BMW 5 SERIES 530d SE 5dr (2010)

A sound option from BMW

I have always had BMWs and the looks are never really that brilliant but that isn’t why I’ve stuck to them for so long. The performance is always brilliant, even on a big diesel, the addition of a turbocharger really does help to motor the car along. The other thing I love about the BMW diesels is you never have to listen to them; they are always quiet making the cabin a genuinely pleasant place to be. I do a lot of driving in a year which means I need the element of comfort and performance and the BMW delivers both in the right amounts. My commute is long and it’s a very comfortable place to be, and as I’ve already indicated, it can be an enjoyable drive if you want it to be.

On the inside, I’d say there isn’t very much to complain about, everything looks fairly uncontroversial, works well and its very comfortable. The rear also has loads of space, I frequently travel with two adult occupants in the rear and they have no complaints. In addition, it is possible to get a third in, if a little bit of a squash.

One gripe I do have is the price; yes you pay for the quality and the brand etc but if you want any of the really good gizmos like the eight-speed auto gearbox or the four wheel steering, you have to spend even more on options which racks up the cost quite rapidly.

In terms of running costs, it isn’t cheap because of what it is but it is reasonable for a BMW, 40mpg return is quite good.