BMW 5-Series Touring (2010 - 2017) 530d SE (Professional Media) 5d Step Auto (2010/60) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Very little. I think the car has a classy and very understated styling. One which does not draw attention to itself. This has been evidenced by having no scratches imposed on the bodywork despite being parked on the street. My Porsche was nearly destroyed by various acts of vandalism when parked in the same place.
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Extremely competent. Unnecessary. Too big for my general needs. They wonder when I'll change it for a Porsche again!
Would you buy this car again and why?
In a sense I already have - I traded the 530d in for an almost identical 535d estate late last summer from the same dealer. That's a pretty compelling recommendation!
What are you likely to buy next?
Erm, I already have done so in getting a 535d. Next time I may go a bit mad and consider an Audi RS6 or another Porsche. But that will be at least 3 years hence.
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Franchised
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£37,000
When did you buy the car?
July 2011
Did you get a good deal and why?
Excellent deal. The car was a BMW management vehicle with full model launch specification and had less than 2,000 recorded miles. In addition, a good value was offered against my car and the BMW was well discounted.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
Wanted to off load a Porsche 911 and regarded BMW engines as the best of the mass market. Also, the 5 series was not long a new model (2010) so should remain current for considerable period.
What was the dealer like?
Excellent.
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Despite being such a long car, it's very easy to drive in town and on the motorway. The 3.0 diesel engine is a great match for the 8 speed auto and the adaptive suspension converts it into a very soft, comfortable vehicle on long journeys. Sound levels are remarkably low, helped by the tall gearing and fuel economy is unbelievable for such a large, heavy vehicle. The powerful torquey engine requires no downshifts for hills when in 8th gear unless you are going less than 60-65mph at which point the engine is only turning over a little above 1,000 rpm. Really is an astonishing power unit.
What's it like to park?
A doddle other than in shopping centre car parks where width and physical length can make it feel extra large for a medium fit! The car has an amazing camera system and auto park mode which provides you with a helicopter view of the car and it steers itself into a parking space. Incredible stuff.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
The car sits parked on the road and is not used during most weeks. Despite this, not a single thing has gone wrong with it. Astonishing when you consider the number of optional extras it came fitted with.
What's most practical about your car?
Many aspects. Perhaps the best is the flexible design of the boot space with extremely easy seat folding, auto retracting boot cover, split bootlid with opening rear window and electronic operation of main bootlid.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
Sunroof, rear parking camera, sports auto flappy paddles, oddly the soft close doors are fantastic.
