Wanting to buy a 7 year old 520i. What should i look out for?

[Salvin Sim]

Hi All!

Is there anything to look out for?
Vicom check is already done by Dealer, only problem is a bit of oil stains. I am thinking to bring it to one of the workshops in this forum for a check.
This is my first BMW, is there anything else that I can do ?

 

[bmw-geek]

yes.. if you want to buy a bmw, get a 6 cylinder. especially for E series. The n46 4 cylinder builds are notorious for unreliability.
please do yourself and your wallet a favor, think long term and go for 523/525. the amount u spend to repair the 520 will be hefty.

 

[Salvin Sim]

yes.. if you want to buy a bmw, get a 6 cylinder. especially for E series. The n46 4 cylinder builds are notorious for unreliability.
please do yourself and your wallet a favor, think long term and go for 523/525. the amount u spend to repair the 520 will be hefty.

Hello Bmw-geek,

Thank you for the reply, so I should be looking at the BMW 523i XL. How can I tell wether if it is the E series.

 

[bmw-geek]

E series is from 2005-early 2010. i believe the last batch should be march 2010.
the 523 and 525 are inline 6 engines. N52/53 block, well known for being smooth and reliable.

 

[blackbmw]

Abit if oil stain!! Is going to be a big issue. They loved to used the word seepage or abit do sound like minor issue but i think u should get it thoroughly check. The usual suspect is from coolant, engine or gear box.
Yes, get a 523 or above for more hp gain.

http://www.bmwdrives.com/bmw_cars/e60_my2008_detailed_changes.pdf

 

[insomic]

My advise is if your pocket is not deep enough for repairs dun bother. The car may be cheap for 7 yo but there is a reason why it is. If u add in the repair cost u will have about the same depre as about newer 3 year old car.

 

[Salvin Sim]

Thank you all for the replies!
Actually are the repair cost really that bad? In my heart, im expecting 5-8k of repairs over the course of 3 years? Im not sure if that is enough.
Else, is the highline series better? BMW 5 series from 2010 onwards in terms of reliability?

 

[playstation76]

Thank you all for the replies!
Actually are the repair cost really that bad? In my heart, im expecting 5-8k of repairs over the course of 3 years? Im not sure if that is enough.
Else, is the highline series better? BMW 5 series from 2010 onwards in terms of reliability?

If you are worried, dun buy 2nd hand

Sent from my E2353 using Tapatalk

 

[MW]

I think if u want opinions of whether E60 5 series can buy or not, u need to have a 1 week seminar!

 

[JoshuaX]

well, bro, I have a 320 e90. I can tell you one thing, the car has been with me since 09, got it brand new. To date, I have had to replace soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo many parts it's almost a brand new car by right now. Listen to the bros here, save yourself the heartache and get a different model.

 

[///M 545i]

Buy a 525 or a 530.

 

[yakman]

Buy if you knew the previous owner or very good deal (factorizing in big item replacement fee).
I got my 2008 LCI E60 520i (as 3rd owner ) via a friend (car workshop owner).
The previous owner (2nd) changed a few big items within a year after getting from the 1st owner.
My ride so far so good (finger crossed, still a used car). The car is very smooth and stable even though under powered compared to 525 or the current F10 520i. It is still more powerful than any other options at the same price I had that time.
If you had other option like 523/525, not much more exp, maybe worth considering.