BMW 520d M Sport

[raffo]

Lads and ladies, looking at getting an 2008 BMW 520d M sport and wondering if anyone here has any personal experience of them? Owned one or know someone that does? Any issues or steer clears, any trouble with gearboxes-manual or auto?
I've heard that swirl flaps can be an issue as well as the timing chain on the LCI model but anything else?

As always, thanks in advance

[mike_01]

Not the same car but did have an m-spec e36 which the only difference being engine but had loads of trouble with car, it was a well serviced car so wasn't to do with neglect but also had rust comming through and the worst was offset steering and pedals gave me a bad back and also then had the newer bmw same problems again, probally a good car when new and if your german or used to the offset position but I wouldn't touch one ever again, but this is only my experience so... hope this helps you though

[patk]

a mate of mine bought one a month ago and seems to love it, but its too early to really get to know it but no problems so far.

[raffo]

Thanks lads, so far there's more pro's than cons. 177bhp ain't a tez but better than the 130bhp C180 I have at the minute

[donut46]

My experience with bmw having owned a e46 and cousin has a 520d and parents had a e46 as well is;

Pros, very comfortable, my cousins 520d is very comfortable and is not too slow either

Cons, extremely expensive to maintain especially if you like to use genuine parts, a air flow meter and a oxygen sensor cost €750 on my old e46 just myself the parts, they don't like spurious electric parts at all. I know of some 5 series having over heating issues, oh and my cousins one the clutch went cost a pretty penny

But I guess it's like every car you can either get a good one or bad one

[raffo]

What year was that 520 Donut?

[donut46]

Mine was a 00 had load of electrical/overheating problems even though it had the best of servicing

Parents e46 was 02 brand new never had a problem but was very low mileage only role it because dad liked the accords

Cousins 520d is 05 only problem she ever had was the clutch and a sensor I think

Actually forgot my uncle has had two also, first was a 00 530d manual which didn't give any bother as far as I can remember but the second was a 530d estate automatic triptronic and he put a gearbox and a engine in it which all came in the one go he had no problem with it till then but that one month stood him about 1500

I don't think I will be getting a job with bmw pr department I loved them but the hassle I had never again same with the uncle

[raffo]

Jaysus!!
Hopefully the new engine in the LCI models would be more reliable.........a lot of UK ones about with high enough "motorway miles" but then full service history's too so it's a tough one to gauge

[wullie_trd]

Everyone I've known to have a BMW have had a broken spring at some point in ownership!

But as said very comfortable cars! Well refined!