BMW 5 series, high mileage?

Shosh

Hi all, just looking for some advice,

Rye other half wants to buy a 09 BMW 520D Msport with 180k miles?

Run a mile or chance it?

Priced at 8k?

Atlantic Dawn

What service history does it have? How long does current owner have it or is it for sale by a dealer?

bazz26

When was the timing chain replaced on it? If it's manual I also be checking when the clutch and flywheel were replaced. Any service history with it?

Shosh

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

What service history does it have? How long does current owner have it or is it for sale by a dealer?

1 owner from new, dealer has it now, full service history

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-5-series-520-d-e60-m-sport-low-road-tax-nct/14431676

bazz26

Some potential big bills ahead if some of the things mentioned already haven't been done. I presume it's a trade sale which means no warranty?

Shosh

bazz26 wrote: »

When was the timing chain replaced on it? If it's manual I also be checking when the clutch and flywheel were replaced. Any service history with it?

Not exactly sure, presuming if he's considering it then they have been changed.

Is the mileage not too high even if they have been done?

bazz26

180k miles is above average for an 8 year old diesel car but you need to find out what maintenance has been done to the car. Timing chain is troublesome on those engines and about 1500 euro to replace by an indy garage but I'd be surprised if it hasn't been done by now with that mileage. Flywheel and clutch are consumables and could be due replacing at that sort of mileage if not done already, around another 1k to 1200 euro for that. The turbo would be another weak point and possibly the diesel particle filter.

Worst case you could be spending another few grand on all those things if none of them were ever replaced by the previous owners. That is why it's important to find out about the car's past service history. If there is evidence that some of most of those things were replaced previously then it could be a good car. If there is no proof then I wouldn't risk spending 8k on it. I'd still certainly want someone who knows their BMWs to examine it in any case.

T-Maxx

I'd run without a doubt. Regardless of the mechanical upkeep and timely services and what have you, other mechanics will fail, wheel bearings, shocks, bushes, brake hoses the list is endless. Not to mention the switches, upholstery, etc.

Nothing lasts forever.

Shosh

Presuming that everything has been done timely and car is driving perfect, how many miles can you realistically get out of these cars?

GustavoFring

You sure it's a one owner car? Looks like an import.

spyderski

Panel gaps/ paint match all wrong between bonnet & bumper. A respray to either at this mileage is to be expected, but that's a bad one.

Atlantic Dawn

GustavoFring wrote: »

You sure it's a one owner car? Looks like an import.

Defo an import going on that reg plate number. 1 Irish owner, could be multiple UK owners. Would certainly be a car you would want a full car history check on before purchase.

landmarkjohn

I wouldn't buy at that mileage, I would consider it near end of life.

And a UK import.... by default I always say clocked unless convincing evidence to prove otherwise.

There has to be better, there are loads of these for sale.

650Ginge

That respray is very bad....looks like just the bonnet got it.

Has to be better cars than that out there.

Idbatterim

It depends if it is fairly priced to reflect mileage...

180k miles is above average for an 8 year old diesel car but you need to find out what maintenance has been done to the car. Timing chain is troublesome on those engines and about 1500 euro to replace by an indy garage but I'd be surprised if it hasn't been done by now with that mileage. Flywheel and clutch are consumables and could be due replacing at that sort of mileage if not done already, around another 1k to 1200 euro for that. The turbo would be another weak point and possibly the diesel particle filter.

Id agree, but I would apply the same to a car with 120 or 130k miles etc...

put it this way, its not a car I would buy and then try and sell on again in a year or two, Id be holding onto it for a few years and like Bazz says, have someone who knows their BMW's take a proper look at it preferably on a ramp with diagnostics etc...