BMW 5-Series Saloon (1996 - 2003) 525i 4d Auto Owner Review

Well to begin with i never thought I'd ever buy a BMW...but needed a luxury car over the summer to take my Mrs mates all around the UK whilst they were on holiday here. It was get this or take them around in my 25 year old astra lol. In the month they were here we covered around 4000 miles...the car never missed a beat and was surprisingly economical. Bmw 525i se auto...(e39)...it is a pleasure to drive...best car I have ever driven....it is so well balanced for such a large car and corners so well regardless of speed. The V6 (M54)...is a gem...luckily mine doesn't use oil or water but is pretty low mileage at 50000 or so.....the engine is responsive and as smooth as silk ...until you put your foot down and it growls like a tiger in a kebab shop...incredible sound. Interior is so comfortable and everything is at hand...being the se it has air con...cruise control...etc...it's a drivers interior and it's the only car that has ever made me feel happy...I actually smile when I drive it ...my Mrs thinks I have permanent wind. The leather seats are sumptuous and comfortable...the smell of leather each morning is gorgeous....vision in the car is good but I rely on the sensors at the back and front to help when parking. Service costs can be high at main dealers....find a good bmw indie or just a good indie garage like I have done and you can save a shed load of money....only issue i have had have been oil leaks...rocker cover gasket...and seals ...all fixed at a reasonable price....car feels solid...yes my wife's mates have gone home and the idea was to sell the bmw....but I can't...I love it that much...I have had several offers for it ...at more than what I payed...but I intend to keep it a while....the car has a great sized boot ...mine has the light green/comfort seats in leather...car is glazier green...and is stunning....it is so classy...I never thrash it...not your typical bmw driver perhaps lol...I appreciate the car and it's's quality...some mechanic at a local bmw dealer who did work on it on a recall said that the car was when bmw made quality cars that lasted...so who am I to argue...if you are thinking of buying one...Bmw 525i se auto ...buy it...you won't regret it...oh auto box is brilliant too...no issues as of yet but I have heard of boxes failure due to oil not being changed...bmw said that the box is sealed and doesn't need changing of oil...evidence seems to prove otherwise so get it done...been quoted around £450 to £600 to get it done...might do it but low mileage is stopping me. Well that's it...the bmw 525i se in my book is a superb all round car....and makes me happy...buy one and join the happy club.