Item: Used BMW 5 Series Touring 2004 - 2010
Author: Steve Huntingford

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Estate

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

5 SERIES

The BMW 5 Series Touring is as practical as it is enjoyable - it's a classy estate, but dear to buy used.

Used BMW 5 Series Touring 2004 - 2010

The BMW 5 Series Touring is a desirable car, and holds on to its value well, so its second-hand prices are not exactly the most affordable. It's not especially cheap to run, either: most fuel-efficient is the 520d, which returns an official 46.3mpg average; the 525d manages 40.4mpg and the 535d, 34.4mpg.

Petrol versions will hit your wallet harder: best is the 523i at 32.5mpg, while the 525i returns 31.7mpg, the 530i averages 30.7mpg and the 550i returns a lowly 24.6mpg. However, whatever the official figures say, many <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMW</a> owners have reported a much poorer fuel economy for their own car.

Insurance costs are high, too, as are bills for maintenance and repairs; labour rates at BMW dealerships are among the highest around.

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The BMW 5 Series Touring is as practical as it is enjoyable - it's a classy estate, but dear to buy used.


Our favourite is the 525d SE. Its 177bhp diesel engine has more than enough punch to pull this estate, it's reasonably fuel-efficient and is generously equipped with cruise control, climate control, stability and traction control, a CD player, parking sensors and alloys.

The six-cylinder petrol engines - the 171bhp 523i, the 212bhp 525i and the 254bhp 530i - are all smooth and powerful, which makes the expensive 550i seem redundant.

Diesel buyers can also choose the 520d, the 530d and the 535d, and all offer plenty of pull even when the car is fully loaded. However, none has the same blend of power and economy as the 525d.

All 5 Series models get a six-speed manual gearbox; a six-speed automatic is optional, but fitted as standard on the 535d. Entry-level – and our preffered – trim is SE; M Sport models add a bodykit, unique alloys and part-leather seats, but we don't think they're worth the money.

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Huge boot and excellent practicality</li> <li>Plenty of interior space so you can carry passengers as well as luggage </li> <li>Strong engines to pull a heavily laden car</li> <li>Comfortable ride, especially on the motorway</li> <li>Low running costs for company car drivers</li></ul>

If you’re after bags of space but you don’t want to commit to the van-like dimensions and styling of an MPV, there are some great estate cars on offer that should do the job.

Tricks to look out for include an electric tailgate&nbsp;that opens automatically when you wave your foot under the rear bumper; this is&nbsp;particularly handy if you’re trying to load in a heavy or&nbsp;bulky item. You should also look for handles in the side of the boot itself that can drop down the rear seats; these are much more convenient than having to walk around the side of the car to do it.

There are some terrific estates at most price ranges. The humble Skoda Fabia Estate offers cavernous space for not much cash at all, for example.

Further up the price range, another of our perennial favourites is the Skoda Superb Estate;&nbsp;it’s great to drive and as practical as most people should ever need. Meanwhile, for serious mile-munching ability and a premium, well-finished interior, it’s hard to look beyond the BMW 5 Series Touring.

This genration of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/5-series/saloon/review/n63">BMW 5 Series</a> hasn't performed as well as its predecessor in customer satisfaction surveys, with disappointing results in the annual JD Power survey. Owners criticised the car's interior quality and reckoned mechanical reliability was merely average.

This version of the 5 Series is too new to appear on Warranty Direct's records, so we have no hard data on the car's mechanical reliability. However, we have heard of problems relating to the iDrive system – the rotary switch that allows the driver to control various in-car functions - and of run-flat tyres that lose pressure, so check both on any car you're interested in.

Given the complexity of the 5 Series' electrics, particularly the iDrive infotainment system, it's worth checking that the used car you're considering has been maintained and repaired by a BMW dealer - check the service history carefully. High-mileage cars can be a sound buy if they were on a company fleet, as they are likely to have been looked after carefully.

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Put simply, the BMW 5 Series Touring is one of the finest estates around, and not just because of its boot.

It's a great choice for keen drivers who need a practical load-lugger, providing agile handling, incredible poise and a range of strong, smooth engines. Every 5 Series Touring also has self-levelling rear suspension to ensure that heavy loads don't affect its road manners.

Drivers will be comfortable behind the wheel, thanks to a wide range of adjustment, and there's plenty of space for three in the back.

The well shaped boot is big, although the rear seats don't fold completely flat when you want to extend the load bay. Some cars are fitted with the optional electrically operated tailgate, which is a useful touch.

The interior looks and feels classy, and every car is luxuriously equipped. Yes, there are cheaper estates out there, but the 5 Series oozes prestige and is a delight to drive.

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Used BMW 5 Series Touring 2004 - 2010 review

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