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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 BMW 5-Series (F10) Forums General 5-Series Sedan and Wagon (F10 / F11) Forum From Japanese to German.. Should i buy? see pics.
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      05-20-2019, 02:22 PM   #1
WoodButcher1980
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From Japanese to German.. Should i buy? see pics.

Hey guys.

So ill try to keep this as short as i can. i have Hondas, Toyotas, and Infinitis my whole life. the infintis were in the last 5yrs since the wife has a flavor for the fancy things now. all while i drive her 2008 accord ex hand me down.. which is fine, but at 190k miles its falling apart.

so- like many first time posters- I am thinking about taking the plunge and buying my first used bmw. i trampled on this forum and its given me the jitters about reliability of F10s a little bit... timing chain, finicky with very specific oil and filter, touchy engine in general, etc. ive been spoiled with Hondas and Toyotas my whole life i guess.. .and theyre more of a comfort food too for me.. i know how to work on them, from timing belts to brake jobs, to reading OBD codes and so on. A BMW will be a whole different learning curve and language, and being in my late 30s, i need to pick my battles more and more .. .but the styling is timeless on a bmw for sure.


SO......... here is the car. 2013 bmw 528i x drive (we get snow) with 61k miles on it. $15,500. M sport package premium package and cold weather package. its clean. i dont really see any scratches on it, it just needs a good detail job on the engine bay and paint.
2 owners, both older white collar guys, so its been taken care of and not raced or anythign.. the carfax shows it got oil changes every 10-12k which i know isnt the best with these engines, but it could be worse. side note, the carfax shows it as a branded title since the current owner screwed up and checked the 'not actual mileage' box or whatever. but he sent a letter into the state and he now has a clean normal title so all good.. just looks weird on carfax.

if i drive this thing for 60k miles what can i expect as far as maintenance, upkeep etc? i know i know.. its not an accord, i get it... but i still want to do a lot of the work myself if it needs it... like oil changes, brake jobs, wheel bearings, suspension issues (control arms, shocks, etc), OBD code pulling, simple stuff. i do have a car lift so im in luck there.

i guess im looking for a warm/fuzzy so i just pick this thing up and ride into the sunset unscathed.. but in the back of my head i know i can just buy a 2017 accord loaded with head up display, adaptive cruise et etc for 23k... but it defintely doesnt look like this beauty . my budget was up to 25k, but this 15k 528 would be a good entry price to see if i even like BMWs ya know?
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      05-20-2019, 04:21 PM   #2
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An engine is an engine is an engine. Oil is oil is oil is oil. Oil and filter changes are just like any other car. ALL cars require "specific" oils; normally an SG rating, BMW uses LL. The timing chain is an issue only if the guide breaks. I went with the N55 (535) as BMW has been making that engine, a straight-6, like forever. Their V8's have been hit-or-miss and, for my needs, the 4-banger isn't powerful enough and the MPG isn't that different. If all you'll do is put around town and couldn't care less about driving dynamics then stick with the Japanese FWD appliances. If you want fun and a balanced chassis and can do the basic maintenance (following YouTube tutorials if need be) then you should be fine with the N20 engine.

Just remember, few satisfied people post and most come to forums to fine resolution to a problem. If you're worried you can always purchase a 3rd-party warranty. I've read here Route66 is pretty good. Check out the N20 forums.

YMMV
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      05-20-2019, 04:37 PM   #3
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From one who's owned 5 BMWs you really need to keep on top of maintenance more so than on any Honda fyi.

Also, that's a cool 528 but if you want an F10 with the fewest worries I would recommend looking for a clean 535 LCI from 2014-on.

IMO the 4-cyl N20 engine is good in a 3-series but not enough motor for a fat F10. Plus this:
https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1556009

My 2c
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      05-20-2019, 05:43 PM   #4
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What costs would you expect for the mileage it has and you expect to get?
Even DIY the costs are going to be higher than what you are accustomed.
Your range, 60-120k miles is in the sweet spot of when things wear out, BMW and otherwise. No one can say when something expensive is going to let loose.
That motor doesn't have a good history. You will be much happier with a 535xi.
If that is you decide a BMW is for you. Also as mentioned, on forums you really only hear the downside.
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      05-20-2019, 08:25 PM   #5
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I've had my 2016 535i XDrive for about 1 month now and I absolutely love it. I went from a 2011 Accord EX-L to this BMW and, so far, I couldn't be happier.

