So i need to buy something cheap to knock about in.

BMW 5 series (e39) touring keep coming up.

Anyone had one, what does anyone think. is the 520i underpowered?

520i isn’t going to blow the wind up your skirt, 523/25i is a grand driving car but they feel their age

Depends upon your definition of ‘underpowered’. Generally speaking, BMW have always majored on performance and the 2.0 petrol engine was always at least 20bhp more powerful than much of other manufacturers offering in the same class, so in that respect no, a 520i is not underpowered.

However, drive a 530i, and especially after the smoothness of 6cyls, you’re gonna feel a bit short changed by the 520i………

What you really need is an E46 330i of course. I hear they are cheap as chips these days, a lot of car for the money.

Go for a 530i instead.

Whilst i love my 530i saloon I do accept the fact they are getting on in their years nowadays.