BMW 5-Series Saloon (03-10) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 30 July 2008
BMW has a strong reputation for building cars that are rewarding to drive and the latest 5-Series lives up to that status. The sports saloon comes with a wide choice of engines all of which offer strong performance while the sharp steering, strong brakes and excellent body control give it class leading handling. The trade off is a firm ride, which along with the standard run flat tyres, can make the 5-Series unsettled on uneven roads. In 2007 a fuel-saving program called Efficient Dynamics was introduced to all models - but it works in the background so drivers won't notice any differences. Spacious, comfortable and superbly built, the BMW remains the best executive saloon on the market.
4.5 out of 5

Other BMW reviews

3.5 out of 5

Safety

A four-star Euro NCAP crash test score is below average when rivals from Audi, Mercedes and Lexus have achieved five, but the BMW does have six airbags (two more are optional) plus every electronic aid is fitted as standard. The head-up display means you don't even need to take your eyes off the road while adaptive headlights that turn with the steering to illuminate round bends, night vision and other safety features can be selected from the options list.

NCAP Test

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    4 out of 5

  • Child Protection Rating

    4 out of 5

  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    1 out of 5
4 out of 5

Reliability

The 5-Series has been quite reliable so far, so well-maintained car shouldn't be hiding any nasty surprises for future owners.

Car check problem points

Body

Some will be high-mileage cars and bonnets may suffer stone chips. If buying from a dealer ask for the stone chips to be repaired before signing on the dotted line.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

A couple of minor recalls. The bearings in the fuel injector pump could fail, leading to the car stalling, the front seat-back heater has been known to overheat. faults in the ECU meant a loss of engine power and there was a manufacturing fault in the DSC yaw-rate sensor.