| Product: |
BMW 5-series (1996 - 2000) |
| Date: |
24.04.08 (71 review reads) |
| Rating: |
 |
Advantages: Road Manners, Comfort, BMW Badge,
Disadvantages: unnerving in wet, poor hi fi
The BMW 5 Series was first launched in 1972 and the first model was known as the E12. The vehicle is a medium executive and nowadays competes with cars like the Audi A6 and Mercedes E Class. Quality and reliability on the very early cars was patchy to say the least and they did have a tendency to rust. It wasn't until the launch of the E34 in 1987 that the BMW started to get such high acclaim. The car was initially available in just the four -box saloon body style but an estate known as the touring was added in 1991. The model that this review concerns is the BMW E39 530D that was launched in 1998 as a replacement for the rather lethargic 525tds.
The car was purchased in Aug 2004 for 12000 pounds. It was first registered on a V plate.
ROAD MANNERS
This is arguably the cars strongest suit although it is very difficult to quantify. The silky smooth six cylinder engine is incredibly quiet despite being a diesel although you can detect the rattle of the diesel bursting into life on start up.
The ride is cosseting but certainly not soft and the vehicle is a superb long distance cruiser making overtaking as relaxed experience as it can be.
The leather seats are supportive but also very comfortable with a good range of settings so practically everyone should find it a doddle to get a comfortable driving position. Ergonomically the car is superb with every switch close to hand.
The handling is sharp but at the same time very assured. The only slight criticism is the car can be slightly feisty in the wet and you have to be on your toes. This however seems to be a common foible with most BMW's.
EQUIPMENT
The car was purchased second hand so there wasn't the option to specify further equipment. This wasn't an issue though as unlike BMW's of old which only offered a stereo as an option, the vehicle is lavishly equipped. The specification comprises basically as follows.
Remote Central Locking
Electric Windows All Round
Electric Mirrors
Cruise Control
Anti Lock Brakes
Driver and Passenger Airbags
Side Airbags
Black Leather Interior
Alarm and Immobiliser
The vehicle acheived a 3 star Euro NCAP safety rating that was on a par with the Vauxhall Omega. Although the car was quite an old design athe the time. This was slightly disappointing as the Volvo S40 attained 4 and is a significantly cheaper proposition.
PRACTICALITY
The BMW is a medium executive saloon and fares relatively will in thjs field. In the front there is plenty of legroom and even the tallest drivers should have no problem as headroom is also ample. Passengers in the rear though are not quite as well catered for when it comes to comfort, although the car will carry three adults in modest comfort, on long journeys it can be a squeeze. The boot is an acceptable size but certainly can't be described as cavernous. If you need more space it is better to search for the touring variant.
AESTHETICS
Aesthetically the car while certainly not pretty looks stylish and expensive. The best colours for this car are probably in hindsight Silver, light blue metallic , or red metallic. Although this one is dark green. Like most cars these days to enhance resale value it is better to avoid non metallics and white.
Personally I feel this car is more attractive looking than the later E60 model.
RUNNING COSTS
Despite obviously being a large car the fuel consumption has been very good and the car will average 38mpg. Servicing costs have been on the high side but certainly not exorbitant for the class of car especially as it has been serviced at a BMW Dealership.
Levels of customer service have also been good but not outstanding. You could say the car makes you feel special driving it but the dealers don't make a massive effort.
RELIABILITY
The car had done 72000 miles when purchased and now has 149000 on the clock. In that time it has been reliable although the passengers side electric window stopped working and the radiator also needed replacing at approx 120000. The interior has stood up remarkably well to the rigours of every day use.
OVERALL
This car did not at the time get bestowed with the mantle of best car in the world for nothing. It is a truly excellent car which is very difficult to find fault with however the stereo could be better and wet weather driving can be hairy.
This car can now be picked up with a fair mileage for approx 4-13000 depending on age and it surely has to be one of the best used car bargains there is.
Summary: Excellent Car All Round
| Processing/Quality: |
|
 |
| Reliability: |
|
 |
| Driving comfort: |
|
|
|
|
