BMW 5-Series Touring (2003 - 2010) 520d M Sport 5d (2005/55) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Growing up gracefully, but hasn't given up on striving for style with substance. Discerning person who knows their cars.

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

Everyone LOVES it. My wife adores it. My brother wants one too. The neighbours turned green with envy.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Definitely. Does everything I want it to: fast, comfortable, stylish, solid, safe, very practical.

What are you likely to buy next?

Only other car I'd consider would be an Audi A6 estate (Merc's are tacky, don't you think?) but it'd take a lot to tempt me away from another one of these.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£22,000

When did you buy the car?

November 2007

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes, I got a god deal. I was given an excellent part-exchange value on my previous car (a Saab 9-3 convertible). I knew what I was talking about having researched heavily and I gathered that dealership had overstocked on used cars and they were really keen to shift some metal.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Growing family.

What was the dealer like?

Excellent. Very polite and friendly, helpful and reasonably knowledgable. Low pressure sales technique. I've already recommended the dealer to a friend.

What's it like to drive?

A real pleasure to drive. The ride is very firm, but I like that - it deals with imperfections in the road with composure. The engine has plenty of power throughout the gears - comes into its own on the motorway. A very reassuring, stable presence on the road.

What's it like to park?

As mentioned above: made easy by the thoughtful gadgets - auto-dip wing mirror and parking sensors.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing has gone wrong, though I haven't had the car very long yet (a month!). I don't want to speak too soon but it feels extremely well made and solid.

What's most practical about your car?

The boot's very big and the car has a very spacious feel all round. The 2.0l diesel engine is as efficient as my wife's diesel Golf but a great deal more muscular.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Several: electrically adjustable and heated front seats. The way the passenger wingmirror automatically dips when reversing to park, combined with the front and rear parking sensors, make parking this large car a complete doddle. Why would anyone ever order this car without leather? The privacy glass and 18" M wheels make the car look as cool as can be.