USED BMW 5 Series Saloon (03 - )

The Five is so neat and nimble to drive that it seems to shrink around you. Sharp steering, an easy, well weighted gearshift and strong brakes make it easy to drive, whether you're pressing on or taking it slow.

The engines, too, match your mood: sporty if you work them hard, but quiet when you don't. All had the option of a six-speed manual or auto 'box when new. The ride feels taut but rarely harsh on SE models, although Sport models thump across potholes, thanks to their stiffer settings. Most road noise stays outside where it belongs.

The comfortable cabin looks and feels special, and both the driver's seat and steering wheel adjust for a good driving position. There's ample room for five adults and the boot is cavernous.

The iDrive system takes care of the stereo, heater, phone connection and other controls, all directed via a big silver dial and a screen. It's not that easy to use, though, and may be enough to put some people off the car.

The car's basic engineering is so good that you don't need to shell out for a high-end model. The entry-level 523i SE has a sweet, powerful engine and the 525i SE has just enough extra power to really make the most of the superb chassis.

Anything bigger and your cash is wasted, although the high-performance 500bhp M5 is the exception: it sits in a niche where ordinary rules don’t apply.

There are four diesels, all decent, but again the lower-end 520d and 525d do the job best. Choose any with manual or auto gearbox – either is good.

SE and Sport trims are available. Both are loaded with equipment, but many first owners also spent plenty on options, so shop around for your preferred specification.

Sport models look great, but their big drawback is stiffer ride settings, which, coupled with big alloys and low-profile tyres, ruin the fine ride other models deliver. As a result, we think SE is the way to go.

A 5 Series is never cheap, but running costs are within bounds and a well-kept model is always going to resell quickly for a good price.

Servicing and parts for six-cylinder models are way cheaper than for the bigger-engined cars. Servicing intervals are determined by the car's electronics and by how and where you drive.

Dealer prices are steep, although most offer a good discount once your car is four years old. Otherwise, use a reputable non-franchised specialist.

Fives are reliable and should, if serviced correctly, run to six-figure mileages without needing a complete overhaul.

Insurance is costly, however, running from group 15 for the 520d up to 17 for the petrol 525i and 20 for V8 models. Expect up to 47mpg from the 520d, 30mpg average from the 525i, but the M5 returns a wallet-threatening 10mpg in town.

Body panel repairs can be expensive and slow, so insist on a big discount before buying any damaged car.

Check the iDrive system, too, as it can play up nastily, particularly in early cars, rendering heating, stereo and phone controls useless. There are some cases where the system refuses to work on cold mornings until car has been driven for 20 minutes and is fully warmed. Models from 2005 onwards are more reliable, though.

Run-flat tyres fitted to some models wear rapidly and suffer leaks. Conventional replacements are cheaper, keep their pressure and ride better.

Engine and transmissions on older 5 Series have proved their ability to withstand the miles and this generation of the car should prove as good.

BMW has issued a string of recalls on the car, covering the airbag, fuel pump, stability system, clutch, engine and even a seat heater that can 'toast' its occupant. Check your car against a main dealer's records, which should list any work needed.