The Golf should be a common-rail diesel; avoid the previous PD unit. If you can afford £10,000, that might get you a lower-mileage BMW, maybe a 3-series, ideally with mileage that isn't too high or too low (say 8,000 to 12,000 a year).

The BMW conventional automatic is likely to be a better long-term bet than the VW DSG.

Edited by Avant on 08/03/2015 at 15:30

You don't tell us enough information. Why have you narrowed it down to these 2 cars?

What are your requirements other than the 100 miles a day, what leisure mileage do you intend doing too. Do you need to carry large items or need bestow a certain image. Do you really need an auto?

Also a Golf is a world away from a BMW 5 Series, especially in terms of size etc.

On the cars you've narrowed it down to, I personally wouldn't go for either. The 5 Series will need alot of repairs at that mileage; factor in a new turbo, suspension bushes and a timing chain. The Golf has the dreaded DSG gearbox, and they do go wrong!

If I was you I'd look at my requirements in the car, I would also consider those with stop-start tech as you'll be sat in a lot of traffic and consider the one with lowest fuel costs as a 100 miles a day equates to approx 24k a year!

Edited by i-VTEC on 08/03/2015 at 15:23