BMW 5-Series Saloon (2010 - 2017) 530d (258bhp) M Sport (Professional Media) 4d Step Auto (2011/61) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I believe the car says exactly what I am: a hard working, successful family man that enjoys the finer things in life together with a bit of bite without being to ostentatious.

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

Everyone loves the car. With it be the stance, the styling, the engine or the interior/comfort/gadgets! My fiancée (8 months pregnant) loves this car so much more than my previous vehicle (56 plate Subaru Impreza WRX STI)!

Would you buy this car again and why?

Absolutely. I test drove an Audi A6 Black Edition 3.0tdi, a Mercedes C350 AMG Sport Plus along with various other lesser engine models. Non of the above compared to the BMW. Engine wise this car beat the others. It felt smoother, sounded better and delivered that performance feeling I was looking for to replace the Impreza. Interior wise it was head and shoulders above the others, especially the Mercedes which was surprisingly disappointing! All this car for such a great price and fantastic customer service.

What are you likely to buy next?

Not entirely sure but will definitely look at another BMW before anything else.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

January 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

Yes. The dealer dropped the price by over £1000, detailed the car and of 12 months tax on.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

I needed a bigger, more comfortable family car. But I didn't want to sacrifice speed and acceleration.

What was the dealer like?

Polite, not pushy at all. Took me out in any and every single vehicle I wanted to test. Couldn't have done enough for me.

What's it like to drive?

Most comfortable car I've ever driven. Automatic was definitely the best choice for effortless driving. In Eco-Pro mode this thing still shifts for such a big car. Flick it into sport mode and things get a lot more exciting! Then for EVEN MORE fun you just flick the gear stick across into manual mode! The fun never ends!! In automatic mode it shifts smoothly up and down the gears. The engine note is superb for a diesel as well. You don't feel like you're driving a battered old diesel van like older diesel cars. If anything it sounds like a deep, throaty American pickup truck. I thought the suspension might be harsh due to being an M Sport car but it's not at all. It's not sloppy either, it's like Goldielock's porridge; just right!

What's it like to park?

With front and rear sensors, the graphic display and self adjusting passenger mirror as well it's VERY easy to park for such a big car.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing at all.

What's most practical about your car?

Cabin space and boot space.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Active high beam lights.