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520 SE auto, am I mad?

Comments

  • #2
    ongarite
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,279 ✭✭✭ongarite


    Outside of M-Sport seats/wheel that's a very standard spec 520d.
    If it were me, I would be looking for one with Xenon lights, larger display screen & folding mirrors.

    At that age, 8 yrs old, buying private will give better value IMO.

    M-Sport at same price with chain replaced:
    https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-520d-m-sport/22555537


  • #3
    blingrhino
    Registered Users Posts: 1,138 ✭✭✭blingrhino


    I had a 2011 few years ago ,great car,no issues.

    There is a few extras on that car for 2011,sports seats,adjustable suspension,wood trim etc

    if your getting a warranty and a bit of discount ,whats not to like?

    Whats your current motor?


  • #4
    Phileas Frog
    Closed Accounts Posts: 946 ✭✭✭Phileas Frog


    That engine is an N47 so be well warned of the timing chain issues


  • #5
    ongarite
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,279 ✭✭✭ongarite


    blingrhino wrote: »
    I had a 2011 few years ago ,great car,no issues.

    There is a few extras on that car for 2011,sports seats,adjustable suspension,wood trim etc

    if your getting a warranty and a bit of discount ,whats not to like?

    Whats your current motor?

    Not seeing VDC on that car, doesn't even have heated seats!


  • #6
    Big Nasty
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 22,080 ✭✭✭✭Big Nasty


    ongarite wrote: »
    Outside of M-Sport seats/wheel that's a very standard spec 520d.
    If it were me, I would be looking for one with Xenon lights, larger display screen & folding mirrors.

    At that age, 8 yrs old, buying private will give better value IMO.

    M-Sport at same price with chain replaced:
    https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-520d-m-sport/22555537

    This

    Especially the M-Sport part


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  • #7
    canonball5
    Registered Users Posts: 445 ✭✭canonball5


    blingrhino wrote: »
    I had a 2011 few years ago ,great car,no issues.

    There is a few extras on that car for 2011,sports seats,adjustable suspension,wood trim etc

    if your getting a warranty and a bit of discount ,whats not to like?

    Whats your current motor?

    Currently have an S60 that is on her last legs.


  • #8
    millington
    Registered Users Posts: 1,288 ✭✭✭millington


    ongarite wrote: »
    Outside of M-Sport seats/wheel that's a very standard spec 520d.
    If it were me, I would be looking for one with Xenon lights, larger display screen & folding mirrors.

    They aren't M Sport wheels. I've seen a lot of cars with this spec, SE with shadowline trim, M Sport interior & those wheels. Have never seen those wheels on anything but an SE with this spec. Was it a package or something at the time?

    Regardless, it's a nice looking car albeit a bit expensive. I would class xenons & Pro Nav as essential options but thats personal preference.


  • #9
    canonball5
    Registered Users Posts: 445 ✭✭canonball5


    millington wrote: »
    They aren't M Sport wheels. I've seen a lot of cars with this spec, SE with shadowline trim, M Sport interior & those wheels. Have never seen those wheels on anything but an SE with this spec. Was it a package or something at the time?

    Regardless, it's a nice looking car albeit a bit expensive. I would class xenons & Pro Nav as essential options but thats personal preference.

    Thanks for the reply. What sort of money would you expect to pay for it?


  • #10
    millington
    Registered Users Posts: 1,288 ✭✭✭millington


    canonball5 wrote: »
    Thanks for the reply. What sort of money would you expect to pay for it?

    I think 10k would be enough for it, even out of a dealer. You would pick one up private for a little less again or for similar money you could buy a private M Sport if that tickles your fancy.

    It's worth a look and a bit of bargaining. If the timing chain has been done & it's a clean car then it would be a nice buy.


  • #11
    Stallingrad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,187 ✭✭✭Stallingrad


    Pre LCI Xenons could be expensive trouble so you are better off without them, though standard bulbs are pretty terrible.

    That car has upgraded seats, sports wheel with paddles, nice options to have, though would echo that the large screen is much nicer.

    Look for water ingress (google Yellow grommet) and rust on leading edge of doors by the chrome trim. I'd be amazed if that one wasn't rusting.

    I ditched a pristine main dealer 2014 F10 after 8 months with over €3000 worth of warranty work done in the short time I had it, the car was too much of a liability. So you need to be ready for potentially big bills if you are unlucky. That is before you even deal with the timing chain. I'd be doubtful that the warranty would be worth anything either so private like the on Ongerite linked to is a better bet.


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  • #12
    bazz26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,289 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    On my 3rd one of those 5 Series models, two 520ds and now a 530d and never had anything major go wrong with them. They are extremely comfortable cars especially the SE but remember these were expensive cars when new and can still be expensive to fix when something does go wrong. The timing chain problem is well documented as is the EGR cooler recall. Ball joints and track rods are common failures on them too. Make sure any you are looking at have a good service history especially around frequent oil changes as normally the official BMW service interval is too long.

