BMW 5-Series Saloon 520i 4d Auto (1990/G) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
This car was bought for £340! That's Escort/Cavalier money.
Costs
I average 30 miles per gallon which is excellent on a car this big and heavy. Service it yourself using parts from Euro Car Parts and you'll save a fortune.
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On the road
Driving
First ever automatic transmission car I've ever had and it certainly won't be my last! Beautifully balanced and corners superbly. Rear wheel drive ensures fantastic handling.
Performance
Not the quickest car I've ever driven, but it's nicer to sit back and enjoy the ride.
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Living with it
Reliability
This thing refuses to die! It's clocked up over 202,000 miles and hasn't broken down once!
Image
Everyone assumes you're loaded! Most people believe that the G-plate is actually personalised rather than it's actual age.
Comfort
Engine and suspension are smoother than a Barry White track. Excellent over long and short distances. You always arrive very refreshed no matter how far you travel. Automatic transmission makes it easier.
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Security and Service
Security
No factory standard alarm/immobiliser but a steering lock works wonders.
Service
Spoke to a BMW dealer about service and got quoted more than I actually paid for the car! Buy a Haynes manual and do it yourself.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Idled a bit weird when I first bought the car. This was eventually traced to a badly fitted exhaust and was cured with exhaust putty.
Other
Few electrical bits like passenger electric window doesn't work, electric mirrors don't work and the rev counter occasionally stops working but as I've said, this car is 15 years old and has done over 202k miles!
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