BMW F10 5 series – thinking of pushing the button.

Stallingrad · 15-05-2018 09:30AM #1

Long time BMW enthusiast, particularly the 5 series. Owned a couple of E34's, really wanted an E39, E60 left me cold. Been waiting for F10 Lci (post timing chain) values to drop and good ones are now within reach. Looking at 2014/2015 520D/518D Auto Luxury models, sub 70,000km, want to buy from BMW to get the best example and their 2 year warranty is very attractive.

I've driven both and I know the 518d is detuned compared to the 520d, but torque figures are similar so I'm OK with performance. Will keep the car 5 years a least.

Once out of warranty and heading for 120,000km are we looking at failed turbos, EGR, suspension work, etc? Any other weak points? Modern BMW's don't seem to tolerate big miles like the E34's I enjoyed in the past. Also coming from a petrol I still find even the most refined diesels aren't a patch on the smoothness of that engine, but the BMW is very quiet on the motorway.

Would be interested in opinions!

Heres Johnny · 15-05-2018 11:13AM

If the e60 left you cold I'll guess the f10 will too. After e39 the focus was on comfort rather than out and out driving dynamics. I have an e60 though and I do like it, initially didnt like it compared to the e39 I moved from but defo grew to like it over time.

AmberGold · 15-05-2018 11:28AM

I have a 2015 with the B47 engine, 38K miles, its been back for a fair few things under warranty.
Warped brake discs on the front, EGR Valve and something else where the car was going through coolant at a rate of knots.
Its my second one now having an f10 before, drove a few cars in between like A4, A6, Mondeo and nothing compares to the F11 with the B47 engine.
I haven’t heard much about the B47 having turbo trouble, fingers crossed.

bazz26 · 15-05-2018 12:00PM

I'm on my 3rd F10, had two 520d and now a 530d. Of the two 520d I had one with the N47 engine while the other had the later B47 engine. Never really had any engine, turbo or EGR or other serious issues with either and both had about 4 years old with 80k miles when I parted with them. Worn ball joints are very common on the F10 and they wear tyres quickly enough too especially with the M Sport suspension.

Performance is relevant to what your used to and I found both 520d fine, the later B47 engine having a bit more low end torque. But they are a big, wide and heavy car built for comfort and mile munching so don't expect it to take a corner anywhere like a hot hatch. I have never driven the 518d but wouldn't fancy it in a car that weight to be honest and there are plenty of choice in 520d not to have to compromise. A 525d is worth looking at too if you can find one, its still 2.0 litre but being twin turbo it's one more expensive component to worry about outside of warranty.

Stallingrad · 15-05-2018 12:34PM

Bazz, did you ever have any concerns in relation to theft? Been seeing a lot of stuff online about how easily these are taken without the key. Did you add any additional security measures or are 2014 plus not affected?

Summer wind · 15-05-2018 02:17PM

I've had two F10's. The first 520d had the N47 engine and was manual. I had it almost 4 years and never had any problems. The one I've got now has the B47 and is auto. I've had it 2 years and also have had no problems. I drove an A6 Stronic in between having the F10's but I think the F10 is the better car by far.

bazz26 · 15-05-2018 02:25PM

Stallingrad wrote: »

Bazz, did you ever have any concerns in relation to theft? Been seeing a lot of stuff online about how easily these are taken without the key. Did you add any additional security measures or are 2014 plus not affected?

Touch wood, I never had any concerns but then again I live in an area where these cars are not really high on a thief's want list, they have more of a fondness for VWs and Audis down here. In saying that my last F10 had comfort access which included keyless entry so I got a few of those led laced mobile phone pouches off ebay that block the signals so they cannot trick the car into thinking they have the key. Works a treat on the key fob but at the end of the day there is only so much you can do and a very determined thief will take the car if they really want it.

Theboinkmaster · 15-05-2018 02:54PM

Stallingrad wrote: »

Long time BMW enthusiast, particularly the 5 series. Owned a couple of E34's, really wanted an E39, E60 left me cold. Been waiting for F10 Lci (post timing chain) values to drop and good ones are now within reach. Looking at 2014/2015 520D/518D Auto Luxury models, sub 70,000km, want to buy from BMW to get the best example and their 2 year warranty is very attractive.

I've driven both and I know the 518d is detuned compared to the 520d, but torque figures are similar so I'm OK with performance. Will keep the car 5 years a least.

Once out of warranty and heading for 120,000km are we looking at failed turbos, EGR, suspension work, etc? Any other weak points? Modern BMW's don't seem to tolerate big miles like the E34's I enjoyed in the past. Also coming from a petrol I still find even the most refined diesels aren't a patch on the smoothness of that engine, but the BMW is very quiet on the motorway.

Would be interested in opinions!

I've an f10 and love it, never had any problems and at 135k now.

Personally I wouldn't buy a 518D or a non msport. 518D would be underpowered and car doesn't look well without the msport pack IMO.

