BMW 5 Series

1991 E34 520i

Advantages: Well built. Lasts well Great 6 cyl engine. Classic design.
Disadvantages: Suspension wear. Suspension noise from rear. Economy & insurance

Have owned it for 5 years. It is 15 years old now. Got through it's National Car Test the other day, apart from some rear bulbs that had gone. The 5 series has pretty much set the standard for executive cars since the late 80's. Though I'm sure Mercedes are trying hard with their E class. I've been very pleased with mine overall. I'll definitely buy another BMW. The car, despite it's advanced age, still does everything well. They are built to last. ...
...been expensive but that's a complaint shared by most Irish motorists (am 35, clean license & no incidents). The 6 cylinder engine is wonderfully smooth and sounds great. I'm not into speed, but it has 150bhp. 4 valves a cylinder. Fuel economy is not good, but I don't drive around town much. The car is heavy at 1500 kg. I'm sure a three series feels more nimble. Steering and handling are just right. Manual gearbox is very good. I've few gadgets ...

Pomerov2000 13.12.2006 · Read Full Review
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Review of BMW 520i

Just As Well It Doesn't Drink Red Bull!

Advantages: A fantastic high performance vehicle for silly money (Second hand)
Disadvantages: Not a lot! Well, maybe the boot space.

...My old car was a BMW 525TDS which I'd run for about 3 years (and about 90,000 miles) practically trouble free, so my first choice of vehicle when looking about for a change of car was another diesel BMW. Unfortunately I was waylaid and seduced into purchasing a Nissan Maxima QX 2-Litre Auto back in June (2008). This big Nissan was/is a marvellous car (review to follow) but after the frugality of the BMW 525TDS I simply found that a overall miles ...
...was after an older model BMW 530D SE (E39 model) which many of my taxi driving buddies had already purchased and who gave the car glowing recommendations on all fronts especially economy, comfort and performance. After a few false starts I eventually found a 1999 model in a local garage with a mere 109,000 miles on the clock (this is nothing on a large diesel engine) and a full BMW service history. The service history is very important when buying ...

the_mad_cabbie 18.12.2008 · Read Full Review
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Review of BMW 530d

BMW 535i / E34

Advantages: Well-built, Reliable, comfortable, easy-to-drive family car
Disadvantages: Tad of the thirsty side!

I have an E34 535 which I have had for around 6 months now, I previously had a Subaru Impreza, so to be honest I was assuming that although it's an older car I didn't think I'd see much difference.. Wow I was wrong! The car is a stunning car, not much of a head-turner such as my old car was, and also it's a heavier car, but it definitely has the power behind it to push most other cars along. The best thing about this car is the noise that you get ...
...can barely hear the engine going and it allows for more of a conversation inside the car rather than trying to shout over the engine noise. Also the handling is excellent for such a long-heavy car, even for me at a small 5ft4" I find it a nice easy car to handle and drive. The interior is very comfortable, and the quick-drop seats are a nice trick :') If your thinking about optional upgrades, then definitely go for the upgraded HID lights! they ...

misseskimo 01.02.2008 · Read Full Review
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Review of BMW 535i

BMW 540i

Advantages: Fast, comfortable, solid
Disadvantages: none

The BMW 540i is very luxurious, at the same time lacks no capability of speed or power. When you put your foot down you know it, as going along the motorway for 2 hours every day to work i find it's imence acceleration exeeds most cars, therefore it owns the outside lane... The seating is very comfortable, aswell as meny options for altering the seats to make sure you are comfortable while driving. I have never had a problem with it, and if I ever ...

ReviewIt01 19.09.2008 · Read Full Review
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Review of BMW 540i

  A German I Really Really Like

Advantages: Smooth Engine, Handling, Refinement
Disadvantages: Pricey Parts

...This is now my third BMW but my first 5-series. If you read reports on the latest generation of 5-series (1996 onwards…….. model number E39!! - I just had to put that in!) it’s easy to see that just about every motoring journalist under the sun has huge regard for the car. It crushed the opposition back in 1996 and it was so good, that even now, the model is still good enough to teach offerings from Audi and Mercedes a lesson in ...
...the untrained eye, a bad BMW will still look good in comparison to the likes of a second hand mainstream car like the Vauxhall Vectra. The car was finished in Silver, had a full BMW service history, was equipped with very desirable black leather and the Steptronic gearbox, items that should make it so much easier to sell on in the future. I’ve read that Silver is the most desirable colour in the 5. The 535i V8 that I had out for a run first ...

aaron 06.01.2003 · Read Full Review
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Review of BMW 523i