Discussion
Looking at buying one as a general hack for my other half.
Looking at cars around the 1998 mark with decent spec - not a problem as all the cars I have seen advertised are very decently equipped.
Not sure on whether to go for manual or auto - I have always driven manuals but am open to persausion as is my wife
Is there anything I should look out for mechanically or are they really as bulletproof as everyone says they are - I will only consider cars with a full service history.
Thanks
Looking at cars around the 1998 mark with decent spec - not a problem as all the cars I have seen advertised are very decently equipped.
Not sure on whether to go for manual or auto - I have always driven manuals but am open to persausion as is my wife
Is there anything I should look out for mechanically or are they really as bulletproof as everyone says they are - I will only consider cars with a full service history.
Thanks
look very VERY carefully at the rear tailgate - two I know of have rusted away from the inside (the drainplugs clog up) and BMW didn't want to know, even when the cars were quite new when the rust started to show, and both cars were bought from main dealers.
They aren't as big inside as you think, certainly the boot doesn't swallow things (buggies etc) that you would expect it to.
They aren't as big inside as you think, certainly the boot doesn't swallow things (buggies etc) that you would expect it to.
Surprised you say that as I have always found the boot ample big enough, especially when you have the option to drop the seats. A neighbour was also pretty impressed with rear passenger room compared to his Audi A6.
Mine is the 525 TDS SE tourer and does have the start of a bit of corrosion along the boot lip, but with 238,000 miles on the clock I can forgive it
I can heartily recommend the Tourers and I will be very sorry to see mine go when I sell it later this month. It will make someone a very very nice cheap runabout
Mine is the 525 TDS SE tourer and does have the start of a bit of corrosion along the boot lip, but with 238,000 miles on the clock I can forgive it
I can heartily recommend the Tourers and I will be very sorry to see mine go when I sell it later this month. It will make someone a very very nice cheap runabout
Make sure you open the glass separately to the tailgate because that can reveal rusty areas which would otherwise be hidden.
If you're not bothered about manual/auto, that just increases the number of potential purchases. IMO, the 540i's the one to go for if you want an auto, so a manual would suit a 528 but the caveat is that I've only tried autos. Which are lovely.
Various bits and bobs to look for - suspension bushes (front upper and lower arms, rear subframe), airbags for the rear self-levelling suspension, electrical gremlins, missing pixels on the dash and OBC displays, that sort of thing. Also worth looking for the ones with M-Tech suspension and Sport steering wheel (often specced as part of a sport pack which included shadowline trim, 17" style 49 wheels and sports seats).
If you're not bothered about manual/auto, that just increases the number of potential purchases. IMO, the 540i's the one to go for if you want an auto, so a manual would suit a 528 but the caveat is that I've only tried autos. Which are lovely.
Various bits and bobs to look for - suspension bushes (front upper and lower arms, rear subframe), airbags for the rear self-levelling suspension, electrical gremlins, missing pixels on the dash and OBC displays, that sort of thing. Also worth looking for the ones with M-Tech suspension and Sport steering wheel (often specced as part of a sport pack which included shadowline trim, 17" style 49 wheels and sports seats).
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