BMW Problems

BMW’s 5-Series is universally admired by owners and rival carmakers alike. So much do its rivals admire it that they have regularly used it as a yardstick when developing cars of their own.Holden used the then current 5-Series as the main benchmark when it was developing the VB Commodore in the 1970s, and again when it did the VE a couple of years back, and Ford has also used it in developing its recent Falcon models.Remarkably, given so many companies have used it as a benchmark for their own new cars the BMW has managed to keep its allure. It seems that it remains tantalisingly out of reach.MODEL WATCH The E39 5-Series followed one of the best, and most successful models BMW has ever produced, the E34, in 1996. Previous 5-Series BMWs were highly regarded, as can be seen by then Holden chassis guru Peter Hanenberger’s choice of the 5-Series as a benchmark for the VB Commodore in the mid-1970s, but the E34 cemented its place at the head of the pack.It had a unique blend of chassis agility and six-cylinder sweetness in a fully equipped package able to accommodate five in refined comfort that no other carmaker could match. Even its great rival Mercedes-Benz couldn’t match it for dynamics.The E34 really brought BMW to the attention of the Australian motoring public. Here was a good-sized car they could afford, at a pinch, if they were doing well. It’s now 20 years old, but it’s still popular with buyers of used cars.So the E39 had lots to live up to when it was launched in 1996. Unlike the models that followed it the E39 was a mild evolution of the E34, which was wonderfully elegant with clean lines and perfect proportions. The E39 was sleeker and smoother, but it retained the elegance that keeps the E34 looking fresh even today. There were new headlights and a new grille at the front, a smoother roofline and a stubby tail reminiscent of the smaller 3-Series. It was a car that looked good from all angles, a modern classic and a worthy successor to the great E34.The six-cylinder is BMW’s signature engine and the E39 had a number of choices of engine size. All had the silky smoothness, purposeful response, and seductive snarl that were so characteristic of BMW sixes down through the ages, but in the E39 they also delivered more power and torque for an enhanced driving experience.They started with the 2.5-litre double overhead camshaft engine with 125 kW and 245 Nm, but for more grunt there was the 2.8-litre engine that boasted 142 kW and 280 Nm. They were followed by the sportier V8 models, which packed the considerable punch of a 180 kW 3.5-litre double overhead camshaft bent eight and its bigger 240 kW 4.4-litre brother. All were linked to a five-speed auto transmission, but it had the option of the Steptronic sequential shift that aped a manual change.The agility of the BMW classic has always been one of its most admired attributes and the E39 could claim even better dynamics, partly because of its much stiffer body shell that gave it a very stable foundation. Independent suspension front and back with a sporty tune, precise and responsive power steering, and the power of ABS-supported disc brakes on all corners combine to deliver a dynamic driving package. All models were well equipped with all the fruit you could wish for in a prestige luxury car.IN THE SHOP The attraction of a used 5-Series is strong for those who couldn’t or wouldn’t afford one new, but they need to be approached with both eyes open and a questioning mind. As with any used car buy the best you can afford within your budget and leave enough left over to service it.Servicing BMWs can be expensive if you stick with the dealers. They generally give good service, but you pay top dollar for it, so link up with a specialist service mechanic with a good knowledge of BMWs and you will save heaps. Little goes wrong with BMWs on a regular basis, but brake wear is a consistent complaint with owners facing a hefty bill for replacement rotors and pads.Look for oil leaks around the engine. A rough idle could indicate a lack of servicing and extended oil change periods. BMWs also require the factory replacement parts, like shocks, exhaust etc. to give their best, but that’s not to say non-genuine parts will completely ruin the driving experience. A BMW specialist should know which non-genuine parts can be safely used and those to steer clear of.IN A CRASH The 5-Series has an array of airbags to protect the occupants in the event its chassis and braking prowess aren’t enough to avoid a crash. Front and side airbags were standard across the range.AT THE PUMP Expect to get around 11.0 L/100 km on average from a six and 13.0 L/100 km from a V8.OWNERS SAY Ed Malek’s 2000 523i had done 79,000 km when he bought it. It was clean and tidy, performed well and passed a mechanical and safety check. He hesitated for a while before buying it, but each time he hopped back into his 2005 Magna, he was convinced he should. He was impressed with its handling, low level of road and wind noise, comfort, and safety with eight airbags. The 2.5-litre six lacks a little grunt from take-off, but on the open highway it powers along admirably. Around town he gets 10.7 L/100 km. A few rattles have developed, which he believes could be the window regulators, and the CD changer is malfunctioning.LOOK FOR • BMW badge cred.• Timeless elegant looks• Great chassis dynamics• Sweet six under the bonnet• Roomy interior• Costly parts and serviceTHE BOTTOM LINE Great looking and performing sporting saloon that rewards the driver.RATING 80/100

