2015 BMW 520d M Sport from Authorized used car seller

What the dealer does to the car before you buy it is between you and them. The car should be in a decent state when sold i.e. there should be no known faults on the car. All the usual checks will apply. Feel the brake discs with your finger, you don't really want a big lip on the edge. Brake pads are usually visible by shining a torch in through the wheel. Most BMWs will give a warning on the dash when the pads wear down to 3mm anyway. Check if there is any oil seeping from under the engine or gearbox or real differential. Make sure tyres are in decent condition all around. Have a test drive and make sure the car drives fine and the gearbox is shifting smoothly. Check that all the in car electronics are working. Check that all exterior lights are working. Make sure all the bodywork is in decent condition. Do a history check on the car to make sure that the mileage is legitimate and there was no previous write-offs that you are not aware of. With the DPF, that mileage is just a BMW recommendation. I would be inclined to drive it on until the DPF gives trouble. Good long drives should keep it clear. Is there a warranty with this car?

Things to watch out for 100K miles + on BMW 5 series

Front tie rods (steering column) - about 270 or so to replace - depends on whether car was driven heavily or not ie heavy braking etc.

BMW autobox is recommended to have transmission fluid change at 100k --about 600-900 to get done from Independent.

Check the boot seals etc - seals are are not covered under BMWs 2 year warranty and any damage done from rain etc will not be covered..I found that out the hard way.

the tie rods /steering links would be checked during the nct test. And you should get a new 2 year NCT with that car. Make sure that it comes with that.

I know one of my previous cars came with a one year NCT and it then failed for the tie rods and steering links as they were outside of the required tolerances. Both sides had to be replaced. Now this was a 3 litre m sport and I'd be pushing it on nicely etc all of which would added pressure on those parts. Normal driving wouldn't be nowhere as hard.

BMW covered it under the warranty. However I noticed that they changed the terms and conditions afterwards to exclude these repairs from an NCT test when I purchased another premium used card from a dealer.

If its such a hassle for you to test drive the car because it's so far away, will you be able to get any warranty work done in another approved garage? I presume you're talking about main dealer purchase here?

it seems a bit pricey for that mileage....looking at the site there's better options with lower mileage.

if it was the msport version and it had a good package range etc , full screen sat nav etc full usb audio services etc it would be worth it... but if you feel its a bit pricey go with your gut.

Then again I paid 23k for mine at the time.,.it was a 6 year old 525D (3 litre) and I sacrificed the msport package etc to get the bigger engine. Its whatever you're happy with.

What is your current car if you don't mind me asking?

A 5 Series is not going to be as reliable or as cheap to run as a Corolla. The 2 year BMW approved used car warranty is probably the best available but be under no illusion you are paying for it in the price of the car. Also consumables like brake pads, discs, tyres, even a replacement batter will be way more expensive than you are used to with on the Corolla. These consumables will not be covered by any warranty.

Thanks Bazz and Blazer. I will try to negotiate on the price. Still I am only on a 50-50 mindset to buy. I want to know a BMW experience and the pride to own one, yeah its an expensive badge

I will check that as well. Thanks Gussie

If I do the routine service and other checks with a BMW specialist, say Kilmacrennan, would that void the warranty? I see a lot of confusions over these.

Thanks

Just go in with your eyes open OP. These cars are not cheap to fix if things go wrong outside of warranty. My approved 2014 F10 needed thousands in warranty repairs in my 1.5 years of ownership (new head unit alone was €1000). Sold it before the warranty ran out, lovely car in many ways but didn't like it enough to put up with any more problems.

There is a very good F10 UK forum where you will find a lot of good information.

Replaced it with a petrol Skoda Superb.

Hi Blazer,

The price was negotiated to €20300.

Do you think 103K miles is too.much for a 2015 520?

I am getting a mixed bag of reviews when asking about BMW. Some guys advising me to stay away from BMs and others suggesting to go ahead with. I am totally confused. Now I learned many issues with the BMs than never before, lol.