BMW 5 series - money pit?

yoshiktk · 10-02-2022 7:55pm #1

Hi,

So long story short need to get second car. At first I wanted something in banger range and replace it after a year, but after looking at the crazy market I thought why not buy something which I will enjoy driving. The result, 2008ish BMW 5-series. My budget would be max 5000€. I see few which caught my attention the question now would they be a big money pit? I'm aware of chain fault, anything else which can make me think twice about going for one?

Alternative is Honda Accord, similarly priced, had one love it. I know it would be much realistic choice as for being less problematic car.

Thanks

kirving · 10-02-2022 8:09pm

A €5k 5 series could be great value, or a money pit. A 14 yo BMW is more than likely the latter unless it's been meticulously maintained, including pre-emptive preventative maintenance. There's just so much stuff to go wrong over and above most other cars - my 7yo E-Class for example needed gearbox oil changed, air suspension work, a coolant leak deep within the engine, with no room to fix it easily. Those things just don't tend to be problematic on less premium cars, and if they do go wrong, cost less to fix.

bazz26 · 10-02-2022 8:43pm

If you don't have the luxury of setting a side a bit of money for an unexpected expensive repair bill, then you know the answer to your question.

Rustyman101 · 10-02-2022 8:49pm

Accord hands down if you want trouble free motoring, drove one for 18 years what a car, miss it, rust got it in the end, but mechanically & electrically never missed a beat !

yoshiktk · 10-02-2022 8:52pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118612448#Comment_118612448

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118612306#Comment_118612306

So like with every premium car its gonna be hard to find a decent one. Im so tempted, i know that it can kill my wallet in the mean time. But it so nice to drive.

What about newer gen 2010?

Stallingrad · 11-02-2022 11:49am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118612488#Comment_118612488

2010 F10 no better or worse than a late E60. The reason a lot of these cars are money pits is people who buy them without giving any thought as to the running costs, maintenance gets missed in the car goes downhill. A Honda accord would be a far safer bet. If you are determined to buy the BMW go to the forums and try and find an enthusiast maintained one.

yoshiktk · 11-02-2022 4:36pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118614973#Comment_118614973

Ill check BMW boards, thanks.

What about pricing on Accords? Have like two in my sight, both 2008 new shape, one slightly poorer spec for 2800€, which leaves me with few € for insurance,tax etc. Second one with camera, parking sensors, heated seats but for 4000€.

11-02-2022 5:21pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118616567#Comment_118616567

Do you have a link to the Accord for 4k?

If it has a good service history I'd suggest giving it a serious look, there's a reason there's a lot of them with high miles - they are basically bulletproof and if it's well specced, good miles and service history €4k would get you 10 years if you look after it!

yoshiktk · 11-02-2022 6:08pm

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/60mpg-honda-accord/30303852

Got myself a carcheck record. Looks that it was traded to garage couple months ago. Story with last owner having the car fir 6 years checks but that sale by private person when it was traded kinda puts me off. I know that it could be one of garage employees trying to earn extra buck.

Don't know now. I'm not in a big hurry to buy a car now, just my wife will have to deal with bus for longer period.

Esel · 11-02-2022 8:48pm

I don't think the Honda diesel engine in that Accord had a good reputation.

Car99 · 11-02-2022 8:55pm

Don't buy a big older car unless you can maintain it and repair it yourself.

yoshiktk · 11-02-2022 9:26pm

What to buy than? I'm a big lad, two meters high and wide I won't fit into a Yaris without a can opener.

I need something comfy and with decent engine. I had the opportunity to drive previous Accord model and so far it was one of best engine/gearbox combo for me, that's why Accord was on my list.

coolbeans · 11-02-2022 9:32pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118617890#Comment_118617890

Consider a petrol Mazda 6 too. Nice car and similar reliability to the Accord.

passatman86 · 11-02-2022 9:41pm

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/08-type-s-cl7-honda-accord/29701174

I seen this add the other day. Looks like a good one, should drive forever

yoshiktk · 11-02-2022 9:43pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118617921#Comment_118617921

Didn't thought about that as I look at diesel only and I know that Mazda have terrible diesel engines.