    I'd certainly hold out for one that has the adaptive xenon headlights and heated seats if you can which were optional back then. BMW halogen headlights are absolutely terrible and it feels like you only have a set of candles in front of you. Xenon bulbs are expensive but they offer superior light and if you subscribe to BMW-First.ie then free replacement bulbs including xenon are included in the basic €5 a month package. Heated seats are also handy in winter rather than sitting on cold leather.


  • #13
    Pappacharlie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 197 ✭✭Pappacharlie


    I currently have a 151 520d and had a 2011 520d SE. In addition to the timing chain issue I would look out for the following.

    DPF Diesel Particulate Filter. (Usually packs in around that milage)

    EGR Valve. I had an issue where diesel fume found their way into the cabin in slow traffic or at traffic lights. A hairline crack on the EGR valve was the cause and is a known issue.

    Lovely comfortable car but can be costly to run when the miles go over 100K.


  • #14
    canonball5
    Registered Users Posts: 445 ✭✭canonball5


    Just a follow up on this. I went to see it last night and it is immaculate. Full Frank Keane service history with one previous owner. The dealer is checking today with Frank Keane about the timing chain and if it has been replaced. I'm taking it to my own mechanic tomorrow morning to get it checked over. Hopefully if we can agree a price, I'll have it early next week.


  • #15
    ongarite
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,279 ✭✭✭ongarite


    Another M-Sport if you’re interested.
    Xenon with high beam assist. Front & rear climate control and heated seats. Folding mirrors too.

    https://www.donedeal.ie/view/22140818


  • #16
    millington
    Registered Users Posts: 1,288 ✭✭✭millington


    ongarite wrote: »
    Another M-Sport if you’re interested.
    Xenon with high beam assist. Front & rear climate control and heated seats. Folding mirrors too.

    https://www.donedeal.ie/view/22140818

    Almost 150k miles though, not worth that.


  • #17
    canonball5
    Registered Users Posts: 445 ✭✭canonball5


    millington wrote: »
    Almost 150k miles though, not worth that.

    Exactly my thoughts too.


  • #18
    ChewyLuey
    Registered Users Posts: 223 ✭✭ChewyLuey


    Should "timing belt done" put someone at ease or set alarm bells ringing? I guess it comes down to if it was done well and no longer an issue.


  • #19
    Stallingrad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,187 ✭✭✭Stallingrad


    ChewyLuey wrote: »
    Should "timing belt done" put someone at ease or set alarm bells ringing? I guess it comes down to if it was done well and no longer an issue.

    'Chain'.

    You would be mad buying one of these at this age is it hasn't been done. The BMW FSH helps but the long oil change intervals are part of the problem. This car could have had only 4 oil changes.

    If it was done recently and you change the oil every year (not BMW's 2) then you should be good.


  • #20
    Carpentry
    Registered Users Posts: 1,601 ✭✭✭Carpentry


    After hearing some horror stories I wouldn't bother with 2.0

    Cant beat 3.0d

    https://www.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/bmw-5-series/22350668


  • #21
    ChewyLuey
    Registered Users Posts: 223 ✭✭ChewyLuey


    What year/plate is "safe" from these issues? 132 onward?


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  • #22
    Stallingrad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,187 ✭✭✭Stallingrad


    ^ Jesus wept, that state of that advert.


  • #23
    Carpentry
    Registered Users Posts: 1,601 ✭✭✭Carpentry


    ChewyLuey wrote: »
    What year/plate is "safe" from these issues? 132 onward?

    Late 14, early 15


  • #24
    Carpentry
    Registered Users Posts: 1,601 ✭✭✭Carpentry


    Stallingrad wrote: »
    ^ Jesus wept, that state of that advert.

    seller is woman I guess ? that explains few things.


  • #25
    Stallingrad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,187 ✭✭✭Stallingrad


    ChewyLuey wrote: »
    What year/plate is "safe" from these issues? 132 onward?

    Late 2014 the N47 was replaced with the B47, though later N47 were fitted with modified parts. Jury is out if the problem was ever solved, even with the B47. Long oil intervals are a big part of the problem as the N/B47 do not have large oil capacities.


  • #26
    aodomhnaill
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 118 ✭✭aodomhnaill


    anyone have any idea if BMW provide replacement car for EGR cooler recall? I've been told it will take a few weeks for checking in and could be a few weeks for job to be done due to backlog.

    (not sure why they would check it in in the first place if there is a backlog but thats another conversation)


  • #27
    Stallingrad
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,187 ✭✭✭Stallingrad


    aodomhnaill wrote: »
    anyone have any idea if BMW provide replacement car for EGR cooler recall? I've been told it will take a few weeks for checking in and could be a few weeks for job to be done due to backlog.

    (not sure why they would check it in in the first place if there is a backlog but thats another conversation)


    They do, just don't expect like for like.


  • #28
    canonball5
    Registered Users Posts: 445 ✭✭canonball5


    UPDATE:

    Well after getting the car checked over and getting what I think was a fair price I picked the car up over the weekend. I'm delighted with it, the comfort and pick-up are excellent and I'm very happy with it on first impressions.


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