The reality of life is that few of us have the bucks to buy the luxury 'Benz, BMW or Jaguar we might aspire to own, they're simply too expensive for the regular Joe in the street. But step back in time to an older model and owning a once unattainable car from one of these great companies can be a real possibility.One such car in question is the BMW 535i that was released in the late 1980s and remained on sale until 1993.  In the days before the arrival of the 'M' Series the 535i was the performance king in the Bavarian carmakers local range.Today it's largely been lost in the crowd with the vast number of sporty BMWs that have since been released, but a chance encounter recently with an acquaintance who had bought one for a couple of grand was a reminder of what can be bought with a very limited budget.MODEL WATCHThe 535i was the top model in the E34 5-Series range that arrived here in 1988.  Minus the edgy look that overtook later models from BMW the E34 was a classically elegant four-door sedan that boasted beautifully clean lines and balanced proportions.It was a great looker when it was new, and that it remains a good looking car today when there are still many on the road is a testament to the appeal of its styling. It's hard to imagine that more than 20 years have passed since it was launched.The E34 range was extensive, extending from the modest 2.0-litre 520i through the popular 2.5-litre 525i and the 3.0-litre 530i to the sporty 535i that sat atop the tree.  Later there was the V8 540i and the first M5, both of which shoved the 535i into the background, but for a year or two the 535i was the king of the road.The E34 platform was highly regarded with independent suspension back and front, responsive power steering and powerful four-wheel disc brakes.  Up front it had a 3.5-litre fuel-injected single overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine boasting 155 kW at 5700 revs and 3.5 Nm at 4000 revs.BMW offered the choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic transmission, with the final drive through the rear wheels in traditional BMW style.  Standard features were air, central locking, fog lamps, power windows and radio/cassette sound.An Executive model was available with alloy wheels, cruise and a power sunroof.  There was also a 535is model available with power mirrors, a limited- slip diff and traction control.IN THE SHOPThe key to enjoying the thrill of driving an old car is to buy well, and there is one simple rule to follow when buying: condition, condition, condition.  To find the best car in the best condition it's necessary to shop, shop, and shop.BMW service specialist John Heckrath of Heckrath Engineering Services reckons the 535i is a great car, to own and to drive.  The engine is very strong and gives little trouble; the only word of warning he gives is that they can give cylinder head trouble if they get hot.The main reason they might get hot is a failure of the plastic reservoir in the radiator, which was a common failure with this model 5-Series.  If the temp gauge climbs off the scale don't be tempted to keep driving it, disaster awaits if you ignore the telltale sign of trouble.Brakes can be expensive to replace if that's needed to make a car roadworthy; expect a bill of $1000 for a full brake rebuild with new rotors.  Suspension bushes, particularly the front caster bar bushes, do wear so listen for a knocking noise under brakes, but the caster bar isn't expensive so isn't a huge concern.Electrics can be an issue; things like power windows and the heater control are known weaknesses. Check the operation of all systems to identify anything that isn't working and might need repairing.  The body stands up well, and doesn't rust, and the paint doesn't fade to any degree.Inside the trim also stands the test of time well and the dash isn't prone to cracking, but some minor trim parts do eventually come unglued and the foam in the headlining can crumble in time.  But a car with 200,000-plus kilometres already will keep going long into the future if well maintained.ON THE ROADSettle into the driver's seat of the 535i and you immediately feel at home, the controls readily fall to hand and the dials tell you all you need to know without any of the superfluous information you get on later cars.Start the silky smooth six and hit the road and you are quickly transported back to an age when the engine was the true heart of the car.  While sporty in character with plenty of good old grunt, the 535i is really a high-speed cruiser and at home on the open highway.The straight-six engine revs smoothly and sweetly with great mid- range response to make overtaking a breeze.  