What do you think of the current BMW 520 saloon?

It’s time to replace my noble BMW 520iSE manual saloon, now with 96,000 on the clock and it has not missed a beat. The big question is whether anything has arrived to rival the new model? I’m tempted to try the 8-speed auto this time, with that impressive 54mpg and reasonable acceleration. Runflat tyres have made travelling slightly tiring but can I expect an improvement in the newer tread designs on 18-inch wheels?

Asked on 21 March 2011 by MW, via email

Answered by Honest John

My test and video of the F10 530d is here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/road-tests/bmw/bmw-f10-5-seri.../. Car by Car review, including 520d, here: www.honestjohn.co.uk/carbycar/bmw/5-series-f10-201.../

Forget EC lab test economy figures. They are rarely achievable in real life. For what is, see: www.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg

Tags: automatics performance fuel economy real mpg runflat tyres

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