Most Reliable 5?

limenuke · 03-05-2013, 04:40 PM

Hi everyone! I owned a hoon-y hacked up E36 before, but I'm looking to replace our family civic with another car. Reason is just that civics are not built to age well. Our first choice was an Accord as they age MUCH better than civics. However, since I owned a BMW and found the bulk of the mechanical parts (tranny, engine) reliable, I'm going to see what you guys have to offer.

Accords in the 100-150k km range are still pretty reliable and you can get a 2006 one with <150k km for about 6-7k.

I don't know what can be said about any of the 5 series in terms of reliability. Is there a 5 series that would cost something between 6k and 10k that's reliable under X km on the odometer? (You guys define X for me. I would assume below 150k is the magic number). Also, preferably automatic transmission. I drive stick but my parents do not.

THanks!

Barnsdale · 03-05-2013, 05:43 PM

From what I understand they are one of the most unreliable models, that being said I've never personally owned one before because of this assumption.

There's lots of 5 series owners on here so I'm sure someone will chime in with information you're looking for. Either way, good luck finding a well taken care of and reliable BMW in the future!

kapetajr · 03-05-2013, 06:04 PM

Personal experience with my 5 series(e34 and now e39) the more maintenance records the better. My E39 had 267000km, but it come with almost every receipt of any repair that was done which made it easier for me to buy.

propr'one · 03-05-2013, 07:45 PM

if you think civics are unreliable stay the hell away from BMW's in general.

3SERB · 03-05-2013, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by propr'one

if you think civics are unreliable stay the hell away from BMW's in general.

This!

Bimmer Heaven · 03-05-2013, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by propr'one

if you think civics are unreliable stay the hell away from BMW's in general.

What he said!

For the $$$ of a clean 5 series you can buy almost new Accords!
My friend just got an 09 Accord for the price of a clean E39, or beat up E60.
That car will outlast the bimmers with minimal repairs. Would i pick it over a BMW...NO.

cormier · 03-06-2013, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by propr'one

if you think civics are unreliable stay the hell away from BMW's in general.

/thread

bmwm5lover · 03-06-2013, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eurostyle

What he said!

For the $$$ of a clean 5 series you can buy almost new Accords!
My friend just got an 09 Accord for the price of a clean E39, or beat up E60.
That car will outlast the bimmers with minimal repairs. Would i pick it over a BMW...NO.

You forgot to mention he got hooked up at www.enthusiastauto.ca

Anyway, most reliable 5 series would be a 525/528/530i Manual.

Schnitz · 03-06-2013, 05:02 PM

I'd suggest a Lexus GS if reliability is your biggest concern.
My '00 Lexus has 'required' only the starter to be replaced and it has 175k kms.

limenuke · 03-06-2013, 08:30 PM

You guys misinterpreted what I meant. Civics from the gen I have are somewhat notorious for transmission problems around the 200k mark. I also don't like how the interior is falling apart.

The civic is a rock solid reliable car. Now, back to the original inquiry I had...

Schnitz · 03-06-2013, 08:40 PM

You just heard from a bunch of BMW owners not to buy a BMW if you want reliability.
Why is that so hard to comprehend?

limenuke · 03-06-2013, 08:49 PM

The original question was which is the most reliable 5? I've owned a BMW before and I have many friends who have BMWs. I know they cannot compare to a Japanese car for reliability. But I'm asking, knowing the above is true, because I'm interested in a BMW. Why is that so hard to see?

But I got my answer. 525, 528, 530i from E39 right? If I drop a bit more for an E60 from 2005-2006 (12k-15k range), would that be a bad idea?

Bimmer Heaven · 03-06-2013, 09:51 PM

But I got my answer. 525, 528, 530i from E39 right? If I drop a bit more for an E60 from 2005-2006 (12k-15k range), would that be a bad idea?[/QUOTE]

No, the most reliable is the 528 from 1996 to 1998. They have the older steel block engine, that is almost bulitproof, and a reliable transmission. All post 99 cars have all aluminum engines that are more problematic. Transmissions also tend to go.

bmwm5lover · 03-07-2013, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by limenuke

The original question was which is the most reliable 5? I've owned a BMW before and I have many friends who have BMWs. I know they cannot compare to a Japanese car for reliability. But I'm asking, knowing the above is true, because I'm interested in a BMW. Why is that so hard to see?

But I got my answer. 525, 528, 530i from E39 right? If I drop a bit more for an E60 from 2005-2006 (12k-15k range), would that be a bad idea?

e60's are nice but a bite more complex and therefore problematic.
I have heard from my mechanic though, that they pretty much diagnose themselves when there is an issue.

If you need help getting a car, PM me, I can help you out.