Newbie

[LoudScotsBloke]

Hello all. I have never owned a BMW before, I have traditionaly been a SAAB man myself, however, I am looking at buying a 1998 523i SE. I love the idea of the straight 6 with 2.5 litres. Is there anything I should be looking for with regards to the 523? I am looking over the car on Friday, so was just looking for advice.

Many thanks.

[Snypa-D]

Welcome to BMWOC :)

Im sure one of the guys will be along shortly with plenty of answers.

[G4VHD]

Welcome along mate

Check all suspension and bushes, listen for knocks act.

FBMWSH is a good start though mate, I wouldn't buy without.

[BigAl]

Welcome Roy :D

[pikey]

welcome to bmwoc roy. :D

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

Welcome to the Forum, Roy...

Pretty much as Gav says, plus check all the fluids and take a test drive while the engine is COLD.

Also bear in mind that the engine is the slightly lower powered version of the 2.5 !!

[LoudScotsBloke]

Thanks for the advice all. With regards to the 523 being the slightly lower powered 2.5, what sort of MPG can I expect. I do a fair amount of motorway driving everyday (50 to 70 miles per day).

cheers

[mart77]

hi mate welcome.my 323i gets me 40 to 45 mpg on the motorway if thats anything to go by.i'm sure a 5er will be a lot heavier though

[Beamer323]

welcome matey

[Guest Mister Dabsy]

Have a look at the "Official" mpg figures... Your engine will be the BMW M52, Google it.... Then totally ignore it ;)

The engine HAS to be spot-on to get those numbers, but this engine is very forgiving, I have the 2.8 version.

[val-borntobefree]

hello and welcome, wish i could help but im a 3 series girl

[LoudScotsBloke]

Well, I am now the proud owner of an almost mint 523i SE!! and I love it!! She is so silky smooth, and everything just seems effortless. Just been on a 210 mile round trip to the mother-in-law's and the car was perfect. I think I am going to love being a BMW owner.

[Snypa-D]

...............just like the rest of us :)

[G4VHD]

Congratulations mate, welcome to the wonderful world of BMW

[Max Reflect]

Hi mate welcome along to the club, if you need any bits for it cleaning wise we are running a 10% off everything sale at the moment for forum users, just use code "google' upon checkout at Maxreflect Car Care