1999 BMW 5 Series 530d SE (executive in Holland) 3.0 direct injected turbo diesel
Summary:
A very expensive great grand tourer
Faults:
Fuel pump fuse broke at 15000km's (3 months)
Common rail replaced at 90000km's.
Turbo replaced at 110000km's.
Water pump replaced at 115000km's.
Aluminium rods replaced front and rear at 140000km's.
Door rubbers replaced 4 times.
Drivers seat piping replaced.
Interior lighting unit replaced within the first year.
Central information display replaced within the first year.
General Comments:
This car is a great grand tourer.
It has performance to dream of (you can't get as good in gear acceleration unless you buy a 540i) and handles like a dream.
However, it still rides superb, even with the optional M sports suspension.
Economy is good (I got a 7.5 litres to 100km), but running costs suffer from high maintenance costs due to poor reliability.
Add considerable asking price and a ludicrous optional extras price and you've got a wonderful, but expensive (mine was 40000 pounds with sports suspension and 16 inch wheels) car.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 7th February, 2003