[dreamspeed]

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

[raleedy]

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.

[Boss330]

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

[dreamspeed]

Originally Posted by raleedy

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.

the 5 would be for the wife so I'll be able enjoy a MT for the time being.

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

[dangom808]

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.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by dangom808

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.

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....

[493263]

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.

[dangom808]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

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....

Well I live on a tiny island so we rarely get a chance to highway drive for more than 15-20 minutes before running out of land mass!

[NewM3driver]

Common issues? Yes. It is one of the best engines in the world. Ever.

[BigKutta]

Originally Posted by 493263

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.

This exactly! I test drove a 528 with the N52 right before the N20 came out and felt exactly this. I thought the N52 was underpowered, while the N20 felt significantly better, although not a smooth as the N52 engine (the N20 can be a bit jumpy). Gas mileage noted on the stickers was only 1 mpg apart for either choice.

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

[493263]

Originally Posted by BigKutta

This exactly! Gas mileage noted on the stickers was only 1 mpg apart for either choice.

The EPA number was only 1 mpg. In real world driving, it's more like 3mpg. The N20's low end torque saves a lot of fuel.