520d 2.0 SE Auto LCI 5dr Estate

Beautifully built but terrible steering: heavy, vague, inconsistent, so definitely not the "ultimate driving machine".

This is a well built, quiet machine, with extremely comfortable sports seats. The interior is lovely. However the steering is awful. The worst I have experienced in 40 years of motoring. It's vague, heavy, inconsistent, with a complete lack of self-centering. It is tiring to drive as it also wanders without warning, so you end up gripping the wheel tightly to correct it. It's on it's third steering rack, second steering column, upgraded 18" wheels and tyres, all courtesy of BMW Warranty. It was in the garage 14 times in the first 11 months. I was lent a 540i M Sport Touring (very fast) but this also had horrible steering.

I tested several 520d saloons and they all steered OK (if still too heavy). I have since read road tests that say the Touring version has vague steering.

I'm going to buy a Jaguar.....! Lovely light steering/

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