The BMW 5 Series was the first model to introduce the controversial ‘flame’ design which split opinion. However we have always been fans so we were keen to see if the latest design would also hit the spot. We think that BMW has got it right again with a dynamic and thoroughly contemporary design which keeps the 5 bang up to date.

The new 5 Series comes with an array of EfficientDynamics technologies. There’s Auto Start-Stop, optimum gearshift indicator, Brake Energy Regeneration, Active Aerodynamics and low rolling resistance tyres. In addition a state-of-the-art 8-speed automatic transmission with a longer final drive ratio to reduce engine revs at motorway speeds helping to achieve great fuel consumption.

In the driving stakes BMW has kept the trademark 50:50 weight distribution, which along with the front-engined, rear-wheel drive layout, makes the 5 Series more agile than rivals. There’s also no reason to expect anything other than the excellent build quality that we’ve become used to.

The latest 5 Series is evolutionary rather than revolutionary but when you’re starting so close to perfection that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The 520d ED delivers strong real world performance whilst achieving fuel economy that shames many city cars. With a brilliant blend of quality, style, performance and driving entertainment, it remains our favourite executive car.

It wasn’t too long ago that Mercedes struggled to get into this guide but with a new range of super hi-tech engines that is all about to change. Mercedes may have been … Continue Reading ...

Businesses are devising ways of outsourcing payment structures for their employees. Payroll service providers are skilled in this discipline, having the capability of processing payrolls more efficiently. Furthermore, utilizing the services of the right payroll company can go a long way in saving the organization a substantial amount of money in the form of hiring the services of in-house personnel to undertake the job. Factors to consider when choosing a payroll service provider include:

· Payroll accuracy

When choosing payroll services it is advisable to consider the payroll accuracy. Paychecks that are incorrect have the ability of making you and the employees unhappy. The right payroll provider understands the importance of ensuring each of the paychecks is processed accurately. The right payroll service provider will consider going over the payroll with the organization in detail, while offering you all the important information that you need.

· Considers the organization’s future needs

The right service provider takes every initiative to check the accuracy of the payroll together with you. The service provider will review the hours worked, number of checks and the total amount of the payroll. They will also consider checking important details every time the provider takes from the organization payroll information.

· Unmatched client services

The organization needs to find a service provider that has been in the business for a reasonable amount of time servicing many clients. This way, the service provider will be in a position to know the degree of involvement required. The right service … Continue Reading ...

Short of money? (Dumb question, I know). Trying to figure out how are you going to afford all the textbooks for your next term? Are you creating new economic theories to balance your scarce budget?

Then you are probably not taking advantage of the very best, more efficient way to get your textbooks cheap, and I mean really cheap.

Search and buy online. That’s it. That’s the secret. And to make sure you get the best value out of it, I’m giving you below the Top 10 Tips for buying textbooks online.

1. Buy early. Don’t wait for the first day of classes to go and find the books you need. That’s the moment when demand increases and, inevitably, prices increase with it. Textbooks sell fast and furiously over that short period of time and the effort required to get the best offers then is far greater than the effort necessary just a couple of weeks before.

If your college or university doesn’t supply the textbook lists in advance, don’t despair, contact former students from the course you want to take, or even the professors themselves, and ask them for the books you should buy. That little extra effort will certainly be worth your while.

2. Buy used. Secondhand textbooks are cheaper. That’s an undeniable fact. It is not unusual to find savings in excess of $50 against list prices.

3. Consider older editions. Often times, books on classical physics, chemistry or biology remain virtually the same for years. If … Continue Reading ...

They are men and women from various cultures and from different backgrounds, some have an impressive academic record while others barely made it through high school; however, the one thing that is common is the sheer grit and determination of these people to achieve their dreams. Here is a look at the accomplishments of ten such extraordinary people.

Bill Gates

The co founder of software giant Microsoft left Harvard to pursue his dream of creating a software program that would be used by nearly every computer owner in the world. Windows is the most popular operating system in the world today along with several other applications and tools that are Microsoft products. Gates has held on to the title of the richest man in the world for over a decade with his net worth dwindling from $60 to $50 billion and back.

Oprah Winfrey

Another story of how determination can take a person to the pinnacle of success, Oprah’s story is one of courage in the face of adversity. Her program the Oprah Winfrey Show has been the longest running and the most successful show of its kind. Winfrey, who had to face abject poverty growing up in rural Mississippi, is one of the richest entertainers in the United States today with her fortunes running into the tune of $2.7 billion.

Warren Buffet

The CEO of Berkshire and Hathaway, well known as the ‘Oracle of Omaha’, Buffet is often changing first position on the Forbes list with friend and fellow … Continue Reading ...

Isn’t it wonderful to be able to read with speed and still comprehend the matter you are reading? Yes, speed reading is inevitable in the present fast paced world. And if you wish to climb the success ladder in your studies or career, start practicing speed reading now!

Speed Reading: A Valuable Skill

Once you gain mastery over the skill of speed reading, you will save a lot of time. There is a load of information available nowadays and a slow reader can lose a great deal of it. You have to be better equipped with knowledge. For that you need to read faster and comprehend with the same speed too. To gain a competitive edge in the fast paced world, speed reading is a must!

Top 3 Compelling Reasons To Learn Speed Reading

Do not pay attention to people who say that you can do without speed reading. It’s not true! Many young people have been surveyed and it has been found that those with speed reading skills definitely had an edge over those without.

1. Save You Time

One of the biggest advantages is saving your time. With speed reading, you are able to read a book in half the time (even less than half) than that you take in normal reading. Another advantage is that now you need not read the whole matter to get the idea; you simply skim the page and absorb the essential information. Imagine the impression it makes over the other person!

2. … Continue Reading ...

All good dog breeds have a great deal of importance with the specific. The following top 10 dog breeds list we are having a look at all varieties of puppies from the small to the large. We are selecting favorites based on their attitude and ease of training as well as their cuddly and cute elements. But to be clear we love all breeds, now grab your leash.

10- Saint Bernard

Named Cujo although excellently featured in the Cujo (horror film) which is based on the novel of Stephen King Saint Bernard is a big creature with friendly nature whose true character is perhaps better portrayed in the friendly family jerk Beethoven named after the greatest.

Cujo has roots as far back as 980 AD and while he didn’t carry barrels of brandy. He was actually created for rescue work and life in the Alps. He was nearly vanished owing to serious winters in the early 1800s. But he was happily crossbred with Newfoundland dog to reinstate and maintain his numbers nightly.

9- English cocker spaniel

He has been a fixture in the arts in some way for almost half a century first valued as a quality hunting dog in both wet and dry conditions. The Cocker Spaniel was created to hunt game birds especially one game bird which is called the Woodcock is where their name comes from the cocker spaniel. The English cocker spaniel is highly playful and lovable personality endeared it as a greeted member of a … Continue Reading ...