Insurance Group: 39
MPG: 60.1
CO2: 123
0-62 Mph: 6.9 secs
BHP: 218 BHP
Range: 925 miles
PROS: The BMW 5-Series 525 SE is a luxurious and high-technology saloon. It has a general high-class premium feel, is excellently refined and handles superbly. It is fitted with a spacious and lavish interior and a powerful engine that is economical to use and maintain. It delivers a comfortable drive and ride.
CONS: For a BMW, the steering of this 5-Series variant is lacking. It requires more precision and accuracy. The styling is not exactly interesting. To experience the best of this model, the standard inclusive kits are not enough so upgrades are required and they are not cheap.
BMW is known for high-quality built cars that are great to drive but lacking in the comfort zone and the 5-Series is an exception. The 5-Series is probably the most complete executive saloon available in the current car market. With an automatic 8-speed gearbox, this version has a 1995cc 4-cylinder, 16-valve diesel engine.
The engine of the 525d SE produces 218 bhp at 4400 rpm and pulling power or torque of 332 lb-ft at 1500-2500 rpm. The car has a top speed of 151 mph and is capable of reaching 62mph in 7s. The 3-Series 525d SE’s standard suspension is quite stiff but adding the Variable Damper Control (VDC) transforms the ride quality worthy of a limousine. With or without the VDC, the handling is agile and feels even more solid at higher speeds. Its grip in corners feels flat and balanced. The steering lacks some “feel” but overall, the handling is still high-quality and refinement has vastly improved. Visibility is not a problem.
The 5-Series is a top executive saloon available in today's market. It offers a great blend of excellent handling and luxurious comfort. The 5-Series’ quality and build are comparable to the more posh 7-Series. The passenger seats have been improved and critics say that this car will cozily seat 4-adults (instead of 5) as the rear middle seat is a tad cramped due to the rear-wheel transmission tunnel cutting through the car’s center.
Included in the standard kits are climate control, electric windows, cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, Dynamic Stability Control, front and rear parking sensors, electric parking brake, automatic air conditioning, rain sensitive wipers, trip computer with a 7-inch color display with iDrive, multi-function steering wheel, leather upholstery and Bluetooth. Upgradable options include sat nav, split-fold seats, electric sunroof, lane departure warning and more. Opting for all the upgrades ups the price tag by £10,000 at least.
The BMW 525d has the necessary equipment and system in the safety department. All versions of the 5-Series have 6 airbags, stability control and a myriad of electronic driver aids. The 5-Series is a very safe car. It has an overall Euro NCAP rating of 5/5. The DSC+ (Dynamic Stability Control Plus) features traction control, brake fade compensation, cornering brake control and even hill-start assist. The car is also fitted with two Isofix child-seat mounting points at the back and at the front are head restraints as anti-whiplash.
The materials used and build-quality are exemplary. The mechanical engineering part is almost faultless. Boot space of 520 litres is adequate. The bonnet is spring-loaded and fitted with cushioning in case of pedestrian collision. To deter thieves, the A-5 Series are made secure with deadlocks, alarm and locking wheelnuts. Warranty is unlimited mileage for three years.
Priced at £36,660, the 5-Series is cheaper than the Jaguar XF and Audi 7, its rivals in the same class category. The pricing is very competitive and the inclusive equipment has definitely improved. The BMW 5-Series is a clever buy. For its price it’s actually a bargain for a saloon in this class. This car is first rate as its engineering has no major glitch.
This car falls under insurance group 37. The road tax is D. CO2 emission rating is 126g/Km and its mpg is 58.9. These figures are clear indications that the 5-Series 525d SE is frugal and eco-efficient to use. The 525d could well be the best diesel engine version as the 530d and 535d are more expensive.
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