London does have a high proportion of petrol engined 5's, most other areas of the UK have a higher proprtion of diesels. BMW sell 75% diesel in the UK (X5's). With the price of fuel the extra consumption above the petrol engine, it is significant. As well as that it has more torque than the V8. Last week on a 2000 mile round trip to Lake Garda in Italy, I managed 32 mpg, not bad for 2 tonnes at euro 130 kph speeds and up over the alps. I'm impressed anyway.

rain has gone off, but due again tomorrow.

Sorry but I prefer Paris to London. More exciting to drive in as well.

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Steffi