The BMW 5 Series 528i is a BMW even if it is a 1997 P purchased in 2009, still awesome even at 212,000 miles. Automatic awesome

I have owned many cars in the past and my 1997 BMW 5 Series 528i is far and away the best car for a variety of factors. I think the most important quality of this model is the feel of the road that is conveyed to the driver. You always feel in control of the vehicle, and should you lose control, the BMW will know, even before you do, and will correct you.

Case in point: Apart from the usual traction control and dynamic stability control, a new innovation called CBC technology was introduced on this year and model. I found out how it worked shortly after I bought my black '97 528i. I admit I was showing off a bit for my Dad when I realized I was headed off a "fishhook" exit that was marked at 10 mph. As I came flying onto the exit at 50 mph, I did a quick series of downshifts which had no discernible effect, finally slamming on the brakes when I feared I was about to slide sideways off the exit ramp onto the grass. Instead of sliding, the CBC computer, which is designed to anticipate skids and can apply the brakes independently on all four wheels, took over. That car went around the fishhook exit like it was on rails. I was awestruck by this feature. This is my first BMW. I got it three years ago with 67K on it. Apart from the common electrical problems, replaced most of the headlights and taillights, at least a couple of times, I have not encountered any major problems. I do not, however, like taking it to the BMW dealer for out-of-warranty service as I have caught both the town and country dealers trying to sell me items or services I didn't need. Find yourself a trained mechanic who charges half the labor rate and uses BMW parts.

I was in the car all day just this past weekend and the comfortable seats make a big difference. They are computer designed marvels. There's nothing like the seats in a BMW. It puts Mercedes Benz to shame. You can ride for hours and hours and not feel it. If you live in the Northeast USA as I do, make sure you get the premium package, which includes the heated seats and steering wheel. I never thought I'd like these things so much. If you have an achy back in the wintertime, it makes a world of difference. My 78-year-old father loves this feature.

I don't know how they get this much power out of the engine considering the car feels substantial and even heavy. Torque in the mid range is incredible. You can take it from 50 to 80 in just a couple of seconds and the car is so forgivable at practically any speed, any maneuver you pull, leaves you with a solid connection to the road, dampened by the triple-sealed doors, and gas-cushioned suspension. You are aware of bumps but not unsettled by them. The cabin remains quiet and rattle-free.

If you are considering a comparably-priced Mercedes with the BMW, I would say get the BMW. The styling is more classically elegant and if you buy the 528i, you'll have a sensational car that will serve you faithfully for years and years to come.

The 1997 BMW 528i is the perfect symbiosis of design and technology. The in-line six generates a smooth flow of power to the silky (and bulletproof) 4-speed automatic transmission. Driving in "S-3" (or third gear) is a blast. I was jolted by how radically it transforms the performance of the car.

The BMW purrs at any speed. I heartily recommend buying one. My car is a weekend driver, almost 10 years old now and has 92K on it. Yet, it drives and looks (thanks to a superior factory paint job) like it hasn't aged a day. Some people prefer the 97-03 styling in the 5 series. I'm one of them. And you can find them at good prices now.

Test drive one. You'll understand why they call it the "Ultimate Driving Machine." It's not an overstatement.

The BMW 528i SE is a fabulous car. I also drive a Mercedes Benz E240 on a Y-plate (2001). That has a 2.6 V6 engine, so I didn't expect the performance from this car to be much better. Amazingly, it is a LOT quicker, which is saying something, since the E class is no slouch. I can only imagine what a V8 BMW would be like!
It's hugely practical, with a larger boot than most cars on the road and access to the plush interior is easy thanks to perfectly positioned seats and wide openings of the doors.
The seats on my car are standard grey leather seats. They are very soft and extremely comfortable on long journeys.
You may have heard from people that there's no legroom in the back, but I can say with confidence that there is just a little bit less legroom than in the E class, which is huge. It is, however, a tad narrower.
One thing I find interesting is that the car has an inch less rear legroom than the E class. I put that down to the length being an inch shorter. The interesting thing is that the boot is massively bigger, so I don't know where Mercedes-Benz wasted that space!
The fuel consumption of the car is brilliant, and I often get 35mpg while driving on the motorway (90mph +). In town it's about 28 mpg, which is not bad at all.
The car is quieter than my Merc at any given speed. I find that hard to believe, but it's true. At 60mph in the Merc, you are aware of a little road noise. In the BMW, there is hardly any noise at all. At idle, you can just about hear the E's engine, while me and many friends have thought the engine shut off while at a standstill in the BMW! It really is that quiet.
Residuals are probably slightly better on the E class, but those don't bother me at all. If you get this car (a genuine one) you'll feel the same - I never want to sell this car.
The driving position is brilliant, with all controls falling readily to hand. The sound quality from the standard speaker system is good enough for most people, including me. I find the 6 CD changer very useful.
If you look for one of these cars, try and get one with a 6 CD changer in the boot, and a tape/radio set up at the front. That way, you get the best of both worlds!
My car also has a rear electric blind, which is an ingenious design. I can see out perfectly, but no-one can see in. The xenon headlamps on my car are also amazing for night driving. I am now looking for someone to retrofit xenon's to my E class.
Security is top notch, and this car is fitted with one of, if not the best immobiliser in the World. In case it does get stolen though, I've had my car fitted with Tracker. Security is impressive, because my car has rear side airbags (optional) and a whole array of airbags at the front. The front bumpers will absorb impacts up to 2.5 mph, but I hope I never need to experience that!
Insurance is one thing many people worry about with a big car like this. I also own a VW Golf Mark 3 1.8 for town use. The insurance for this car is a mere £150 more than the Golf's!
One last thing I want to say is the ride and handling far exceed the Merc. It's smoother and it feels glued to the road, whereas the E-class tends to bounce around everywhere in comparison. Don't get me wrong, the E240 is a beautiful car, I just prefer this one :)
I hope I haven't missed anything out in this review, so let me know if I have and I'll tell you anything you need to know.

Sorry to be brief but there is just not the space to explain and list how good the BMW 528i is. I've had company cars from many manufacturers including mercedes and even thought the 3 series was a great car, but the 5 series is just in another league. Mine has had a few modifications such as MTec Suspension, steering and braking which obviously improves its handeling but the power from just the 2.8 is also surprising. Basically I'm hooked on the 5 series and will now be making my way up the ladder to the M5.