Obviously, I can't say anything about the long term reliability of my car yet because when I got it, it only had 24000 miles on it and I've put about 2000 or so miles on it as my daily driver of 100 miles round trip.

But driving my 6 cylinder BMW is absolutely nothing like my 6 cylinder Accord. They are worlds different and the BMW blows the Accord out of the water.

I have almost no knowledge about BMW, but based upon what I've read on the forums, try to find yourself a 2014 or newer 535. If you can swing a CPO, I think you should go the CPO route.

Watch a few videos on YouTube about maintenance and repairs.

Test drive a 528i and a 535i back to back and you will absolutely see a difference in the two cars. That's what I did and why I chose the 535i.

One final thing: don't settle. I know budget affects us all, which is the reason I have a 2016 CPO 535i instead of a brand new, fully loaded 2019 540i , but research prices like crazy and find the very nicest, newest, lowest mileage car you can afford and I think you will be very happy with your purchase. Don't forget to shop both interior and exterior colors and option packages. Shop until you find THE car that you want and don't stop shopping until you find it.
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      05-20-2019, 10:54 PM   #6
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If your budget is around $25k, I'd look for a LCI 535. It's a world of difference from a pre-LCI 528 (or an Accord).
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      05-20-2019, 11:05 PM   #7
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https://cpo.bmwusa.com/certified-use...?zipCode=92120
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      05-21-2019, 05:04 AM   #8
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What is LCI? Around 25k I can get a 2015 535i with around 50,000 miles . Would that car me be much more reliable? It's hard to know what life the car had on those 50,000 miles prior to me, but I obviously would take care of it.

Last edited by WoodButcher1980; 05-21-2019 at 05:11 AM..
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      05-21-2019, 05:58 AM   #9
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Also as a side note, if I were spending all 25k, I would be comparing it to a 2016 Acura TLX Advance package which includes Lane keep assist, adaptive cruise blind spot detection, and so on. I definitely would not be comparing it to a Honda Accord. Even though a TLX is pretty much the same thing, I wonder how close it is to a BMW. Honestly I'm just looking for a very quiet ride, I drive all day for my job , and would love some technology thrown in there so I don't know if that eliminate some years? I need to get at least Lane keep assist and blind spot detection if I'm going to spend that kind of money since I can get it well within that range with Japanese counterparts like Lexus and Acura. I know everybody talks about the driving experience, and I'm quite excited to test a 5 series on the freeway to see how stable and quiet it is since I've heard good things, but this vehicle is not going to be for going into the twisties in the mountains and zipping around. I have motorcycles for that.. I guess I can just hold off on this 2013 and test drive the heck out of both an Acura and a BMW and go from there

Last edited by WoodButcher1980; 05-21-2019 at 06:03 AM..
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      05-21-2019, 06:50 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WoodButcher1980 View Post
What is LCI? Around 25k I can get a 2015 535i with around 50,000 miles . Would that car me be much more reliable? It's hard to know what life the car had on those 50,000 miles prior to me, but I obviously would take care of it.
LCI stands for life cycle impulse in BMW jargon. Basically it's the mid-cycle update, and for the F10, that would be model years 2014-2016. I had a 2013 535 and still have a 2016 535. LCI models have some minor cosmetic changes, updated iDrive, and I don't know if they ever advertised it, but the LCI steering feels much better. The difference in engines between a 535 and 528 is also significant. The 6 cylinder engines in these cars has one of the better track records for BMW. My '16 has the lane departure and blind spot features but I keep the lane departure off and the car has no blind spots so that feature isn't very useful either. Others may find those features useful. I also have the surround cameras and those really do come in handy in tight parking situations.

Yeah, when buying a used car, you can't be 100% sure of what you're getting. But for a smooth, quiet, comfortable highway cruiser with a good amount of tech, a '14-16 5-Series is a great choice IMO.

