BMW 1996 5-Series Saloon

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  • Economy

    Value

    2 out of 5 2.0

    Twice the cost of an Omega - probably not twice as good

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Not bad for the performance provided you don't do lots of short journeys. You'll get 22-23 around town, but can get 36 mpg on a 200 mile motorway run

  • On the road

    Driving

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Smooth, quiet at 100mph, good driving position

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Subaru Imprezas and Porsches are the only cars that seem to come up behind me!

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Generally good, but badly let down by coolant system. And when it lets you down, the car is immobile!

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Apparently it has a good image, but that apparently can upset your boss if it's better than the car he has got.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Never been in a more comfortable car. Seats are comfy, unlike a Merc, which are like sitting on a sheet of plywood

  • Security and Service

    Security

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Alarm and immobiliser seem to work as they should

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Generally poor. If 3 yrs old they are not interested. They pretended that problems with cooling system are not the car's fault (they should look at unofficial web-sites). Unbelievably expensive £150 + to check front wheel alignment!

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Cooling system springing leaks here there and everywhere.

    Other

    Light control module just failed at 160k miles - 220 from BMW or £25 from scrap yard

    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