Contemplating buying BMW 520d
Discussion
Hi all,
This is my first post here, so please pardon me if this post is not up to scratch.
I have my eyes set on a BMW 5 series. I prefer an automatic because of its improved fuel economy (my daily commute is 50 miles on the motorway), but manual will do as well. Teh only reason I am not very keen on manual is .to avoid changing clutch. I also want a large screen prfessional satnav / entertainment system (I don't know its official name) as it looks good.
My budget allows me to buy a 2012/13 car with about 80k - 100k miles on the clock. Can someone please guide me with the following questions:
- Is a 8 year old 520d auto with 80k miles on the clock relaible?
- Are there common issues with the car, particularly with the auto gearbox and electronics?
- What to look for while buying this car?
- Is it worthwhile considering the M-Sport trim? I have heard that the ride is a bit uncomfortable.
Your inputs will be highly appreciated. Thanking in advance.
Cheers,
MS.
This is my first post here, so please pardon me if this post is not up to scratch.
I have my eyes set on a BMW 5 series. I prefer an automatic because of its improved fuel economy (my daily commute is 50 miles on the motorway), but manual will do as well. Teh only reason I am not very keen on manual is .to avoid changing clutch. I also want a large screen prfessional satnav / entertainment system (I don't know its official name) as it looks good.
My budget allows me to buy a 2012/13 car with about 80k - 100k miles on the clock. Can someone please guide me with the following questions:
- Is a 8 year old 520d auto with 80k miles on the clock relaible?
- Are there common issues with the car, particularly with the auto gearbox and electronics?
- What to look for while buying this car?
- Is it worthwhile considering the M-Sport trim? I have heard that the ride is a bit uncomfortable.
Your inputs will be highly appreciated. Thanking in advance.
Cheers,
MS.
5 series 20 D, if it has 80K on clock it has probably been used for business or in connection with peoples business. I would check the full service history and how many owners. Look for excessive wear on peddle rubbers, wear on drivers seat on bolsters as opposed to other other seats. The lone mini cab or company car driver seat will wear disproportionately. Look at the tyres, make sure they are a decent brand and not cheap ditch finders put on to sell a car. Beware of tyre wheel black gunk it can mask tears or cracks in the tyre. If it has full service history you might consider BMW assured warranty for peace of mind but it depends on your budget. I have had many BMW from new including E39 5 series and 2 x E60 5 series they were very reliable but I got rid of them before 80K. I do now have a very old E39 5 series with 190K on the clock and not had many issues with it. But remember when you buy a sed car that is exactly what it is.
Norrie1873 said:
5 series 20 D, if it has 80K on clock it has probably been used for business or in connection with peoples business.
Huh? It's an 8 year old car. 80k is the average mileage for an 8 year old car. Why would it "probably have been used for business"?Norrie1873 said:
The lone mini cab or company car driver seat will wear disproportionately.
It's very unlikely to have been a minicab with just 80k on the clock. And so what if it's been a company car driver? Strange advice to give.....
I wondered similar to you a couple of years ago.
Bit the bullet on a manual 2012 MSport 520d touring with 95k miles on it.
Thoughts now it's on 112k miles are that it did what I wanted it to. Big, comfy family car with enough modern features, effortless and quiet on motorway with 50 to 55 mpg on a run. I wouldn't say MSport is uncomfortable. You can feel some holes in the road but it's never jarring. I switched from run flats to normal tyres, didn't make much difference comfort wise in my opinion.
Rear air suspension compressor failed was my only reliability issue (not a concern for the saloon). Oh, and an egg shaped alloy I had to get replaced.
Everything still works fine, sailed through it's last MOT.
Check brake disks/pads for wear. The disks on mine were shot at that mileage, I do wonder if they were the originals.
Tyres for the 19" wheels aren't as expensive as I expected, think I paid £450 for 4 fully fitted Nexen, a decent mid range brand I've used on heavy non fun cars in the past, always been happy with them.
Big service cost about £420 from a specialist. In hindsight I could have had BMW service it for a similar price!
I planned on keeping mine 5+ years, but in reality I always get tempted to change and I'm selling up soon as I jumped on a good lease deal.
I'd buy a car of similar age/ mileage like that again, just worth waiting for a spec you like and evidence of all services done, just like any other car, and keep it a few years to get your money worth!
