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520i - What to watch for ?

  • 25-09-2011 6:24pm
    #1
    jhegarty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,441 ✭✭✭


    Looking at a BMW 520i (e60) next week. It has just under 50k miles.

    I am sure some/most posters will say it's underpowered , but I am upgrading from a 316 so at least going in the correct direction.

    What are the common issues to look out for ?


Comments

  • #2
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 23,339 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    jhegarty wrote: »
    ..........

    I am sure some/most posters will say it's underpowered .........

    I doubt that, 2.2, 170bhp, grand engine really. Not an M5 obviously.


  • #3
    pudzey101
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,921 ✭✭✭pudzey101


    jhegarty wrote: »
    Looking at a BMW 520i (e60) next week. It has just under 50k miles.

    I am sure some/most posters will say it's underpowered , but I am upgrading from a 316 so at least going in the correct direction.

    What are the common issues to look out for ?

    headgaskets:) make sure its not overheating:)


    Look for signs of clocking::

    The wear and tear should match the mileage on the odometer. A shiny steering wheel and worn seats and pedals are high-mileage giveaways. Make sure the mileages on older nct certificates match up too.

    Check the tyres::

    Are they worn evenly? Uneven wear (thinner rubber on one side of the contact area) can show problems with the wheel alignment, that the tyre pressure is too low, or that the car has been driven 'enthusiastically'.:)


    Think there the main points with BMW:)


  • #4
    L-M
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,694 ✭✭✭✭L-M


    Headgasket would be my main concern with one!

    I was looking through a service history of one recently, this has 130,000 miles though. FSH, I can try get it in more detail if you like.

    I do remember seeing coils being replaced on two separate occasions, IIRC they were 55 quid each on the service history.

    I had the pleasure of driving a 320i with the same engine for a few weeks, I found it very hard on fuel (although I'm used to a diesel and I drove it on).

    The coolant bottle was replaced on that (which is what causes the head failure AFAIK) from Bmw (don't buy spurious) for something like €115, which wasn't bad considering the price of a head gasket on a 6 cylinder, lol.

    Lovely cars though.

    Pros : Pretty much everything
    Cons : Cost of fuel/tax/depriciation


  • #5
    unkel
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 66,402 ✭✭✭✭unkel


    How much do early ones go for these days? Mrs unkel likes them and I fancy a change from driving the Rover 75 :)

    Lotus Elan turbo for sale:

    https://www.adverts.ie/vehicles/lotus-elan-turbo/35456469

    My ads on adverts.ie:

    https://www.adverts.ie/member/5856/ads



  • #6
    166man
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,575 ✭✭✭166man


    I'd say earlier ones go for less than this one, but this one looks just lovely..

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520-I-SA/201125202967419/advert?channel=CARS


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  • #7
    heate
    Closed Accounts Posts: 499 ✭✭heate


    166man wrote: »
    I'd say earlier ones go for less than this one, but this one looks just lovely..

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520-I-SA/201125202967419/advert?channel=CARS


    I think that's one of the first cars in Ireland there - low reg and a very odd spec - those wheels were 3.5k alone new - they are expensive to rubber up though - the sport maxx originally on the rears €350 each. Though at this stage very few still run original spec tires!

    520i it doesn't have the power to impress but none the less will nip along fine and the 6 speed gearbox is good for cruising.
    The head gasket is as mentioned - to be inspected.
    Also try find a car with the run flats removed - they're expensive to replace and ruin the ride. There is space in the trunk for a spare.
    The automatic doesn't generally give trouble - they aren't sealed for life and do need a fluid change now and again. If it is any way thumping into gear avoid! The shifts in D should be smooth.


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