BMW 528i Saloon

So many good things have been written about the BMW 5 Series - it is rightly recognised as the best in it's class. I've owned two (523 & 528) and plan to move to a 540 in the next 6 months - so be assured that I am a huge fan. But objectivity is crucial - if you're thinking of buying one - here's some ownership points to be aware of: 1) I would not buy new. My current 528 SE is heavily loaded with extras - to the point of having a new list price of £42,000. Today at 2 years old with 30,000 miles I have been offered £19,500 trade in!! Rock solid resales no longer apply. 2) Servicing - surprisingly cheap and I have to say very ...

So my beloved brother has driven my car a few times but clearly doesn't have quite the required sophistication to enjoy it to it the full. As comfortable as a sofa - yes, but the handling characteristics of the 5 Series are certainly not soft-furnishing like. True, it doesn't handle like a sports car but then that's to be expected - it's a saloon. The engine is as smooth as you would expect from a 2.8 litre 6 cylinder. When in economy mode the kick down is a little slow in responding but in sports (or steptronic manual) the pick up is sharp. There are few vehicles which are as relaxing to drive as the 528. Long drives home from ...

My brother has one of these and i've driven it a few times. There's no doubt that it is a superbly engineered and built car with a great reputation backed up by substantial sales. This car is so easy to drive it almost makes you want to fall asleep. You never actually feel like you have to do anything, it's all done for you, right down to the electronic movement of the seats and sterring column. However, I want more from a car and I like to feel like i'm in contact with the road. In this car I don't get that feedback. It feels too floppy. The steering wheel is godawful to hold and there's no way you'd get any sports driving out of this ...