Faults:

Glow plugs after 2 severe winters, was still able to start with just 1 working (2011).

Rear springs due to heavy load (2010).

Battery, though after 10 years original died (2010).

Front OS bearing (2009).

Rear bearings (2008).

Front discs & pads (2007).

Rear discs (2006).

Front shockers (2005).

General Comments:

Parts can be expensive, there are cheaper alternative parts out there, but you only get what you pay for these days.

Faults:

Wow, where do I start?

The computer crapped itself..

The timing chain was gone, injectors not the best, the trans is weak, and the electronics in the car are not very good.

General Comments:

It is a nice car to look at, but that is it. If you can't get a new one, do not buy secondhand, it's a nightmare. There is a reason why they are so cheap, because you need to spend double what you paid for it on the car, and it's very slow take off. On the motorway it's nice, but you'll kill yourself in the city; it's quicker on the push bike LOL.

Faults:

Drivers side air spring (at 169K), although this was due to a fault in the self leveling rear suspension pumping car up to max height, then the weakest link in the chain goes. £140 for the new part.

Rusted connection rods on passenger side self leveling sensor, causing false ride height readings.

Rusted lower lip of tailgate (a problem I've seen on a few other 5 series estates of this age)

Rust in sills. Ratchet on handbrake lever broken.

Various sensors telling me there's faults, eg ABS and ASC sensors tell the dash there's a fault every so often.

Car once would not go into 1st 2nd or 3rd gear, after about 10 minutes of playing around with gear lever problem disappeared, never to return (18 months so far!).

General Comments:

Despite a few problems with sensors etc, which are to be expected on a 12 year old car with so many sensors, the car has been absolutely great.

The 2.5 straight six may not be a firecracker, but it is very smooth and refined, gives around 35-40mpg on an easy run, low to mid 20's around town.

Not that quick off the mark, but the car weighs around 1700Kg, is very solid and picks up well over 3000rpm.

Comfortable, spacious, green leather interior with aircon etc, very relaxed motorway cruiser.

I'd love another one, great cars, just watch the rear suspension on touring models though!

Faults:

The only problem I have is the "check rear fog lamp" which constantly turns on, but as soon as I turn on the lights, the warning goes.

Other than that, the best car I ever had, and now I`m going to sell it to buy the 2004 530.

General Comments:

What I like most about this car is the ASC, which really saved me one time.

The sound system is not that bad too. I can`t find another car of the same make or year with so many options inside.