BMW 1996 5-Series Saloon

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  • Economy

    Value

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Paid £5,400 for my motorway mile FSH model for car that was £35,000 new unchallenged value.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Find good independant garage. Parts superb value sourced from Euro Car Parts OEM.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    50/50 weight distrubution equals precise steering, high agility, even with traction control off.

    Performance

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Effortless smooth and quick, especially above 3500 revs feels like a turbo kicking in.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    ABS sensors a weakness though not expensive. Heated washer jets can corrode and block suspension bushes and handbrake not the best.

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Your dad would love it, your granny would love it and so would you. Models after 2000 with angel eyes lights and rear LEDs look better. Approx £600 to convert pre-2000 cars to newer look and well worth it.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    All the toys you need including ASC, ABS and climate. Better equipped than BMWs of old. Silent cabin, limo-like ride.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    5 out of 5 5.0

    BMW Laser alarm/immobiliser installed - 'nuff said.

    Service

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Went in to dealer to find out what ABS sensor was faulty. Took less then that 30 minutes to give details and only charged £24.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Check for nicasil on m52 pre-98 basically poor starting rough idling the cost - a new engine.

    Other

    Buttons on climate and stereo prone to sticking on and cracking.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    Used

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes