BMW 5 Series 520i SE

the car is awsome and that the leather is so clean and neatly finished vs american cars also that the engine is really strong and nice and silent the thing what i dont like is that the built in tv screens are bulcky and not in the seat which would be alot better. but all the rest is nice aspecially the radio system and on wind shield speed and navigation. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Handling on the BMW 520i is good, and the styling is appealing.

I had transmission problems with mine. It was replaced and now two and a half years later Trna, fail-safe light keeps coming on.

Not bad overall.

The BMW 5 Series 520i is totally reliable but for the thermostat. Why do BMW let this kind of thing happen?

I have just sold this BMW 5 Series 520i SE but it had done 207,903 miles when it went. I did 55,000 of those mile hasstle free. It was a bit thirsty on fuel around town (19 - 24mpg average) but was great on a run doing 36 - 38mpg at 80 - 90mph. The engine had a lovely sound to it and it was probably the most comfortable car I have ever owned and driven (and I know a comfy car as I used to work in car sales). The servicing is expensive on these, expect to pay around £400 - £500 on a magor service but that is using genuine BMW parts. I have owned many cars over the years, sometimes 2 or 3 at a time but I have to say this was one of the best and will proberly buy another one soon but with lower mileage. This is one of the most reliable cars I have ever owned and you get quite a high spec as standard with these. I would recommend this car to anybody but bear in mind the running costs are quite high.

The BMW 5 Series 520i SE 2.2 is very nicely built and comfort is good. Better than the 3 Series I had, ride handling is less than the 3 Series as weight is bigger in the 5 Series.

Got this new - pre-face lift 520i model. BMW were keen to offload it before the new model came in. It was a leased car (thank god!) as all repair costs and issues were borne by BMW.

Broke down 3 times in first 18 months - engine overheating after 6k miles - faulty thermostat, 3 cylinders blew after 18k miles, and engine management light came on after 29k miles - BMW were never specific about what was wrong, but took the car away on a truck for 2 weeks!

Also very heavy on tires - 2 full sets in less than 3 years and 50k miles!

Having said all the above the faults with the car have been dealt with promptly and quibble free by BMW who also supplied a hire car while fixing it.

Always been a big BMW fan up until now - but would think twice next time...

Over all the BMW 520i SE (E39) is an excellet car, not quick of the mark but will return 40 mpg at 70ish mph if left to the cruise control. It handles very well and only feels a bit big when parking in a narrow space, but the parking sensors are very acurate.

My car has the xenon headlamps which seem a bit dim on dipped beam.

I have a 5.23i 1998. Bought secondhand with 70,000 miles on the clock. Now 1 year later with 109,000 miles on the clock, I am still very happy with the car and am glad I moved up to this marque.

I have replaced the headlamps with the newer versions (Clear and have 'angel eye effect'), and this has transformed the look of the car - it now looks just like the new models.

I like 'good sound' and found that the BMW stereo was not good enough. To get a decent amount of bass you need to put a big subwoofer in the boot, and cut into the rear parcel shelf (metal) - something you should get a decent car audio shop to do. Once the decent sound system is in the car, it is most likely the 'perfect driving machine'.

The 528i is a car that brings out the boy in a man. I never thought a car would make driving so fun. The slogan the ultimate driving machine is accurate. I would not reccommend the car to someone who has to finance it. The cost of repairs will run you about $200.00 a month when averaged out. I say this but my brother who has an identical car to mine has never had his in the shop. Every time I take it to the mechanic I tell myself to sell it. Yet, when I pick it up and drive it home I fall back in love with it all over again. I'm selling it anyway to move to the 7 series as I need more room. Once you have Beamer fever it's hard to get over it. Yes I love my BMW.

I have owned two beemers, 1 x 3 series 1x5, Servicing on the 5 is cheaper than the 3, Any problems i have had with it have been minor, Ie Rattles and rear door seals. These have all been sorted Free of charge by the dealer.

All in All I really cant fault the car