BMW 5 Series Touring for a family of 5
Discussion
Dear readers,
I am sadly having to sell my 2011 X5 due to the 2023 ULEZ expansion and need to replace it with a car capable of carrying 3 young children (2/4 and 6 years old) and of course being ULEZ compliant. That means space in the back for two car seats and one bumper seat and a decent sized boot!
I am looking to spend £15-20k and was thinking of going for the 2.0D 5 Series Touring. The X5 is SO expensive to keep on the road these days that I am looking forward to having something more economical on my wallet! Has anyone on here own/driven a 2.0D Touring/estate and if so please let me know your thoughts/feedback..
I am tempted to try and go for the 'newer' 2017 shape as the tech is a step up from the former generation. Is it worth spending another £2-3k
On the flip side, my wife is keen for a XC60 Volvo which seem a little cheaper than the BMW despite being a 4x4! You can get a 16 plate R design model for under £15k with FSH etc.
Thank you for reading.
I am sadly having to sell my 2011 X5 due to the 2023 ULEZ expansion and need to replace it with a car capable of carrying 3 young children (2/4 and 6 years old) and of course being ULEZ compliant. That means space in the back for two car seats and one bumper seat and a decent sized boot!
I am looking to spend £15-20k and was thinking of going for the 2.0D 5 Series Touring. The X5 is SO expensive to keep on the road these days that I am looking forward to having something more economical on my wallet! Has anyone on here own/driven a 2.0D Touring/estate and if so please let me know your thoughts/feedback..
I am tempted to try and go for the 'newer' 2017 shape as the tech is a step up from the former generation. Is it worth spending another £2-3k
On the flip side, my wife is keen for a XC60 Volvo which seem a little cheaper than the BMW despite being a 4x4! You can get a 16 plate R design model for under £15k with FSH etc.
Thank you for reading.
Edited by ugene425 on Friday 13th January 15:30
I’ll second what Matchmaker said. With a young family that’s a good choice. For what it’s worth we down sized from a Passat estate and X-Type estate when our kids left the nest into a 2016 5 Series estate. We found it more uncomfortable (and less reliable) than either of the predecessors. We now have a Jaguar Sportbrake which suits us. I guess you would need to find a petrol one though.
You're going to struggle I think
Had a previous 5 estate (E61), then a massive S212 E class estate. Really struggled with 3 kids across the back in any form of proper seat. Had 2 pop up seats in the boot too that were often useful
If you want genuine space in the back you're generally left with SUV or MPV. I didn't want to go down either route so ended up with a VW T6 Kombi. Estates aren't really designed for 3 kids across the back anymore sadly
Mate is OK with a c class but only because he fitted a multimac. That might be your other option
Had a previous 5 estate (E61), then a massive S212 E class estate. Really struggled with 3 kids across the back in any form of proper seat. Had 2 pop up seats in the boot too that were often useful
If you want genuine space in the back you're generally left with SUV or MPV. I didn't want to go down either route so ended up with a VW T6 Kombi. Estates aren't really designed for 3 kids across the back anymore sadly
Mate is OK with a c class but only because he fitted a multimac. That might be your other option
Despite its relative bulk on the outside, I don't think an XC60 would be big enough either in the back or in the boot. They're definitely a step down on the size scale from the X5 and the big estates like the 5 series, Superb etc. - you'd need an XC90 (much more expensive) to match that.
A big estate car should be a workable with the right car seats, but if you're looking for a car significantly cheaper to run than an X5 the 5 series may not be the best option. Servicing, parts etc will be much the same, the only real difference will be a bit better fuel consumption. A Superb, Passat, Mondeo or Insignia estate will me much cheaper to run.
The other option worth looking at would be an S-Max. It certainly won't feel as upmarket as a 5 series or X5, but will do a good job of transporting everything around and still drive pretty well. I wouldn't recommend any of the other MPVs if you want something which drives reasonably well.
Final thing to consider would be what's likely to happen to the ULEZ next. Buying something which is only just compliant (Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol) may well get outlawed in only a few more years time.
