Page 1 of Used BMW 5 or BMW 3 - any advice from someone who has owned both

Hope you guys can help me decide here - hoping someone here has owned both...

Planning to buy a used BMW for around £5k-£7k which will probably be get me a 5-6 yr old high mileage BMW 3 or 5 series.

Current shortlist is the following:
318i, 320d or 520i or 530d

Also unsure if I want a manual or automatic - been driving automatics for the past few years as the missus only drives autos and we have been sharing the car.

Main priority is a fun drive (for saloon standards) - not so bother about speed - but more about handling and cornering type fun.
Reasons for interest in the 5 series is all the hype you hear about it being the best saloon etc. Also, the extra boot space my come in handy on the occasional trip up north.
In my mind the 3 series definitely sounds like it will be more fun to drive than the 5 - anyone care to comment on this?

Also, has anyone got experience of both the 318i and the 320d - which one did you prefer?

Look forward to the opinions!!

The wife had a 323 and the rear leg room is non existent. If you have a family I would go for the 5 series. I have a freind with a 530d and he loves it.

and dont forget to make sure it has indicators on it. ;)

The Jackal

jrinns,
Does your mate find the 530d is good for chucking round corners etc - despite the size?