BMW 520 reviews

The first top end car I've owned for years I was impressed with the reviews used cars of this type seemed to be getting. Firstly I was bamboozled by the push button auto handbrake and now I've managed to do a sort of mental checklist for getting it to work consistently. I wouldn't want a pull handbrake in this car would clutter up the centre console. The fuel economy figures - well I wouldn't take a bet on the published figures being even occasionally attainable but even on the urban journeys I'm getting over 40mpg. The turbo lag is quite noticeable but I'm not complaining it will still give you that warm push against the back of your seat with the revs not climbing much above 3000rpm -enough to get you into and out of trouble in most driving situations. The speed limiter excellent for long stretches of 50mph motorway driving and two clicks of the button removes the limit. I'm not a cruise control user - though it functions well on this car. It is astonishingly comfortable but try and take a few minutes with the stationary car to adjust the seat for yourself. Changing whilst driving not easy with the seat buttons positioned where they are, once they are right the comfort over a long drive is excellent. They are longer than you expect and the average Tesco parking slot can barely cope with the length. Even shunted right up against the car in front the car still sticks its rear end into the traffic lane tempting a pat on the bum from passing car park users. The parking sensors well up to the job of taking the guesswork [or binoculars] you'll otherwise need to prevent the odd scuff. Multi storey car parking is very challenging and the high kerbs can [and have] put scuff marks on the plastic sill - I now avoid multi storey parking and expensive bod repair bills! Overall I'm really pleased with my small leap of faith here. The car is rewarding to drive, seemingly reliable for everyday motoring and a possible keeper for me who is a change junkie when it comes to cars. Happy driving and may you still cling to your wallet if anything does go wrong!

This car is very well built and extremely well equipped being an ex Olympic car. The 2 litre diesel is plenty quick enough even without using sport mode. Extremely comfortable for long distance cruising with lots of cabin space. So far fuel consumption around 49.3 mpg after 4500 miles - the car had only done 68 miles when purchased at 15 months old so it may not be fully run in yet . My last car was a 320ED which averaged 55 mpg over 90k miles but that was a company car and not driven gently. Overall very delighted with the car with only one very minor niggle - the one ( I can only find one) cup holder in the front is difficult to use compared to the ones in the 3 series I had before - I debated whether to mention it but had to find one point to raise. Best car I have had combining economy with comfort and presence on the road.

I have a BMW E28 518i which I purchased just over a year ago, I use this car for most of my journeys to and from my office and at weekends. I have been gradually adding period modifications to the car over the time that I have owned it. It was a standard model when I purchased it, I have added a on board computer, leather interior, newer imperial alloy wheels and tyres, Bluetooth compatible sound system, modern light bulbs and wipers. This car whilst looking like a period car is able to operate with most of todays creature comforts and modifications whilst retaining it's look from my early adult life. I have had a couple of classic BMW's now and still prefer to drive these as opposed to my company car (Audi A4 Avant) or my wife's car (Range Rover Evoque).

First time I have owned a BMW after a lifetime of "lesser" manufacturers... But I can certainly understand why they are so popular. My car is pure class... Loaded with extras and the only downside is that I now sulk when I have to drive my wife's Mazda! The one drawback with the 5 series saloon is that for a large car it seems very short on space. It is very uncomfortable for an adult passenger in the middle rear seat, and impossible to get my son's Tuba into the boot because of quite a small aperture. The trouble is though that the saloon looks so much nicer than the estate...so a bit of a trade off between something that is more aesthetically pleasing and maybe something slightly more practical...

the BMW 520 D is powerful in short and long distance driving. I drove it 2,200 miles to the south of France and back recently and on auto cruise at 80 mph I got 45 miles to the gallon. The boot is massive. It is a true five seater. The seats are very comfortable and it has wonderful smooth driving abilities. the comfort of the controls are spot on plus digital radio is a big plus, retracting wingmirrors upon parking, soft close doors and boot. The electric sunshine roof is wonderful and of course the seat warmers are perfect for the winter or summer as I have a bad back and the warmth of the seat helps. The car is most reliable. it is the ultimate driving machine

The car is next to useless in any snow, with it being rear wheel drive. But otherwise I can't fault it. Its very comfortable, has a great driving position and has all mod cons. The boots easily fits a full sized pushchair and all the other luggage necessary for a 2 week trip to France. Its totally reliable and has been over to France 3 times and Northern Irelend 4 times, all without issue. I've changed the fun flats to regular tyres as run flats are a rip off at around £200 a corner and they can't be repaired if you puncture one. I will definitely be having another 520D, overall its an excellent car and I prefer it to my last 3 series.

