http://www.bmwland.co.uk/forums/portal.php

Click on swirlflaps .

I have had my current 530d for 10 years now and have never come across swirl flaps before. But clicking on some of the further links it seems that it is 2001 onwards and mine is a 2000.

If you are going for a 5 series, you can pick up some very nice E39s rather than E60s. And if you want something even more stylish, the E34 is a great looker. Apart frommy sub-frame bushes needing to be changed (a common occurence and worth noting if buying one) then it really is a nice car to drive. I have been tempted to change it, but at 115k miles, it is only just run in :)

If you go for an Audi for that sort of money, I guess that you will be in the territory where the cambelt will need changing, a somewhat expensive exercise.

Not going to go into the petrol/diesel debate. That is something that you have to decide on. I personally prefer my engines with more torque, but if it is going to be thousands more, then as has been said, there isn't much economic sense if only doing 4-5k miles a year.

I bought the Mrs an Audi A4 Avant in 2004. It was a low mileage 1996 110tdi. Great car and sorry to sell it (as it was too small). Sold to a family member and it is still going strong without problem with 130k miles on it. But I didn't like the light steering and overly firm ride. I have to say that on my 530d SE, I sometimes don't like the overly soft suspension. Motorways and A roads it wafts along very nicely. The Sport might be the one to look at but that can be a bit firm and the price is a fair bit higher.

Can't tell you about the 3 series as haven't had one since the E36 and times have moved on from there. However I will say that when I went from my E36 to E39, I was much happier with the increased space. Going back into a 3 series felt a little claustrophobic. I imagine that with your CRV you get the impression of space, so you might find the same.