[Shepherd]

Was looking to finally own a BMW, have always been a huge fan of the 2011-2016 5 series. I’ve heard 2011 is the most reliable due to being the only Naturally Aspirated Engine? Found one with only 49k miles, serviced regularly at BMW dealer, for only 13.5k, seems like a good deal.

What has your guys maintenance looked like? Annual repair cost? Do things start getting crazy at 100k miles? I would like to drive this to at least 175k.

Thanks for the feedback.

[johnhva]

N52 is a reliable motor. I had one in my 2011 328i (actually N51), but it was pretty gutless, with max power not happening until over 6k rpm -- and up there the motor is really waaaaailing like it's going to explode. At least it was 6MT to add some fun.

The F10 is maybe 800lbs heavier than the E90 so that's probably why the 2012 F10 dropped the N52 for the turbo 4 with more HP and more torque at lower rpm and better gas mileage. But drive both and see what you think. IMO the porky F10 needs the 300/300 N55, which I understand is more reliable than the 4.

[Mani59]

Do you get a 523i in your region? It has the super silky N53 NA 6 cylinder 3 litre engine.

I believe there was only a small production run though.

[JDMSteven]

I would say go for it IF you find the power is sufficient. I had the N52B30 in my E60 530i and it wasn't bad, pretty smooth and reliable. But in a big F10, my 535i really is the sweet spot and pretty reliable as well. There's people with over 100k mi on just basic service alone, and the power is really nice for the size and weight of the car, plus there's a good amount of aftermarket support if you ever want to really spice things up.

[lichtgelb]

I have the N52 in my E90 and it's a good engine with few problems. However, I can't imagine it being much fun in a big F10. I have the N55 paired with the ZF 8 speed auto in my F10 and that is an amazing pair. The 8 speed keeps the N55 in the power band at all times and I get the same fuel mileage in that big F10 as I do with my little E90.

[OrcaPod]

I have had my F10 2011 528i with N52 and auto (with 135K km mileage ) for about a year now. I think that ZF-8 auto transmission really complements the car in this generation and the car has enough power with N52 engine for my liking.
My car was pretty reliable so far. Did some basic maintenance myself when I purchased it ( /ignition coils/spark plugs/brakes. All DYI and it was a pretty easy even though i've never done it before and i don't consider myself mechanically inclined.

I'd recommend to check if there any outstanding recalls.Use car VIN on BMW website.

I was considering F10 535 as well but decided to go with 2011 528i which was last production year of naturally aspirated inline 6-cylinder in NA) as i'm also planning to keep a car for some time. NO turbos to worry about is a big plus in a long run.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by OrcaPod

... NO turbos to worry about is a big plus in a long run.

I don't get this fear of turbo's. It's not like they haven't been around since the late 30's!

[Shepherd]

Originally Posted by OrcaPod

I have had my F10 2011 528i with N52 and auto (with 135K km mileage ) for about a year now. I think that ZF-8 auto transmission really complements the car in this generation and the car has enough power with N52 engine for my liking.
My car was pretty reliable so far. Did some basic maintenance myself when I purchased it ( /ignition coils/spark plugs/brakes. All DYI and it was a pretty easy even though i've never done it before and i don't consider myself mechanically inclined.

I'd recommend to check if there any outstanding recalls.Use car VIN on BMW website.

I was considering F10 535 as well but decided to go with 2011 528i which was last production year of naturally aspirated inline 6-cylinder in NA) as i'm also planning to keep a car for some time. NO turbos to worry about is a big plus in a long run.

Thank you for your post. This basically sounds like me. I’m willing to sacrifice power for longevity. I have seen quite a few reports of the 2011 528i going over 200k miles. Rarely do you see any other F10 beyond like 130, and I don’t think ive seen any non diesels above 200.

[Shepherd]

Originally Posted by OrcaPod

I have had my F10 2011 528i with N52 and auto (with 135K km mileage ) for about a year now. I think that ZF-8 auto transmission really complements the car in this generation and the car has enough power with N52 engine for my liking.
My car was pretty reliable so far. Did some basic maintenance myself when I purchased it ( /ignition coils/spark plugs/brakes. All DYI and it was a pretty easy even though i've never done it before and i don't consider myself mechanically inclined.

I'd recommend to check if there any outstanding recalls.Use car VIN on BMW website.

I was considering F10 535 as well but decided to go with 2011 528i which was last production year of naturally aspirated inline 6-cylinder in NA) as i'm also planning to keep a car for some time. NO turbos to worry about is a big plus in a long run.

Would the recalls cost me money or on BMW? Seems to be a few.

[OrcaPod]

Originally Posted by Shepherd

Would the recalls cost me money or on BMW? Seems to be a few.

Recalls were on BMW. cost $0 for me.