by Ken Johnstone

Created on: March 12, 2009

One of my main sources of income (for my sins!) is driving a taxi around the streets of Dublin's fair city.In January 2006 I purchased a BMW 525TDS (Turbo Diesel Saloon) for use as my taxi, a car that was to last me for over 2 years.

So what made me decide to purchase a good used BMW, and the BMW 525 TDS in particular? This car has the benefit of comfort, prestige AND economy, and the added advantage that as it has been around for nigh on 15 years, there are plenty of second-hand spares available should anything require fixing. This, for me, was a major consideration, as to service or repair a BMW (or ANY make of car come to that) in a main dealers is a sure way to end up in the bankruptcy courts!

For decades BMW have had the distinction of being one of the top-selling executive cars in the world with their reputation for performance, luxury and reliability, and of all their models the 5-series, which has been in production in various guises since the mid-1970's, has without question been their biggest success story. The turbo diesel 525 that I purchased was one of the last of the "old" model, which was replaced by the re-designed version in 1996. That said, and although it isn't the current model, it still retains the classic BMW styling and that truly marvelous engine, which is something that never seems to go out of fashion. At the time this car was built BMW were still advertising their cars as "the ultimate driving machine", and this boast shows in every aspect of the car. The build quality is as good as you'll get, the engine is tight, powerful, and very quick and smooth, and the interior is both comfortable and classy.

Now let's talk about the engine and the driving experience, as let's face it, no matter HOW good a car looks, if it drives like the proverbial dog then you're not going to enjoy it very much!

Not much chance of this happening with a 5-series BMW. The car comes with all types and size of engine, from a bog-standard 1.8-litre petrol, right up to a monster of a 4.5-litre. Then, off course, you get the "oil-burners"; the diesel version that I purchased. This model is a 2.5-litre (2498cc) straight six cylinder diesel. (The current model has been upgraded to 3-litre diesel)

A word of advice here if you're actually thinking of buying a old version 525 diesel. The car comes with two different engines. The standard non-turbo (525TD) and the turbo version. (525TDS). Don't even consider the non-turbo version if you want a turn of speed. Compared to the

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