When required it would race to 100 km/h in 9.5 secs and cover the standing 400-metre dash in 16.5 secs.It also handles with aplomb, even though it's quite a big car. The steering response is quick and accurate, the handling nicely balanced and predictable, while the ride is firm but comfortable.IN A CRASHThe 535i was born before the widespread adoption of airbags, but it is a fundamentally sound motorcar with a solid body and a well- balanced, responsive chassis that gives the driver every chance of avoiding a crunch.  If it lacks the passive safety of airbags the 535i does have the important active safety delivered by ABS antilock braking.AT THE PUMP Ask anyone about the 535i and you're likely to be told that it's a gas-guzzler. That is its reputation and it is a well-earned one at that.  The 535i shouldn't be bought if you're concerned about fuel consumption; this is a high performance car and it will use quite a lot of fuel.A road test at the time of the launch had it returning 11.9 L/100 km, which isn't too bad, but that can quickly blow out to 14 L/100 km or more if that taps are regularly opened with enthusiasm.LOOK FOR. Classically elegant shape.. Smooth six-cylinder engine.. Sporty performance.. Thirsty if driven hard.. Expect high mileage.. Service record a must.THE BOTTOM LINEAn oldie but a goodie. Buy right and you will thoroughly enjoy the thrill of driving one of the greats from a bygone era.RATING 70/100

It's a well recognised fact that we humans don't like change, we prefer to stick with what we know and trust and resist that we aren't so familiar with.  BMW clearly recognised this trait when it updated its very successful 3-Series in 2005 with the new E90 model.While it was clearly a new car with a raft of changes it still ticked all the boxes a 3-Series needed to tick to ensure it would carry on the success that has made the 3-Series the worldwide prestige car benchmark.MODEL WATCH Much had happened in the BMW world since the E90's predecessor, the E46 hit the market in 2000.  Most notably was the arrival of the all-new small 1-Series, which in effect filled the traditional role of the 3-Series as the entry point in the BMW range.With the 1-Series now the entry point the 3-Series was moved upmarket, it was then a stepping stone to bigger things.  Gone from the expanded range of 3-Series models was the 318i, the traditional way into the range. It was replaced with the 320i.The most obvious change from the E46 was the new body, which brought with it the edgy corporate lines that had been introduced on other models like the 5-Series.Run a tape over the car and you would have found it to be larger than its predecessor. It was longer in the wheelbase by 35 mm and a massive 78 mm wider, which translated into more width in the front seat and greater knee-room in the rear.BMW also claimed the boot was much larger, but that was in no small part due to the use of run-flat tyres, which eliminated the need to carry a spare tyre.At launch BMW offered four models: the four-cylinder 320i and its better-equipped 320i Executive sibling, and the six-cylinder 325i and 330i.  A 2.0-litre 16-valve double overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine boasting 110 kW and 200 Nm powered the 320i, and there was the choice of a six-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission or a six-speed manual gearbox.For more zip there was the 325i with a 2.5-litre six-cylinder with 160 kW and 250 Nm, and the 330i with a 3.0-litre six with 190 kW and 300 Nm.  The 325i was available with a six-speed sequential-shift auto and six- speed manual, while 330i was only available with the auto.In a sea of front-wheel drive models BMW has steadfastly held back the tide and the E90 retained rear-drive.  As befits a prestige car the E90 came with plenty of fruit.At the lower end the 320i came with climate controlled air, cruise, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a multi-function steering wheel, trip computer, six-speaker CD sound, and 16-inch alloys. Step up to the 320i Executive and you also got fog lamps and leather trim.A move to a six rewarded you with 17-inch alloys, leather, CD- stacker, power driver's seat with memory, and parking sensors.IN THE SHOP BMW parts and servicing don't come cheap if you stick to dealers for your maintenance.  Look around for a BMW service specialist, there are many out there, and you will save heaps on servicing and any parts you might need.The E90 is still in its infancy, with the earliest just coming up five years old and on average with 60,000 km on the odo, so there are very few problems to relate.  All BMW engines use a timing chain instead of a belt, so there's no regular servicing required.ON THE ROAD The real joy of owning a BMW came in the form of the six-cylinder engine.  While the four was adequate, with its smooth driveability and decent fuel economy, there was nothing like a free-revving, silky-smooth BMW straight-six to excite the senses.Coupled with the superbly stable chassis of the E90, with its stiffer body, and rear-wheel drive the 3-Series was a real driver's car.  