What does it cost?
For The turbodiesel engine is strong, smooth and efficient, while the sumptuously trimmed, smartly styled cabin makes you feel special every time you get in. Refinement is top-notch, too.
Against The M Sport version isn’t as comfortable or as fun to drive as it should be. Variable Damper Control sorts this out, but it costs a lot extra and makes choosing the sportier, more expensive M Sport trim pointless.
What Car? says
No other executive car can rival the 520d for refinement, quality or efficiency. Adding Variable Damper Control makes it great to drive, too, but be warned - it’s not nearly as good without. We’d settle for SE trim.
What Car? readers say
4.75
View the whole BMW 5 Series Saloon range
Cheaper
- Saloon 520d SE 4dr - £30,030
- Saloon 520d Efficient Dynamics 4dr - £30,435
- Saloon 520i SE 4dr - £31,195
- Saloon 520d M Sport 4dr - £33,330
- Saloon 528i SE 4dr - £33,615
- Saloon 520i M Sport 4dr - £34,495
- Saloon 525d SE 4dr - £35,140
- Saloon 530i SE 4dr - £35,405
- Saloon 528i M Sport 4dr - £36,915
- Saloon 525d M Sport 4dr - £38,440
- Saloon 530i M Sport 4dr - £38,705
- Saloon 530d SE 4dr - £38,785
- Saloon 535i SE S/S 4dr - £38,955
- Saloon 530d M Sport 4dr - £42,120
- Saloon 535i M Sport S/S 4dr - £42,255
- Saloon 535d SE 4dr - £44,295
- Saloon 530 ActiveHybrid 5 4dr - £46,885
- Saloon 535d M Sport 4dr - £47,595
- Saloon 550i SE 4dr - £53,105
- Saloon 550i M Sport 4dr - £55,915
More expensive
- Saloon 520d SE 4dr - £30,030
- Saloon 520d Efficient Dynamics 4dr - £30,435
- Saloon 520i SE 4dr - £31,195
- Saloon 520d M Sport 4dr - £33,330
- Saloon 528i SE 4dr - £33,615
- Saloon 520i M Sport 4dr - £34,495
- Saloon 525d SE 4dr - £35,140
- Saloon 530i SE 4dr - £35,405
- Saloon 528i M Sport 4dr - £36,915
- Saloon 525d M Sport 4dr - £38,440
- Saloon 530i M Sport 4dr - £38,705
- Saloon 530d SE 4dr - £38,785
- Saloon 535i SE S/S 4dr - £38,955
- Saloon 530d M Sport 4dr - £42,120
- Saloon 535i M Sport S/S 4dr - £42,255
- Saloon 535d SE 4dr - £44,295
- Saloon 530 ActiveHybrid 5 4dr - £46,885
- Saloon 535d M Sport 4dr - £47,595
- Saloon 550i SE 4dr - £53,105
- Saloon 550i M Sport 4dr - £55,915
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 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…
5
out of 5 stars
BMW 5 Series Saloon 530d SE 4dr
I recently bought this car after owning a 320d SE for 4 years. This car is a quantum leap forward in terms of refinement, ride quality and feel good…
5
out of 5 stars
BMW 5 Series Saloon 520d SE 4dr
520d SE 4dr sports auto with VDC. Only had the car 1 week, here are my first impressions. Positives: Incredibly refined car, smooth delivery of power…
4
out of 5 stars
BMW 5 Series Saloon 535d SE 4dr
After 5 months/11,000 miles I`m delighted with my 535d. The new F10 model is smoother and more sophisticated than the previous E60, with even better…
5
out of 5 stars
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Our pick of the range
BMW 5 Series Saloon 520d SE 4dr
No other executive car can rival the 520d for refinement, quality or efficiency. Adding Variable Damper Control makes it great to drive, too, but be warned - it’s not nearly as good without.
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