sharp, hugely forgiving if you stick in a corner too hard, best I've ever driven.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Out sprints most things at the lights, loads of torque low down the rev range, truly brilliant piece of machinery.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    5 out of 5 5.0

    No breakdowns, just usual consumables to replace.

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Classy all round

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    I've covered 30,000 miles in just over a year in it and they've been the nicest motoring i've experienced

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Didn't get pinched, even in dodgy areas of london!

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Kept it out of dealer network as warranty had expired. B.M.W. Service department have always been helpful for any query

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    None

    Other

    Mine suffered from the front end shimmy problem, tho not as bad as my previous E34 five series. Had to replace prop shaft joint. Gear box mountings were replaced but not done properly as things always sounded a little clunky, despite a fluid gear change.

    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