BMW 5 SERIES (1996-03) Review
WHATS GOOD
- The keen driver's emotional and rational choice
- Well-mannered, responsive six-cylinder engines
- Easier on the eye than current 5-Series
WHATS BAD
- High prices and running costs
- Gangsta-styled V8s damage BMW's image
- Touring is less practical than E Class e
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305 used BMW 5 Series for sale on Visitcars
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5-Series is all about a superior driving experience. The badge, the high prices and keen competition from E Class mean that engineering excellence, prestige and comfort are taken for granted.
BMW enthusiasts are still coming to terms with the challenging styling of the latest 5-Series, so the 1996-2003 range will be a safe place for your money for some time. Apart from slightly less interior space in the saloon and a smaller load platform in the Touring estate, 5-Series rivals E Class for comfort, kudos, refinement and perceived quality. And it outpoints E Class in imparting driving pleasure. Engines are either six-cylinder or V8. Their eager responsiveness gives 5-Series a performance edge, even with diesel power (the 530d is a revelation - 0-60mph in just over 8 seconds, with not a rumble to be heard). Steering and brakes inspire confidence, while rear-wheel drive and a chassis set-up that favours sportier driving confirm 5-Series' claim to be a driving machine, not just a mere car. Safety standards are high, there's as much equipment as you need, and reliability is excellent.
