Hi everyone I'm Paul a brand new member. I have joined the club to hopefully get some help and advice before I take the plunge and buy myself a BMW. I currently drive a Toyota Avensis T-Spirit and am looking to change for a 5 series around 2002-2003. Mine is a diesel as I used to drive big miles but have changed jobs recently so swapping to a petrol and therefore less fuel economy won't matter. From everything I have read the 5 series is a top car but has anybody experienced any reliability problems with them? Also I do my own maintenance and normally when I buy a car I get the Haynes manual and have a good read. Haynes do a manual for the 5 series but it doesn't cover the 4.4 litre V8 engine variant. Is this vehicle a realistic prospect for home maintenance? Any advice will be greatly appreciated, Best Regards, Paul.

Sorry Paul, I don't have any real experience of the 5 series, certainly not that new anyway, but welcome along! :D

Thanks for your reply Tux. I think I will probably go ahead and buy a 5 series anyway, they have a good reputation according to pretty much all of the motoring press. Speak to you soon, regards, Paul.

Hi everyone I'm Paul a brand new member. I have joined the club to hopefully get some help and advice before I take the plunge and buy myself a BMW. I currently drive a Toyota Avensis T-Spirit and am looking to change for a 5 series around 2002-2003. Mine is a diesel as I used to drive big miles but have changed jobs recently so swapping to a petrol and therefore less fuel economy won't matter. From everything I have read the 5 series is a top car but has anybody experienced any reliability problems with them? Also I do my own maintenance and normally when I buy a car I get the Haynes manual and have a good read. Haynes do a manual for the 5 series but it doesn't cover the 4.4 litre V8 engine variant. Is this vehicle a realistic prospect for home maintenance? Any advice will be greatly appreciated, Best Regards, Paul.

hello Paul,

A 5 series is the ultimate driving machine, you will love it, I am with my second 5 series their is no other car that even come close for the driving experience.

especially the auto range 2litre or above ideally the 523i or above has a smooth ride with all the kick you could ask for . Go for it you won't regret it.

Regards

windsor5

hello Paul,

A 5 series is the ultimate driving machine, you will love it, I am with my second 5 series their is no other car that even come close for the driving experience.

especially the auto range 2litre or above ideally the 523i or above has a smooth ride with all the kick you could ask for . Go for it you won't regret it.

Regards

windsor5

Thanks windsor5 for this information, I think you have made my mind up. I have driven for a living for years and so my last 3 cars have all been diesels and I wasn't considering another diesel engined car until I looked at the facts and figures for the BMW 530D. It's actually faster and more powerful than the 530 petrol and with far better fuel economy. See you soon, Paul.