BMW 520D SE

shorthairguy

Need some advice please. Buying a BMW 520D SE good or bad idea. Would it be expensive to service ? I have done some research and its all positive. But i would like to hear it first hand. I would be thinking maybe 2006 model. Thanks again to all.

tw0nk

OP, would you be able to afford a 525d? The six-cylinder engine is lovely, I'm on the lookout for a nice 525d at the moment, hoping for a 05 but its stretching my budget

caze

Servicing can be expensive if you stick to the dealer network, but if the car is out of BMW warranty then there are plenty of good independants about the country that can service them for reasonable prices. Most would have similar diagnostic equipment to dealers.
I have a 525d E60 and really like it, I wanted a 6 cylinder but thats just me. 520d has similar BHP figure to 525d but a lot less torque which is what makes a good auto diesel car in my opinion.
Make sure you get a history check carried out on any one you are thinking of, country is flooded with UK imports, these can need a bit more care if buying. I got mine in UK and took it in myself which I felt was a safer option.
So 520d, Good roomy car with decent performance and MPG. Due to unusaul circumstances I've done almost 1500 miles in mine over the past 2 weeks and its a comfortable place to be.
I've had no problems but relability can be patchy, though you can say that for a lot of modern diesels these days! Google any BMW forum for Turbo's, MAF's, Swirl Flaps for more. Oh and Run Flat tyres are expensive!

unkel

For once in my life I would almost suggest the 4 pot 520d over the 6 pot here. The latter has a bit more torque but not as much as you would expect with 50% more cylinders. Power and performance are barely better with the 525d, which will cost more to tax, insure and service and will prove difficult to sell on. Straight six is always smoother than straight four, but we are only talking diesel here anyway

sonic74f

If stretching to 2008 was an option, you would be availing of the very low road tax. If you intended to hold onto it for a long time, the saving would add up and be a very good seller.

bazz26

sonic74f wrote: »

If stretching to 2008 was an option, you would be availing of the very low road tax. If you intended to hold onto it for a long time, the saving would add up and be a very good seller.

Thing is though, if a 07 costs about €4k or €5k less than a 08 similar model then you would be spending an extra €4k on the purchase price to save less than €500 in motor tax.

Edit: OP is looking at 06 so the savings on the purchase price would be even greater to more than compensate for the slightly higher tax on a pre 2008 model.