520i 2.2

[seanpburke]

Hello,

I need some advice;

I'm looking at buying a 01-03 520i M-Sport in the next few weeks, I'll be doing around 20,000 to 30,000 miles a year, am I mad?

I had a 2.0 diesel A4 S-line previously and found it boring, I just want something that's a bit more fun to drive but is also comfy when cruising as I'm 6'3.

What sort of running costs will I be looking at?
When does the timing chain need replacing?
When would I be looking at changing the shocks etc?
Is the mpg really that bad? are we talking 20 or closer to 30 in real world driving?

Sean.

[JohnH]

Hi Sean
I drove an 02 520 for 2 years and did about 20k miles in it.
At 60k miles the thermostat, water pump, viscous fan and a few other bits needed to be replaced (€850 bill).
Other than that it was regular servicing for me.
If you're doing big mileage I think that balljoints etc might need doing too but I didn't need to go near the suspension.

Driving around Dublin I got about 22mpg from it, it was an auto. On mixed driving I'd say you'd get 26mpg or so.

I think it would be a great car for what you need but you could look at a 530d too. The tax is only €400 extra per year...

[Eoin_]

I think at 20-30K per year, a 525d is definitely worth considering. 10mpg extra could add up.

I'm getting 25MPG in mostly urban driving in an auto 525, so I'd expect close to 30 wouldn't be unrealistic in the 2.2. The sport model handles well and is less barge-like than a lot of cars in its class, but a nice cruiser at the same time.

[Brian lad]

I'm getting 44.1mpg in my 530d!

[davy_b]

i had a 523i and i was getting 32-33 ,mpg ,
as said watch the water pump and make sure its done i had trouble with that , but other tahn that a great car the 2.2 is slightly underpowered but still a good car have you considered a 3 series , im 6ft 5 and i fit fine in a 3series
i now have a 330d and im getting 44 mpg aswell

[seanpburke]

Nice one lads, I love the 3-series but I've my heart set on an E39 M-Sport, I like the 530d but trying to find a decent one with anything under 100k-120k miles on them is hard going.... and I really want a 6cyl Petrol....

3-4 weeks ago I was looking at a 1.9 Diesel Golf (for the same money!) but I just know I would be bored stupid with it.... I want comfort and a bit of poke (but not enough to loose the licence!)

I suppose if I found a nice low mileage 530d, I'd go for it......

Anything else I'd want to look out for when test driving and giving the once over?

S/

[caze]

If you are doing that sort of mileage a diesel would probably be more suited to your needs, but you are right, it's hard to get a decent clean one.
If you go down the petrol route I would try and get a 525 or 530. Running costs apart from tax will not be much more than a 2.2 and MPG should be very similiar! They are not too bad MPG wise on longer runs, it's city driving that kills them. Even my own 525d struggles to get over 30mpg in town but easily gets about 42 on country runs.

[Shires]

Originally Posted by seanpburke

Anything else I'd want to look out for when test driving and giving the once over?

Some suggestions off the top of me head:

1) Ask to see the car when the engine's cold. If it has a rough idle, it most likely has vacuum leaks or a knackered CCV. Not the end of the world but factor into purchase price.

2) Visually check camber of the rear wheels, and look for uneven tyre wear. A little wear on the insides is usual but lots of wear or a visible difference between the two sides on the back may be bad news.

3) At around 60k miles you'd probably be looking at new bushings on the front wishbones. Way to test: brake firmly from about 50kph. If you get steering wheel wobble, most likely the tension (traction?) strut bushings are knackered. If you get the wobble when braking from motorway/N-road speeds its most likely the control arm bushings. Again not the end of the world but factor into purchase price! Passenger side is often worse due to potholes etc.

4) Other suspension stuff: put it into a few corners firmly (doesn't have to be at high speed) and listen for wheel bearing noise from up front. Do a few slow turns at full lock both sides and listen for knocking noises when moving.

5) The difference between a well looked after and poorly looked after engine is immense. Helps to look at a few and get a feel for how they should drive. I'd happily take a well looked after 2.2 over a tired and unloved 3.0 any day.

[seanpburke]

Thanks for that Shires, very helpful. As for the rear wheel camber what would be the issue if there is too much uneven wear?

I've driven a few and one has particularly caught my eye and it felt much tighter in the corners, engine was silky smooth and braking was very smooth too. It's had 4 owners in 6 years though without a full service history... make's me a little nervous although cartell was clean.

going to go out with a mate who's had a good few BMW's before to take a look.

S.

[swordsman]

E39 is agreat solid car - i have my 2002 msport 520i for maybe 6months
and am very happy with it. i get about 29-31mpg from mixed driving
would have thought that a 530d is defo worth the extra money for your mileage
i did a a few sums and decided that i was better off with petrol

would suggest getting a bigger engine that the 2.2 - it is underpowered for the size of car. especially noticable if you have a few passengers