Elessar · 15-05-2018 09:19PM

One thing I like about BMW is they offer an insured warranty after the main dealer warranty expires. Costs me €600/year for the full cover on my 3 series but it covers pretty much everything, emergency assist included. I had to use it a few weeks ago with a stuck EGR valve - within 20 minutes the tow truck came, diagnosed the issue, towed it to the nearest main dealer who called me to say it's in they will look at it straight away. 5 minutes after it was towed I got a call from a hire company who arranged a 5 series rental replacement and sorted all insurance. I was treated extremely well. Two days later I had my car back fixed, washed and waxed, and didn't have to pay a penny. I was well impressed and the cost of repairs exceeded the outlay - and I'm still covered.

My car is a 2009 reg - I can keep the warranty until 160k km which won't be anytime soon!

One of the better features of buying into BMW imo. One to keep in mind if you're worried about issues after the main warranty ends.

Leonard Hofstadter · 16-05-2018 08:05AM

The 520d is pretty lively to be fair but I found the operation of the auto start stop to be very unrefined (as in you'd definitely notice it kicking in). I'd still get a 530d for the six cylinders though.

bazz26 · 16-05-2018 08:55AM

You can disable the stop/start among other things via coding very easily and cheaply.

Theboinkmaster · 16-05-2018 01:05PM

bazz26 wrote: »

You can disable the stop/start among other things via coding very easily and cheaply.

really how is this done? I always disable it but have to press the button each time.

bazz26 · 16-05-2018 01:32PM

Theboinkmaster wrote: »

really how is this done? I always disable it but have to press the button each time.

I bought the below Wifi OBD2 port adapter and purchased the Bimmercode app from Google Play store.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06ZZRNYVD/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It allows you to change a lot of parameters on the F Series cars including disabling stop/start.

cathy427 · 16-05-2018 03:13PM

bazz26 wrote: »

I bought the below Wifi OBD2 port adapter and purchased the Bimmercode app from Google Play store.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06ZZRNYVD/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It allows you to change a lot of parameters on the F Series cars including disabling stop/start.

Might look at this as a pressie for himself.

What kind of things can be changed?

Is there much of a cost and on going cost for that app?

His car has the service record stored on the hardrive - will non bmw equipment effect any of that?

darragh o meara · 16-05-2018 03:19PM

bazz26 wrote: »

You can disable the stop/start among other things via coding very easily and cheaply.

Is this easy to do? I recently bought an F11 and the stop/start annoys the hell out of me, thinking about it in an engineering frame of mind and this can’t be helping the timing chain issue that plagued the N47 engine. All those starts would certainly put some strain on the timing chain and could lead to premature stretching.

For the OP. I bought one with just under a 100k and I love it. The chain was checked over and seems to be fine and added with the fact the car is a 2013 it will hopefully be OK down the line. I did have a tiny issue with the air suspension leveling after BMW carried out a recall measure on the Isofix points but this was fixed in a few mins by the dealer and hasn’t occurred again.

bazz26 · 16-05-2018 03:28PM

cathy427 wrote: »

Might look at this as a pressie for himself.

What kind of things can be changed?

Is there much of a cost and on going cost for that app?

His car has the service record stored on the hardrive - will non bmw equipment effect any of that?

It can change things like disabling the start/stop, iDrive boot-up screen logo, turn on the rear lights with the front DRL lights, etc. There is a demo of what can be changed in the app once you install it and before purchase. It does other things also but that depends on what spec your car has and version of iDrive it has. The app itself costs €30 which is a once off fee and allows you to use it on any BMW (F Series or above) once it's installed on a smart phone and you connect to the OBDC adapter. It doesn't touch the service logs on the car.

darragh o meara wrote: »

Is this easy to do? I recently bought an F11 and the stop/start annoys the hell out of me, thinking about it in an engineering frame of mind and this can’t be helping the timing chain issue that plagued the N47 engine. All those starts would certainly put some strain on the timing chain and could lead to premature stretching.

For the OP. I bought one with just under a 100k and I love it. The chain was checked over and seems to be fine and added with the fact the car is a 2013 it will hopefully be OK down the line. I did have a tiny issue with the air suspension leveling after BMW carried out a recall measure on the Isofix points but this was fixed in a few mins by the dealer and hasn’t occurred again.

See my previous post.

cathy427 · 16-05-2018 04:31PM

Thanks bazz. I will try figure out what he has.

I know its the face lift f10 with the widescreen sat nav.

AmberGold · 17-05-2018 08:33AM

Re security I had the OBD port moved, small money.

millington · 17-05-2018 08:53AM

Heres Johnny wrote: »

If the e60 left you cold I'll guess the f10 will too. After e39 the focus was on comfort rather than out and out driving dynamics. I have an e60 though and I do like it, initially didnt like it compared to the e39 I moved from but defo grew to like it over time.

