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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 550i or 535i or 528i or 535d
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      12-18-2019, 08:08 PM   #1
LukeS1994
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550i or 535i or 528i or 535d

In my area the 550i is common and there are lots used cheap and I am aware that engine was riddled with issues. If the recall issues were fixed can they be reliable? Is it better to buy a car with higher mileage on it so you have some piece of mind it's worked.

535i not many for sale in my area and the ones that are about $4-5k more than 550i with less options. I heard this is the best engine but if it's the same as the F07 535i engine had issues with recalls for the fuel pump and constant drivetrain malfunction.

528i is quite common but I don't think that would be enough power for me. I owned an F07 535i and had loads of issues with the fuel pump that was under recall and they had know idea when the parts were coming in. I ended up selling the car and moving on.

535d is much more expensive as they only made them after 2013 so they're alot more of a commitment. How is the reliability of this? My only one concern is I'll get sick of looking for gas stations that do diesel as I travel for work so am always out in unfamiliar locations.

Hopefully some high mile f10 owners can shed some light on reliability
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      12-18-2019, 11:31 PM   #2
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Our 2012 535i has only needed the OFH and valve cover gaskets replaced for repairs. No fuel pump or drivetrain malfunction issues at all in ~86K miles.
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      12-19-2019, 08:55 AM   #3
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2014+ is what you should be looking for if you want a 550i. They won't be bulletproof, but they at least eliminate much of the larger issues you could encounter with the N63 (vs upgraded N63tu). I still wouldn't get a higher-mileage 550i since many of the really expensive parts do eventually wear out and need changing (e.g. turbos can go above 100K and are $$$$ to replace). If you're pretty handy with doing your own repairs, the 550i won't be the easiest to work on because of ridiculously tight space under the hood. Makes me miss working on my old E46.

Knock on wood, I've had mine for 3 years, purchased CPO with 25K and now just shy of 60K, it's yet to see the dealer for anything but normal wear and tear. I'm not planning on getting rid of it anytime soon either.

Last edited by spielnicht; 12-19-2019 at 09:05 AM..
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      12-19-2019, 10:16 AM   #4
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2013 535xi with 140k kms (87k miles) and 7 years service. No problems with fuel pump or drivetrain and I'm not tracking these as common problems with our N55 engines in the first place. I've had no other significant issues with the engine, either. To date, the only semi-costly repairs I've had on my car are water pump, the thermostat housing, AC condenser, and rear flex disk. I just had my transmission fluid flushed / replaced as preventative maintenance.
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      12-19-2019, 10:25 AM   #5
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I can comment only on 528i

I got 2011 528i F10 which was the only year with naturally aspirated 6-cylinder engine.
for 2012 and onward it became 4-cylinder turbo for 528i.
That's the reason I chose 2011-year model and I wanted RWD as well. Also wanted to have a simpler engine for DIYs.
My car has 142K km now and I got it at 117K km. So far no major issues except for maintenance parts.

btw I had to go to Montreal to get my car as I couldn't find anything decent in Toronto at that time.

Careful with 528i 4-cylinder if you choose to go this route as there are some issues on timing chain/guides on early built models.

PS My second choice option after 2011 528i would be 535i model.
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      12-19-2019, 06:06 PM   #6
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On my 3rd F10/F06 V8 (N63 to N63TU back to N63)

Based on my last purchase, 550i is still the most expensive when you compare apples to apples with similar options. Of course a fully loaded 2016 535i will be more expensive than a 2011 550i.

To sum up, you will have to pay to play. Of course you can go more reliable with a smaller engine, but where's the fun in that???
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      12-19-2019, 06:23 PM   #7
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I would decide what is my top priority: a) Performance, b) reliability, c) ease/cost/ expense of maintenance. If you want the feel and sound of that V8, you are going to have to give up b and c.
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      12-20-2019, 03:48 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LukeS1994 View Post
In my area the 550i is common and there are lots used cheap and I am aware that engine was riddled with issues. If the recall issues were fixed can they be reliable? Is it better to buy a car with higher mileage on it so you have some piece of mind it's worked.

535i not many for sale in my area and the ones that are about $4-5k more than 550i with less options. I heard this is the best engine but if it's the same as the F07 535i engine had issues with recalls for the fuel pump and constant drivetrain malfunction.

528i is quite common but I don't think that would be enough power for me. I owned an F07 535i and had loads of issues with the fuel pump that was under recall and they had know idea when the parts were coming in. I ended up selling the car and moving on.

535d is much more expensive as they only made them after 2013 so they're alot more of a commitment. How is the reliability of this? My only one concern is I'll get sick of looking for gas stations that do diesel as I travel for work so am always out in unfamiliar locations.

Hopefully some high mile f10 owners can shed some light on reliability
I am in exactly the same boat as you, I am also looking for F10s in the Toronto area mainly.

I have ruled out the 528i as its a 4 cylinder+timing chain issues+ generally lower in terms of options. 535d is ruled out because they are generally much higher priced as they were only introduced in the LCI year, 550i is ruled out as the LCI ones are out of my price range and pre-LCI ones have reliability issues. So the only option worth considering is the 535i.

Now, in terms of model years I am looking specifically is 2013 as NBT was introduced in that year along with other updates such as KAFAS 2 camera. Dont like the LCI ones as most of them have those awful xenon headlights with bulb turn signals and due to the option packages LCI ones seem to be mostly missing the driver assistance systems.

