[I CU2]

Hi Guys,

I'm thinking of purchasing a CPO 2013 528i, the thing is though that the CPO warranty in Australia only last for 1 year.

Just wondering if any owners of the N20 528i had any problems thus far with their cars?

What do you think the reliability of the F10 in general would be like if I wanted to keep the car long term?

[Steveo535]

Hi I CU2

I'm on my 2nd F11 first was a 523 and my current car is a 535 both of which where approved used. I have had no real issues at all part from the air con condenser which is a known issue.

As for long term ownership on the strength of how good my current car has been I'm looking to change to a new 535 F11 this year before the new shape 5 series comes out and I will be keeping it at least 7 years.

[chwaz]

Same car and year model, hasn't had any problems yet. Apart from an engine thermostat that a SA advised me about. I believe it's a recall for that particular engine (n20) at the moment.

My warranty is also coming to an end, I don't think I will be extending. If there is a local shop that is well respected for their work.

[Brian Edward]

What is the difference between a 528i and a 528i xdrive?....new here to the site, thks!

[Quicksilv3r]

Originally Posted by Brian Edward

What is the difference between a 528i and a 528i xdrive?....new here to the site, thks!

XDrive has All Wheel Drive

[BigKutta]

I have a 2012 528i N20, and no issues in 6 years

[moosebeamer]

Well i have a 2012 528xi with 112K miles and I have had my share of problems. I bought it CPO with 26K back in 2013 and also bought the extended warranty. Here is what was covered fully til my warranty expired last summer

• Starter/Regen unit
• Turbo
• Oil filter housing (plastic to metal recall but mine failed before recall)
• Both fuel pumps (high and low pressure)
• Thermostat
• Front diff/axle (got this one replaced at 99500 )

After warranty

• Transfer case (had a rebuilt one put in by an independant garage vs. a brand spanking new one. diff in price $1100 part vs about $3000 (same 1yr warranty available on each)
• Thermostat and Water pump (precautionary) .. Thermostat had already failed again

Reliability ? Well It's believed the turbo may have failed because of the Oil filter housing failure. There really is no proof though. Just glad I didn't get given the bill for that repair work because BMW also replaced the Catalytic Converter fearing it got damaged when I was burning oil.

Car is at 112K and Ive decided that since BMW's like this model drop in value so much , that I'll keep it for a while.

What am I watching out for ? the timing chain (which may be more hype but if it ever happens, the repair costs are through the roof Im told).

Id really like no major issue for the next 20K .. we'll see

Barry

[e90fanatic]

Originally Posted by moosebeamer

Well i have a 2012 528xi with 112K miles and I have had my share of problems. I bought it CPO with 26K back in 2013 and also bought the extended warranty. Here is what was covered fully til my warranty expired last summer

• Starter/Regen unit
• Turbo
• Oil filter housing (plastic to metal recall but mine failed before recall)
• Both fuel pumps (high and low pressure)
• Thermostat
• Front diff/axle (got this one replaced at 99500 )

After warranty

• Transfer case (had a rebuilt one put in by an independant garage vs. a brand spanking new one. diff in price $1100 part vs about $3000 (same 1yr warranty available on each)
• Thermostat and Water pump (precautionary) .. Thermostat had already failed again

Reliability ? Well It's believed the turbo may have failed because of the Oil filter housing failure. There really is no proof though. Just glad I didn't get given the bill for that repair work because BMW also replaced the Catalytic Converter fearing it got damaged when I was burning oil.

Car is at 112K and Ive decided that since BMW's like this model drop in value so much , that I'll keep it for a while.

What am I watching out for ? the timing chain (which may be more hype but if it ever happens, the repair costs are through the roof Im told).

Id really like no major issue for the next 20K .. we'll see

Barry

The timing chain is pure speculation, only a few had that issue. Even then the repair cost is around $2500-5000 depending where you get it fixed

[snj1013]

Originally Posted by e90fanatic

The timing chain is pure speculation, only a few had that issue. Even then the repair cost is around $2500-5000 depending where you get it fixed

My co-workers N20 equipped 528i just had the timing chain guide fail at 110k miles. The engine is toast. Now he is stuck with a worthless car as the repair is $11k on a car that is worth just a bit more. There is an upgraded guide that BMW started using in 2015. If you're planning on driving an N20 engine out of warranty, I would upgrade the guide.

