The F10 generation entered the market in January 2010 and concluded seven years later. In July 2013, the model also underwent a facelift. Sales points are overflowing with old cars. At typical sales points, you can mainly encounter vehicles from the second or third owner. So, is it worth buying a used BMW 5?
Common Characteristics of a Used BMW 5
In contrast to its predecessor E60, the BMW 5 Series F10 was more comfortable in terms of front axle design. And although the 5 Series was sold with a manual, today you will see a version made by hand.
This version is fundamentally no different from its closest competitor, the Mercedes E-Class and Audi A6. Nevertheless, the BMW 5 Series with correct technical characteristics and the right engine will offer a more convincing driving dynamic.
Audi, however, has significantly improved in terms of maneuverability, and Mercedes excels in comfort. The choice between them is more a matter of personal preference. Even competitors offered modestly equipped cars with basic engines, as well as luxuriously equipped versions with an eight-cylinder engine.
It is not surprising that the quality of BMW is not bad, although the levels of the E39 generation (from 1995 to 2003) are insufficient.
Possible Breakdowns and Weak Points of a Used BMW 5
A worn steering wheel at 150,000 km, worn seat backs, and neat finishing will not surprise you. But such wear may indicate that the car actually has a high mileage, which is not uncommon for the German fleet.
However, the basic mechanics hold the 5th row, and the car is usually not prone to corrosion (if it has not been in an accident and subsequent poor repair). Inside, there is, of course, plenty of space and a practical trunk.
Engines
Choosing the right equipment and engine will be more challenging.
In terms of long-term use and, most importantly, maintenance costs, as well as labor and spare parts expenses, it is better to opt for a completely ordinary version without active steering, adaptive chassis, and rear-wheel drive. And ideally with a manual transmission. Then almost nothing will break the car.
The 2-liter diesel and 2-liter turbocharged petrol are not the ideal choice. The four-cylinder petrol engine has a distinct turbo effect and suffers particularly from strong carbonization, which is very rich in oil.
The consumption, even in an ideal state, is around 10 liters, which is at the level of a six-cylinder engine. We would not recommend this power unit in any BMW, let alone in a 5 Series.
The four-cylinder petrol engine promises to operate from five to six liters without requiring any repairs.
It pulls the timing chain, and those who do not respond in time to the noise after start-up will face an engine repair. Repairing stretched pipelines can be quite expensive.
Even if you detect the defect in time, you will have to spend at least half of this amount. Until 2013, BMW had a stronger chain. Thanks to this, the diesel 520d becomes the recommended version.
With a diesel six-cylinder engine, it will not be much worse because it faces the same problems as the four-cylinder. However, the natural balance of the six-cylinder engine dampens vibrations, so you will not hear the rattling chain.
And the 2016 and 2017 models of used BMW 5 Series cars have finally resolved wiring issues. And, of course, the 530d will still be very expensive. Risky models, on the other hand, are the cheapest.
With a diesel six-cylinder engine, it does not get much better because it faces the same problems as the four-cylinder. However, the natural balance of the six-cylinder engine dampens vibrations, so you will not hear the rattling chain.
There is nothing but preventive exchanges; otherwise, the chain will not last more than 200,000 km. Only when the 2016 and 2017 car models finally resolved wiring issues. And, of course, the 530d will still be very expensive. Risky products, on the contrary, are the cheapest.
Whatever we may recommend, the positive atmospheric six-cylinder series, ideally combined with a manual, you will be searching for such a car for a long time.
Surprisingly, a good choice can be the turbocharged six-cylinder petrol engine in the 535i.
If it has a service history and has traveled no more than 30,000, but no less than 15,000 kilometers on good fuel, this will be the golden mean. For this, only quality fuel additive is needed. This works for all direct injection engines in BMW. Poorly stored fuel poses a greater threat to the engine, releasing hydrocarbons that shorten its lifespan.
Also, be wary of the appealing 550i with a V8 engine. It is a troublesome engine that may attract buyers with a suspiciously low price. After covering 40,000 km, it can simply fail.
Another risk point is the automatic transmission. The 8-speed ZF gearbox is excellent, but BMW does not prescribe oil changes, which means the lifespan is not infinite. After 250,000 km, oil replacement may be necessary. The replacement will cost around $13,000. The first oil change should be done after 100,000 kilometers, with subsequent changes every 60,000 kilometers.
xDrive System
It usually does not cause annoyance but is extremely sensitive to tires. If the car's system is placed on unbalanced wheels, the xDrive will break. And when it comes to tires, do not forget to regularly balance them. Hard tires wear out very quickly on the roads.
The 5 Series service surprisingly does not require expensive authorized partners. Although the car offered a five-year service package for free, it only covered checks and basic maintenance. For everything else, the owner had to pay.
The prices of used BMW 5 spare parts are not greatly inflated, and you can find everything online according to the VIN code of your car. With minor breakdowns, you can easily handle them yourself without the help of auto services and original parts on a modern BMW.
Which version to recommend? This is a difficult question because each one is associated with certain risks. Moreover, the demand for BMW attracts resellers, so unexpected breakdowns are not uncommon.
Be prepared that the cheapest used BMW 5 will require huge investments. But if you choose a good one, you will get a prestigious car with a timeless design. Who wouldn't want that, really?
