Review from Classic Car Weekly, February 2007 UK magazine If Fords and Minis aren't your thing but BMWs push the right buttons, then Marc Cranswick's history of the legendary 5 Series is a must read. To some of you, the words 'five' and ‘series' may conjure images of a modern BMW, but in fact, the first one came out in 1972. Most of the early models are rare sights these days but it won't take long to source an Eighties M535i in the CCW classifieds – for a bargain price too. Back in the Seventies BMW launched the 5 Series to challenge Daimler-Benz with its MB 25012805 and 280SL coupe. Since then, it has evolved and continues to be a sought-after saloon, with the bonkers M5 remaining an ultimate driver's car. Each model is covered in the 192 pages of 5 trivia, including the later E39 shape, which isn't regarded as a classic now, but no doubt the mind blowing M5 version will grace the pages of CCW in a few years. The lack of sub headings can be challenging when you're trying to source specific pieces of text but on the other hand, Marc has been very thorough with the research, and his knowledge will turn you into a 5 buff in no time.