BMW 2012 520d

[Mr.Nobody]

So due to a new job. I’ve decided to have a look at a 2012 BMW 520d for around £6k the car I’ve seen has FSH with 118k. Are there any issues with this model year.

[popegregory]

Yes, famously the timing chain may give up and the engine can eat itself. I had an E61 with the same engine and it didn’t happen over 220-odd thousand miles

[blackscooby]

Our 2010 F11 520d has ~110K on it. Couple of issues with it that have been a pain to try and resolve. Rear tracking is a pain to get right, and loves to chew off the insides as it was toeing out like a b@stard. Hopefully we've got that sorted now though.
The gearbox is great, until it's not. When it has been in traffic it becomes rough and thumps into gear particularly when slowing to a stop, it can thump into first so hard it feels as though you've been hit.
Change of gearbox oil and filter made no difference. Shame as it's immaculate and hides its miles well.

[Mr.Nobody]

I’ll ask about the timing chain to see if it’s been done. With the mileage on it. Hopefully it has.

[ZX10R NIN]

You already know there are better options out (with the amount of knowledge that's been passed onto you) there, so just buy it & don't make a thread.

[Mr.Nobody]

ZX10R NIN said:

You already know there are better options out (with the amount of knowledge that's been passed onto you) there, so just buy it & don't make a thread.

Nice to hear from you too. Thanks as always for the help.

[tim0409]

Check how often the services have been done. I owned a 2008 118d with the same N47 engine and if I recall correctly the oil change intervals were really long, which is probably a contributing factor to early chain failure. I serviced it myself every 8-10k to give it the best possible chance.

It was a nice car, with plenty power and great MPG.

[P700DEE]

Ran my F11 version to 200K miles on original chain sold for £2K. That car looks top price so would need to be special. Look post 2014 for Euro 6 so you don't get stung by any Emission zones like ULEZ

[Mr.Nobody]

This is the car I was looking at;

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202509176...

Edited by Mr.Nobody on Friday 17th October 13:01