On the downside, the ride was hard and harsh thanks to the run-flat tyres that BMW used.IN A CRASH BMW claimed the E90 body was 25 per cent stiffer than the E46, a great foundation for building a solid safety package.  Add to that eight airbags and you had plenty of protection when it came to the crunch.Before that the R90 driver had a raft of active safety systems, like ABS anti-lock brakes, dynamic stability control, traction control, and others to assist in avoiding a crash.AT THE PUMP For economy the 320i would deliver 10.0-11.00 L/100 km around town, and 5.5-6.0 L/100 km on the open road.  A six would get between 11.0 and 13.0 L/100 km around town and around 6.5 L/100 km on the highway.LOOK FORSmart modern style . Roomy interior . Good-sized boot . Smooth, free-revving six . Modest four performance . Great rear-drive handling . Hard ride.THE BOTTOM LINEA well built, solid, comfortable that turns heads, but is also a delight to drive.RATING 80/100

The surge in popularity of the so-called Sports Utility Vehicle, SUV, meant that every carmaker was eventually going to get involved in what has been the fastest growing market segment in the last decade or more. It’s been the sales phenomenon of the new century and looks like there’s no slowing the momentum.Four-wheel drive wagons have long been popular for rough tough going out back o’ beyond, but with the development of electronics has come the ability to refine them for city use. It’s allowed carmakers to build vehicles that have a degree of off-road credibility, while giving them the power to refine them to a level of a town car. With this ability it was only time before the likes of BMW and ’Benz got in on the act and built benchmark cars like the X5 and ML.The X5 was one of the first of the new breed luxury SUVs and was received with rave reviews, even by those who doubted you could build a big heavy car with such road manners as the X5 had.MODEL WATCH The SUV has been an attempt to blend bush ability with town manners; it’s the taming of the old bush basher and giving it the refinement to cope with town traffic. Carmakers like to toss around terms such as car-like when they’re talking up their SUVs, but it’s something that’s hard to achieve when in reality you’re talking about a vehicle weighing all of two tones and some.BMW got pretty close with the X5, not surprisingly given the sporting nature of the brand. There’s no escaping the body roll and sway that came with the territory, but the six-cylinder model set a standard with a balance and responsiveness belying its mass and physical dimensions. The V8s tended to be a little front heavy, which dulled the response somewhat.The X5 began life here as a 4.4-litre V8 in 2000. It had double overhead camshafts, 32-valves and put out 210 kW and 440 Nm. It was joined a few months later by a 3.0-litre double overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine that produced 170 kW and 300 Nm. Finally, in 2002 a 4.6-litre V8 that delivered 255 kW and 480 Nm was added to the engine choices. All of that was directed through a five-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels as required.Modern electronics gave designers the capability of controlling each wheel individually, so systems like traction control and ABS could be used to brake individual wheels as needed and direct traction to other wheels that weren’t spinning or losing traction.The X5 handled slippery roads with ease, and stood up beyond the black top as long as the going isn’t too tough. Like you would expect the X5 was fully equipped with every that opened and shut in a car so you wouldn’t be left wanting for anything.IN THE SHOP Even BMWs break down on occasion so don’t buy an X5 thinking you’ve got something that’s absolutely bulletproof. That said they’re pretty good with few flaws that regularly strike them down. If you need to do some repairs, be prepared for a sizable bill for parts, as they are very expensive.It’s best to find a BMW specialist to keep your X5 running smoothly. They might not have a glossy showroom, but they will be able to source parts that are more affordable than the factory parts, and will often be able to repair components instead of simply replacing them, as dealers are wont to do as a matter of course. A BMW catalytic converter, for example, can cost more than $2500 if you have to replace it, but most specialists can source converters for as little as $400.IN A CRASH Mass will always win out when it comes to the crunch and the X5 is well endowed in that area, but it handles, steers and stops well so it has pretty good dynamic safety. It also has all of the safety items you would expect of an expensive car as the X5 surely is. Look for an array of airbags on all sides to intervene in a crunch.AT THE PUMP Pushing a vehicle weighing around two tonnes around town isn’t going to be cheap so don’t expect miracles from the X5. The 3.0-litre six should return 11-13 L/100 km, the V8s one or two more if you can keep your right foot under control.LOOK FOR • BMW badge cred.• Good looks• Regular visits to the pump• Good performance for size• Luxury at all turnsTHE BOTTOM LINE If your budget allows the X5 sets the standard for luxury SUVsRATING 78/100

