We use cookies on whatcar.com to improve your browsing experience and to provide you with relevant content and advertising, by continuing to use our site you agree to this. Please see our privacy policy for more details. Continue

For 119g/km emissions put it in a very low tax bracket, so the BMW 5 Series 520d Efficient Dynamics is relatively cheap to run as a company car.

Against The economy-minded long gearing slightly impacts on the flexibility of the engine’s performance.

BMW 5 Series Saloon

What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

The BMW 520d Efficient Dynamics is the most cost-effective and desirable executive car on the market.

What Car? readers say

4.6


Key facts

0–60mph
8.2 secs
Top speed
144 mph
Average mpg
62.8
Tank range
967 miles
See all running costs

View the whole BMW 5 Series Saloon range

Read in full

The full BMW 5 Series review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

Enthusiasts will argue that you buy a BMW for its driving prowess, which means a powerful engine is essential.

The 535i, 550i and the mighty M5 will deliver all the thrills you need, but the Five will mainly be bought by pragmatists rather than enthusiasts – that’s why the incredible 520d ED is the best option.

The relatively small diesel engine will average almost 63mpg, and if you're a company car driver, the CO2 output of just 119g/km places the car in a low tax bracket. The fact is, though, that every engine in the range is among the most efficient of its type.

One more thing – on SE and M Sport versions, the standard suspension gives a lumpy ride and disappointing handling. We’d recommend adding some options, although they’re a bit pricey. Four-cylinder models and the Hybrid can be had with Variable Damper Control, while the remaining six-cylinder cars can be had with the all-singing Adaptive Drive system. In both cases, they’re money well spent.

Reader test team says:

BMW 5 Series Saloon 535d SE 4dr

I'm now 2 months into my 535d ownership and it has been a delightful experience so far. Having previously run a 3 series coupe on 19 inch wheels and…

Marc Saunders

5 out of 5 stars

BMW 5 Series Saloon 520d SE 4dr

520d SE with Sport auto box. Have a few extras on car but have listed the ones that transform this car first. Read the reviews carefully, the press…

Max Halliwell

5 out of 5 stars

BMW 5 Series Saloon 523i SE 4dr

The car looks great, the interior is nice and the toys are good. The iDrive works well as do most of the electronics. My car is an 525 SE (3.0) with…

David Thorne

2 out of 5 stars

BMW 5 Series Saloon 520d SE 4dr

The 5 series looks and is very special. The body is beautiful from any angle and the interior exudes class. On the move the cabin is quiet and very…

Richard Bramwell

5 out of 5 stars
Post a reader review for your car View all reader reviews

5 Series rivals

5 Series used car reviews