USED BMW 5 Series Touring (03 - 11)

My car

It was this, a run-out 520 m sport business edition automatic or a Volvo V70 SE lux auto. The V70 was a lot better than I expected, very comfortable with lots of bells and whistles, but the Bee Emm was the nicer place to spend time in. The ride was smoother, quieter and the engine far more responsive.

My wife has problems with the passenger seat. It got sorted by a lumbar support which cost £4.99, but it looks so uncool.....

I am a musician so listening to music that sounds right is important on a long journey. The sound is very satisfactory, a little thick in the bass, but nice clean top and middle. The CD changer is a little annoying, resetting itself to play the current disc over and over unless you tell it to play them all.

The sat nav is a bit naff on the business edition, but it works. No jokey voices a la tom tom, just a posh English lady telling you to prepayah to tarn left.

But how many cars do you get a twinge of regret with after driving 250 miles on Scottish roads because you're nearly there? For me that's a first.

My car

Hi there,

I bought a 520d SE touring for my growing family and am thrilled with my choice.

I previously owned a Seat Leon Cupra mark 1 for a few years (1.8T, 180 bhp), so I was a bit apprehensive about losing the sportiness and handling, but needed the extra space and better fuel economy as I do about 15k miles a year. This is why I chose the 5 series touring as it was the best compromise I could find.

I miss the responsiveness of the Leon, there's no getting away from it. But what this car does well though is to give a very comfortable ride at high speed and with great economy. It eats miles and will spend all day on the autobarn at 85 mph, 2500rpm and around 50 mpg. The ride is much better than the Leon, but you would expect that having gone from a sporty to an executive car. It's no way near as responsive and you have to work the gearbox, but I'm not sure how bothered I am about that now that as I'm just getting to work or taking the family out. If I was that bothered I'd get a petrol version or the 530d, or even get the ECU remapped. Must be getting old! The economy is incredible, and it doesn't matter much whether I do 70 or 80, it's still about 50-55 mpg. My comute (25 miles through London traffic then the M1) is quicker in the BMW as I don't have to worry about fuel economy, now 45 MPG instead of 30. The (vast) cabin is great quality, things in the obvious place. SE spec is pefectly suitable for me. Boot is huge, should be enough for most.

My car

I'll get the good stuff out of the way first. Love the looks, comfort seats, space, performance and handling. I love the car when it's going.

BUT...

I expected much better reliability. I've had ongoing problems with water leaking into the boot (this has now left me with a £650 bill, even with BMW paying for all parts and half the labour). Two glass hatch microswitch failures, very creaky sunroof, poorly fitting tailgate, bonnet release broken off and some very odd rear tyre wear patterns. None of this seems acceptable on a £45000 car in my opinion.

I would have loved to get a new 5 estate, but I'll be moving on to a Jaguar XF as soon as possible now.

My car

I have recently p-ex'd my 325i SE touring for a 2009 520d SE touring (one of the last of the e61's). I can honestly say it is a real step up in terms of driving pleasure. The most striking difference is the way the 5 Series despatches the miles - it is extremely quiet and superbly comfortable and has a good performance, with plenty of torque when you need it. There is loads of space inside for both passengers and luggage. Everything about the car shouts quality and I'm getting over 45mpg - very good for an auto box! Unlike my 3 Series, the run-flat tyres (Goodyear NCT) do not exhibit the tram-lining I suffered with the 325 - I'm delighted and always look forward to climbing aboard and driving it at every opportunity.