Edit to add that if you drive all day for your job, the first, most important option to start with is the luxury/multi-contour seats. Base BMW seats leave a lot to be desired.
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      05-21-2019, 08:42 AM   #11
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Since these cars come with 50k mile warranties (and in many cases free maintenance too), you have at least a reasonable chance that a used one was maintained through the 50k mark and the dealer should be able to pull a record of the work done.
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      05-21-2019, 09:43 AM   #12
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As others have said, go with a 2014+ 535i. More power, better engine etc. You'll be very happy
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      05-21-2019, 09:48 AM   #13
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I agree with the majority here and concur that a 535i or 535xi is a good choice. I would not discount a pre-LCI 6-cylinder F10 if the price and mileage are right. For the 535, the changes to the drive train were minimal, if any.
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      05-21-2019, 10:07 AM   #14
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good to know. i called the owner of the 528 and let him know im going to keep looking. its good to know that i can still look at a 2012 or 2013 535xi pre-lci and it wont impact long-term reliability much. in the mean time ill go test drive one and compare it to a TLX and see which one feels right for me.
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      05-21-2019, 10:27 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WoodButcher1980 View Post
What is LCI? Around 25k I can get a 2015 535i with around 50,000 miles . Would that car me be much more reliable? It's hard to know what life the car had on those 50,000 miles prior to me, but I obviously would take care of it.
As stated above it is a cycle update.
BMW doesn't change things every year like others.
So within a series, let's go with the 5 series, the same generation (F10),
spans from 2011 to 2016 with the LCI starting in 2014.
So you'll hear terms of LCI and pre LCI.
Also mentioned above how minor the LCI changes were.
If you are looking for a highway cruiser, that's where the 5 series excels.
Also mentioned above but VERY critical is options. In the BMW world there is no standard setup options. Even dealer ordered ones. So pay close attention to how one is optioned. If you drive that much seats are key.
With all these options available it is hard to compare Apple's to Apple's let alone to the Japanese.
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      05-21-2019, 12:04 PM   #16
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Great point about the options. One thing that I found invaluable when shopping for mine is an online VIN decoder. These can provide full details on the vehicle including all of the factory installed options, colors, etc.

Here's one that I've used with success in the past:
https://www.mdecoder.com/

Good hunting!
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      05-21-2019, 12:41 PM   #17
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ya ive used that tool religiously when searching. i dont care if i get m sport (though i do love the rims) or luxury... maybe leaning to luxury package since i like a comfy ride.
but i wish there was a way to decode if it has lane keep assist or adaptive cruise but those features are never listed on the decoder. i always try to just look at the buttons by the driver's left knee (if they have a picture of that area).
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      05-21-2019, 12:52 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WoodButcher1980 View Post
ya ive used that tool religiously when searching. i dont care if i get m sport (though i do love the rims) or luxury... maybe leaning to luxury package since i like a comfy ride.
but i wish there was a way to decode if it has lane keep assist or adaptive cruise but those features are never listed on the decoder. i always try to just look at the buttons by the driver's left knee (if they have a picture of that area).
https://www.mdecoder.com shows everything on my F10, including:
S5AGA Lanechange warning
S5ASA Driver assistant

I don't have it but Active cruise is S5DFA
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      05-21-2019, 12:56 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by johnhva View Post
https://www.mdecoder.com shows everything on my F10, including:
S5AGA Lanechange warning
S5ASA Driver assistant

I don't have it but Active cruise is S5DFA

awesome! good to know. maybe i was just not looking at new enough cars so they just dont have those features. i could never find when adaptive cruise, lane keep assist, head up display or blindspot warning were introduced.
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      05-21-2019, 04:07 PM   #20
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You can do a generic worded option search to find the option code.
You can also do a search for option code list or buyers guide to list them all.
Also understand some options are in bundles and certain bundles delete other options.
Welcome to the BMW world!
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      05-21-2019, 06:00 PM   #21
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Folks above covered most of the important points and you need to decide what is important to you.

Do not get a 528 or a 550 so that we don't have to respond to how much you hate your new BMW thread.

Bottom line is: These cars are expensive and they will never be as reliable as Japanese cars and many annoying things will go wrong with them that you are not accustom to.

I always tell people that they are about to buy a used car that used to cost $60, $70K & etc....... so those cars will have $60, $70K car problems.

Where are you located? I recommend looking for one owner lease returns or CPO cars if they are within your budget.

My lease is up in July and next owner will be getting one heck of a car.
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      05-21-2019, 06:05 PM   #22
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Thanks. The sticker price point is a good analogy, haven't heard that one. I also read somewhere on here that a good way of thinking about it is that they are fine-tuned machines that need pampering. You can't just go 20,000 miles without an oil change and 50,000 miles without even looking at your fluid levels. So I get that.

I'm located in Ohio. I went on to that certified pre-owned website from BMW and they were all in the mid thirties for price. I did find a few black or blue 535 with around 50,000 miles for about 25k. So I'll look there and see what I can find. There's just not a lot of cars right now since they got gobbled up I think
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