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Advice needed on choosing a 520D

  • 20-02-2012 9:42pm
    #1
    Triptych
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37 ✭


    Hi

    I'm currently looking out for a 5 series, probably 06 or early 07. I know that the later models have cheaper tax but that seems to have contributed to a sharp increase in price which doesn't offer the same sale value.

    I was wondering what some more knowledgable folk reckon of these two options? Reliability is my key concern. Seeing as I am getting rid of my own motor because it's giving me trouble I don't want to purchase something which will needing work in 8 months time. I'm looking at dealers as I want to trade my current motor in rather than sell on to someone what may turn out to be a dodgey motor.

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520-D-SE/1113274852624940/advert?channel=CARS

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520-D-SE/2113280081800280/advert?channel=CARS

    Any advice will be much appreciated.


Comments

  • #2
    Satanta
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 813 ✭✭✭Satanta


    I would go for a late 2007 and make sure it us the LCI (life cycle improvement) which basically means they made some improvements. For example 177bhp engine, LED taillights and xenons as standard. You can tell the LCI with the LEDs and also the front bumper grill turns up around the fog lights instead of down. Is also go for auto. Mine is manual and is swap in the morning.


  • #3
    Satanta
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 813 ✭✭✭Satanta


    Actually... take a look at this one. It's touring so you may not want it.


  • #4
    Padraig Mor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,610 ✭✭✭Padraig Mor


    I'd take the second (Dublin) one as it's auto with less miles. Neither is exactly high spec but hey. Also worth checking if the leather is "Fusion" leather - i.e. plastic. I'd nearly bet it is in the manual one as that is completely pauper spec. Could be in the auto as well.


  • #5
    Triptych
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 37 ✭Triptych


    Many thanks. Lots of insight here which I wouldn't have had myself.

    The tourer is a beauty and i'd prefer it to the saloon. I'd been looking for one initially.

    However, I really feel I have to trade in my own motor so that I don't feel guilty selling someone a vehicle with flawed engine. It broke down recently and while the garage suspected the injectors (which they took out and tested) they said they couldn't get to the root of the problem. They did note that the engine was loud and something seemed wrong but said that without stripping it down they couldn't isolate the problem. It may breakdown again apparently. It's an 05 Kia sorento and I'd prefer a dealer to take it than a private individual. Plus it's hard to sell.

    Of the two cars I've shown I was tending towards the first in Galway as its from a well-established dealer while I've read mixed comments on right price motors in Dublin. The Galway dealer also offers easier access in case of faults. However, 109k may be around the time when a lot of repairs start popping up and I don't really want to have a major servicing bill this year.

    Would I be looking at much likely hassle with a car with its mileage?


  • #6
    Nissan doctor
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,223 ✭✭✭Nissan doctor


    Triptych wrote: »
    Hi

    I'm currently looking out for a 5 series, probably 06 or early 07. I know that the later models have cheaper tax but that seems to have contributed to a sharp increase in price which doesn't offer the same sale value.

    I was wondering what some more knowledgable folk reckon of these two options? Reliability is my key concern. Seeing as I am getting rid of my own motor because it's giving me trouble I don't want to purchase something which will needing work in 8 months time. I'm looking at dealers as I want to trade my current motor in rather than sell on to someone what may turn out to be a dodgey motor.

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520-D-SE/1113274852624940/advert?channel=CARS

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/BMW/5-Series/520-D-SE/2113280081800280/advert?channel=CARS

    Any advice will be much appreciated.


    Its far from unheard of for BMW's to give various problems and TBH, no matter what mileage, how well serviced, what year or where you buy it from it is impossible to say it won't have problems in 8 months time.

    Just keep in mind, that if it does have problem, its rare for them to be cheap to rectify.


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  • #7
    Gumbo
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 40,339 Mod ✭✭✭✭Gumbo


    Satanta wrote: »
    I would go for a late 2007 and make sure it us the LCI (life cycle improvement) which basically means they made some improvements. For example 177bhp engine, LED taillights and xenons as standard. You can tell the LCI with the LEDs and also the front bumper grill turns up around the fog lights instead of down. Is also go for auto. Mine is manual and is swap in the morning.

    Xenons are not standard on LCI E60's. Projector headlights with halogen bulbs are though ;)


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