Edit to add: don't forget to check the egr cooler recall has been done! Not sure if there is still a backlog but it was a bit annoying to be without my car for 7 weeks last year while it waited at dealer to be done.
Bit the bullet on a manual 2012 MSport 520d touring with 95k miles on it.
Thoughts now it's on 112k miles are that it did what I wanted it to. Big, comfy family car with enough modern features, effortless and quiet on motorway with 50 to 55 mpg on a run. I wouldn't say MSport is uncomfortable. You can feel some holes in the road but it's never jarring. I switched from run flats to normal tyres, didn't make much difference comfort wise in my opinion.
Rear air suspension compressor failed was my only reliability issue (not a concern for the saloon). Oh, and an egg shaped alloy I had to get replaced.
Everything still works fine, sailed through it's last MOT.
Check brake disks/pads for wear. The disks on mine were shot at that mileage, I do wonder if they were the originals.
Tyres for the 19" wheels aren't as expensive as I expected, think I paid £450 for 4 fully fitted Nexen, a decent mid range brand I've used on heavy non fun cars in the past, always been happy with them.
Big service cost about £420 from a specialist. In hindsight I could have had BMW service it for a similar price!
I planned on keeping mine 5+ years, but in reality I always get tempted to change and I'm selling up soon as I jumped on a good lease deal.
I'd buy a car of similar age/ mileage like that again, just worth waiting for a spec you like and evidence of all services done, just like any other car, and keep it a few years to get your money worth!
Edit to add: don't forget to check the egr cooler recall has been done! Not sure if there is still a backlog but it was a bit annoying to be without my car for 7 weeks last year while it waited at dealer to be done.
Edited by Don Phil on Thursday 18th June 00:37
The one thing i would say - and i do personally with these chain driven BMW engines - is dont just have them serviced to schedule (which is about every 18,000 miles) - get an interim service done at around 9,000 miles. Also some can be prone to burning a little oil, so check them every two weeks and top up as necessary.
Will add a few ££s to your yearly maintenance bill, but very well worth it IMHO
Will add a few ££s to your yearly maintenance bill, but very well worth it IMHO
They're generally pretty well built reliable cars. Yes, the engine can have timing chain issues but although it seems common on the internet they've sold loads of these engines so it is perhaps a bit overblown. If it has been serviced it'll likely be fine.
The F10/11 is a very nice, very good car. I'm not sure it is a great BMW (it is not as fun to drive as the previous E60 in my opinion) and is actually quite softly sprung and quite a few people criticise the steering (justified but most will find it just fine I expect). It is a great all rounder.
I wouldn't get too hung on the spec. Most 520d will be ex-company and probably have base spec plus not much. That doesn't really matter as you get most of what you need anyway. Pro-Nav is nice but unless you are using the Nav a lot doesn't actually do anything much more other than look nice. Don't turn down an otherwise well cared for car for it. In 5 Series tradition the standard stereo is a bit rubbish - it isn't quite as bad as on the E39 or E60 but it is still poor. The standard headlights are also average (another tradition from the E39).
If I were picking spec I'd choose the HiFi audio upgrade and Xenons over ProNav.
The F10/11 is a very nice, very good car. I'm not sure it is a great BMW (it is not as fun to drive as the previous E60 in my opinion) and is actually quite softly sprung and quite a few people criticise the steering (justified but most will find it just fine I expect). It is a great all rounder.
I wouldn't get too hung on the spec. Most 520d will be ex-company and probably have base spec plus not much. That doesn't really matter as you get most of what you need anyway. Pro-Nav is nice but unless you are using the Nav a lot doesn't actually do anything much more other than look nice. Don't turn down an otherwise well cared for car for it. In 5 Series tradition the standard stereo is a bit rubbish - it isn't quite as bad as on the E39 or E60 but it is still poor. The standard headlights are also average (another tradition from the E39).
If I were picking spec I'd choose the HiFi audio upgrade and Xenons over ProNav.
ZX10R NIN said:
Some F10's have suffered with timing chain issues but nowhere on the scale of the earlier model, apart from that they're a reliable car there are some good alternatives that will net you a lower mileage car that's well spec'd.