I'll probably try to check that Accord at weekend and see from there.

Basically almost all cars which are on my list can be a big money pit.

I was thinking about going banger but than I loose money on tax and insurance and end up paying the same money in the end.

Gant21 · 11-02-2022 9:44pm

Buying an accord over a 5 series bmw is the definition of giving up in life.

passatman86 · 11-02-2022 9:48pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118617988#Comment_118617988

Not for everyone

Allinall · 11-02-2022 9:50pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118617988#Comment_118617988

Bullshit comment from someone who knows very little about cars.

Gant21 · 11-02-2022 10:05pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118618015#Comment_118618015

🙄

yoshiktk · 11-02-2022 10:06pm

Of course would prefer 5 series over Accord but spending 1500€ on day one on timing chain just in case made me wake up from my childhood dream.

I've called today about BMW with recently replaced chain, but as soon I've asked about receipt/proof guy hang up on me.

Dunno. Have mess in mind, on one hand my dreams are fighting with reality and it doesn't help in any way.

coolbeans · 11-02-2022 11:56pm

Buy a cheaper reliable petrol and take the fuel penalty or spend more and take the risk on a German diesel. That's basically what it comes down to at to your budget.

Gant21 · 12-02-2022 9:59am

You would get the chains done on the bmw far cheaper than €1500 so shop around.

Two years older but if you got a 520d with the older m47 engine registration 08 €280 tax. Far superior car than the retired metal work teachers car anyway.

yoshiktk · 12-02-2022 10:56am

Thanks for all input, probably will spend a day on excel doing all the math.

Just another question about 520d, how are the automatic boxes on them?

Wildly Boaring · 12-02-2022 11:07am

I'd steer clear of higher mileage 5 series tbh.

Beyond the chain issue other wearing items are just expensive.

Had a 2011 f10.

When it hit 200000km I did the chain, €1000. Also put €1500 into the suspension. Mechanic reckoned same issues on an A6 be half the price, though he loved Audi. Simple things like pads and particularly discs were dear.

Wildly Boaring · 12-02-2022 11:16am

Oh and on the height thing. 2m is very tall. But if nobody needs to go behind you it's a non issue really.

Brother is same height. Gets company cars every 6 months, leased. Has to be choosey but reckons VW group from golf up are all good. Has an a3 today. Superb last.

Turned down a kia ceed after trying for a day. And struggled with a focus

shnaek · 12-02-2022 11:49am

Came to a 2012 F10 from a 2008 Honda Accord. I loved the Accord, it was great, through I was constantly repairing things with it. Nothing major. The 520 was a heart over head thing and thankfully it's been great. A joy to drive. I did have the common heater fan problem, had to replace it there in the last month. Other than that, touch wood, it's been great. I knew the risk when I was buying it, so I bought it at a reasonable price from someone I felt I could trust. I also got the receipts for the timing chain beforehand, and talked to the mechanic who did the job!

yoshiktk · 12-02-2022 11:50am

It's not only the height but weight as well, I'm a big lad, so that makes many cars to small for me. Like I40 or Insignia, I feel like in small fish tank inside. Remember Hightower car scene from Police Academy? That's me.

To be honest I haven't checked 2008+ A6, maybe I'll have to take a look on it as well.

Problem is that most of cars in my price range are high mileage ones simply due age, question is where to draw a line?

I still have 2 years loan on my first car, meaning that for at least that time I would keep the second one and maybe replace it with something newer then. So I'm torn between just buying anything which will kinda drive me thru this time or buy something with my heart and spend few €€€ and keep it for longer.

Wildly Boaring · 12-02-2022 11:54am

Left field.

We have a CRV.