I bought this car as a small engined cheap to run car with good carrying capacity It was a cancelled order and I did not choose the specification I was surprised at how smooth the engine was how fast it was, especially when driven by my son, and how amazingly economical it was On a long run I regularly get 65mpg. There is plenty of room for my grown up children and always room for an extra piece of luggage in the boot The car has a long overhang and I rely on the sensors to judge distances I find it easier to reverse into parking spaces as the mirrors make it easier The car has been utterly reliable

Old but good looking, comfortable and reliable. Very easy to drive on fast roads and for long periods of driving - very good stability and road holding. Steering rather heavy on turning on short trips at slower speeds but this is made up for by the steadiness of the steering at speed. Occasional problem with rear light/stop light bulbs failing. Map pockets on back of front seats have come unstuck with wear. Otherwise a great old car, but probably requiring a change in the New Year.

I have had this car for over 9 years and its comfortable, reliable, great handling but now with higher fuel prices, I am finding the fuel consumption a bit more expensive, hence my desire to change it for its diesel equivalent as this model is now such a classic and sort after by BMW enthusiast. Great all round car, providing you maintain it properly and by a trained BMW mechanic. Happy Motoring Chaps

My BMW is nearing the 200,000 mile mark and despite the occasional repair (new rad, thermostat & such like)it is still a great and reliable runner. Providing you can find a good local and reasonably priced repair garage it pays to have your vehicle serviced regularly. Much better than paying the extortionate rates main dealers charge.

First brand new car we have ever bought. Love it. Stylish, comfortable and just enough gadgets (not too many). Have to account for the cost of using BMW authorised dealers when new due to warranty, they are expensive for the smallest items. Boot is huge. Beware run flat tyres, expensive to replace and not sure they are needed or better.

I have only had this car 3 months (it was a demonstrator) and am very pleased with it. The only niggle is that you have to concentrate hard when driving on the motorway as it is inclined to wander off the desired path. I haven't yet managed to find out what the problem is, but will pursue this when I have time.

We have had since new. No problems. Very spacious and comfortable. Easy to drive. Need to factor in regular maintenance but BMW charges for service items is high so we no longer use them. Have to regularly change oil and brake shoes/pads regardless of mileage so can be annoying when alarm goes off.

Great value, high specification car - ideally suited for long motorway journeys. Positives - comfort, boot size, built-in navigation is standard, relatively low running costs, fuel economy / performance balance Negatives - cost of run-flat tyres, light colour leather seat difficult to keep clean!

This is my 2nd Tourer and I find it comfortable, practical very reliable and just a joy to drive. Whether it be commuting to work, taking my young son to Triathlon event or ferrying my middle son and his belongings to and from Uni, this car fits the bill perfectly

I have driven this car for 4 years and have had no reliability problems and find the fuel efficiency very good. One irritating issue is that the rear seat does not fold down, which limits the possibility of carrying long items.

Have only had the car for 10 days, replacing 2015 Mercedes E220D, but already I have noticed how much better it is over bumpy roads, better performance and similar equipment level. Very pleased with my choice so far.

No big news here, 520d is great to drive. Bought the car used. Turbo blew few months later, car about 3 and a half years old. BMW weren't brilliant in dealing to get it fixed. Eventually went about 50/50.

This is the best car I've ever owned - excellent to drive and very practical. I don't find the seats as comfortable as those of my previous E60, but apart from that it is a much better car.

It has been a good second hand buy despite being quite expensive to run. Fortunately I do not drive more than 4000 miles annually so the 34mpg I achieve does not hit my pocket too heavily.