I disagree, the F10 is far closer to the E39 in character than the E60.

I have a 520d and a I can't comprehend how underpowered a 518d must be :eek:

Stallingrad · 17-05-2018 09:07AM

Appreciating the advice folk.

Need to decide on this today. The car is perfect spec, history, colour, etc though two things count against it:

518i and not 520d, and also a non Dublin reg (MH), which shouldn't bother me but it does.

Security is an issue, but moving the OBD or second immobilizer are good solutions.

If it was a D reg 520d the deposit would be placed, still a bit uncertain.

AmberGold · 17-05-2018 09:58AM

Yep, wait for a 520 and get a Dublin plate if that's what you want. There's always loads of F10's coming onto the market.

Stallingrad · 17-05-2018 10:08AM

AmberGold wrote: »

There's always loads of F10's coming onto the market.

Seem to be a steady supply but not many of the model I would like.
Luxury - Cashmere, Sliver or Space grey with oyster interior.

My fussiness may be my downfall.

millington · 17-05-2018 11:04AM

Stallingrad wrote: »

Seem to be a steady supply but not many of the model I would like.
Luxury - Cashmere, Sliver or Space grey with oyster interior.

My fussiness may be my downfall.

Luxury spec was never a great seller.

Why not go to the UK? Their BMW Approved Used warranty is valid in Northern Ireland or you can also buy the warranty off BMW seperately.

Stallingrad · 17-05-2018 11:13AM

millington wrote: »

Luxury spec was never a great seller.

Why not go to the UK? Their BMW Approved Used warranty is valid in Northern Ireland or you can also buy the warranty off BMW seperately.

Two reasons, UK ones I've looked at are actually more expensive than main dealer ones here, and the 2 years warranty here is very appealing. It looks like BMW are trying hard to compete with UK prices.

Theboinkmaster · 17-05-2018 12:28PM

Stallingrad wrote: »

Two reasons, UK ones I've looked at are actually more expensive than main dealer ones here, and the 2 years warranty here is very appealing. It looks like BMW are trying hard to compete with UK prices.

But the UK warranty applies here? I find it hard to believe Irish dealers same price.

My instinct would be to go to he UK - cheaper, better spec'd and better minded.

Stallingrad · 17-05-2018 12:35PM

Theboinkmaster wrote: »

But the UK warranty applies here? I find it hard to believe Irish dealers same price.

My instinct would be to go to he UK - cheaper, better spec'd and better minded.

Warranty UK 1 year, here 2 years. Go and check it out, I did and was surprised. Was not worth traveling for.

Theboinkmaster · 17-05-2018 01:30PM

Stallingrad wrote: »

Warranty UK 1 year, here 2 years. Go and check it out, I did and was surprised. Was not worth traveling for.

That's strange when I bought a few years ago it was a UK/Ireland flat 2 years for all approved BMW I thought.

Anyway for better spec and price I'd still go UK and just take 1 year IMO.

millington · 17-05-2018 02:45PM

Stallingrad wrote: »

Two reasons, UK ones I've looked at are actually more expensive than main dealer ones here, and the 2 years warranty here is very appealing. It looks like BMW are trying hard to compete with UK prices.

I can't speak for Luxury specs, but I was pricing up a 2014 520d Msport last week for a mate and it was approximately €4000 cheaper from the UK than a similar spec in Joe Duffy.

As I said, the BMW warranty can be purchased from BMW separately.

Theboinkmaster · 17-05-2018 02:56PM

millington wrote: »

I can't speak for Luxury specs, but I was pricing up a 2014 520d Msport last week for a mate and it was approximately €4000 cheaper from the UK than a similar spec in Joe Duffy.

As I said, the BMW warranty can be purchased from BMW separately.

plus if looking for spec and colour/combo you'd get better selection in the UK.

Wailin · 17-05-2018 03:02PM

What's your budget? There's a couple in the colour combo you're after but at BMW main dealer prices. Only plus is the 2 yr warranty.

I wouldn't worry about security to be honest. The scum are after mostly hot hatches these days and an SE or luxury spec 518/520d would not be on the radar.

Here's a few anyway:

518d Quinns Athlone
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/5-series/used-2014-141-bmw-5-series-518d-luxur-westmeath-fpa-201804195700514

520d low mileage from Kearys (Cork reg if you could live with yourself!)
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/5-series/used-2014-142-bmw-5-series-520d-luxur-cork-fpa-3204547970175140332

520d D reg from deerpark motors (don't know anything about them)
http://www.carzone.ie/used-cars/bmw/5-series/used-2014-142-bmw-5-series-520-d-se-dublin-fpa-360032791274552

UK would have a better selection if willing to travel.

bazz26 · 17-05-2018 03:18PM

29k for that 4 year old 520d in Cork is just nuts.

BMW F10 5 series – thinking of pushing the button.

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