jballance

Hi I am new to the 5 series forum but not new to BMW. My wife has driven several 2-E29's an E34, 2-E39'S and currently an E60. The current car is an 04 525I with the M54B25 motor. Needless to say my wife likes the 5 series cars, she feels safe. I am thinking about buying a 2008 528i any suggestions or warnings.

Ajnm194

E39s are getting older and therefore it may be difficult or overly expensive (given the current economic climate) to buy (a good condition example). Great cars too - but if you're looking for reliability - age is definitely a factor. I owned an E39 540i and ended up spending more on it than I actually paid for it - and subsequently sold it at a loss.

The E60 is a much more modern and refined car. Sure, it may lack the 'connectedness' that you got with the E39, but given the right specification/condition - it can be just as fun to drive. Definitely get an LCI. The straight 6s are generally reliable. In terms of overall performance and reliability, the 528i is a good choice. If you're in a country where diesel cars are used, the 530d is a great choice as well. The 520d is very good but you should get one with the M47 instead of the N47 (to avoid timing chain issues - you can get a mid 2007 car that's essentially a hybrid - an LCI but with an M47 motor (as I owned). Very reliable engine as long as it's serviced regularly (has some minor known issues that are easily rectifiable - e.g. swirl flaps etc.)).

In terms of the 6 cylinder petrol turbo models (e.g. 535i) - there are known problems (e.g. HPFP etc) - and I would generally avoid them if reliability is your main concern. Same goes with the 550i - I currently own one and regularly maintain it, but the N62 is known to have some common problems. The M5 is a whole different story - rod bearings, throttle actuators etc - lots of known issues with the V10 and it's not great from a maintenance/reliability perspective.

it's safe to say that age related issues may crop up on the E60 as well (albeit less frequently) - and I would therefore recommend one of the later LCI models (on the whole). Furthermore, being a BMW owner yourself, you know that service history is essential to any used BMW.

Make to take it for a good spin. When I bought the E60 550i, I performed a comprehensive inspection and all looked to be okay - however, driving the car home, I immediately experienced transmission failure and had to replace/refurbish the Mechatronic unit in the gearbox (at a significant expense).

In conclusion, can't go wrong with a well maintained, LCI 528i.

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E39 Sold. 550i on the right.


Sold

Sold.

Sold. Great car.

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