Crossovers not everyone's cup of tea (including mine, it's the wife's car)

But for a big guy be a great job. Lovely wide seat that goes right back.

alanhiggyno1 · 12-02-2022 11:59am

have a 2008 e60 n47 myself the last 8 years. still look very well today.the chain was done in mine when I bought it along with a lot of other stuff totalling 3k.its well maintained by myself and serviced every 10000km.only big expense was a new intake manifold and that's it bar general wear and tear.most of the basic things like oil and filters and brakes and coolant change I do myself.still very happy with it and don't think ill change it just yet

yoshiktk · 12-02-2022 12:00pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118619993#Comment_118619993

Shhh my wife wants one. Even had one saved on donedeal, 2010 with all extras for a think 6000€, a little over my budget.

Bmw is growing on me more and more. Wife wanted to replace sofa so I'll just put towards it into the car repair budget.

The most irritating thing I find now are the idiots putting the ads up. Pictures? Yeah in the night from a block mile away. Like wtf really. Want to sell it? Prepare it. Some of them look inside out like a barn.

Vikings · 12-02-2022 7:05pm

I could have posted this exact thread myself so been reading it with great interest. May also have to pick up a second car to cover 5-6k per year.

Would prefer petrol and something big and comfy. Anything sub 7-800 tax with a budget of 5k.

Mercedes/BMW/Audi are high up the list but the choice of petrol models isn't fantastic. Have also had an accord previously (a 2004 executive model) and that is an option too. Same predicament, buy something more premium given the low mileage it will do and accept the higher maintenance costs or else lean somewhere more frugal.

yoshiktk · 12-02-2022 8:45pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118621998#Comment_118621998

Welcome to club. Whenever I load DD/Adverts I change my mind. Currently on list have Accord, BMW 5 series, Audi A6. All can be great and expensive in the same time.

Found lovely A6, low mileage, great spec, vented seats yeeay, few months nct left. Only issue it's on other side of the country, I live in Wicklow it's in Limerick. Dunno whether I would travel 2.5h to see a car, would prefer something closer. Was surprised to see that insurance was a 150€ cheaper compared to 5 series.

Like someone mentioned it earlier, maybe Mazda 6? I had first gen, would stick to corners like crazy, really good driver, comfy inside.Presumably newer gen is better. May suit You.

tabby aspreme · 12-02-2022 8:49pm

That lad selling the accord is a bulls*itter, you won't get 60 mpg, have one here with 340k miles on it, engine never had a penny spent on it, other than oil and filters, wishbone ball joints are it's weak point.

Vikings · 12-02-2022 9:21pm

The 07 A6 in Wexford could be worth a punt despite no NCT.

yoshiktk · 12-02-2022 9:36pm

I'm aiming 2008+, few great cars had to land in no no zone because of it, just can't justify paying 1000€ for a tax with car worth 3000€.

bazz26 · 12-02-2022 11:16pm

What diesel 5 Series or A6 are costing 1k to tax?

BorneTobyWilde · 12-02-2022 11:20pm

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/mercedes-benz-e-class-2010/30272731

I'd go for a Merc .

bazz26 · 12-02-2022 11:33pm

A manual Merc, doesn't get more Irish than that.

BorneTobyWilde · 12-02-2022 11:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118623194#Comment_118623194

less to go wrong, and a drivers car,

yoshiktk · 12-02-2022 11:50pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118623120#Comment_118623120

Wasn't thinking exactly about them, there are others cars which are great, comfy limousine pre 2008 which are killed by the stupid tax.

My old boss had lovely 2004 7 series, second owner, from new always serviced in BMW. Car in spotless condition, tried to sell it couple years ago, no luck. Ended going to Poland or Romania dont remember, for twice the amount he could get here.

