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[JamesV6CDX]

I have been, for a long time, looking for a really nice Omega Estate 2.5 TD Elite, with colour screen, and all the toys, in nice condition. I have looked at a few, (which don't meet the spec) and to be honest, have been disappointed. As such, I decided to look at other makes and see if anything came close.

What I have found (and bought) is this: BMW E39 Touring 530 Straight 6 Diesel:














I am not starting a BMW vs Omega thread; but, I think the 5 series is most certainly a viable alternative option.

This 3 litre common rail diesel delivers bags of power and torque. It has 185bhp, compared to I think 205bhp on an Omega 3.0, but delivers more torque. The performance, especially low down, is astonishing, when you consider it returns 44mpg on the motorway and 30mpg running around locally. I was wary of an auto diesel, but the 5 speed auto (GM 5L40-e) compliments it well.

The handling is superb, there is not a single rattle or knock, and it is extremely comfortable, with every toy you could imagine, including inbuild colour satnav (working), 6 x CD changer, heated seats, dual climate, parking sensors, electonic folding mirrors. You can also control pretty much everything, including cruise, from the steering wheel controls.

It might not be everybody's cup of tea, and I'm not sure the colour was my first choice, but this car makes me grin every time I drive it. It doesn't have the load carrying space of an Omega, but, as I only need an Estate to carry a spaniel about, it matters not to me.

Just food for thought! I still have my 2 Omegas... and I will still be keeping certainly the estate, so don't bin me off just yet

[GastronomicKleptomaniac]

Ive never got on with BMW wood, but that's personal opinion. Very very nice car, and looks a good buy!

I saw a gunmetal E39 estate the other week, and both MrsGK and I looked twice and said "by heck, that doesn't look like an 18 year old design"... 

[JamesV6CDX]

Ive never got on with BMW wood, but that's personal opinion. Very very nice car, and looks a good buy!

I saw a gunmetal E39 estate the other week, and both MrsGK and I looked twice and said "by heck, that doesn't look like an 18 year old design"... 

Make no mistake, it's 15 years old with 150k.... but the engine is spotless including underneath, not a sign of a leak anywhere, all clean as a whistle. The gearchanges are faultless, the whole thing is just bloody brilliant....... It drives like a new car.

In terms of a good buy........ £1k, private sale.
Long term owner, and full BMW service history

[SMD]

I was close to buying a E39 540i Sport recently. They are prettier, handle better and build quality is superior but they are not very well equipped. The one I was considering did not even have heated front seats and rears werent even an option. I'd still have one though if I could.

[STEMO]

Don't start taking it to bits, James, cause I know you want to. 

[JamesV6CDX]

I was close to buying a E39 540i Sport recently. They are prettier, handle better and build quality is superior but they are not very well equipped. The one I was considering did not even have heated front seats and rears werent even an option. I'd still have one though if I could.

This is the SE model with

Auto dimming mirror (rear view and sides)
Cruise
6 X cd changer
Inbuilt satnav and Tv
Onboard computer
Auxiliary heating (can be set for certain times)
Heated front seats (I don't sit in the back!)
Rain sensing wipers
Parking sensors
Dual climate/aircon
HID headlights
17" alloys
Telephone
Self levelling

Apart from memory seats I'm struggling to see what's missing

[JamesV6CDX]

Don't start taking it to bits, James, cause I know you want to. 

I've already done a full major service. The only other jobs on the list are a few regular oil changes, ATF change, given the mileage, and new brakes

[Field Marshal Dr. Opti]

Nice, James.

The 6 CD player is far superior to the crappy single disc MP3 player I have in my car.

[pauls]

I have had several  5 series bmws always found them well equiped and solid. Only down side for me was the  small boot space. Never had a estate tho.

[tunnie]

I've always liked that shape beemer, just a very nice solid looking car.

Many years ago I drive a 535 V8, that went very nicely. Really comfy too as you say, after a facelift Omega I found the wing mirrors very small on the 5 

Barton though, looks great. Why spend £20k on something new? If that lasts a year, it's done its job

[Lazydocker]

Must admit, if I were ever able to bring my self to own a BMW then the 530 or 535 oil burner estate is the way I would likely go.

[Sir Tigger KC]

Very nice James! 

[Lazydocker]

Must admit, if I were ever able to bring my self to own a BMW then the 530 or 535 oil burner estate is the way I would likely go.

By that I mean that I'm unlikely to go down the LPG route again... I need the boot space more now. Although I manage at the moment as long as I have the dog cage in

[EMD]

Very nice , does it feel as spacious as the omega in the driving seat 

[minifreek]

I believe that this mark and spec BMW was actually compared to the Omega Elite 3.2 and the BMW only just scraped through to a 'win' if you like... specs etc.. was almost the same as each other, also economy and space/comfort too.... Richard Hammond compared them when he used to be on the Men and Motors channel before TopGear