Faults:

Usual mechanical wear and tear for age and mileage - clutch, brakes, suspension, exhaust, etc.

Locking/alarm/immobilizer electric issues.

Pretty bad rust in its final year with me.

General Comments:

Early 1990s 5 series. E34. Best looking generation in my opinion.

In the mid 1990s when I bought this car I didn't know what to expect; I knew they were good but had heard stories even back then about reliability issues and high running costs.

As it turned out over the course of a decade the car proved reliable, and although there were some expensive repairs needed, it never caused me any major issues.

Black 520i SE, stunning looking inside and out.

Very nice to drive and super comfortable.

2.0 engine did 28 - 31 mpg and I drove it fast sometimes, good for its time. Manual transmission. The autos gave a bit less economy, but were more common and more suited to this car's relaxed style.

A fine car I miss a lot, only scrapped it in 2006 when it was 14 years old as that rust wasn't getting any better, but the car was still running strong, I looked after it. Looking back I should have kept it, fixed the rust, then garaged it; these are worth a fortune for a good one now as they are rare.

Faults:

Head gasket.

Rear differential.

Auto gearbox.

Engine management computer - twice!

Radiator - twice!

General Comments:

Looks good - even now.

Very quick & handles well for a big car.

Comfortable.

BMW GB servicing is poor. Fine if you drive a nice brand new M3, but anything older than 5 years and they don't give a stuff.

Parts are staggeringly expensive... you pay for that badge!

As you can see.. they break OFTEN!!

In terms of reliability and servicing, this is without a shadow of doubt the worst car I've ever owned. For that reason I will NEVER, EVER buy a BMW again. My old basic Ford Escort was a better car!

Faults:

Cylinder head gasket.

Eats brake discs.

Rust between the rear tailgate and bumper.

Overheated regularly.

Horrendous fuel consumption.

General Comments:

No idea why people like these cars. I only kept it for so long because it cost me so much at each service that I never had enough money saved up to get a better machine.

You hear so much about BMW build quality and reliability, but when an average service cost is ~£600 each year you start to wonder whether the car is reliable or if the dealer is rebuilding the engine at each service interval.

Dynamically the car was hopeless on anything other than straight roads or very wide A roads. The auto box robbed the driver of any chance to even keep pace with a well driven Fiat Uno when driving on twisty roads.

Bland interior, too many other 5-series on the road so no exclusivity, and I really can't think of any reason to justify spending this much on a car that is outclassed by so many other lower priced machines.