BMW 5-Series Saloon (2010 - 2017) 520d M Sport (Start Stop) (Business Med) 4d Step Auto (2012/62) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Affluent, businessman, bit of a snob i guess.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

They like it, and a few have said they've test-driven one since seeing mine and liked it a lot.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I'd buy another 5-series current model, but i'd get the 530D or 535D purely for a higher spec as standard (520d is very basic if you don't spec it up), and more engine power is a must if you do a lot of motorway driving.

What are you likely to buy next?

530d or 535d.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£29,950

When did you buy the car?

October 2013

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes, the price was ok considering it's high levels of additional equipment (ex-demo), and they did some minor bodywork repairs and wheel refurbishments on my old car for free before it went back to BMW.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Too many to list, it looks great, drives well and is perfect for the mileage i do each year.

What was the dealer like?

Perfect, very helpful and didn't pressure me at all. They made the whole transaction a pleasure, unlike others i have used in the past.

What's it like to drive?

A pleasure. Auto gearbox is seamlessly smooth, but is sometimes lazy when you suddenly want to accelerate and it has to think about what gear to use. 2.0ltr Diesel engine is good for general use and up to motorway speeds it's fine. But, it does lack top-end power, most notably when you try to accelerate hard and overtake someone on the motorway, it feels a bit limp and needs more power. I think next time i'd definitely go for the 3litre engine - Much better, and the mpg isn't much difference in the real world. Generally the whole car feels effortless to drive, it's smooth, very comfortable, practical and a very relaxing place to be behind the wheel.

What's it like to park?

It's big.......you'll notice it's a little longer than the average parking space, and it's almost as wide. I find myself having to try and find parking spaces away from everyone else or end up getting boxed-in and suffering from dents in the door from other cars. Parking sensors are a life-saver, both front and back. Without them i can imagine a lot of damaged bodywork. I've scraped the alloy wheels a few times, which is a new experience, having never damaged a wheel before on any other car. It does take some getting used to the sheer size of it.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing at all.

What's most practical about your car?

Auto gearbox without a doubt. Makes driving a pleasure, especially when in traffic. It's general comfort and how quiet it is makes long journeys effortless. Basically, all of it.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Everything about the media package/satnav is brilliant. Satnav keeps me updated on traffic issues, is accurate and works well. Media control is great for the iphone and even standard speakers sound pretty good. Heated steering wheel is great when you've been out and your hands are frozen. Trust me, well worth it! Powered bootlid is great, it really should be standard on the 5-series. Still shocked that the 5-series as standard isn't that highly spec'd up.