Paul Bennett

Hi, this sounds like a fairly minor electrical fault to me. Any competent back street garage should be able to fix it.Don't be tempted to go to a main dealer- you'll probably get ripped off. The garage should be able to do a simple electrical test first to pinpoint the problem and tell you how much it will cost to fix. Hope I have been of help- Paul.

Hi Steve- sorry I have been a long time replying to your message but I've not been online for some time. I didn't get the 5 series yet, probably in the next few months. It will have to be the older 5 series as I don't like the shape of the new one or the interior. If I opt for the 3.0 litre diesel it falls into a lower tax band than the petrol equivalent and the performance is pretty much the same- good fuel economy too. Stay in touch, speak to you soon, Regards, Paul.

Hi all, I had my eye on a lovely 5 Series in Autotrader but checking the emissions I see it falls into road tax group M which our grabbing government has now increased to £405 per year. I may not now buy the BMW as it would break my heart to pay all that road tax on top of everything else. The new shape 5 Series has a newer type engine which produces less emissions and puts it into a lower tax bracket but I don't like the style of the car or the interior. Why can't anything be simple?

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.

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.