Good news is that the F10's in Canada are generally much better specced than pretty much every other market including the US (seen a bunch of F10s that dont even have PDC in US!) I am holding out for the right car which has all the options I need (definitely want the DHP package). Something that is making life a bit harder for me is that lot of Canadian F10s have black interior and I really hate black interiors LOL. So yeah I might have to wait a while but will make sure the car was worth the wait!
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      12-20-2019, 11:42 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMW FOREVER View Post
.. Dont like the LCI ones as most of them have those awful xenon headlights with bulb turn signals..
I solved that issue with LED turn signal bulbs.

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      12-20-2019, 06:27 PM   #10
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Only buy a 2014+ 550i as these have the N63tu which has proven itself reliable. If you are wanting something older than 2014, 535 is the only choice, seems like 528 is the runner up for engine failure threads next to the 2011-2013 550
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      12-21-2019, 07:59 AM   #11
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I would really try to find a 535i as a lot of people on this forum are pretty happy with there's. plenty of threads with the 550 guys and their known issues. 528 guys always posting what they can do for more power. so I think the 535i is the medium. good luck!
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      12-21-2019, 09:07 AM   #12
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Where are 550i cheaper then 535 I'm genuinely asking.
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      12-21-2019, 09:37 AM   #13
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Second on getting a 2014+ if you go the 550i route unless you are very handy and can handle doing the valve stem seals yourself. I have a 2012 X5 50i and doing the valve stem seals myself right now...the carbon build up in this engine was insane...I have never seen carbon deposits like this before... NOTHING would phase the buildup on the Pistons and exhaustvalves short of a Dremel. It laughed at every chemical I through at it. The exhaust valves were also pitted and had to be lapped.

I will have over 100 labor hours into the valve stem seal and de-carbonization of this engine when I am done (I ported and polished the heads and combustion chambers too but that only added about 30 hours).

So think twice if you purchase any high mileage N63 powered vehicles, if you do make sure it's already had the valve stem seals and recall work done or you are very good with tools, or your boyfriend/girlfriend is a mechanic

Last edited by Sophisticated Redneck; 12-21-2019 at 09:44 AM..
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      12-21-2019, 02:29 PM   #14
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get the 535i. I have experience with all of BMW’s engines for the last 10+ years. By far the most reliable of the bunch are the inline 6s and the twin scroll turbo 6. The N55s are the best of both worlds if you ask me consider their tune options vs. the hot V N63/N63TUs.
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      12-21-2019, 08:12 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tiburblium View Post
Only buy a 2014+ 550i as these have the N63tu which has proven itself reliable. If you are wanting something older than 2014, 535 is the only choice, seems like 528 is the runner up for engine failure threads next to the 2011-2013 550
I am really surprised when I read this about he 528. I thought it was only the 2014 and older models that were an issue. A new chain guide or rail or whatever was introduced in late ‘14... Did I not understand something when I bought my ‘16?
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      12-22-2019, 11:27 AM   #16
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Looking in getting a 550i Xdrive/M sport....what’s the fuel range of that monster V8...I have a 535i Xdrive/M sport and love it! Good gas mileage as well! Considering I have driven a V8 VW Touareg for a long time and still do. And I’m lucky to get 450km (280miles) out of a $90 fill from quarter tank!!
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      12-22-2019, 01:40 PM   #17
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I’m getting 15-16mpg out of the 550i xdrive and 19.1 out of my 535iGT
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      12-29-2019, 02:01 PM   #18
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I went from a 2013 535i to a 2016 535d. I would never go back to a gasser. The torque is amazing. It is a lot more enjoyable to drive than my N55 535i was and the 40 mpg when cruising is a nice added bonus. Everytime I fill up, I always smile when I see the fuel range at 600+ miles.
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      01-04-2020, 01:57 AM   #19
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535d all the way. I'm currently at 261,000 miles 2014 535d xDrive and have yet to have one major issue! Biggest issue I have had was an egr replacement. And I honestly never want to go back to gas cars again.
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      01-04-2020, 12:01 PM   #20
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08/2011 535i xdrive here. 98,000miles. Only issues were required maintenance oil filter housing gasket, replaced cooler gasket, valve cover and gasket, serpentine belt and tensioner. My cv boots had leaks on both sides front end replaced those and new wheel bearings and hubs. Other then that she is still pluggin and chuggin. All repairs were DIY. Saved me tons.
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      01-06-2020, 04:26 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by perrymaxima View Post
I’m getting 15-16mpg out of the 550i xdrive and 19.1 out of my 535iGT
Yeah, I get about 15 mpg in stop and go traffic (averaging ~28mph). On long trips I can get ~27 mpg going around 65-70mph.

I can't comment on the 528 or 535 but I do love my 550. I agree with F10Dan. Figure out what's important to you. I went with the 550 because I wanted the power and have not been disappointed at all. I considered the 535 for the reliability and the fact that I read it is still fun and has good power. I didn't consider the 528 because I could not take having a 4-banger in such a big car.

Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one. Ultimately it is what's right for you.
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      01-08-2020, 06:50 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GottiLee View Post
535d all the way. I'm currently at 261,000 miles 2014 535d xDrive and have yet to have one major issue! Biggest issue I have had was an egr replacement. And I honestly never want to go back to gas cars again.
Im at 120k and no major issues on my 535d xDrive.
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