|
|
03-14-2014, 06:20 PM | #1 |
Lieutenant Colonel
260
Rep 1,616
Posts |
Opinions on 2011 528i ?
A CPO 2011 528i is currently one of the cars on our short list of potential cars to buy.
It looks like the 2011 model comes with the older N52 NA Inline 6, are there any common issues with this engine? Are there any particular reason not to get a 2011 model? Thanks
__________________
|
03-14-2014, 09:06 PM | #2 |
Colonel
160
Rep 2,248
Posts |
The N52 is a fine non-turbo engine, maybe a little stretched to power a nearly 2-ton car like the F10, but a great 3-leater 6 with a track record of many years of reliable service in BMW models. I am not aware of any issues other than the usual (water pump and valve cover gasket). A 2012 or later 528, with the N20 engine, is likely to give both better performance and better fuel economy. Either way, you'll be changing your 6MT signature. The F10 528i in the US market has been automatic only since introduction in 2011.
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-15-2014, 03:04 AM | #3 |
Major General
1712
Rep 5,109
Posts |
Haven't driven a US spec 528i so I can't really comment on that. But I currently own a Euro 528i with the N53 engine.
I find it a very enjoyable car to drive. The engine isn't super strong in a 0-60 contest, but it's so responsive and sounds great (I have a aftermarket exhaust though). I find it very fun to drive on twisty mountain roads (in the context that we are still talking about a heavy car, so it's not a gokart in any sense of the word). It's not nose heavy and has more front end feel than the larger engined versions (M5 apart obviously). However, my DME and transmission software update last year was a game changer as the new software adds a "ton" of midrange power and torque by adding more fuel to what was a fairly lean original setting. Not sure if BMW has released new software for the N52. As seen in this comparison between a N52 and a N20 528i, the new model is faster, but looses the I6 sound |
Appreciate
0
|
03-15-2014, 09:59 PM | #4 | |
Lieutenant Colonel
260
Rep 1,616
Posts |
Quote:
2012 is also a possible option, also looking into a E350 or A6. I'm pretty hesitant about BMW turbos. My sister had issues with her 3 series and 5 series with turbos. Thanks for the info
__________________
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-15-2015, 11:38 PM | #5 |
New Member
4
Rep 15
Posts |
I have the 2011 528 w N52 engine.
Pros: - mpG. 18 / 25 - comfy! Moving from a E92 328 coupe Cons - a little underpowered in Normal mode - steering is nothing like past BMWs. Drive by wire - me no like. |
Appreciate
0
|
03-16-2015, 12:19 AM | #6 |
Major General
4443
Rep 5,332
Posts |
That's all?? We drove to PHX, 5% city, cruise set @78 in CA, 84 in AZ with a few excursions into triple digits. We arrived with a hand calculated 29.09XXX MPG. Got home (after 378 miles) with a third to quarter tank and 200 miles showing to empty. I would would have thought the 528 would have better economy....
|
Appreciate
1
|
03-16-2015, 12:46 PM | #7 |
Lieutenant
71
Rep 510
Posts |
The main difference between the N52 and the N20
N52 1. Smoother 2. Sounds better 3. Less gas mileage 4. Lacks low end torque 5. Revs silky smooth N20 1. Produces more power than advertised 2. Faster 3. More torque 4. Torque comes earlier 5. Better gas mileage because of low end torque 6. Doesn't sound good 7. Doesn't feel like it revs freely 8. Will probably react better to mods since it has turbos. |
Appreciate
1
|
03-16-2015, 11:02 PM | #8 | |
New Member
4
Rep 15
Posts |
Quote:
|
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-17-2015, 01:00 PM | #10 | |
Brigadier General
3895
Rep 4,046
Posts
Drives: 2020 M2C, 2019 330xi, 2017 Q7
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Washington DC Burbs
|
Quote:
So it really was a tradeoff of power over smoothness and sound for me, but I dont regret it at all. Really like the N20 |
|
Appreciate
0
|
03-17-2015, 01:22 PM | #11 |
Lieutenant
71
Rep 510
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|