Faults:

Bought the car privately with known faults, repaired by specialist.

Currently a problem with the BMW fitted alarm system.

General Comments:

A good solid car for the family providing space, comfort, reliability and all the refinements associated with executive cars.

I was lucky enough to pick one up at reasonable price with full leather, double sunroof, air con, full electric pack, remote alarm, on board computer etc.

This is my second 525iSE in this model, my first being the saloon. This car is a lot heavier than the saloon, and therefore displays disappointing acceleration. So don't expect speed - but plenty of power from its 192bhp, 6 cylinder engine.

Heavier car also means more fuel - and this car is quite thirsty, averaging 24mpg around town, 34mpg on the motorway.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Lots of interior room (though it is a big car), but it is a 4 seater for comfort, not a 5 seater.

The boot is huge so you can literally throw things in the back.

The split tailgate is wonderful. Why don't all estates have this?

The V8 is amazingly smooth, tractable (pulls from 1000rpm in 5th - yes I have a manual V8, rarity I know), and has power to spare. Hits 60 in 7.5 and goes on to 150mph (yes I've tried it).

Manual box is strong and positive - hey, it's a BMW.

Traction control a necessary evil when controlling a 1700kg car on huge tires if you're tired. But turn it off to have some fun and this car does not disappoint.

Arm rests, air con, excellent seats, perfect ventilation, dual sun roof, the list goes on. This car is luxury sports estate. It does it all.

One down side - thirst. I average 21.5mpg and get 23.5 on a long motorway stretch (sat at a constant 85mph or so).

BMW dealers friendly, courteous, efficient. I call them, a week later they take the car from my workplace, service it, clean it, and bring it back before I am ready to go home. What more could you ask for? And cheaper than Honda, Toyota, and Mercedes too!

Have decided not to buy an M5 - my next car will be a 540.

Faults:

Very little! I had the air con condenser replaced under warranty by the non franchised dealer I purchased the car from. In the process they damaged the radiator which at my request was replaced at a BMW main agent. Since then the only thing I've had to replace is the LED/auto closure switch on the alarm.

General Comments:

This is my 2nd E34 525 in 4 years. The 24v is a great improvement on the 12v especially with the vanos. These are great cars but buy the best you can afford with the highest spec you can find! I'm lucky that mine has air, leather and electric roof. Many of them with air did not have the roof. The only negative comment I can make is that the 5 speed electronic auto box sometimes gets confused in traffic or stop start conditions. I'm currently looking at E39 528's at the moment. I hope they're as good!!

Faults:

Only a dead battery, but that caused the on board computer to say all sorts of things! When new battery was fitted, suddenly computer said all was okay again!

General Comments:

BMW's and dealers are fantastic. Cheap to buy second hand, cheap to insure, service, with good fuel economy.

Auto means the car is swift rather than fast, but the 5 speed auto is one of motorings all time greats.

Super smooth motorway express with enough poise to hold it's own against sporty Fords and Vauxhalls through the bends.

Only thing better is M5...