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 at high-speeds... there is no noise! Even at 80mph you 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... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Luxury, Style, Effortless cruising, Indestructability and sheer pace!
Disadvantages: Slightly high running costs

...miles on the clock, and has since reached the 108,000 mark, however in the years we have owned it; it has never ONCE failed to start or given us any trouble at all. The only real disadvantage of owning a 535i is the slightly high running costs. Fuel consumption is the obvious issue, but it is not really as bad as you might think, in the urban toil, the car will probably give about 20mpg and on the motorway will return mpg figures in the high 20's. If you want to maintain a full BMW service history then it can become quite costly, but as very few things ever actually go wrong with the car, costs shouldn't be too high. The car has an instant read out on the dash to tell you when it is due its next service which is also very handy. If you are looking for a mid-to-large size car, but want something with a bit of sporting appeal... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Very Comfortable
Disadvantages: Not very sporty

...This is my first BMW and I would certainly have another one. I was looking for a big car ready to carry 2 kids and lots of luggage. I do lots of long journeys (750 miles in one go) and a car with a slighlty upper class immage. This BMW has met all bar one of my expectations. Although this is not a slow car, it is not a fast car and neither is it a sporty car. The 0-60 time is about 7.6 seconds and the surspention is far to soft for cornering hard but great for soaking up bumps on long journeys. If you want a fast and sporty five series BMW you need to go for the motorsport version which has stiffer surspention and bigger BHP. The 535 excels it's self on long journeys as it is just so comfortable. I have fully leather seats which adjust in every way to get the perfect seating position. It has heated seats for easing back pains and warm up... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Looks, power, build quality, comfort, great toys!
Disadvantages: Price, servicing costs

.... I really wish I had the 535d version, but that is not to say that the 525d is lacking. For the difference in price between the 525d and 535d, it is a no-brainer. The 2.5ltr engine is certainly no poor relation to the 3ltr versions. On the road, this car handles incredibly well, be it fully loaded or just you at the helm. The touring versions come with self levelling rear air suspension, making road holding even better than the saloon. Watch out for that front spoiler though. It is a bit low for some kerbs in car parks and can lead to tense moments behind the wheel when approaching large speed bumps. Maintenance costs are what they are. As with all German cars, shop around the dealers for a service price - it varies widely. Parts are not too expensive (bits are mostly made by Bosch!) but BMW labour rates are laughable. As with all BMW... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Almost everything
Disadvantages: Could be slightly bigger for rear passengers

...'s badge makes it more desirable for thieves? Servicing costs are fine for me (about £100), as I am close friends with an independent BMW specialist. For this reason, I cannot comment on main dealer service! That's pretty much everything covered I think. If I've missed anything out, please leave a comment and I'll get back to you!! I highly recommend the 528i! By the way, if you're in to spirited driving, the V8 cars (535i, 540i. M5 not included!) are slightly nose heavy so they don't feel as good to drive as the straight-six cars sometimes!! My final message is - Sorry to have bored you!! I realise that this is quite a long review and I'm not exactly the best reviewer!!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Cheap to run and pretty bullet proof
Disadvantages: Expensive bits when it eventually does go wrong!

...I first came across the Virago when a local dealer was running an open day, a rare event where they let you test ride, unsupervised, any number of bikes. I'd booked tests on a BMWF650, a Yamaha Diversion 600N and a Virago 535. Well, the BMW was fun and fast, the Diversion was Booooring, and the Virago had soul. That V twin rumble that you feel through the seat and the bars is magic. It feels alive beneath you, it made me laugh out loud! From that moment on I had to have one. Some months later I came across a 2nd hand one in another local dealer. They gave me a good deal on my old Honda CG125 and away i went. That was 6 years ago and we've lived fairly happily with one another for all that time, including two accidents where car drivers tried to do for us both! I use the bike daily for my 20+ mile commute come rain or shine... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: I have the Estate so space in the big advantage
Disadvantages: Fuel consumption is not good but you can't have everything

...but they do the job better than most. It is worth investing in a computer cable for your laptop for this car. You can reset the fault lights, diagnose your own faults reducing garage bills, and remap the on board computer. You do not have to be a computer genius either. In conclusion, I have had the BMW 740i & 535i, the Mercedes 500L, the Volvo 940/960 and the Jaguar XJ6 4.0L but this car feel and drives far superior to them all. If your not looking for economy then you cannot go wrong with these cars.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

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

...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 was a great motor, it was torquey and would grumble under acceleration. However, I now feel that the six cylinder engines are much better suited to the 5-series’ character. They are a little better to drive as they have the more direct rack and pinion steering which the V8s do not have due to lack of space. The V8s are also a bit nose heavy. The six-cylinder engine is a gem. It’s smooth beyond reason, quiet with a gorgeous muted roar at the top end of the rev range. I personally would like a bit more... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Lightweight, elegant, turns heads, feels great.
Disadvantages: Small 2nd gear range, small petrol tank, fiddly to work on.

...I have owned this bike since 1999 and it still makes me feel exhilarated every time I ride it. The Virago has since made way for a newer breed of Yamaha cruiser such as the Dragstar and the Wildstar, however, these new cruisers have sacrificed a certain element of functionality to look good and sound gravely. The XV535 is 535cc as the name suggests. Models of the Virago include a 125cc, 250cc, 535cc and 750cc version. The XV535 however, definitely boasts the best power to weight ratio compared to its siblings. A very low centre of gravity and its relative lightweight construction despite packing a modest 535cc's makes this bike very popular with women riders. Indeed, I have seen many an XV535 sprayed pink at biker shows. This shouldn't put off the beardy male biker though. The angled handlebars, leathered upholstered seats and brake... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: great value and functionality
Disadvantages: might fall off once or twice whilst learning!

...The Shimano M535 pedals are my pedal of choice these days, I’ve used other pedals and even other manufacturers but I have found that for value for money and ease of use these cannot be beaten. At first, using clipless pedals can be daunting but its not really an option when riding cross country as the added power and control are more than worth the effort of overcoming the fear and the odd bumps and bruises that you might get during the learning process. Obviously using these pedals you also need to have shoes which are compatible, mind are the top of the range Shimano units (which I would highly recommend) at a cost of around £120 but these are by no means the only option as compatible shoes can be picked up for as little as £20 to £30. Back to the pedals, they’re reasonably light, easy to maintain, set up and use and even manage... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful