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:

Has only failed to start once, in the winter. Had low fuel, and I suspect that didn't help.

Rear passenger window will not open with driver's control. 199,000 miles.

Driver's window broke and fell off track. 201,000 miles.

Driver's side passenger window motor spins freely but won't open/close window. 205,000 miles.

General Comments:

Overall my '95 525i has been a reliable and comfortable car. Compared to my '89 190e 2.6 that I had before, it is much quicker and delivers a much smoother ride. I would say if you're looking for more speed, go for something more along the lines of a 535 or 540.

This being the last year for this particular body style, it has all of the updates given to the car through its fairly lengthy production.

The car feels very safe. Some guy drove into the front passenger quarter at around 20mph, and only managed to dent the fender and crack the marker light. I drove it home.

Really the only negative things I can say about the car are that it could be a little quicker. It's frustrating that the windows had to go like they did, for a car this old, with this many miles, it's hard to complain.