E39 common faults to look out for?

what is it like to drive - i have driven the 528 and was impressed but quite fancied running a V8 - do you get reasonable mileage out of it? is it quick at the lower end of the rev range? Did you get sports suspension? what is the auto box like?

soory for all teh questions but i just want to know if the 535 is the one for me...

I'll try and answer them all!! I wanted a V8 aswel. I cruise fast but i dont drive very hard on twisty roads so handling wasn't my biggest concern. I have read the 6 cylinder cars handle better because they're lighter and have a different steering setup- rack and pinion as opposed to recirc ball in the V8's i think. I get about 26-28mpg on a motorway cruise (90mph) and low 20's in town traffic. it all depends on your definition of quick!! the auto box with steptronic is great. it is quite a lazy car in auto but if you pop it in sports or manual its quick and responsive. mine doesn't have sports suspension but still feels quite tight. hope this helps. if you're anywhere near cardiff you can have a go in mine. any more questions, just ask.

Dave

Lordlee,

I drive a 98 535, 99k miles and still drives beautifully.

In the last 3 years the only problems have been new battery and radiator, pixels failing on the OBC display, and a problem with the cam sensors causing the car to stall, all covered under BMW approved used warranty.  Also an interior door handle snapping off (!) - not technically covered under warranty, but BMW coughed up as goodwill since it looked like faulty materials.

I believe that aircon is the most common failing on these cars.  I can heartily recommend the 535, it is a beautiful car although if you won't get a chance to use it in London, maybe a 528 would be a better investment.

Just put the car in for a service today at BM dealer, needed new discs and pads front and rear, total £871 - ouch!!!

Christmas is cancelled.............

Ali