F11 523i or 528i

[Ciaran]

Hi

I'm looking for a petrol touring and have seen two - a 528i 2.0l and a 523i 3l. I'm swaying towards the straight 6 but is there any reason why I should opt for the 528i? I'll probably go for a remap with the 523i.

Thanks

[SlowV6]

I think the 523i is low power output version of the N53 engine, which means possible expensive injector issues.

I feel like a 535i would be better in every possible way, albeit more expensive.

All IMHO of course.

[danb79]

Ciaran said:

Hi

I'm looking for a petrol touring and have seen two - a 528i 2.0l and a 523i 3l. I'm swaying towards the straight 6 but is there any reason why I should opt for the 528i? I'll probably go for a remap with the 523i.

Thanks

Personally I'd see if you can find a Japanese import 528i touring via the likes of Seymour Pope - preferably the straight 6 they did, or as above; go for the 535i with the N55 engine

I wouldn't touch the N53 at all - too many issues

What's your budget though as the Gx series 530i tourings have come down in price quite a lot now?

[428 days later]

I had a 428i Gran coupe and I really rated the N20 in that. Revved nicely, great power and was far smoother than the B48 equipped car I have now. They updated the timing chain from around a 15 plate as I recall as mine was a 65 plate, so go for one 15 plate or onwards.

[Ciaran]

Thanks

Budget is around £13k.

The two that I've seen are actually imports from Japan. 535i is probably a bit more than my budget judging by the one on ebay.

Would also consider a 3 series petrol touring.

Edited by Ciaran on Tuesday 20th January 09:13

[danb79]

Ciaran said:

Thanks

Budget is around £13k.

The two that I've seen are actually imports from Japan. 535i is probably a bit more than my budget judging by the one on ebay.

Would also consider a 3 series petrol touring.

Edited by Ciaran on Tuesday 20th January 09:13

Personally at that budget I'd stick with an F11 - as good as the F31 is (I have one); the F11 is much better put together IMO

You should be able to find one in that budget; just may take a bit of time

[bmwmike]

https://www.forum5.co.uk/topic/2443-2011-f11-535i-...

[Ciaran]

bmwmike said:

https://www.forum5.co.uk/topic/2443-2011-f11-535i-...

Is that the one on ebay?

[bmwmike]

Ciaran said:

Is that the one on ebay?

No idea, no affiliation.

[Ciaran]

No worries, thanks.

[danb79]

Ciaran said:

bmwmike said:

https://www.forum5.co.uk/topic/2443-2011-f11-535i-...

Is that the one on ebay?

No; Dunc's a moderator of the 5 forums and his is on c64k miles IIRC

But also it was listed nearly a year ago - unsure if it's still for sale as it's not been updated since June 2025

[Ben-v4cck]

I have an F11 523i manual and would recommend it.
The N53 has the known issues but I think they tend to be exaggerated online. This is my second N53 and the only major failing has been the waterpump which needs doing in my current one. These are service items as I see it so no big deal.

As long as you budget for maintenance the N53 is a great engine, even in the low power output of the 23i, it stills go nicely, although I am planning a remap in the near future to see around 260 hopefully.

MPG does struggle with the added weight of the 5 though, dipping into the teens around town in the recent cold weather.