I started looking on petrol, few nice Audi's out there. Feel like a kid in goddamm toyshop, so many that don't what to choose.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/audi-a5-coupe-1-8-tfsi-170bhp-6speed-se/30377581

arthursway · 13-02-2022 12:07am

As a BMW owner I find the most expensive part of running the car is putting the low profile 19 inch run flats on every year otherwise it is no less reliable than any other car I've owned before.

bazz26 · 13-02-2022 12:14am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118623263#Comment_118623263

Lol. A diesel E Class is not a drivers car.

BorneTobyWilde · 13-02-2022 12:18am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118623345#Comment_118623345

Depends who's driving. They're a fast diesel

bazz26 · 13-02-2022 12:26am

Sure, whatever.

Wildly Boaring · 13-02-2022 12:35am

That car has 337k km on it.

Unless the op does 5k a year it's going to cost money to run it.

yoshiktk · 13-02-2022 12:55am

Last year maybe I did 15k, due covid I wasnt really doing any longer trips. Before it would be around 25k-35k.

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/318i-touring-only-passed-nct-08-01-23/30356985

bazz26 · 13-02-2022 1:21am

Saab 9-3?

https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/saab-93-diesel-180bhp-turbo-edition/30242883

Claims to have a service history and bit of work done (timing belt) as well as a warranty.

BorneTobyWilde · 13-02-2022 1:29am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118623409#Comment_118623409

I dunno, high miles can mean everything is repaired by now, sometimes it's a good thing, if history is there

Manic Moran · 13-02-2022 4:23am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118617890#Comment_118617890

I'm 2m tall myself, and a 5-series owner so I can share your pain. That said, I also own an S4, there's no reason I don't fit in a smaller car, the problem occurs when there are people in the back seat, and even the 5-series isn't great (For the record, for many years I drove a Fiesta). The S4 becomes a three-seater, people behind me just won't work.

However, given the several thousands of dollars of repairs and maintenance gone into my 2015 550 in the four years I've owned it, (Fortunately mostly under warranty, but I've still put four figures into it), I would be extremely skeptical of a 2008 5-series, even well-maintained, being anything close to 'affordable to run'. My 2005 S4, which I have owned and babied for 17 years, getting every service done on time and stamped in the record book, has been basically off the road except for reserve duty (such as now, with the BMW in the shop) due to the amount of dollars of repairs I need to put into it to bring it back up to daily operational status.* Honestly, I expect to move the 5-series to become a second-line car in my garage in a year or so, to keep the annual mileage (and thus repair costs) down.

When I went looking for a mid-size to replace my 2004 A6 back, oh, 7 years ago, I couldn't yet afford a good 5-series or A6, so I went with a VW Passat. Plenty big enough, and affordable. It seemed to be bullet-proof as well (diesel, it was). Absolutely not 'fun' or 'engaging', or even 'luxurious' (even being the top-of-the-line SEL version), but if you want a big car which will do the job of getting you around, that or the Skoda equivalent may well be worthwhile. Possibly a Mondeo, though they strike me as being a bit smaller.

* I mainly keep it as a collector car now, only a few hundred of the Cabrio V8s were ever imported into the US and it's a manual transmission. Probably only a few dozen of the type left, so I'm keeping it even though it makes more sense to trade it in.

Wildly Boaring · 13-02-2022 9:14am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118623460#Comment_118623460

Like the e class above 220k miles or over 350k km is a lot to me.

It's the end of the line for a lot of cars. Not all, but a lot. There was a thread on here about 2 months ago with a chap claiming BMWs were a heap of junk and moneypits. He bought one with 300k km and couldnt understand how he kept having to replace everything.

Having ovned 3 series and 5 series, the 3 is a lot smaller inside. It's a completely different drive too. 5 cruises along sweepping through bends. 3 is tighter and more nimble

Whatwicklow · 13-02-2022 9:32am

Had an 09 e60 n47 and it was great until it rolled over 300k the dpf automatically stopped regenerating, which created back pressure which blow the turbo at 320k

BMW 5 series - money pit?

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