[dfa1987]

New member, currently looking to purchase my first BMW and I'm a big fan of the pre-LCI F10 body.

After a few failed attempts to buy Japanese imported cars, I've come across a 2010 5 Series originally registered here (I'm in New Zealand) with a close-to-full service history. Higher mileage at 150k km, but I'm hoping that the fact it's been dealer serviced for a long time means that most of the major issues have been dealt with over the years.

The odd thing is it's badged a 528i, and our local rego lookup tool also marks it a 528i. But when I plug the VIN into a decoder, it comes up as a 530i with an N52T 3.0L engine, producing 258hp, paired with the 8-speed sports auto. Any ideas why this would be the case?

[Cvx5832]

Market. The same car in another market can be called something else. This goes for all brands. My MB C300, for example, is a C280 in a lot of Mercedes documentation.

That said, that's a high-ish mileage, first-year production vehicle. Even the ZF8 was only two years into production in 2010. If you're wanting something pre-LCI, try something a bit newer. Price difference shouldn't be an issue if you know how to haggle.

We have a '15, and even that feels a bit needy. Oil pan leaks, OFHG leaks, oil cooler thermostat leaks, valve cover leaks, charge pipe leaks, electric water pump, diff bushings, etc. 140k miles.

[dfa1987]

Thanks for the reply - I’m really keen on the N52 engine for the NA straight 6 and general reliability. In NZ, most 5 series from 2013 onward have 2.0 4-pots or the N55 turbo in the 535i (which is rare and expensive here).

Given the N52 is a pretty long-standing engine at that point, is the early manufacture year as much of an issue? I’d be a lot more hesitant if it was the first year of the N20 from that era, but from what I’ve read the N52 is the engine to get for reliability from that era.

Noting it’s also 160k kilometers not miles, so still sub 100k miles (just).

Sadly used car prices here are a bit crazy especially for European vehicles - a 2014 sells for almost if not more than double the price of a 2010-11. I’m not opposed to an older vehicle provided the service history is solid, and I have a good local independent BMW mechanic who gives good advice on pre purchase inspections etc

[BMWDriver86]

You'll be right with the 2010. I have the same just for the N52 engine. Should look into the areas as mentioned by Cvx above to knock down the price.