Hi ZX10R NIN,Many thanks for your reponse. Is there a way of identifying if the timing chain is about to go? What are the alternatives?
Regards,
MS.
38911 said:
It's very unlikely to have been a minicab with just 80k on the clock. And so what if it's been a company car driver?
Strange advice to give.....
The department of transport states the average miles is just over 7K per annum so take an 8 year old car and do the maths =56K, this car has done 80K, more than the average, it may indicate nothing, thats assuming it hasnt been clocked.Strange advice to give.....
mandysontakke said:
ZX10R NIN said:
Some F10's have suffered with timing chain issues but nowhere on the scale of the earlier model, apart from that they're a reliable car there are some good alternatives that will net you a lower mileage car that's well spec'd.
Hi ZX10R NIN,Many thanks for your reponse. Is there a way of identifying if the timing chain is about to go? What are the alternatives?
Regards,
MS.
If its not rattling or at all noisy then is "should" be fine, but there is a tiny risk of a complete and instant failure, but extremely unlikely IF the car is kept well serviced (over serviced ideally).
Most timing chain failures can be traced back to the absolute bare minimum in servicing and no checking / topping up in between. A bad combination when servicing intervals can be up to 20K and the car can like a drink.
My son bought a 2009 120d M Sport at 3 years old and we ran it from 50K miles to 80K miles no issues at all (And driven hard constantly). We did the interim oil and filter service every 9K miles and kept it topped up with oil. The first time i checked it i was stunned that it was well below the minimum. You just dont expect it, but they can use oil.
I'd have no fears of one but its definitely worth ensuring you're getting a good one in the first instance - which goes with buying any car really.
anonymous said:
[redacted]
Hi tonker, thanks for your response. Makes sense to go for SE model which is more comfortable. I have certainly heard about the auto gearbox being very good, thanks for confirming it. I can't get the large satnav out of my mind for some reason, but I appreciate that the overall condition of the car comes first.Thanks,
MS
Norrie1873 said:
probably been used for business or in connection with peoples business.
Hi Norrie1873, thanks for your response. Your recommendation are very useful. I will explore the option of BMW assured warranty. I am slightly confused about your comment regarding 'business or in connection to peoples business'. Can you elaborate on that please? Just wondering how that would have an impact on condition of the car?Thanks,
MS.
mandysontakke said:
Hi ZX10R NIN,
Many thanks for your reponse. Is there a way of identifying if the timing chain is about to go? What are the alternatives?
Regards,
MS.
Listen out for a rattle start up especially when cold, any rattling should make you walk away, it's rare they go instantly but it has been known.Many thanks for your reponse. Is there a way of identifying if the timing chain is about to go? What are the alternatives?
Regards,
MS.
A preventative measure is to have an interim oil service done every 9-10k using non long life oil keeps costs down but keeps your engine happy, this isn't just something I'd just do on the BMW but any car above that's near or above 100k.
Long service intervals are the downfall of many an engine.
There are a lot of nice alternatives:
My first pick is the Jaguar XF (preferably in Portfolio trim) because you can land a 3.0d which is a nicer unit than any 2.0d will be & they're a very nice steer as well as being a nice place to be & you should be able to get one with lower mileage.
Portfolio S
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Portfolio
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
2.2d Portfolio Nice car but in reality I'd be buying the 3.0d's above
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
E250 AMG Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
E220 AMG Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
AMG Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Night Edition you'll have to haggle & give the budget a small stretch but you do get a newer car
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
A6 3.0d S Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
2.0d S Line
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
If it doesn't have to be German then there are some worthy options:
Volvo S80 D4 SE Lux Nav
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Infiniti Q70 2.2d in Sport trim, you get a newer car with great spec (not quite a Pro Nav sized screen) but similar mileage to the 5 series but these also have a cracking stereo system as well as (on some) active cruise 360 Cameras etc.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
Premium Executive
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
3.0d M GT Spec & NVH with these cars are great the 3.0d is a sweet unit but the looks aren't to all tastes.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...
There are some better spec Pro Nav 520d's than what your looking at:
Luxury
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
525d M Sport
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
Leftfield:
E300 AMG Sport diesel Hybrid
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...
I had a 2011 520d auto a couple of years ago. Bought with FSH at 86k miles, sold with 106k a year later.