A big estate car should be a workable with the right car seats, but if you're looking for a car significantly cheaper to run than an X5 the 5 series may not be the best option. Servicing, parts etc will be much the same, the only real difference will be a bit better fuel consumption. A Superb, Passat, Mondeo or Insignia estate will me much cheaper to run.
The other option worth looking at would be an S-Max. It certainly won't feel as upmarket as a 5 series or X5, but will do a good job of transporting everything around and still drive pretty well. I wouldn't recommend any of the other MPVs if you want something which drives reasonably well.
Final thing to consider would be what's likely to happen to the ULEZ next. Buying something which is only just compliant (Euro 6 diesel or Euro 4 petrol) may well get outlawed in only a few more years time.
ugene425 said:
Dear readers,
I am sadly having to sell my 2011 X5 due to the 2023 ULEZ expansion and need to replace it with a car capable of carrying 3 young children (2/4 and 6 years old) and of course being ULEZ compliant. That means space in the back for two car seats and one bumper seat and a decent sized boot!
I am looking to spend £15-20k and was thinking of going for the 2.0D 5 Series Touring. The X5 is SO expensive to keep on the road these days that I am looking forward to having something more economical on my wallet! Has anyone on here own/driven a 2.0D Touring/estate and if so please let me know your thoughts/feedback..
I am tempted to try and go for the 'newer' 2017 shape as the tech is a step up from the former generation. Is it worth spending another £2-3k
On the flip side, my wife is keen for a XC60 Volvo which seem a little cheaper than the BMW despite being a 4x4! You can get a 16 plate R design model for under £15k with FSH etc.
Thank you for reading.
I'd say take a look at the following all are spacious with nice interiors & reliable with good spec SUV's, all ULEZ/CAZ compliant.I am sadly having to sell my 2011 X5 due to the 2023 ULEZ expansion and need to replace it with a car capable of carrying 3 young children (2/4 and 6 years old) and of course being ULEZ compliant. That means space in the back for two car seats and one bumper seat and a decent sized boot!
I am looking to spend £15-20k and was thinking of going for the 2.0D 5 Series Touring. The X5 is SO expensive to keep on the road these days that I am looking forward to having something more economical on my wallet! Has anyone on here own/driven a 2.0D Touring/estate and if so please let me know your thoughts/feedback..
I am tempted to try and go for the 'newer' 2017 shape as the tech is a step up from the former generation. Is it worth spending another £2-3k
On the flip side, my wife is keen for a XC60 Volvo which seem a little cheaper than the BMW despite being a 4x4! You can get a 16 plate R design model for under £15k with FSH etc.
Thank you for reading.
Edited by ugene425 on Friday 13th January 15:30
Hyundai Santa Fe Premium SE:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211211...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212282...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211081...
Ford Edge good cars overlooked but if you want space they're hard to ignore:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301093...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212172...
Grand Cherokee Limited:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202208239...
Summit:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202210090...
Overland:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109157...
Kia Sorento KX-3:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301063...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211121...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211151...
Infiniti QX70:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211262...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202203304...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209099...
Estate wise I'd take a good look at the CLS/E Class:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212052...
Or if a Superb is on the cards then the last gen Insignia would get the nod over the Skoda imo.
Elite Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202212152...
SRI VX Line Nav:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301073...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202209300...
ugene425 said:
Has anyone on here own/driven a 2.0D Touring/estate and if so please let me know your thoughts/feedback..
I am tempted to try and go for the 'newer' 2017 shape as the tech is a step up from the former generation. Is it worth spending another £2-3k
On the flip side, my wife is keen for a XC60 Volvo
We've had both 65 plate and now 18 plate 520D Touring. A 520d is all the BMW you will ever need. Ours have both gone to 70K miles or so with no trouble at all.I am tempted to try and go for the 'newer' 2017 shape as the tech is a step up from the former generation. Is it worth spending another £2-3k
On the flip side, my wife is keen for a XC60 Volvo
The newer shape is very much worth the extra. They fixed every single thing that was wrong with the old shape, it is a much better car and feels a big step on from the older car. No massive groundbreaking change, just lots of little improvements that add up to a big difference. They got rid of those f
king press and return indicator stalks for a start. The tech is better, and the nav actually doesn't feel that dated yet. I think ours can do carplay if you were to grease BMW's palm in the app but I'm not that fussed so never tried to get it to work.The engine is very nice. You can tell it's a 4 cylinder but it's very quiet and a world away from VW's clattery nastiness. Yes a 530 would be lovely but the 520 is plenty quick enough and minimum 50MPG is a good trade-off.
