BMW 5 Series 525i

I purchased a BMW 525i M Sport Auto, 10 months old, 3k miles, for less then half the Brand new price and from a BMW main dealer, in what I think is the best colour combo of deep sea blue and biege sport leather. I'm averaging 28MPG, nearly 37 on a long cruise. Driven in isolation the 5 series is fantastic, only when compared back to back with the jag XF do you feel that the 5 could perhaps do with a better ride and a quicker gearbox. The car is ultra quiet and the engine smooth and moderately powerful. Only the sometimes choppy ride detracts from an otherwise suberb car.

The BMW 525i has excellent handling for a large car. Despite what an earlier reviewer said, there isn't that much body roll for an executive saloon - especially in the m-sport guise. It certainly handles much better than the equivalent Lexus or Mercedes.

It still looks well despite its age, but I would try and get the M-Sport trim as it looks a little fresher (plus suspension is sportier).

The automatic gearbox is excellent. Sport mode and kick-down more than make up for any perceived lack of control over the gears.

Overall, this is an excellent car. Pretty much the perfect balance between comfort and sportiness. I will find it very hard to go back to a manual, as this is just a great automatic car to drive. Find a good independent mechanic - it needs specialist attention, but don't pay BMW dealer prices. I can't see beyond another E39 as my next car, it's a brilliant all-rounder.

I have driven this car for 4 months and I love the smooth ride. It can take you from A to B without you feeling that you have been stuck in a cage for 3-4 hours.

The performance is great in a straight line, but expect body roll around corners, as this is a big car. I was lucky to find a SE model with full leather interior with 63K on the clock. Always buy with a full service history.

Things to watch for:

Water pump has a plastic propeller, needs changing to a modern version.

Main beam adjusters cause faulty diagnostic readings on the computer ie. brake light out, tail light out etc. Simply disconnect the adjusters.

If you are thinking of buying a E34 make sure it has the M50 engine and a full service history, you wont regret it!

BMW 5 Series 525i Saloon is a great drive. A real driver's car. Sit behind the wheel and you just want to drive and drive.

However, silly run flat tyres are standard on 17" wheels. A real let down. They are uncomfortable and noisy. A 525i on normal tyres is a much much better drive.

If you are going for one, don't let BMW rip you off with run flat tyres. Insist on normal tyres for your new great car!