Faults:

Replaced some of the suspension link bars and control arms, because rubber bushes had worn.

Also replaced all four shocks and springs; they weren't knackered, but I decided that after 16 years, the originals had earned retirement.

Treated it to new bonnet and boot badges.

Display on dash keeps flashing "Brake light fault, see owners handbook". I've checked everything, including changing the brake light switch, but the message is still there. There is nothing wrong with the system, apparently this is a common fault.

Dash also flashes "ESD regelt". Again, a common fault, there is nothing wrong with the car.

Rear electric window motors sometimes jam. Usually fixed with a good thump on the inside door panel near to the motor.

Leather upholstery and carpets are still good and not worn.

General Comments:

Although 14 years old when I bought it for £1,495 in 2010 with 80,000 miles on the clock, this is probably the best car I've owned - this is car number 18 for me.

The build quality is superb, everything feels tight, the door hinges don't drop when you open the doors, the interior still looks new, there is absolutely no rust on the bodywork, and the paint still shines like new.

Inside is very comfortable, quiet and relaxing to drive. However, there is less leg room in the rear compared with a Jaguar or Vauxhall Omega, and the boot is not that big due to the spare wheel lying flat under the floor. The rear seats do not fold down either.

Wish it would do more miles per gallon, I don't use the air conditioning much because it increases fuel usage. Wish it had a sunroof.

Beautiful car to drive, smooth cruiser, no engine noise or tyre rumble, makes me just want to keep driving it. I feel good driving it, and it still gets admiring looks.

I cannot think of a reason to get rid of this car, I'll be keeping this one for as long as I can.

Faults:

After purchase, I've installed new front pads, thrust arms, front shocks.

Wearing items, nothing else.

General Comments:

These old 5s are superb, this one cost me £200 only and it has needed just £200 to get it driving spot on. It cruises in silent and smooth comfort, and handles like a car half its size.

I have changed the ATF as well as normal service items to prolong its life. My car has now done 168k miles and feels like new. There are no rattles, creaks or noises from the trim or the suspension.

These cars are also very easy to work on for the home mechanic, they needn't be expensive to maintain.

It's not the quickest off the line, but get it above 4k rpm and the VANOS does its thing and it's be no means a slow car.

It really likes high octane (97-99) unleaded too. To think that the basic suspension of this car is so old fashioned is amazing. It rides better than the latest 5 series and handles nearly as well. All electrical items work 100% and the engine sounds and performs like new.

Looking over the history of the car, it has only had 1 exhaust system and some bushes and some brake pipes over its whole life. The last of the granite built BMWs.