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Overall reader verdict 4 out of 5 stars

  • What's it like to drive
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Running costs
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Quality, practicality and equipment
    3 out of 5 stars

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60 reader reviews for BMW 5 Series Touring.

  • 525d SE 5dr

    Ken Campbell Date: 11/02/2005
    • Overall verdict
      4 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      2 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      5 out of 5 stars

    My car

    The car looks and drives very well appart from the rough ride on uneven roads thanks to the run-flat tyres. I am disappointed in the fuel consumption which has averaged out at 28mpg over 2938 miles of mixed driving. This compares poorly with 32-34mpg achieved by my previous 525d saloon over identical journeys - and we were told that the new car was lighter and fitted with a more fuel efficient engine ! I also have problems with the auto headlights which most of the time do not recognise daylight. I am also unable to vary the interval of the rear wiper sweep.

  • 525i Sport 5dr

    Neil Fryman , Gtr. Manchester . Date: 11/02/2005
    • Overall verdict
      4 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      5 out of 5 stars

    My car

    My 525i SE Tourer is a good spec ex-demo with great ride but three faults:

    (1) drums rust easily and BMW said nothing can be done

    (2) rear glass window-lock mechanism had to be replaced under warranty

    (3) can't get hang of self-cancelling indicators.

  • 535d M Sport 5dr

    Robin Webb , Berks . Date: 23/01/2005
    • Overall verdict
      5 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      5 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      4 out of 5 stars

    My car

    A brilliant car, can't fault it other than i-drive which will take some getting used to. I have ordered a 535d sport. Will let you know how I get on.

  • 525d SE 5dr

    Steve Jones Date: 04/01/2005
    • Overall verdict
      2 out of 5 stars
    • What's it like to drive
      4 out of 5 stars
    • Running costs
      3 out of 5 stars
    • Quality, practicality and equipment
      2 out of 5 stars

    My car

    I have covered 21,500 kms in my German registered 525dSE auto Touring. Since August it has had 13 days in the BMW garage.

    It's a great car when it works but, the Run Flat Tyres are extremely harsh and can tramline on motorways (very dangerous in narrow contraflows).

    I average 29mpg (poor for a diesel), and this drops as low at 19mpg on fast autobahn. Performance is very good (lacks 3.0d power around 90 10 110 mph) with 130mph easy cruising speeds. It's also very quiet, even at higher speeds.

    Biggest problems are electrics. I have had problems with Navigation, CD, radio, auto headlights, rear wiper, rear electric parcel shelf, rear heated seat. I have also had new rear tailgate struts and problems with all four doors squeaking (badly) when on anything except smooth road.

    I-Drive is OK when you get used to it but the top-range navigation system is very often slow to respond (and not just in the cold).

    So, in summary: not as good as my last BMW used to be. Too many problems for a 10K car, never mind one costing 40K (GBP).

    BMW are trying hard to solve the problems but...

    A great engine and good looks cannot make up for the appaling quality. Maybe it is the 'new model' teething problems. Let's hope so.

BMW 5 Series Touring

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