Pleasure to drive (BMW 5-series (1988-96))

Member Name: Spiros

Product:	BMW 5-series (1988-96)
Date:	02/03/02 (445 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Safety,stability, comfort,refinement, Ease of driving

Disadvantages: Very big,parking in city, Cost of spares, clutch

My car is a 1992 BMW 518i. It just closed 10 years (from new) but the mileage on it is quite low as it was mainly used for long journeys twice a month.
Actually this is what the car is designed for, long comfortable journeys. It's a big car and although very agile and easy to drive, could be a pain on the city. Parking is very easy combined with a short turning radius, but in the city you better aim for a LARGE parking space ...

Durability is excellent as long service is not neglected.Parts and servicing are quite expensive.
Interion quality very good ,expected to be even better though..
Fuel consumption ok for its engine size and refinement among the best. Seats supportive and suspension very nicely tuned.
PAS is very light and even though great on low speeds, on high speeds needs calm hands.
When combined with the very good grip can "trick" the driver to take easily a very sharp turn. This can result in oversteer. Beware that the car may seems light on the steering but is a heavy car. It's so solid on the road that you might think you driving with 30 while you're on 70!
Stability on corners and high speeds is amazing.

Feedback from the steering wheel is poor though as mentioned above. Avoid servicing to BMW try authorized garages or else expect to be ripped off.

Driving position is very comfortable (2 way adjustments)even for tall drivers, room is adequate for 5 adults in total , boot lid humagus (i can sleep inside!).
The brakes are amazingly good and progressive, switching gears is glitch free and fast. The clutch though is very light,
engages in a strange way and has long travel. You have to get it used to.

Biggest dissapointment the engine. At 1800cc and 115 hp the car needs 12.8sec from 0-60.
Overtaking can be time consuming but engine its responsive even on higher revs.

Safety features include airbags, abs , reinforced chassis, "submarine" desig
n for engine and zones of cotrollable distortion.

Lastly, security is very good. I have fitted an aftermarket alarm though and bought a steering lock. I strongly recommend you to do the same thing because BMWs never go unnoticed!


As a conclusion, this car is for the family man who needs a very comforable, reliable, stable and safe car. If trouble free journeys are your thing , and driving is one of your hobbies , this is the car.
For people that need that extra punch , you better get a 520i or 525i.
If you are a town person , you really don't want this car!

Summary: