Classic Cars - The BMW 5 Series

When it comes to the used car sector one car has dominated above all others: the BMW 5 Series. For almost 40 years this has been the world's favourite executive saloon and there's no sign of it slowing down.

The original 1972 design is a true classic. It lasted, with only a few minor revisions, right the way through until 1987. The earliest versions are few and far between. Most have rusted away or been sold as scrap, but collectors do value them and a good condition early model can fetch almost 2,000 pounds.

The first major upgrade came with the E34 which featured a host of high performance models culminating in the outstanding M5. It has become a staple with used car buyers over the years. Durable and reliable it's the kind of car you can drive for a couple of years for a little bit of cheap motoring. It picked up where the original left off and ran until 1996, when the E39 was already earning a reputation as an all time great in the four door saloon market.

Thanks to improved power, outstanding handling and rock solid reliability it has fostered a reputation as being 'the best car in the world'. It cemented the position of the BMW 5 Series as a true all time classic and consolidated its place at the head of the executive saloon market. It is one of the most highly sought models on the used market. However, with recent launches, prices have been pushed down. If you're smart you can find some real bargains.

Until now the BMW 5 Series retained most of the features that made it great, but in 2003 it got a severe overhaul thanks to design boss Chris Bangle. He introduced a radical new look and design. Die hard fans were appalled and a series of hate groups surfaced on the internet. Time will tell if this goes on to become a used car classic as fans re-evaluate it based on its own considerable powers or fades away to become a pariah car.

Now there's a new BMW 5 Series on the block. Bangle has gone and this new model returns to basics. Fans are delighted to see some hallmark features returning. It looks the real deal and seems set to recapture its place as the leading executive car in its class. The future looks as bright as the past.

Dom Donaldson is a motoring expert.
Find out more about BMW 5 Series at BMW 5 Series and the services offered from Cooper BMW.
Distributed by Content Crooner

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dominic_Donaldson