BMW 523i

FixitFelix

Been looking at buying one of these, and been trying to find as much info as possible as ive never owned a BMW before.
There's to cars im thinking of viewing
1. 2005 523i with n52 engine around 80k miles
2. 2005 523i with n54 engine around 120k miles
Which has had timing chain changed in last month and also other work like service coil packs changed etc
Both are m sports

Just wondering which is better for the following
1 reliability
2 easier to work on yourself
3 mpg
4 power
5 parts cost

Thanks

landmarkjohn

I have N52 in 7 series. I like it. Replaced 1 coil but because it's a six pot you can get home even if one goes bad. I replaced electric water pump and thermostat recently €400 DIY with parts sourced from German Ebay shop. I read complaints about N54 more expensive to fix, injectors...

A couple of things I like about BMW, you can buy the diagnostics and a cable for €30. And German eBay shops have well priced (compared to dealer) parts. Re easy to work on.... there is a lot of Youtube how to's and forum for BMW. Might need to add a few torx and star sockets to your toolkit.

I am averaging 36 MPG in N52 3.0, 40 MPG possible in perfect conditions.. I drive it easy. I would say reliability is only average.

FixitFelix

Cheers for the reply im leaning towards the n54 one with the higher mileage as its had a lot of work done to it, just dont wanna get bitten with a big repair bill down the road

bmwguy

Just get each car checked out, no real problems with either engine once it's been looked after. Look for the better looked after car with better spec and value for money. Mpg, performance will be more or less the same in the road presuming you are not taking it onto the track

FixitFelix

bmwguy wrote:

Just get each car checked out, no real problems with either engine once it's been looked after. Look for the better looked after car with better spec and value for money. Mpg, performance will be more or less the same in the road presuming you are not taking it onto the track

Both are more or less the same spec, yeah there's not mych details of work carried out on the n52 but the n54 has alot of work carried out with receipts.Will view both and go over them and find out. Anything i should look out for specifically when test driving besides the usual rattles and knocks, never bought an auto car so bit worried about what to be looking for

Thanks for reply

bmwguy

FixitFelix wrote: »

Both are more or less the same spec, yeah there's not mych details of work carried out on the n52 but the n54 has alot of work carried out with receipts.Will view both and go over them and find out. Anything i should look out for specifically when test driving besides the usual rattles and knocks, never bought an auto car so bit worried about what to be looking for

Thanks for reply

I am not a mechanic so I won't advise you. If you have to ask that, bring a mechanic with you. I just know from reading reviews like honest John and driving different bmw engines there isn't a huge improvement engine to engine. Maybe in headline figures and technical specifications but not in the real world which is where we all live and drive. Regarding the auto box make sure to drive it in both auto mode and take it into semi manual mode too and bring it through the gears yourself

Edit: you said the usual rattles and knocks, I don't know what you mean but there shouldn't be any it should feel like a new car. If it doesn't walk away and look elsewhere remember these are expensive cars when new and should stand the test of time and feel very refined. Mine is smooth and completely rattle free I think they are an absolute bargain as a used car at 8-10 years old due to their longevity.

FixitFelix

bmwguy wrote: »

I am not a mechanic so I won't advise you. If you have to ask that, bring a mechanic with you. I just know from reading reviews like honest John and driving different bmw engines there isn't a huge improvement engine to engine. Maybe in headline figures and technical specifications but not in the real world which is where we all live and drive. Regarding the auto box make sure to drive it in both auto mode and take it into semi manual mode too and bring it through the gears yourself

Edit: you said the usual rattles and knocks, I don't know what you mean but there shouldn't be any it should feel like a new car. If it doesn't walk away and look elsewhere remember these are expensive cars when new and should stand the test of time and feel very refined. Mine is smooth and completely rattle free I think they are an absolute bargain as a used car at 8-10 years old due to their longevity.

Sorry i wasn't clear i know there shouldn't be any knocks or rattles as ive bought many cars before, i meant is there anything bmw specific i should keep an eye out for that wouldn't be to easy to spot if you weren't looking for it

Cheers

bmwguy

FixitFelix wrote: »

Sorry i wasn't clear i know there shouldn't be any knocks or rattles as ive bought many cars before, i meant is there anything bmw specific i should keep an eye out for that wouldn't be to easy to spot if you weren't looking for it

Cheers

The weak parts generally mentioned are not really anything to worry about. They are the cooling system (cracked plastic pipes and inlets) and suspension parts. They are usually age related but they aren't a hugely expensive fix. But might be worth factoring into your budget. As far as I know apart from that it's much the same as any car, insist on seeing it, starting it and driving it from cold check the oil, exhaust, service history etc...plenty of info in the stickys on motor forum as far as I know.

FixitFelix

bmwguy wrote: »

The weak parts generally mentioned are not really anything to worry about. They are the cooling system (cracked plastic pipes and inlets) and suspension parts. They are usually age related but they aren't a hugely expensive fix. But might be worth factoring into your budget. As far as I know apart from that it's much the same as any car, insist on seeing it, starting it and driving it from cold check the oil, exhaust, service history etc...plenty of info in the stickys on motor forum as far as I know.

Grand man thanks for the info will give it a good going over when i go to view

Idbatterim

they are far rarer, but the 215bhp 525, is the same to tax, with a good bit more bhp...

FixitFelix

Idbatterim wrote: »

they are far rarer, but the 215bhp 525, is the same to tax, with a good bit more bhp...

Yeah i think I've only seen one for sale