Buyers' guide: BMW 5-series (E39) 2000 to 2003

Honest John points the way with a new model each week

What's good: Sep 2000 facelift has clear headlight lenses. Top model is M5 with 400bhp, 5·0-litre, V8. 170bhp, 2,171cc six-cyl engine replaced 1,991cc six in 520i; 523i became 525i with 192bhp; 528i replaced by M52 EU3 530 six with 231bhp; 163bhp direct-injected 525d introduced alongside 184bhp 3·0d. Four stars in NCAP crash test. Unlimited mileage/two-year full manufacturer warranty, followed by one-year full dealer warranty from Nov 2001; below-average repair costs in 2003 Warranty Direct Reliability Index.

What's bad: quibbles about build quality, paint and door seals. Electrical niggles, including faults with ventilation and air-con system, airbags and parking sensor. Engine gasket leaks. Wipers set for LHD. Avoid old, 2·5-litre diesel, almost as thirsty as petrol. Petrol V8s not worth the extra. Franchised dealers expensive. Sat-nav/phone system problems. Excess rear tyre wear can cause Steptronic autoboxes to stick in low gear. Risk of turbo trouble on 530d.

What to watch out for: build date from 2001 is on label on top of front n/s wheelarch. Check tool kit. Service indicator easily re-set; a paid invoice is only guarantee of recent service.

Recalls: 9/11/2001: cars built 28/9 to 24/10/2001 with Continental tyres might have cuts in the tyres, hence blowout risk. 16/11/2001: diesels and V8s built 11/11/2000 to 30/9/2001 recalled due to fault with radiator fan motor that could lead to overload and small electrical fire. 23/2/2002: recall in Germany for all models with Conti Eco Contact and Sport Contact 205/55 R16 and 225/55 R16 tyres. 22/2/02: Bearing in front strut top mountings can be displaced by jacking.