Should You Buy a BMW 5 Series? Test Drive & Review (F10 BMW 520d)

It’s not the best for country roads overtaking

And low specd models with thin standard sound systems, non electric boot , manual folding door mirrors etc don’t suit the car at all imo

I would give up driving before contemplating buying a bmw.

Hello, budget of £26k shoulda buy a 2020 520d MHT SE estate or similar priced Passat GTE advance?

If you’re a petrol head with a £6k budget would highly recommend getting a good E60 520D manual and get the EGR blanked and mapped out

530 d m sport 258bhp twin turbo 👍

I drove the 535d for couple hundreds kilometers on bad roads in Eastern Europe and before driving it I was a bit skeptical about the car, because it looks too chubby, but I was surprised by the handling and the way the steering wheel felt on cornering was very satisfying. Very easy car to drive and very little outside noise and very comfortable for long distance. If you have the money to maintain it properly and if you know how to have fun without blowing the engine or the gearbox- you'll be happy with the car.

So would you use the standard runflat tyres or switch to ordinary ones for a better ride ?
+ How much is it do put a new timing chain on & at how many miles ?

Why are you going to a main dealer? Loads of independent BMW specialists around - got my MOT tomorrow, I go to a local BMW specialist here in Manchester - I can’t afford main dealers and I don’t trust them anyway! I never get a service at main dealership, I’ve heard awful stories - they basically don’t do anything and charge a fortune!

My X6 40d e71 died on me after being faultless for two years. Spent 2.5k on it and got nowhere in the end I was told it's the hpfp that needs changing but I would need a new fuel system (12k at Sytner BMW or 5k at a specialist) so I had to scrap a mint looking car. I have now bought one of these in estate form 520d m sport f11 2013 and I have to say I'm in love with the 5 series.

Hi Mat, I hav a 520i from 2000 and i love it, it has during this time been very good and with very few problems, I really love it.

I'm looking at buying one, has anyone had the dreaded timing belt issues?!

I had 520 and 530d’s both amazing in every respect except driver appeal. Dull steering and dull suspension. You definitely need to specify adaptive suspension and I don’t just mean the sport/comfort button. Without adaptive suspension these cars can in no way be described as the ultimate driving machines.

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Good video nice review ... But my friend let me tell you 😎 the 520d you driving is poorly equiped , i got same car 530d and it has all you said yours is missing 🤗

HI Mat! only seeing this video now! and completely agree!i have had e class mercedes for the last 10 years 9 (dirining to the morgue - i think you said!!) 😂 ... i now havw a 2015 520d estate ... and i love it ... proper drivers car! ... it goes where you think you want to go! my one is white with a brown leather interior ... unusual ... but thats what caught my eye! i do miss the power of the e240, e350 and c350e .... but an engine remap may help with this! apparently a extra 40 bhp for 250 euro1 ... it would be rude not to!
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I bought one, 2015 model 520d m support based on your recommendation. Love it. Such a great car. Had it 7 months. Solid, reliable, great mpg

Is the 5 series better than the 3 series?

Nice review video... I'm actually in the process of upgrading my 320D Sport to a 520D M Sport 2016! Doing last minute reviews

I love all of Matt's videos.

3.5 dyzel is the best one on this f10

Looking into getting one of these, but the maintenance issues scare me.

I have the same car with the same color (Mediterranean Blue)

Just purchase a 2014 535i based mostly on your review of the 5 series. I agree wholeheartedly that it's a wonderful driver's car. This one also has the M-Sport package, with run flat low-profile tires, and does have a firmer ride but not a harsh ride. The only thing I found that needed attention was that rubber cowl panel at the base of the windshield where the edge is chipping and disintegrating. but have a new replacement ready to go on. The last 5 series I owned was a 1993 E34 M5 so was expecting a similar level of performance and wasn't disappointed. Thank you!

Worst car i ever boughy....such a let down.....bmw stoped being reliable after e46 i think

“Borrowing someone’s bath sponge”😂😂

For me, the manual 530D M Sport version of the F10 that was sold until 2013 is a bit of a gem. A rare combination of modern, RWD, luxury, fuel economy, and proper manual fun. I don't care how good the ZF 8 speed is, it's still a lame automatic.

I am on my 3rd BMW and the staff at my local dealership are exactly the same as yours, DREADFUL, is it BMW or just Britain today ?

I've got the choice between a Grey 2014 bmw 525d m sport, or a black 2014 420d m sport.
Both are the same price, and i really like both, both great condition
Which should i buy?
I need help😂

Ex Lease or Staff vehicle by the looks of it…..

I’ve read 10-15 comments but nobody mention about timing chain issue. I had 2011 model and timing chain snapped and damaged the engine then I got engine rebuild. After the engine rebuild there was an electric fault. Took the car to bmw specialist and they said need new module which will cost few thousand. First abs warning lights on the dash and warning sound,after driving for a bit second warning light cruise control then traction control and more keep coming on. Problem is that no garage can figure out what’s wrong with it just guessing and keep changing for diagnostic. I talk to few other people and they had same issues also f10 n47 engine common issue is the timing chain suddenly snap without any warning.

The seats by far look hella comfy. More than the E class.

Did you do the estate version?

Sips fuel like that polite little hamster 😂 great line

530i Touring (March 2018 reg.) Owner here. New to me from December 2019 and 79000 km on the clock. I have had to change all my brakes 3 times and swing arm once but other than that no problems at all.

Bought one last week, your not wrong mate, lovely car😂

I am looking to buy Bmw 530 d xdrive or Mercedes E class 300 or 350 4matic avangarde what do you think

For the right hand drive models sold in the UK, does it have an offset for the clutch pedal to the right side, forcing the driver to tilt the lower body to the right? This is very annoying in the 3 series, does the 5 series also have this problem?

Hey,your stearing weel is on wrong side,you mor.on...😂😅

If you are in Enfield your could go Steven James for your car that are really good

I've had 5 BMWs over the decades, my last one, and newest, was a 2005 Z4 3.0. I still love the brand but I've been put off by the reliability. Not sure I'll ever buy another one, but these F10s have me curious.

‘Borrowing someone’s bath sponge..” brilliant! For years I thought I was the only one who hated that ‘sort’ steering wheel!

you have steering wheel on the wrong side

BS review, most BMW end up on a trailer as broken junk. People won't invest twice the value needed to keep it going.
Go buy one and line up in the poor idiot line.

May get a good one to go witg my great mazda cx9

Hi, thanks for this informative review on a car that has been on my shortlist for years. I opted for a Volvo V70 D5 instead, just because I found a good example. The one reservation I have over the 2 litre diesel is (correct me if I'm wrong) the n47 engine has reported issues with the timing chain. I think it's the drive sprocket that wears prematurely. The chain is on the transmission side of the engine and thus a pain to access. I think they sorted it out but can't remember the year. I do fancy the 3litre straight six though. Finding one with reasonable mileage is tricky though. One thought - could you feature some tips on looking out for a clocked vehicle? Kind regards, James.

“From 50 mph to ….70mph 😉”

what is your opinion on 5 series 520d saloon vs discovery sport 2015/16 model which is one is more reliable and cost effective yet feels good to drive?

I get exactly what you mean by your heart says jaguar XF but your head says BMW. I love my f10. Originally wanted an XF but couldn’t take the risk. Plus jaguar still has an old man’s car stigma.

I really love your videos, they are so cool and informative.

As a car dealer your reviews are refreshingly honest, always interesting, and informative, that's all car buyers want to hear, honestly, great review keep them coming