BMW 5-Series Saloon (1996 - 2003) 520i SE 4d (00) (2001/X) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

The BMW image is divisive. Some love it, some loathe it. But either way the car looks very smart (mine is pearl black with 17" Alpina style multi-spoke alloys) and gets compliments from passers by. Doesn't look anything like as old or as leggy as it is! BMW really build their cars to last!

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Friends and colleges seem to love it. One passenger described it as a "big comfy spaceship". Another said the interior was like a nightclub (probably because of all the orange ambient lighting and bits of silver trim everywhere). Personally I just love it because I always feel a bit posh driving it! Long drives are a pleasure not a chore.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes. For the money I don't think you buy a better all round car. A real quality product that stands the test of time. A word of caution though: If you do go for a BMW do check it's history. If its been neglected then a backlog of maintenance can set you back quite a bit, as there is a lot to go wrong and parts aren't the cheapest. However routine servicing at an independent is actually pretty reasonable (although I do most of it myself).

What are you likely to buy next?

Probably another BMW. Maybe an E90 shape 5. So long as you choose wisely (avoid anything boy-racer modded or with a shady history) you can't go too far wrong as they are well built, well designed cars.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£1,600

When did you buy the car?

November 2010

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes. Hell of a lot of car for just over £1.5k! Higher than average miles and manual gearbox made it cheaper than most other examples of a similar age, but had clearly been looked after.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Looked in good condition but cheap because of mileage (184k).

What was the dealer like?

N/A

What's it like to drive?

An absolute dream to drive! Silky smooth ride, nicely balanced cornering, engine is near silent at a cruise, gearchange is light as a feather...Most people prefer to go for the automatic, but frankly they are missing out on one of the sweetest manual shifts out there! The 2.2 engine in this 2001 car is noticeably more willing than the 2.0 in the 1997 car I had previously. It's still not exactly urgent, this is still a big hefty car afterall. But spin it up past 4k and it makes pleasingly swift progress out on the open road and sings a melodious tune as all BMW 6 pots do!

What's it like to park?

Long car so not the best if you have to fight for a space with on-street parking (as I do). Rear parking sensor really helps when you finally find a space big enough as you can't see where the back ends at all!

Have you had any problems with the car?

Given its age and mileage it has been brilliant! Had a slight missfire when I bought it but a set of new plugs sorted that. Thermostat valve seized up causing it to overheat. Was £85 to fix at independent BMW garage, but has run like clockwork ever since then with just regular servicing which I do myself (BMW engines are really easy to work on!). Some minor electrical niggles with the climate control, windows and alarm misbehaving at times. ECU and ABS + ASC lights come on and off for no apparent reason.

What's most practical about your car?

Nice and spacious with a big boot. However the rear seats dont fold down, so if you are looking to move large items on a regular basis I'd advise you go for the touring (estate) version.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

The trip computer showing your fuel economy is useful (best showing so far is 36mpg!) The car has electric everything and sensors everywhere and this means warning lights on the dash + fault messages on the computer are almost constant even though there is no actual fault!