5 series touring-which of these 2 engines shall I get?

[Steviesam]

Hello!

I wanted to ask those in know what you would get if you were me.
Whatever I buy, its being taken to Spain to live. Usage there will be "normal", mostly local with the odd longer drive. However, I am well used to foibles of diesels and short journey and I make sure they get a decent hot fast run regularly.
Any car will be 2011 ish with high mileage, over 100,000 miles when I purchase. I am not scared of high miles-looking at these that are available in Spain, they all have 200-300,00 kms, so 140-150,000 miles is ok with me.
Also I am now not driving like Nigel Mansell-more interested in longevity than speed.

So, 5 series F11s....2.0d or the 3.0 N53?

(I am also considering Merc e class, but thats for the Merc section)
Thanks all!

[AlexGSi2000]

For me, it would be the petrol.

Both engines have their quirks - I'm very familiar with the timing chains on the diesel, but also the likes of the DPF to worry about.
I think I would be inclined to say the petrol would be more reliable and no doubt nicer, more pleasant to drive, wont be as efficient but if your annual mileage is low you wont know any different.

[Steviesam]

Good points. I do prefer petrols, mpg not a concerns (used to have a supercharged RR) and i have anxiety about DPFs sometimes having had French diesels!
What I am not really aware of is how complex and reliable the N53 is!
Food for thought!
Cheers

[danb79]

Steviesam said:

Hello!

I wanted to ask those in know what you would get if you were me.
Whatever I buy, its being taken to Spain to live. Usage there will be "normal", mostly local with the odd longer drive. However, I am well used to foibles of diesels and short journey and I make sure they get a decent hot fast run regularly.
Any car will be 2011 ish with high mileage, over 100,000 miles when I purchase. I am not scared of high miles-looking at these that are available in Spain, they all have 200-300,00 kms, so 140-150,000 miles is ok with me.
Also I am now not driving like Nigel Mansell-more interested in longevity than speed.

So, 5 series F11s....2.0d or the 3.0 N53?

(I am also considering Merc e class, but thats for the Merc section)
Thanks all!

Have you considered the N57 30d at all; if not I would, superb engine

The N53 is good; but it has a few issues that hopefully have been taken care of by bow, namely injectors and the HPFP

What about an F11 535i with the N55; that's a superb car and a superb engine and there's a few about currently that'd be worth looking into

[Steviesam]

I will take a look at those now

[drmotorsport]

My F11 535i LCI is kinda for sale the engine is lovely and work well with the 8speed ZF and has been bulletproof for the last 3 years. Fairly reluctant to replace it as it's just so competent. Will do well into the 30's MPG if you go nuts with the boring eco pro mode.

[Steviesam]

drmotorsport said:

My F11 535i LCI is kinda for sale the engine is lovely and work well with the 8speed ZF and has been bulletproof for the last 3 years. Fairly reluctant to replace it as it's just so competent. Will do well into the 30's MPG if you go nuts with the boring eco pro mode.

Thanks, but having looked at them I know its out of my budget!

[danb79]

Steviesam said:

drmotorsport said:

My F11 535i LCI is kinda for sale the engine is lovely and work well with the 8speed ZF and has been bulletproof for the last 3 years. Fairly reluctant to replace it as it's just so competent. Will do well into the 30's MPG if you go nuts with the boring eco pro mode.

Thanks, but having looked at them I know its out of my budget!

What's your budget?