[interceptor428]

Originally Posted by snj1013

My co-workers N20 equipped 528i just had the timing chain guide fail at 110k miles. The engine is toast. Now he is stuck with a worthless car as the repair is $11k on a car that is worth just a bit more. There is an upgraded guide that BMW started using in 2015. If you're planning on driving an N20 engine out of warranty, I would upgrade the guide.

What year was your coworker’s 528?

[Alpine5x]

Originally Posted by snj1013

My co-workers N20 equipped 528i just had the timing chain guide fail at 110k miles. The engine is toast. Now he is stuck with a worthless car as the repair is $11k on a car that is worth just a bit more. There is an upgraded guide that BMW started using in 2015. If you're planning on driving an N20 engine out of warranty, I would upgrade the guide.

What year was the 528i?

What are the typical symptoms and how can we prevent this disaster? Are these cases far and few in between?

[snj1013]

Originally Posted by interceptor428

What year was your coworker’s 528?

2013. No real symptom, but there was a high oil pressure fault, probably a result of the plastic guide pieces obstructing the oil pump flow path.

[Alpine5x]

Ive got a 2013 as well. How can I ensure this does not happen to me? im at 70k miles.

[Quicksilv3r]

A guy that lives in my neighborhood drives an LCI 528i and it smokes like hell. No telling what's wrong with it.

[Alpine5x]

still curious as to how the n20 chain case is coming along..

[MikesBMW]

Originally Posted by Alpine5x

still curious as to how the n20 chain case is coming along..

Me as well. Considering buying a 2013 528i xdrive with 89k miles. Any recent timing chain failure incidents reported? Is BMW providing repairs at cost or with excessive rates on labor and parts?

[BurrNinja]

Originally Posted by Alpine5x

Ive got a 2013 as well. How can I ensure this does not happen to me? im at 70k miles.

Check scoring on timing chain if metal looks as if it has been rubbed new in spots. Also when revving you will notice a slight whine, one other thing is to check the slack of the chain if its real loose. Check by opening oil cap. The whine have someone rev it with hood open. Any pre n20 engine that hasnt had updated guides are a ticking time bomb imo.

[nedmon]

Get on to bmwtechnician.com and read all about the N20 chains

[Parlaminty]

I would stay for away from a 2013 528 without a warranty. I've had nothing but problems from day 1.

Bought used off a 1 owner lease in 2017. 2 days after driving it off the lot had the timing chain issues at a $5,000 repair. 2 days later the valvetronic motor blew and that was another $2,500.

I get random drivetrain malfunction errors from time to time and no codes can be found. A month ago my car was whistling on acceleration. Brought it to the dealer and a pipe in the turbo was replaced at a cost of $500. Took the car back and the sound is still there. Dealer says the turbo needs to be replaced at a cost of another $5,000.

The N20 is a piece of garbage and BMW knew it. Hence why they had upgraded parts for timing chain soon after launch ( and class action lawsuits as a result) and they quickly discontinued the engine.

[kahmed]

Hi Guys,

Im about to take the plunge on a 2015 528i.

56k Miles on the clock. Some of the posts here have got me worried about the N20 engine, is it really that bad?

Thanks,

K

[chipguy]

Originally Posted by kahmed

Hi Guys,

Im about to take the plunge on a 2015 528i.

56k Miles on the clock. Some of the posts here have got me worried about the N20 engine, is it really that bad?

Thanks,

K

I have a 2012 528i with N20 engine with about 93k miles. Changed the timing chain guides. Chain has very little stretch. I did not change the chain as I did not want to drop the oil pan which involves dropping the subframe. There were no issues, I just did it to pre-emptively.

Latest info is the TC guide was upgraded in 2015. I'd say if everything looks good and the price is right. I will go ahead.

[Cvx5832]

That was a 4yr-old thread you replied to. I'd say the OP made his decision long ago.