BMW 5-Series Saloon 520i SE 4d (1990/G) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Paid a little over the odds, but excellent bodywork.
Costs
Parts from Europarts kept service items very inexpensive.
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On the road
Driving
Super handling and roadholding. Fine brakes (but no ABS). Quality PAS very progressive.
Performance
Better with Superchip in - better sound too!
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Living with it
Reliability
Day to day fine. Just water pump and wheel bearing.
Image
Ok so it's old, but a BM! (got used as a wedding car once!)
Comfort
Long distance cruising excellent.
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Security and Service
Security
Good deadlocks (though RAC man showed me how to work them when the battery died!)
Service
Too expensive, used specialists.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
12-valve unit struggles with weight. A 10hp increase with a chip helped, but increased fuel consumption! Oil filter very awkward to change, plugs and other filters easy. Smooth six, great sound!
Other
Had been a tow car, so transmission was worn, rear sub frame bushes needed replacing and rear wheel bearing failed at 90k miles. Waterpump failed at 80k 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