Faults:

Far, far too much to list. Let's just say the service history with this car is more like a large study book than a little booklet with a few pages and stamps like most cars. Good news is most common faults have been addressed, and the car is cared for with every service - do not touch these cars without history.

In my ownership the suspension has had some work; also replaced the prop shaft boot as it was worn. Thankfully all this was not as expensive as I thought it would be, but I am another one of those lucky BMW drivers that has a local BMW specialist. BMW dealers are OK, but are expensive and certainly I would not recommend taking a car of this age to one.

The biggest expensive item was an auto gearbox refurbishment taken place a couple of years ago by the previous owner, and thankfully not by me as it costed thousands.

The car now runs very well with only minor cosmetics needing attention.

General Comments:

Got a great deal on this used 5 series, but it is a very expensive car to run. You might say what do you expect buying a 15 year old BMW with higher mileage, but I say it has to be reasonable. The car is near top of range but it is no M5. Thankfully tax is capped at £330, insurance is OK so long as you are not under 21, but repairs are what they are - expensive even if you know a good local garage.

530d M Sport is a stunner. Very fast, 0 - 60 mph in about 7 seconds and will go to 150 mph. And being diesel 40 mpg is achievable. Impressive for a 2006 car. Auto box is smooth and the car handles very nicely.

Interior is black leather, and is very comfortable and has every feature you could want. Exterior is silver. Great looking car. Hated the front end of these cars when they came out in 2002; now it has grown on me.

In short if you are after an early 2000's executive power house of a car, the 5 series is a good choice in almost any specification. Just be aware these cars are nowhere near as reliable as BMW fans will tell you, and if anything remotely serious goes wrong you can expect the bill will be a four figure sum every time.

Faults:

Computer reported low tyre pressure after 2 days, had to get tyre replaced. No visible puncture on tyre found. No other issues since then.

General Comments:

Fuel economy is very good - combined average of 39.7mpg, 600 miles per tank of diesel.

Performance is adequate - acceleration is OK if you use all the revs, however at low speeds and high revs the engine is clearly loud and coarse. Comes into its own as a very comfortable motorway cruiser, great at 80-90mph with a lot of overtaking push in 5th or even 6th gear.

Handling is very good, refinement once cruising is outstanding, very chalk and cheese when comparing to refinement around town though.

Cabin is fine, would recommend people get leather seats as the cloth seats that came standard in mine are very very poor quality (provides all the support you need, but the cloth is 'loose', already showing light signs of wear after 2500 miles).

I would also recommend you spend the money on automatic transmission - this makes the best use of the engine's torque.