BMW 5-Series Saloon (1996 - 2003) 530d SE (193bhp) 4d Owner Review

This car is solid and largely dependable. Running costs aren't low, but decent for a car of its size and power. Comfort is brilliant, wherever you are sitting, and driving is lovely. Once had a serious problem with intermittent non-starting. Was a devil of a problem to track down. Independent garages couldn't find it, but after 2 days looking BMW dealer nailed the problem, an didn't charge me for 2 days of diagnostics! Gets through tyres quicker than most I guess, but that's also to do with driving style! I'm not the nest at looking after it, and there are a good few bodywork chips and scratches that I just won't ever deal with. Paintwork is great though, and pretty tough. Overall I love it, and dread the day it's not worth maintaining. I simply won't get an equivalent car nowadays, and certainly couldn't afford the comfort and power I have now.