BMW 5 Series

530d Quality shows

2008 (08)

BMW have an enviable reputation when it comes to their cars so I was interested to know if the car could live up to the hype.

If your attention span doesn't last too well, the answer is yes.

So to the detail... The drive is superb. I bought the diesel as I wanted the mid range torque as to me the power to over-take is far more important than the 0-60.

I was concerned this being my first diesel that the engine noise would be a real issue. You can hear it when first starting but it's barely noticeable and certainly not once moving. Being a diesel the economy is good (for a three litre engine) even when pushed hard.

In terms of reliability, I have had a few minor niggles but nothing major.

They aren't cheap cars but they do offer good value. I used an online site to get the best price and then used that to negotiate with the local dealer as I preferred to have the local contact in case of problems.

Mr R Goodgroves

The everywhere car

2000 (W)

The 5 series was always a class leader and the 523SE Auto, finished in black with leather interior is the secondhand bargain of the century.

Having a service history helps, but the quiet good looks, discrete performance and a good for its class economy transfer this executive new company car into a fabulous pre-owned family car.

Equally at home ferrying teenagers as the family taxi as to polished up outside your favourite club, one wonders why people ever pay more than £5k for their daily transport.

Mr C Orr