BMW 5-Series Touring (2003 - 2010) 535d M Sport 5d Auto (07) (2008/58) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder but for those who appreciate well-built cars, it oozes style. Certainly it is a driver’s car but my wife also loves driving it.

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

Envious as they only have 320d tax efficient company cars.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes. For the same reasons I bought it the first time; style, safety, and performance with economy.

What are you likely to buy next?

A VW Golf GTD - but in ten years time when I am 60.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£35,500

When did you buy the car?

August 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

Reasonable, given the tail-end of the credit crisis; got a third off the new price of nine months ago.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

A car which is all things; the hot hatch, the daily family car and the holiday tourer - all with good economy and masses of style.

What was the dealer like?

Very disappointing considering this is a prestige marque. They were nice guys but totally useless. I bought the space saver spare wheel as part of the deal and they did not know how to fit it! I had to read the owner's manual to show them what to do. Also, the car was not properly valeted and I had to clean some of the interior when I got the car home. Finally, some interior trim was missing as well as the bonnet badge being scratched so I had to get them to send me these items in a Jiffy bag so that I could install them myself. I question how well the car was checked in the workshop before I took ownership. A sad case of a great product being let down by a poor 'front office' interface.

What's it like to drive?

Being the Motorsport version it feels every bump on the side roads of Bristol but it is not harsh. On the motorway it holds the road like a magnet and there is no sense of fear when doing 90 in the fast lane with a long curve to the left and a negative camber. The cruise control is great and the hills are effortless either with the cruise control or without. I have never been a fan of automatics but this has changed my opinion.

What's it like to park?

It is an estate so you cannot get into every place. The park distance control (PDC) helps but the sensors are too sensitive, i.e. the red light and the continuous tone starts when you are one foot from the obstruction. However, it is better to have PDC than not to have it.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing yet but I have only had the car for three weeks. I am not expecting anything!

What's most practical about your car?

It is an estate; suits my domestic situation with kids.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Air conditioning; my previous car did not have this.