USED BMW 5 Series Saloon (03 - 11)

My car

I have 2008 520D and the 177bhp version of the 2.0 litre diesel is very well powered providing a smooth companion for the electronic gearbox. Working with a limited budget choosing from a wide array of options was not an easy task. In the end I took the Dakota leather (£1,315) with the lumbar support (£250) in the drivers seat. With a silver exterior, the dark grey leather sits nicely alongside the standard dashboard trim, no need to pay extra for aluminium or wood! I would have loved to go for the top end HiFi option but settled for the standard HiFi loudspeaker upgrade at (£370) with the DAB stereo option (£280). I am not a complete audiophile but I am fussy when it comes to sound in the car and I am delighted that this combination works so well. The DAB picks up signal very well so far despite reports to the contrary and can recommend DAB especially for fellow football and cricket fans tired of having to make do with LW/MW broadcasts that disappear in tunnels and near pylons. However, you do still get the benefit of LW/MW/FM functions to fall back on should you miss the hiss and crackle. A nice surprise as I didn’t realise this before ordering. Best option by far is the USB interface (£205) I chose instead of the CD changer. So glad I did, I now have an 8GB memory stick inserted in the socket in the armrest and the iDrive simply displays all of the tracks by artist, genre etc…. in essence a fully functioning jukebox. If you opt for nothing else then at least go for this!

My car

Bought the car from Stratstone Doncaster,highly reccommended, who were a real pleasure to deal with after being given the 'snob' treatment by a few other BMW dealers. Can't really fault the car. Had it since September 07 and commute 150 miles 3 days a week, partly country roads but the bulk being on the motorway. The car is great to drive on both. Took a trip up to Scotland in November - 425 miles and have never felt so refreshed after such a long journey. The economy, based on having the cruise control on at around 70mph on the motorway, comes out at around 50mpg, which for big salooned auto is quite good and around 700 miles to be had from a full tank. Another plus is that it only needs servicing around every 22000 miles. No issues with the idrive once you get the hang of it. Didn't wait for the upgraded engine but understand that there is little to be gained in economy from the auto anyway, and there's more tham enough power from the 161bhp engine. Looking forward to the new shape coming out in just over a years time and will be back at Stratstone's in the hope of another good deal.

My car

Had the 535D M sport for a year now and 20K miles. What can I say it just gets faster and faster as the engine wears in. Handling is superb although it does have a tendancy to tramline , DTC off is not for the feint hearted though.

Mid range grunt is what this car is about and it has it in spades just where you want it for overtaking.

Trim level/fit is very good touch wood none of the rattles others have experienced yet.

I-Drive is simple to use and the voice command system one of the best on the market. Its reply of aption currently not fitted but please contact your BMW dealer who can arrange for it when asked to perform certain riske services a constant source of amusement for M8's.

Only 2 main annoying parts, the bluetooth is useless unless using an ancient handset and 530D drivers arguing that their car is just the same. I reccomend you let them drive the 535D and shut them up forever there is just no comparison in performance at all.

My car

I have 65,000 miles on the clock of my 525d and had 120,000 on my 525i when I sold it. Great car, roomy and comfortable, reasonably economical and we've never managed to fill the boot.

With over 100,000 miles on a 323i previously we are over 250,000 in BMWs. And so far the non-routine servicing has been limited to four discs.

But I am still dissatisfied. Why? We live in a rural area and need more traction to get out over the even slight snow and ice that affects us for some 4 weeks a year. So my wife has a Toyota RAV4 purely for those weeks.

My frustration is that BMW actually make the car I want - the 530Xd (or perhaps the 525Xd). They just don't make it right-hand drive.

So I have sat in the Audi A6 and the A8. Not inspired by the cabin and with my long back but shortish legs, cramped for headroom in the back.

If you can find someone who will convert an LHD 530Xd to right-hand drive let me know, I will buy it. With the ability to come down to one car, the funds are there to pay for what will undoubtedly be an over-the-top price.

Why not buy an X5 you ask? Ride, comfort, economy and gross styling all mitigate against the American BMW. I want saloon comfort and style but with better traction. It's a shame BMW ain't supplying it.