I'm not happy with my 2009 BMW 525 - what could I replace it with?

I owned a 2002 BMW 525 Touring for a number of years and was very happy with it. Thinking it was time to replace it, I bought a 2009 BMW 525. I have been very disappointed with this car as the satnav accepts only 5-digit postcodes (German system, not UK 7 digits), so unless you have a street address you are stuck. Many country hotels and locations give only a postcode address.

The radio has no long wave - I like listening to test match while travelling. The runflat tyres give a harder and noisier ride than previous Michelins, plus I like having a full size spare and space to carry a blown tyre in case of puncture. Can you advise what cars are available of a similar ilk that satisfy the above? I suppose the sat nav problem can be solved with a TomTom or Garmin but this seems a backward step.

Asked on 21 May 2011 by JR, Petersfield

Answered by Honest John
Jaguar satnav takes full UK postcodes, but it's hard work to get one on tyres that don't crash over ridges. Jaguar likes to supply on 19-inch or 20-inch wheels when 17-inch or 18-inch with more rubber between rims and road is less painful. An XF 3.0V6 petrol might suit, if you can find one. Never much demand for these, so you might get one on sensible 17-inch wheels for as little as £15,000. They come with space saver ‘spares’.
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