Faults:

Warning display says rear bulbs defective, when they clearly are all working fine.

General Comments:

My last car was a 1989 Rover 827SLi (Honda engine) 2.7 V6 auto. I loved that car, it was the car the police used back in the 80s. I was sad to see it go. Until I found my BMW 525i.

At first sight, I thought mmm, 1993, it will be tired, won't run well, thoughts bad brakes, a tired old car with all sorts wrong with it etc etc. But NO, this wasn't the case.

A guy bought it brand new from a BMW dealer back in 1993, for his wife. Who drove the car until last year when they both sold up and emigrated to the states.

The car looks and drives like it's brand new, inside & out. It's as smooth as silk, everything works, the 2.5 6 cyl runs like a dream.. even the BMW service book has every service stamp from brand new, it's like a new car, with an old registration plate on it.

It's almost like it's never been driven, although it has 97000 miles on it.

It's a rare find and I love the car. Forget leaping thousands into dept on a 2.0L Mondeo or Focus, or Vauxhall, this car is better, I'm keeping it for a long time...

Faults:

* Block replaced shortly after purchase (Nikasil issue) at dealer's expense.

* Fuel pump (110K)

* Water pump (120K)

* Coolant leak at rear of engine

* Oil pressure relief valve (broken spring = no oil pressure)

* Clutch pedal broke

* Air con compressor is on the way out now.

General Comments:

Great car. Very comfortable, spacious, fun to drive. Fast, but it does need revving - there is surprisingly little torque low down for a 3.0

Leather interior (light grey) has worn exceedingly well. No rust, no chassis problems, just the engine. Minor mechanical problems can turn into major ones because access is so limited (big motor in small space).

No electrical gremlins so far.

Recently had the injectors ultrasonically cleaned and can now get 32-33 mpg on a longer run. Averages 23 mpg overall.

Find an independent expert to service it and it will last forever. Dealer service prices assume you have money to burn.

General Comments:

The car cruises very well. It is a car that wants to be driven.

Faults:

Drivers window, runs out of rubber seal at the top - haven't got to the bottom of this, but I suspect the seal will need replacement.

Power steering pump packed up, repaired under warranty.

Front anti-roll bar link worn and noisy - easy fairly cheap repair.

General Comments:

This is an excellent car. I have had many cars that are faster/bigger/cheaper, but all-round this is the best car that I have ever owned.

The diesel engine is very impressive. It is incredibly quiet and pulls like a train. You are aware of needing to be in the correct gear, but the torque really gets you moving.

Gearbox is the best. I prefer automatics, but this manual change is so good that it's a pleasure to drive.

Interior is a bit gloomy and perhaps a little old-fashioned. However, everything is built and operates like it was made for the military; very impressive. Seats are comfortable with lots of adjustment.

Fuel economy is brilliant - I get high thirties in mixed driving. Very good for a big heavy car.

This is a real driver's car even with the diesel engine. The handling is the business, and would show up many smaller cars and hot-hatches.