BMW 530D 2006 Review

All the other 5-Series are petrol powered but this one could be the best of a good bunch for all round, everyday driving.

It also backs up as a competent luxury sports sedan offering superb dynamics and perform- ance if you choose to go there.

• Straight six, 3.0-litre alloy diesel engine offers V8 performance and four cylinder economy.
• Has massive amount of readily accessible torque (480Nm) facilitating surprising turn of speed from a standstill through the mid-range to the top end. Power is 160kW.
• Sounds like a petrol six (when you can hear it)
• Best economy with mixed driving is 7.5 litres/100km.
• Cutting edge engine technology features DOHC design with 24 valves, high pressure fuel injection with multi jet nozzles and refined turbo.
• Passes Euro 4 emissions regulations.
• Engineers went to great lengths to save engine weight.
• Steptronic six speed auto has all the answers. Never gets caught out and offers sequential change mode.
• Love the active steering that alters its gear ratio according to road speed - the best of both worlds.
• Brimful of luxury equipment but plenty of options available.
• Leather, climate control, premium audio, electric driver's seat adjustment and adaptive headlights included in package.
• Safety matches luxury with eight air bags, multiple electronic controls including ESP and all the other acronyms.
• Fabulous thing to drive, really rocks when you want it to go. Rips through corners with flat stance, dives deep under brakes.
• Accommodation for five inside and a large boot too.
• Becoming accustomed to whacky I-Drive controller for electronic functions.
• Styling grows on you. It's been around long enough for people to appreciate it for being avant garde.
• Costs $113,500 _ a lot of pesos but it's one of those cars you could buy and still be happily driving in 10 or 15 years.

  VERDICT

  Everything it's cracked up to be _ great performer, light sipper, stable, luxurious, safe. The wheels even look good.