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What to look out for when buying a BMW 520d auto 2011 to 2012?

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  • 19-05-2021 9:29pm
    #1
    lotusm
    Registered Users Posts: 313 ✭✭


    Hi All,

    I am currently driving a 08 520d a manual a few years, which I really like to drive. I want to buy a 520d automatic either 2011 to 2012. I realise the milage will be high. What should I asking the seller in terms of servicing and replacement of parts in the car that have been done so to avoid any major mechanical fault as much as possible. I suppose the timing chain would be one main replacement that would have to be completed already. What else ? Any advice would be appreciated.


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    #2
    bazz26
    Registered Users Posts: 51,114 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    Get a look at the service history. Also look in the car's idrive system where it will tell you what serviceable items such as oil, brake pads, etc are due to be changed.

    Other than the infamous timing chain there was also a big recall on the EGR cooler which has the potential to set the car on fire. Ring a BMW dealer with the reg and they will tell you if the car is impacted or if it was already done. Check the condition of the brake discs too especially the front ones as that model is much heavier than your 08 5 Series and they tend to go through front discs regularly. Another sign of disc warping is that there will be a shudder under braking. You will be looking at 600+ for new OEM pads and discs. Also make sure the idrive screen is working perfectly, as the old ones are known to be troublesome and are big money to replace. Check the boot for dampness too especially the compartments near the rear lights. Water drops down when the boot opens that can find it's way in there and there is alot of electrical wiring and the battery located there.

    There are plenty of these cars out there for sale but there are plenty of tired old ones too hiding large bills.


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    #3
    lotusm
    Registered Users Posts: 313 ✭✭lotusm


    Thanks for the advice. Great to have an idea what to ask when making an enquiry.


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    #4
    drunkmonkey
    Registered Users Posts: 28,104 ✭✭✭✭drunkmonkey


    Try a 530d, tiny bit more tax for a lot more car. Timing chain not so much of an issue.


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    #5
    DriveSkill
    Registered Users Posts: 757 ✭✭✭DriveSkill


    In case you are looking at the estate version (F11) check the rear suspension - there are airbags which are a well known issue for leaking, check if car is sitting low while the engine if off or if there is any hissing noise after it has been running and then switched off.
    Not an issue on the saloon version (F10) as far as I know.


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    #6
    DriveSkill
    Registered Users Posts: 757 ✭✭✭DriveSkill


    Actually one other issue is water ingress through the front passenger bulkhead which actually pools behind the passenger seat in the rear footwell. Check the carpet for dampness.


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    #7
    lotusm
    Registered Users Posts: 313 ✭✭lotusm


    Thanks again. Just one more question. Because it's an automatic are there any other things to check in comparison to a manual


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    #8
    DriveSkill
    Registered Users Posts: 757 ✭✭✭DriveSkill


    lotusm wrote: »
    Thanks again. Just one more question. Because it's an automatic are there any other things to check in comparison to a manual


    I would say the automatics are much preferred to the manual and would definitely go with that option. No issues that I am aware of, the auto-gearbox is very good in my experience.


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    #9
    statto25
    Registered Users Posts: 3,836 ✭✭✭statto25


    DriveSkill wrote: »
    Actually one other issue is water ingress through the front passenger bulkhead which actually pools behind the passenger seat in the rear footwell. Check the carpet for dampness.


    Just to add that the rear passenger footwell can also flood due to leaky door vapour barrier. Youll notice it when you open the rear door and water floods out. The solution is to take off the door card, make sure the drain hole is clear and then Tec7 the vapour barrier back on. OK that's not the official method but worked for me


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    #10
    Turbolounge
    Registered Users Posts: 138 ✭✭Turbolounge


    E60 and F10 are very similar underneath. If you buy a 2011 or 2012 F10 520d it will have the same engine as your E60. Having owned both, I prefer the E60. Better exterior, better interior and cheaper.


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    #11
    Wailin
    Registered Users Posts: 4,407 ✭✭✭Wailin


    Turbolounge wrote: »
    E60 and F10 are very similar underneath. If you buy a 2011 or 2012 F10 520d it will have the same engine as your E60. Having owned both, I prefer the E60. Better exterior, better interior and cheaper.

    Better interior?! Are you due a trip to specsavers anytime soon :D

    I've owned a 2009 E61 and 2013 F11 and not in a million years is the E60 interior better.


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    #12
    Turbolounge
    Registered Users Posts: 138 ✭✭Turbolounge


    Wailin wrote: »
    Better interior?! Are you due a trip to specsavers anytime soon :D

    I've owned a 2009 E61 and 2013 F11 and not in a million years is the E60 interior better.
    My E60 had the wide-screen nav, upgraded climate, brushed aluminium and cream leather. It looked fantastic. The F10 just looked like any other car of the time, the ones with the smaller nav screen looked ridiculous. The E60 still looks modern today, inside and out.


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    #13
    Murph85
    Registered Users Posts: 1,068 ✭✭✭Murph85


    If doi g high mileage, would you bot get a merc? More comfy generally and doesn't have the timing chain issue...


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    #14
    bazz26
    Registered Users Posts: 51,114 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    E Class would probably be a bit more comfortable but they are not without their problems either. You have the same risks with any 9 or 10 year old premium car. Just because they selling for Skoda Octavia money now doesn't mean they will have Skoda Octavia running costs.


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    #15
    CiDeRmAn
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 34,528 CMod ✭✭✭✭CiDeRmAn


    What are the prices these days on a decent 520d auto?
    Mine was 12k with a 2k trade in about two years ago.


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    #16
    Theboinkmaster
    Registered Users Posts: 3,966 ✭✭✭Theboinkmaster


    Turbolounge wrote: »
    My E60 had the wide-screen nav, upgraded climate, brushed aluminium and cream leather. It looked fantastic. The F10 just looked like any other car of the time, the ones with the smaller nav screen looked ridiculous. The E60 still looks modern today, inside and out.

    i agree the e60 exterior still looks well today but not the interior, that's well dated!

    f10 in msport spec with pro nav is much nicer than e60 interior IMO - big step up.


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    #17
    millington
    Registered Users Posts: 1,287 ✭✭✭millington


    Turbolounge wrote: »
    My E60 had the wide-screen nav, upgraded climate, brushed aluminium and cream leather. It looked fantastic. The F10 just looked like any other car of the time, the ones with the smaller nav screen looked ridiculous. The E60 still looks modern today, inside and out.

    It's not the F10s fault that someone didn't pick better options. Like for like, the F10 interior is far fresher looking, far better materials and does not squeak or rattle half as much as an E60 does when they get up the miles.


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