BMW 5-Series Touring (2010 - 2017) 520d (190bhp) SE 5d Step Auto Owner Review

Having swapped from a Mercedes E class diesel estate to BMW 5 series diesel estate, here are my personal comparison observations. The BMW has a much quieter engine at tick over, both seem very similar when at driving speed. Although the E class is slightly bigger, it seems smaller when driving and parking., the BMW being more awkward to manoeuvre, due to not being so aware of it’s extremities even using the reverse camera. The BMW has a definite edge on economy. The BMW idrive is very good, but takes a long time to learn. The Mercedes command has less information available, but is much quicker to learn. The Mercedes maps are easier to read (more similar to ordinance maps) but they don’t accept full post codes, where as the BMW does. Brakes are very good on both cars. My BMW has adjustable suspension, but can’t quite match the smooth ride of the Mercedes, even on comfort + settings; I think this is probably more to do with the run flat tyres. In sport setting it is well ahead of the Mercedes in handling. Servicing intervals are shorter on the Mercedes, servicing costs are very similar. I find it harder to keep the BMW at a constant speed on motorways and need to keep glancing at the speedo, the Mercedes seems to maintain it’s speed more easily. Both auto gear boxes are excellent, although the paddle changes on the Mercedes are lazy compared to the BMW. The Mercedes front seats have lumber support standard, but it is an option on the BMW. On the Mercedes, the front parking sensors are always on, but on the BMW they need to be switched on, for instance going into a parking space forwards. A nice touch on the Mercedes is that the reverse distance indicators are mounted in the rear roof and are visible in the rear view mirror, where as they are dash mounted on the BMW. The next time I change my car, it will be a very hard decision between the two Models.