Buying advice for a 528 (2000) Sport ....VANOS issues?

[__G__]

Howdy,

I'm looking at gettting a 528 (2000) sport this afternon. It's sitting at 80k with a full service history at a local reputable garage.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any specific BMW advice before I view it this afternoon?

The only thing that concernes me slightly is that I've heard the M52B28 TU engine that I believe is fitted to this car has VANOS issues. However I've heard lots of conflicting information on this and I was under the impression it was mainly an M-power issue. Is the VANOS a potential problem? If so can I check it's functionality?

I'm getting a warranty but it's nice to know where you stand with these things.

Any advice appreciated guys,

G

[Mustard]

VANOS as you rightly state is an M Power issue, and being a 2000 car it should not be effected by Nikasil liner problems either (pre late 1998 cars), so no issues really to concern yourself with

[phelix]

The M52TU engine doesn't have the serious-consequences VANOS issues that the M cars have. The seals do wear out with time/age but are a relatively cheap DIY fix (see http://www.beisansystem.com and/or http://www.drvanos.com ) and the failure mode is benign. The engine is otherwise pretty bullet proof - my 99 E46 328i (same engine) is going strong after 130K miles.

[Fox-]

No 'wow the VANOS went bang' issues. Only the minor one the other poster described.

[MitchT]

I don't think VANOS units ever go 'bang' as such. They tend to become noisy and then fail gradually, the failure becoming apparent via an increasing lack of torque in the lower rev range. I'm not entirely sure how the failure of a VANOS in a non-M car differs from the failure of a VANOS in an M car such that one is repairable and the other has to be replaced. I'd be interested to know.

[__G__]

Thanks for that lads.

I took the car for a test drive. Great handling for a big one. Fair bit of power as well. Lovely car.

Don't think the 5 series is the car for me though. Just didn't click with it.

I think I need something less practical... Next stop EVO IV

[Andrew D]

How about an E46 330Ci? It's a bit more refined than an Evo, and it's got plenty of power.

[__G__]

They're a little expensive. I was offered the 528 Sport for ~£4000 with warranty (and part ex).

330's go for £5000+ and I could probably bag a nice evo IV for £4500 (With the remainder for insurance!).

To be honest I just felt the 528 was a little tame. I have had the same problem with other BMWs I've driven. I'd go the M3 route but the VANOS problems scare the crap out of me having seen 2 fail. So I doubt the 330 would be even better even if money wasn't the issue.

[Fox-]

They do feel tame because they are so refined that you don't get any sense of speed, until you glance at the speedo.