I find they're very sensitive to spec. Ours have both been SE, but the 18 plate really misses the adaptive dampers that the 65 plate had. The ride, despite being an SE, is jiggly and uncomfortable round town and on country lanes. I just desperately want to press the comfort button that we no longer have.
The standard audio is really poor, even the system in our crappy old Leaf puts it to shame. Might not matter to you, but it really spoils the car for me.
Ours were both bought ex demo, and while there are many boxes I'd tick if I was buying new (heated S/wheel, 360 camera, pan roof, comfort seats), it's these two that I'd really want to hold out for if I was buying another.
Make sure you're both comfortable lifting your kids in and out of the rear seats. The 5 is a noticeably low car if you're used to SUVs.
We discounted the XC60 both times with each 520, the XC60 really isn't very big at all and the ride is truly awful. We changed an 11 plate V60 for the first 520 and the XC felt smaller than the V60 and was far less comfortable than either V60 or 520. The Volvo seats are exceptional though.
Having experience in this department I can say any estate/suv you will struggle to get 3 kids in the back if they have child seats to go with them. Multimacs are an option but if you're planning for a few years of ownership I wouldn't.
We looked at, here we go, Zafira/Touran/Sharan/Alhambra/Discovery(the previous model),SMax,Galaxy,Grand Picasso,numerous big estates/suvs,XC90(current model) and a VW T6 kombi.
Final decision was a Ford Galaxy. For me it drove the best and comfortable for any trips. Loads of room for the kids in their seats, as the rear seats move back and forth and full size middle seat. Rear most seats are the most spacious out of all the above, you will need these in the future when they want their friends with them, pan roof they all love and makes it feel even more airy.
Our friend had the Alhambra, advantage there are the sliding rear doors, but I still preferred the Galaxy.
I'd have loved a 5 series, we did look, but in the end not really a 5 seater more 4.5. Don't forget the kids only get bigger and want their own space when travelling.
Make sure, where possible, to have the child seats with you when looking at any potential car. It can make or break it.
Hope this helps.
We looked at, here we go, Zafira/Touran/Sharan/Alhambra/Discovery(the previous model),SMax,Galaxy,Grand Picasso,numerous big estates/suvs,XC90(current model) and a VW T6 kombi.
Final decision was a Ford Galaxy. For me it drove the best and comfortable for any trips. Loads of room for the kids in their seats, as the rear seats move back and forth and full size middle seat. Rear most seats are the most spacious out of all the above, you will need these in the future when they want their friends with them, pan roof they all love and makes it feel even more airy.
Our friend had the Alhambra, advantage there are the sliding rear doors, but I still preferred the Galaxy.
I'd have loved a 5 series, we did look, but in the end not really a 5 seater more 4.5. Don't forget the kids only get bigger and want their own space when travelling.
Make sure, where possible, to have the child seats with you when looking at any potential car. It can make or break it.
Hope this helps.
Oldybaldy17 said:
I'd have loved a 5 series, we did look, but in the end not really a 5 seater more 4.5. Don't forget the kids only get bigger and want their own space when travelling.
We've only got one child (and one canine child), but with her ERF seat and then the dog taking up the boot, even for the three of us the 5er can get full alarmingly easily. It's looking quite likely our next one is going to be a Vito/Viano or Transporter. The Leaf deals with everyday town life perfectly, and if we're forking out for a weekend family car it needs to be able to do absolutely everything.I have to say if you're considering an MPV then the Galaxy is the pick.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301133...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211302...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202301133...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202211302...
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