BMW 1996 5-Series Saloon

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  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Expensive, but good value.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Dealer servicing not that bad, but whatever you do renew the warranty!

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Drives like a car half it's size, best handling saloon I've owned.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    This engine doesn't push the V8 that hard, but all the power you need.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Let us down twice, alternator and header tank, otherwise good.

    Image

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Best car in its class, so I can't look that much of a prat.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Hundreds of miles seem to float past.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    5 out of 5 5.0

    This hasn't been tested, all I've read suggest excellent.

    Service

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Very helpful, you feel looked after, but lots of silly mistakes/oversights from technicians, they ignored two warnings about coolant levels and then the car broke down on us. They can't fix a slight movement in the driver's seat, after 7 visits.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Header tank, water pump, prop shaft, alternator, sensor.

    Other

    Catalitic converters x2, door seals, driver's seat, heater fan, excessive trim noises.

    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