BMW 5-Series Saloon
  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Very good as we picked this up for £1195.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Eats fuel on motorways, but not so bad around town.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Fantastic runner at 142,000 miles. Not bad acceleration at for 12 valve engine! Fantastic with electric power steering. Full works including sports/econ/manual switch by auto gearstick.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Good acceleration when on a motorway. 30 - 90 in 10 seconds and we managed 115mph on a bypass.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Good reliable cars, but do not like starting cold on cold winter mornings!

    Image

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Still a head-turner and popular with first time BMW drivers. If you can afford insurance group 13/14.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Nice firm cloth seats, central locking, middle armrest in rear, all electric windows and air con.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Good, hard, sturdy body, but no airbags as too old. Front of bonnet is like cement.

    Service

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Lovely car and lasted up to 300,000 miles then needed new engine.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Quiet, sound little darling.

    Other

    Nothing to report, but does need very careful servicing (about every 10/15,000 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