502d tourer

Excellent handling and beautifully refined engine

Bought this to replace Volvo 850 estate. The engine is really smooth after the growly Volvo and has much more poke. Handling is noticeably better than the Volvo. The reduced boot size is something I have had to put up with as is the sloping tailgate, which can limit the load. The car is a pleasure to drive and I have had no problems at 22k miles.

I chose the DAB radio, which is brilliant, as long as you can get a signal. The VHS is pretty good. The USB extra has been very useful, too. My favourite music plays from a memory stick and all the tune names show up on the i-drive, from where they are chosen and played.

Only two things are disappointing. One is that my average fuel consumption is 42.8mpg, somewhat less than the claimed 53mpg . I can achieve 53mpg, with just me in the car, no load, no headwind on a flat road, keeping a steady 60mph. "Which" magazine got similar results of just over 42mpg. I am not too disappointed about this because my 10 year old Volvo averaged 42mpg, but the 520d has much better acceleration.

The other is the lack of support in the standard front seats. I should have gone for the sport version. Also the legroom in the back would benefit by another 6 inches. I like the driving seat fully back, which is leaves barely enough legroom in the back.

My only other criticism concerns the ventilation system. I paid an extra £500 for the aircon with "additional features" (standard on 525d and above). I like cool face level air but warm feet, which the additional features should deliver. It rarely works first time, but after tweeking the i-drive a few times , I can usually get it to work eventually. My local dealer claimed to have fixed the problem. It worked fine for a few weeks, then reverted.

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