auto or manual?

yabba

Bmw 520....will be doing large mileage...little town driving....which better on fuel automatic or manual?

Anan1

Manual will be a little lighter on fuel, auto will be nicer to drive. Although on long runs there won't be as much of a difference on either front.

Max Power1

I dont like the manual transmission on most bmws tbh, its very notchy and ruins the feel of the car

Plus autos are easier to resell. Are you talking e39/e60/f10?

YbFocus

From current experience I can say the manual around town can be a pain, but will save diesel over its auto counterparts in the motorway.
Also better on a spirited drive

whomitconcerns

automatic is very nice in city and motorway, stick into sports mode or equivalent and your laughing.

biko

The mpg between AT and MT will be small. In my view driving style is much more important.
AT is just really nice though, def worth the small difference in mpg.

bazz26

Without knowing which model the OP is talking about then it is hard to say really. The auto on the newer F10 is nearly as efficient as the manual but the auto is a lot nicer to drive imo. E60 got a new 6 speed auto back in early 2008. The BMW diesels are actually more suited to the auto boxes than the manuals. One of the few pet hates I had with my old 3 Series was the manual clutch peddle had to travel too far before it engaged. Auto 5 Series are more sought after too.

jhegarty

No question , get the auto.