BMW 5-Series Saloon 540i 4d (96) (2000/X) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
I bought this car 2nd had with 27k miles for £13k. I am now selling it a year later with 57k miles for £10.5k. the expenditure is well worth it.
Costs
Ok, so you're talking about a 4.4 litre V8 that you cant help but drive enthusiastically, but you can get over 30mpg in 6th on motorways at 85mph. Insurance for me (35) was £450 per annum and servicing costs quite normal at about £250 per service.
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On the road
Driving
Handles pretty well considering the weight of the thing. Any compromises on cornering ability are swept away by the waves of power on tap. Motorway cruising is a pleasure - at 85 mph that big V8 is only turning at 2750 rpm, so is super smooth.
Performance
She flies! Acceleration in any gear up to 6th at any speed is brutal - particularly the dash from 45 - 90 in 4th where all you need is the smallest of gaps. It nails TTs and keeps up with Imprezas and Porches - need I say more? All for 13k.
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Living with it
Reliability
Not put a foot wrong in 30k miles, although the pixels on the dash display sometimes go a bit odd. I am told that this was a faulty batch of displays BMW bought in the late 90s and it only afflicts a few of the series.
Image
With the M-Sports suspension, it is low slung, and combine that with the rear privacy glass, and friends have used the expression 'gangster' in my presence. If you can live with that and BMW brashness, no problem.
Comfort
My only real complaint about the car is that after about 2 hours or so of driving by bum gets sore. Maybe that's just me - in any case it is cured by a cigarette break for 5 minutes. Otherwise, very luxurious inside - the car was £45k new for God's sake.
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Security and Service
Security
No problems - deadlocks, immobiliser and distinctive factory alarm means you can single your car out from the usual alarms you hear etc etc.
Service
Nothing to write home about either in praise or complaint.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Alloys needed refurbished after 30k miles - lacquer started peeling off.
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