BMW 5-Series Saloon (1996 - 2003) 525d SE 4d (2003/03) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Not sure. Hopefully that I have taste and that I know what makes a good car etc. Some people hate BMW's but it's probably jealousy and I bet they've never driven one before. I then see them driving away in their Kias and Vauxhalls.

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

They all like it. If I ever have any thought about changing it my wife usually says 'I'll miss going out in your car' etc.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would buy another but this shape 5 series (the E39) ceased production in 2003 and technology has now moved on somewhat. don't really like the newer shape 5 series and the very brand new shape one is still mega money. I find myself looking at different versions of my car but now I've spent money on it and it's sorted I'd be a fool to get rid of it. After all, the best used car is the one you already own.

What are you likely to buy next?

Every time I get rid of a BMW I always wish I'd never done it (I have now done this 4 times!). I've toyed with newer BMW's but they're still too much money. I nearly took a chance with an Alfa Romeo recently but talked myself out of it. I've also driven a new shape (2007) Mondeo but it just seemed boring in comparison.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Independent

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£7,000

When did you buy the car?

September 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

The dealer was a Volvo specialist in Brighouse, West Yorkshire, and offered me a good deal on the Citroen against the BMW.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Had bought a Citroen C1 to save money on the commute to work but realised that saving money doesn't better driving a BMW.

What was the dealer like?

Good service and no high pressure sales technique. Nice chap in charge and I'd buy from them again.

What's it like to drive?

Though it is the smaller 2.5 litre diesel it still has 163 bhp (and loads of torque) which when mated to the manual gear box makes it quite a swift machine. It's ok off the mark but like most BMW's the performance really shines through when on the move - it's higher speed acceleration and overtaking ability is astounding. It is beautifully balanced on the twisty stuff and if you're brave enough you can switch off the traction control for some rear wheel drive slidy action. Fuel economy is also good for something that weighs over 2 tons -anything from 32mpg when giving it the beans to 48mpg at motorway speeds.

What's it like to park?

Use the mirrors and the parking sensors and you shouldn't have a problem. Wouldn't like to think what it would be like without the sensors though.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Seal went on the turbo (had to be sent off for reconditioning), injector needed replacing, some sort of prop shaft joint wore out, a new fuel pump was needed and quite a few other bits and pieces. This all happened within the first 6 months which suggests the last owner got rid of it because there were big bills ahead. However, since getting the car sorted it's been spot on. Moral of the story - BUY WITH FULL SERVICE HISTORY AND LOTS OF PAPERWORK SHOWING MONEY'S BEEN SPENT ON IT!

What's most practical about your car?

Massive boot and you can fit 2 baby seats in the rear and someone can still sit in the middle (providing they're not of the larger persuasion). I know Mondeos and similar cars are now bigger, but this 5 series design came out in the mid 90s!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Front and rear parking sensors are superb (even though my wife still reversed into a bollard), automatic dipping rear view mirror and I like the 2 LED lights which shine down to the centre console so you can see where everything is without having the interior light on. BMW pioneered a lot of this stuff on their cars which you can now get in your average new Ford or Vauxhall.