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This 5-Series is the E60 (its code name) or E61 for the Touring.
When it was launched, people were startled by its design.
Not as much as the 7-Series back then, but...
...diverging from BMW's regular work.
Not everyone likes it. I've always thought it's pretty and I still do.
It still drives fantastically. There's no other word for it.
It's very comfortable, yet a bit sporty,...
...but the M Sport models with cooler bumpers etc. handles even better.
The M5 is fantastic as well, but lies beyond the scope of this video.
There's a lot on offer at AutoScout. About 1,000, mostly sedans.
It surprises me, that 60%. The other 40% is the Touring.
You'll have to search for a manual transmission,...
...because only 10% of the 5-Series on offer have a manual transmission.
AWD was also available, but those are needles in the haystack.
Moreover in this class: the features are phenomenal.
Especially with older, smaller cars you'll get things you didn't expect.
Most have leather and satnav.
Different kinds of seats, like these comfort seats with retractible flaps...
...which keep your head up straight when you fall asleep.
Sport seats, you name it.
The sunroof is pretty, but beware of leakage.
Then they won't close properly or not at all. It's a big roof.
Very nice, but fragile.
The engines range from a modest 4-cylinder (25i and 25d)...
...'til the M5's V10. There's everything in between.
Different V8s, a lot of straight-6s, and that suits the car.
Both gasoline and diesel are available.
ENGINES gasoline
ENGINES diesel
Prices vary from 8,000 euros for early models from 2003...
...with a lot of experience (high milage),...
...'till 30,000 euros for a young car which may still have warranty.
Like this one from a BMW dealer.
We have to say nearly 28,000 euros is a high price.
However, there's a 2 years warranty. That's nice.
This is a chic car, a 5-Series the way you'd want it.
Dark blue on the outside, not the most exciting color.
The rims aren't too big, but nice.
The interior is brown leather, satnav and electric seats.
A lot of features and the warranty...
...make it worth the money to buy a car like this.
It's a 525i, a great 6-cylinder.
It doesn't feel very quick, but when you hit the gas it's a fast car.
THIS CAR
Some warnings, because we've been positive so far. Except for the roof.
It's still pretty. But things to watch out for,...
...especially with the diesels, are swirl flaps.
Google the term and you'll get horror stories.
Real horror stories about malfunctioning young cars.
Swirl flaps are in the intake pipe,...
...but they can break off and enter the engine.
When you're unlucky, they'll exit through the turbo.
In some cases this means a new engine, and that's expensive.
So beware with the diesels.
Turbos at higher milages need to be replaced when not already.
The same goes for the particulate filter.
Check for your type when it should be replaced, and if it's not already.
It are pricey parts.
It's likely you'll choose an E60 with automatic gearbox.
That box should be maintenance free,...
...but as with all other "maintenance free" boxes you'll have to change the oil.
Reports say it's necessary. In the end,...
...the costs of replacing the box are much higher than changing the oil,...
...so just do it.
Another thing to watch out for are the tires.
This is one of those BMWs with run-flats.
In case of a puncture, the foam inside allows you to keep on driving.
It limits the speed and range, but it gets you to help.
The smaller sizes (17"-18") give OK comfort,...
...but some think the larger ones are very uncomfortable.
I've heard about handling problems...
...because of tires not matching the purpose BMW had in mind.
So beware. Make sure it has good tires.
If you don't like the handling, check out the next one.
There are plenty anyway.
Thanks to BMW Amsterdam BV
Subs - Maru