BMW 520i general opinions....

cautiouscarguy

So after getting some excellent advice on here a few hours ago I very luckily missed a dodgy car. Im looking on donedeal at the minute and thought maybe I could get some pointers.

Im looking at BMW 520I's and theres a fair few of them knocking about and some of them look well.

Just curious. If I was to buy, supposing maybe an 04(ish) for around 5-6K what would be the general opinion?

Am I just buying other peoples problems? Or would I be getting myself a nice reliable car that will last me for a few years.

00833827

Only thing I can offer is that I recall some threads about timing chain issues - cant recall if it were petrol or diesel or the specific period of reg's affected but think it was mid 00's - take a search around here you might find something on it.

TGi666

I think it was only the m47 diesels that had the timing chain issue

Stallingrad

OK...

Aim for full SH and long NCT
2.2 likes oil and is thirsty around town, but silky smooth with it, straight six is a gem.
Do a Cartell.
UK car or Irish, get it checked by a mechanic.
Leather and Auto are favored, SE spec minimum and UK cars generally better equipped.
Usual BMW foibles apply, weak cooling system, expect to replace hoses, T-stat, water pump, viscous coupling, all easy enough and not too costly.
Corroded fuel lines on UK cars, hence look for NCT.
Like all BMW's of this age you need to be prepared for unexpected bills.

Nice car, that will stay running as long as you look after it.

Idbatterim

Op I have had my e46 for 2 years now with the 2.5 litre engine and only thing that has gone is starter motor. I'd go for an 04 or 05 e60 if I were you. Just make sure you have car checked! Agree with above poster about leather, I wouldn't buy one without it...

Tea 1000

Idbatterim wrote: »

Op I have had my e46 for 2 years now with the 2.5 litre engine and only thing that has gone is starter motor. I'd go for an 04 or 05 e60 if I were you. Just make sure you have car checked! Agree with above poster about leather, I wouldn't buy one without it...

I'd disagree, I think the E39 is a better car.

Stallingrad

Tea 1000 wrote: »

I'd disagree, I think the E39 is a better car.

And you wouldn't be alone, but it's no E34.

Idbatterim

I agree the E39 is a stunner, but the E60 is just a lot more current...

Tea 1000

Stallingrad wrote: »

And you wouldn't be alone, but it's no E34.

Actually was only a back seat passenger in an E34 once, back when it was only about a year old, so I'd like to drive one!

Idbatterim wrote: »

I agree the E39 is a stunner, but the E60 is just a lot more current...

True, it is alright, but I think the E39 is one of the best all round cars there is. It's comfortable and refined, yet the I6 engines are smooth and happy to be pushed, it's got lovely steering, lovely balance, nice responsive and communicative chassis, and plenty of space. The interior isn't overly fussy, it's just nice. Sure a 3 series is more agile and better to press on with on a twisty road, but it gives more away in comfort and refinement to the 5 than the 5 does in handling to the 3, so overall balance the E39 is possibly the best car ever!
I drove an E60 530i manual once that I thought about buying, but I found it very disappointing. There was nothing wrong with it, it just wasn't anything special. I also thought it was a bit dead, but maybe that's because it was the older 231bhp version.

Spipov

had an e36,e46,e90,e39 and now an e60.

i would say i find the e60 the best to drive. even though the e39 was one of the best examples around (ie wasnt driven into the ground and was well kept with FSH etc etc), i found it a bit dated

however the e60 (SE spec, leather, auto) is fantastic. admittedly, the consumption is running me 24mpg city driving short distances unfortunately. however i get a smile when i get in.

look at things mentioned above. mine has a little heater motor issue (makes a whiny noise) but ive decided to live with it for the moment. its gonna cost a bit to fix, but its not stopping heat coming in. its just a noise. it was the only negative thing when i bought the car (FSH, Low mileage, great condition) apart from the tyres - which i need to replace Asap - not that its the car's fault that one.

before i bought mine, i drove a few to see the difference. There are some poor examples knocking around, so you need to get it checked before, or if you have knowledge, know what you are looking at.



However, i recommend the e60 over the e39. a lot. smile!

PaulKK

TGi666 wrote: »

I think it was only the m47 diesels that had the timing chain issue

You mean n47

Ardent

Spipov wrote: »

look at things mentioned above. mine has a little heater motor issue (makes a whiny noise) but ive decided to live with it for the moment. its gonna cost a bit to fix, but its not stopping heat coming in. its just a noise. it was the only negative thing when i bought the car (FSH, Low mileage, great condition)

Had an issue with my own a/c blower motor and replaced it myself. 100 euro for the part and ~9 hours labour. A/c is now silent so well worth it!

Idbatterim

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4638938

just saw the above high spec 520 on donedeal, comes across very well in the ad
at least, I also like it when person has name and landline number instead of contact "bmw" or "seller" on 085...

Stallingrad

But why is he shouting!!!!!

Spipov

Ardent wrote: »

Had an issue with my own a/c blower motor and replaced it myself. 100 euro for the part and ~9 hours labour. A/c is now silent so well worth it!

9 hours!!!!!

This is gonna cost me a ton to sort that out!im not that mechanically able enough

Spipov

Idbatterim wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/4638938

just saw the above high spec 520 on donedeal, comes across very well in the ad
at least, I also like it when person has name and landline number instead of contact "bmw" or "seller" on 085...

Ive met this guy for a 04 before. While the guy isnt too bad, he is a dealer, he has not much clue regarding the cars. He operates on the road, so i wonder re warranty.

The car i saw was a bank repo car. It was somewhat skangered, which put me off. Not much service history.

Guy was accommodating and nice though, so cant fault him, he gets a lot of those repo cars i think. I just wondered re comeback, and i didnt like the car itself tho.

Supergurrier

It's donedeal, who expects comeback ? Just bring a mechanic and check for the usual things