When my 'D' arrives it'll be my 4th 5er & 5th beemer. Much as I liked my last beemer (the x5), I will be so glad to be back in a 5 series; they are such awesome vehicles. Just the right size for 2 (or the occasional 4) to do long trips in gr8 comfort but with a ride that can suit your mood; from edgy to wallowing (if that's to your taste). A good town drive but a long haul car that is nonpareil. I'll stop wanking now & just say I like it.
BY THE WAY I'm a V8 guy (my last 3 beemers have been the 4.4 V8) but decided that I'd try a diesel for economy. Mind you, the 535d is only .5 sec slower 0-100 kmh than the 550 (which is the car my heart said to buy), but significantly BETTER economy-wise than the 550. So I'll report back next year on the overall experience. I'd go for the 550 if I were you given diesels aren't yet available in NA (god - when the 550d comes out here ill be queuing up for it!!!!!!!!!!).