BMW 5-Series Saloon (2003 - 2010) 525i SE 4d Auto (2004/54) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I would like it to say that I appreciate quality and enjoy driving. However shedding the "beamer driver" tag is impossible and everyone hates you.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

The initial reaction is that it's a bit flashy, but once they've been in it they enjoy the experience and find it very comfortable.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes but only with a bigger engine and probably manual gearbox.

What are you likely to buy next?

Possibly BMW 545i or 745i, or Audi equivalents. However with fuel prices as they are it could end up being the high end diesel offerings from BMW or Audi.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Didn't buy from a dealer

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£10,000

When did you buy the car?

November 2009

Did you get a good deal and why?

I felt I paid a fair price given the car's low mileage, plus it had most of the options I was after.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I felt it would be the perfect compromise between being practical yet fun to drive and not too expensive to run and insure.

What was the dealer like?

What's it like to drive?

Excellent, the handling is perfect as one would expect from a 5 series. On the down side, I find the engine a little lacking in a car this big and the auto gearbox was a mistake, the "kickdown" is very delayed meaning the power isn't there when you want it. I mostly drive it in semi-auto but even then the gear changes are slow, in hindsight I would get the manual gearbox.

What's it like to park?

Very easy, visibility is great and the park distance control with the visual display is magnificent.

Have you had any problems with the car?

So far so good. Although services are frequent and not necessarily the cheapest.

What's most practical about your car?

It's roomy interior means adults can travel in the back very comfortably. A sensible boot has not yet left me wanting more space.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Too many options on this car to pick a favourite, but the iDrive is packed with so much informaion and so many tools that you'd never get bored of it. For all the complaints it gets it's actually quite easy to use once you've got the hang of it.