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For The BMW 5 Series 520d SE is a refined, comfortable and spacious – and considerably more economical to run than its direct competition.

Against Ride is suspect without the active ride and integral active steering options. Larger wheels than standard also impinge.

BMW 5 Series Touring

What Car? says

5 out of 5 stars

The BMW 5 Series 520d SE is an extremely good car, even in its standard form, but you have to pick the right dynamic chassis options to turn it into a great one.

What Car? readers say

4


Key facts

0–60mph
8.3 secs
Top speed
138 mph
Average mpg
57.6
Tank range
887 miles
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Features

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Size

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View the whole BMW 5 Series Touring range

Cheaper

More expensive

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The full BMW 5 Series review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

You buy a BMW estate as much for the way it drives as for its load-lugging abilities, which means you may want to explore the dynamic chassis options. You can add Variable Damper Control to four-cylinder models and Adaptive Drive to six-cylinder models, and we strongly recommend that you do. These options transform the car, making the ride more cosseting and the handling sharper.

Regardless, you’ll have no problem lumping heavy loads, as all Tourings come with self-leveling rear suspension.

Obviously, the more powerful petrol versions will deliver thrills, but there’s no need to punish yourself at the pumps when the 520d will deliver performance and economy.

Although it's powered by a relatively small 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, its 181bhp gives very decent performance; yet, take things easy and it'll return 55.4mpg.

If you're a company car driver, then the 520d's CO2 output of just 135g/km places it in a lowly company car tax bracket.

Reader test team says:

BMW 5 Series Touring 520d SE 5dr

I have owned this car from new in September 2011 completing 16000 miles. Optional extras purchased included auto box, xenon lights, comfort seats and…

Keith Bowran

5 out of 5 stars

BMW 5 Series Touring 520d SE 5dr

The Good. Well what a car it dose everything asked of it my commute is 246 miles to my office so I can easy cover 1000 miles a week and the car dose…

Nigel Savage

3 out of 5 stars

BMW 5 Series Touring 520d SE 5dr

I bought this car as a replacement for a 530d SE Touring of the last shape. It was the best car I've owned and a superb holiday car. My complaints…

Alan Vickery

5 out of 5 stars

BMW 5 Series Touring 520d SE 5dr

I purchased this car on the back of a favourable What Car review. I was looking to run an estate. My previous car was an E class saloon. The BMW…

Kevin Sykes

3 out of 5 stars
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