BMW 5-Series Saloon 523i SE 4d Auto (2000/W) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Economy
Value
When you can get a car of this quality with 30k miles on the clock and a year left of its warranty for the price of a new Mondeo, it's a no-brainer.
Costs
Yet to put it through a service, so we'll see. But it's managed 14,000 miles since its last one, which seems pretty good.
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On the road
Driving
Fantastic handling for a car of this size, superb feedback through the steering. Minor gripe is that dipped headlamps are rather feeble.
Performance
Brisk enough most of the time, but I think the auto 'box saps some of its mid-range urge. Maybe I'd get a 530d next time?
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Living with it
Reliability
2 blown bulbs in a year is as bad as it gets.
Image
I think it's very classy. Get lots of approving comments.
Comfort
Wafts along in near silence. Ride super-smooth, but not car-sickness inducing. Lumbar support on seat a little too firm.
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Security and Service
Security
No-one's nicked it. Auto-locking doors when you pull away is a nice touch.
Service
Member of parts dept offered to fit replacement bulbs for nothing, which was nice.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
No
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes