BMW 5 Series For Sale - Used BMW 5 Series

Why buy one?

A used BMW 5 Series is the best second hand executive car you can buy. No rival can match its mix of driver satisfaction, cabin space and long distance refinement.

Quite simply, it's all cars to all people. On the right road a used 5 Series is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. On a long drive, few rivals are as quiet and comfortable. There's plenty of space in the back, so passengers will be just as happy as the driver.

The engine line-up offers strong performance, even if you go for one of the smaller engines. Economy and emissions are better than most rivals, so fuel and road tax bills are surprisingly low.

Why think twice?

There are few downsides to owning a second-hand BMW 5 Series. If you go for an M Sport model with sports suspension the ride isn't as comfortable, although many owners will think the improved handling and more aggressive looks are worth it. The iDrive control for the stereo, air-con and sat-nav takes time to get used to.

How safe?

You needn't have any worries on that front. Crash test experts Euro NCAP gave the 5 Series a four-star rating.

What might go wrong?

If trouble does strike it may be pricey to fix, but fortunately major problems with the 5 Series are few and far between. In the 2009 JD Power Customer Satisfaction Survey, the BMW 5 Series finished 17th out of 101 models.

What do the experts say?

'A great car to drive, and still manages to beat most of its rivals.' What Car?

Anything else I should know?

There are a number of BMW owners' clubs. Log on to www.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk or www.bmw-club.org.uk.

Which one should I buy?

• Greenest? BMW 520d SE
• Fastest? BMW M5
• Best? BMW 520d SE