But the really important question is: what do women want in a car?Finding the answer keeps carmakers tossing and turning at night, because they are well aware that women choose more than half the vehicles sold in Australia. There are all the ones they buy for themselves, as well as the deciding vote on most of the ones bought by households.Sorry, fellas. It’s true. No matter how much you want that souped-up sports car, unless the head of household finances agrees you may as well back away from the vehicle now.One of the earliest attempts to deliver a car for women was the mid-1950s Dodge La Femme. It was actually a 1955 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer under the skin, but the Detroit designers camouflaged that skin as thoroughly as a make-up artist doing Vogue covers.The car was decked out in pink paint, with an interior covered in pink vinyl, set off by pink rosebud tapestry. And to show that this was not merely a cynical marketing exercise, Dodge kitted the car with accessories they thought reflected the growing independence of post-World War II women moving into meaningful career paths - a pink handbag complete with office essentials like a matching powder compact, lipstick case and comb.Sales estimates run as low as less than 1000 cars. And the pink panderer was quickly dropped from the Dodge range at the end of the following year.Australia’s own Carla Zampatti tweaked a Ford specifically for women in the 1980s, but whether it won women - with accessories including a hanging hook for handbags - is still open to question.However, Dodge and Ford weren’t completely on the wrong track. Women want a car to be stylish, but also practical. Luckily, these days there are quite a few vehicles that fit the bill – without playing the pink paint card. These are the best style picks for women today, from a woman's perspective, with the figures for the basic car.Don’t agree with these? Let us know what YOU think women want in a car in our poll at left.LIGHTMazda2Price: from $16,030Engine: 76kW/137Nm 1.5-litre petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 6.4L/kmEmissions: 152g/kmThe baby 2 has cute and slightly edgy looks, is compact with usable space, and the long doors make it easy to get in the back seat. The auto will be preferred by most, but it adds to the weight of the little car.Close calls: Ford Fiesta from $16,990; Peugeot 207 from $22,490.SMALLBMW 1-SeriesPrice: from $38,900Engine: 160kW/270Nm 2.0-litre petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 8.2L/kmEmissions: 190g/kmA pocket-sized entry in German prestige – without breaking the pocket. Looks stunning, an amazing amount of room, and great to drive.Close calls: Mazda3 from $21,330; Hyundai i30 from $20,390.MEDIUMFord MondeoPrice: from $31,990Engine: 118kW/208Nm 2.3-litre petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 9.5L/kmEmissions: 227g/kmThe best thing Ford has brought to Australia in … ever, possibly. Enough space to make you wonder if you’ll ever need a larger car, elegant design and well built.Close calls: Mazda6 from $31,834; Audi A5 Sportback from $78,400.LARGEAudi A6Price: from $74,500Engine: 125kW/350Nm 2.0-litre petrolTransmission: automaticEconomy: 5.8L/kmEmissions: 153g/kmThere’s not a high chic quotient in this class - where the homegrown Falcon and Commodore lean more to aggressive styling - so the Audi’s restrained elegance makes it a clear winner.Close calls: Honda Accord from $36,381Mercedes-Benz E-Class from $80,900.PEOPLE MOVERHonda OdysseyPrice: from $46,166Engine: 132kW/218Nm 2.5-litre petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 8.9L/kmEmissions: 212g/kmIn a class that’s dominated by lumpy boxes, the Odyssey is a sleek stand-out. It's low-slung, car-like and leading with a fashionable face.Close calls: Citroen C4 Grand Picasso from $39,990; Chrysler Voyager $60,990.SPORTYBMW Mini Cooper ClubmanPrice: from $36,600Engine: 88kW/160Nm 1.6-litre petrolTransmission: automaticEconomy: 6.8L/kmEmissions: 163g/kmA bonsai wagon with go-kart street cred and revamped retro lines, this one will get admiring glances from everybody.Close calls: Kia Cerato Koup from $23,690; Audi S3 from $69,100.CONVERTIBLEVolkswagen EosPrice: from $47,990Engine: 103kW/320Nm dieselTransmission: automaticEconomy: 6.0L/kmEmissions: 158g/kmThe EOS is streamlined and sophisticated, looks equally good with the roof open or closed – and has enough room in the back to get a couple of extra friends in for short trips.Close calls: BMW Z4 from $86,200; Lexus IS250C from $80,150. SUVHyundai ix35Price: from $26,990Engine: 122kW/197Nm petrolTransmission: manualEconomy: 8.5L/kmEmissions: 201g/kmThere’s heaps of practicality but precious little style in the SUV paddocks. But Hyundai’s new compact ix35 proves you can have both. Ultra-modern lines, trim shape and space to spare.Close calls: Jeep Wrangler (medium) from $31,590; Land Rover Range Rover Sport (large) from $99,900.