Hi I am new to BMW. I am considering to sell my C class for a F10. Either 520i or 523i. Any guru here able to advise what to look up for? And what is the common issues with F10.
Is there any big ticket item to fix I need to look out for before buying?
I am eyeing 2011/2012 f10 and renew when pqp is lower.
Thanks in advance.
The following is only an opinion of mine as I've considered both those models before as well and done quite a bit of research.
That being said feel free to disagree with the MANY points below as open discussion is why this forum was setup.
Many people buy the F10 for many different reasons i'm just a person whos interested in the performance side of things but with an eye on my limited budget, hence no 535i or M
Personally I'd skip both the 520 and 523.
The 520 (N20 Engine) is just underpowered even though it shares the same 4 cylinder as the better valued 528i. The depreciation is a little lower depending on what you can find. But being underpowered also means you're using more gas to get to speed and maintain that speed so its not as good on fuel economy vs performance.
The 523 has very little going for it other then the supposedly silky smooth inline 6 cylinder. Its a 2.5L (pay more road tax) burns more fuel, less power gains when modified, heavier, and slower then the 528i.
Basically ALL F10s all share the same inherent flaws that accompany ANY aging bmw, and unless you
1. Are satisfied with the performance (HP) you get for the next 10 years
2. Looking at a specific depreciation within that range
I wouldn't rec either one over the 528i.
Benefits of the 528i (N20 Engine)
1. Easier to mod with HUGE power gains and improvements
2. 2.0L engine albeit sounds like a bloody diesel engine at startup and standing outside of the car.
3. Less road tax
4. Lighter and did I mention MORE (HP)
Things to look out for in ANY N20 2.0L engine
1. Timing chain guide . Made of plastic and known to crack sending bits of plastic into the oil sump, worst case it blocks the oil pickup line starving the engine of oil and boom no more engine. Or just as bad the tensioner breaks, the engine jumps time, pistons hit valves or a cylinder goes through the block, but end result is also a big BOOM !
Replacement of the updated chain and guide and tensioner is required. Parts not expensive but labour is. Known to fail just about the 100,000 mile mark i.e 160,000kms or less.
2. Did I mention its an old aging bmw ? Leaks leaks leaks EVERYWHERE and everything, essentially its an old BMW and its got a reputation to uphold.
3. ALL the fluids have GOT to be replaced brake fluid especially as it absorbs water vapour in the air, radiator fluid has to be flushed out etc etc etc you get the idea.
4. Under carriage bushings and both engine and transmission mounts.
5. Electrical problems up the whazoo bring a scan tool with you to check for faults many out there and you're going to be using it FREQUENTLY so a good one goes a long way. Lookup blue driver or CARLY (BMW specific)
6. PRE purchase inspection is a MUST, dealer doesn't allow for it just walk away, no shortage of F10s in the market.
7. Lemon law is implied but get it written into the contract with specifics like engine transmission and a/c to be covered.
8. Get friendly with a workshop and stick to it. You're going to be on 1st name basis with them if you're going to carry a BMW past 10 years.
Check my thread for whats been done so far on my 528i pics and prices mods etc avail
https://www.bmw-sg.com/forums/threads/f10-528i-mods-and-maintenance-pics.87979/
I wish you the best coming from a MERC it'll be a huge difference (expense) in ownership experience if I haven't scared you yet go lookup youtube F10 problems or issues.
In the words of scotty kilmer, welcome to your biggest money pit.
https://www.google.com/search?q=sco...hUKEwjKkq6Y_pbqAhWwjEsFHaD9Da4Q_AUoAnoECAEQAg