As previous posters have mentioned above regarding changing the oil - definitely worth doing, I did it twice in my ownership - peace of mind and all that.
Also as preventative maintenance I had the ZF gearbox oil changed at 100k - not cheap but again peace of mind and it was definitely smoother after - not that it felt jerky or hesitant before however.
Rear suspension airbags are a known weak point on estates, I had a receipt for replacements with my car.
I specifically looked out for SE spec for the better ride comfort and I also found the SE seats more comfortable (and far less bolster wear).
The only other 'must have' for me was Xenon headlamps as the standard lights are like a pair of candles. The car I found also had Pro-nav but I wasn't bothered by this, yes it makes the dash look more upmarket as you don't have the plastic blanking panels ether side of the small screen but I never use factory nav so left it displaying audio.
Funny how the XF is mentioned as that's what I'm currently driving and will be for sale soon as new car incoming.
Cheers,
Chris
As previous posters have mentioned above regarding changing the oil - definitely worth doing, I did it twice in my ownership - peace of mind and all that.
Also as preventative maintenance I had the ZF gearbox oil changed at 100k - not cheap but again peace of mind and it was definitely smoother after - not that it felt jerky or hesitant before however.
Rear suspension airbags are a known weak point on estates, I had a receipt for replacements with my car.
I specifically looked out for SE spec for the better ride comfort and I also found the SE seats more comfortable (and far less bolster wear).
The only other 'must have' for me was Xenon headlamps as the standard lights are like a pair of candles. The car I found also had Pro-nav but I wasn't bothered by this, yes it makes the dash look more upmarket as you don't have the plastic blanking panels ether side of the small screen but I never use factory nav so left it displaying audio.
Funny how the XF is mentioned as that's what I'm currently driving and will be for sale soon as new car incoming.
Cheers,
Chris
Summit_Detailing said:
I had a 2011 520d auto a couple of years ago. Bought with FSH at 86k miles, sold with 106k a year later.
As previous posters have mentioned above regarding changing the oil - definitely worth doing, I did it twice in my ownership - peace of mind and all that.
Also as preventative maintenance I had the ZF gearbox oil changed at 100k - not cheap but again peace of mind and it was definitely smoother after - not that it felt jerky or hesitant before however.
Rear suspension airbags are a known weak point on estates, I had a receipt for replacements with my car.
I specifically looked out for SE spec for the better ride comfort and I also found the SE seats more comfortable (and far less bolster wear).
The only other 'must have' for me was Xenon headlamps as the standard lights are like a pair of candles. The car I found also had Pro-nav but I wasn't bothered by this, yes it makes the dash look more upmarket as you don't have the plastic blanking panels ether side of the small screen but I never use factory nav so left it displaying audio.
Funny how the XF is mentioned as that's what I'm currently driving and will be for sale soon as new car incoming.
Cheers,
Chris
Piece of mind for the next owner more like. As previous posters have mentioned above regarding changing the oil - definitely worth doing, I did it twice in my ownership - peace of mind and all that.
Also as preventative maintenance I had the ZF gearbox oil changed at 100k - not cheap but again peace of mind and it was definitely smoother after - not that it felt jerky or hesitant before however.
Rear suspension airbags are a known weak point on estates, I had a receipt for replacements with my car.
I specifically looked out for SE spec for the better ride comfort and I also found the SE seats more comfortable (and far less bolster wear).
The only other 'must have' for me was Xenon headlamps as the standard lights are like a pair of candles. The car I found also had Pro-nav but I wasn't bothered by this, yes it makes the dash look more upmarket as you don't have the plastic blanking panels ether side of the small screen but I never use factory nav so left it displaying audio.
Funny how the XF is mentioned as that's what I'm currently driving and will be for sale soon as new car incoming.
Cheers,
Chris
If you knew you were changing the car 6k miles after the expensive gearbox oil change is an interesting way to spend the Sterling.
Welshbeef said:
Piece of mind for the next owner more like.
If you knew you were changing the car 6k miles after the expensive gearbox oil change is an interesting way to spend the Sterling.
Wasn't planning on changing but an S-class became available from an old employer so decided to upgrade.If you knew you were changing the car 6k miles after the expensive gearbox oil change is an interesting way to spend the Sterling.
Cheers.
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