528xi Reliability questions

dadysev · 03-08-2018, 08:34 AM

A friend is looking at purchasing a 2015 528xi and i was warning him about the N20 timing chain/guide issues.
Is this still a problem or is there a certain year to stay away from?
Thanks for any input?

benoitch2 · 04-13-2018, 05:07 PM

Hi, I have read a lot of messages about that N20 alleged problem. After talking with some technicians specialized in Bimmer cars and engine, according to him, most problems were related to people not changing oil regularly enough. If you follow to the letter the BMW maintenance schedule, you end up not changing it enough. If you stress out the engine, problems may arise.

It seems to be in line with what a lot of comments stating they never got any problem but were indeed changing their oil at 5000k to 6000k regardless of BMW recommandations.

So in conclusion, I am fairly confident now.

BTW, I own a E90 at the moment but about to buy a used one, either a 528xi (with the N20 engine in question) or a 335xi.

Best of luck to your friend !

Stück · 04-13-2018, 05:23 PM

Most of the N20 failures I have seen have cheapo Korea/China filters installed with questionable quick lube place oil on them, often on a prolonged service interval due to owner ignorance // negligence.

The N20's are a fragile little turd ball of an engine, the only up side to it is the fuel mileage. A proper factory filter and factory specified 0w20 LL14FE+ oil changed at responsible intervals is absolutely essential to long term viability.

That said, they will still eat themselves, its just a question of when exactly.

The short of it really is this. Don't buy a N20 powered car.

03-08-2018, 08:34 AM	#1
dadysev Captain 169 Rep 687 Posts Drives: Man Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	528xi Reliability questions A friend is looking at purchasing a 2015 528xi and i was warning him about the N20 timing chain/guide issues. Is this still a problem or is there a certain year to stay away from? Thanks for any input?
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04-13-2018, 05:07 PM	#2
benoitch2 Formerly KA benoitch ;) 4 Rep 23 Posts Drives: F30 2014 335 xDrive MPkg Prem Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Basses-Laurentides iTrader: (0)	Hi, I have read a lot of messages about that N20 alleged problem. After talking with some technicians specialized in Bimmer cars and engine, according to him, most problems were related to people not changing oil regularly enough. If you follow to the letter the BMW maintenance schedule, you end up not changing it enough. If you stress out the engine, problems may arise. It seems to be in line with what a lot of comments stating they never got any problem but were indeed changing their oil at 5000k to 6000k regardless of BMW recommandations. So in conclusion, I am fairly confident now. BTW, I own a E90 at the moment but about to buy a used one, either a 528xi (with the N20 engine in question) or a 335xi. Best of luck to your friend !
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04-13-2018, 05:23 PM	#3
Stück Major 801 Rep 1,214 Posts Drives: F15 X5, E46 330i, R56 Mini.S Join Date: May 2016 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (4)	Most of the N20 failures I have seen have cheapo Korea/China filters installed with questionable quick lube place oil on them, often on a prolonged service interval due to owner ignorance // negligence. The N20's are a fragile little turd ball of an engine, the only up side to it is the fuel mileage. A proper factory filter and factory specified 0w20 LL14FE+ oil changed at responsible intervals is absolutely essential to long term viability. That said, they will still eat themselves, its just a question of when exactly. The short of it really is this. Don't buy a N20 powered car.
	Appreciate 0 Quote