Item: Used BMW 5 Series 1996 - 2003
Author: What Car? Team

What is it like?

Ownership cost

Advice for buyers

Our recommendations

Alternatives

Saloon

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

5 SERIES

This version of the BMW 5 Series is a jack of all trades and master of most.

Used BMW 5 Series 1996 - 2003

Chances are you'll only need deep pockets if you fancy one of the V8 petrols, which drink fuel and cost a fair whack to run.

Otherwise, running costs are pretty much on a par with rivals from <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">Audi</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mercedes-benz">Mercedes</a>. Our fancied 520i does just over 30mpg and is in insurance group 14. Diesels can return more than 40mpg, but insurance premiums jump up.

Repair costs are relatively low, certainly less than you'd expect to hand over to get a Mercedes or Audi back on the road; and that's despite <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMW</a> having some of the highest workshop rates. You may well be better off finding a decent independent garage where you could slash that in half.

Don't lose control of your budget and pay for options you don't want, but remember that leather, climate and automatic gearboxes will be popular when you come to sell on.

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This version of the BMW 5 Series is a jack of all trades and master of most.


The silky, fast V8 petrols can be pricey, but you certainly won't be short-changed in opting for one of the excellent six-cylinder motors, which span everything from 150 to 231bhp. In fact, the entry-level 150bhp 520i, uprated to 170bhp in September 2000, is our favourite.

An awesome 400bhp <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/m5/saloon/review/n184">M5</a> performance saloon is on hand for those with a real thirst for thrills. And, all of the diesels are good, but the 530d is particularly peachy.

Equipment levels aren't too bad – all except the first entry-level cars come with a decent amount of airbags, air-con, alloys, remote locking and electric windows, but models with climate control, leather and an automatic gearbox are far more popular and easier to sell on. SE trim is the best place to start your hunt.

The car was updated in summer 2000 with a new grille and headlights, while two years later a smarter stability control system was fitted.

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Effortless long-distance capability</li> <li>Strong standard specification</li> <li>Low running costs</li> <li>Comfortable driving position</li> <li>Comprehensive yet easy-to-use infotainment system</li></ul>

Executive cars are often the choice of company car drivers, so factors such as CO2 emissions (which govern your monthly tax bill) are just as important as cruising refinement for those long motorway journeys, a plush cabin and (whisper it) the image of the badge on the bonnet.

The good news is that there are options for all budgets and tastes. If rear space is crucial and you’re willing to put up with a less-than-premium badge, the Skoda Superb is tough to beat, while if you want a premium badge on the bonnet then the BMW 3 Series is consistently one of our favourites in this class.

And don't think you're limited to just petrol or diesel-powered choices in this class,&nbsp;because at the top end the Tesla Model 3 is well worth considering for its long range and engaging driving style.

Executive

The thing that's most likely to go wrong is the cooling system. It's responsible for no less than a quarter of all visits to the workshop, so pay close attention to the engine temperature when you're test driving and get the work done if it's dodgy.

Give the air-con a run for its money, too, to see that it can still blow hot and cold on demand.

Electrical faults dog most modern-day cars, and this BMW 5 Series is no different, so check that all the lights, locks, stereo controls, windows and mirrors operate as they should.

On the other hand, axle problems are more common on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/a6/saloon/review/n61">Audi A6</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/e-class/saloon/review/n17174">Mercedes E-Class</a> than they are on the 5 Series. But it's still worth listening out for rumbles and knocks.

Otherwise, the BMW is reasonably robust, performing fairly well in our reliability surveys.

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The BMW 5 Series is, in a word, brilliant. It outshone every rival during its lifetime and continues to do better than many of today's more up-to-date options.

Whether you're looking to cruise from Cornwall to Caithness or blast down some country lanes, the 5 Series delivers a really stunning drive. Great weight distribution and well-weighted steering mean it's great to be behind the wheel.

The 5 Series is smooth and quiet. It's generally very comfortable, too, although larger passengers might find it a bit of a squeeze in the back.

There's no such complaint with the boot, however, which is easily big enough to swallow a good few sets of golf clubs or a family's luggage for a week away.

Equipment levels are better than you might think, and the car has a strong safety record, too, with a creditable four-star rating in Euro NCAP crash tests.

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Used BMW 5 Series 1996 - 2003 review

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Alternatives

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