"Is the 5 Serisi 520i reliable, and what should you check?"
When buying a used BMW 5 Series 520i 2010 (E60 / E61 / Facelift), the most frequently mentioned issue is ignition coil failures. Timing chain/guide wear and breakage is also commonly reported.
Engine: N43
N43B20A · 520i · Used in this car from 2007-2010
Strengths
Very economical for its displacement
Quite peppy and responsive unit
Watch-outs
Frequent fuel system failures
Catalyst sensitive to poor fuel
Very picky about oil quality
Known engine issues
Injectors and high-pressure fuel pumpThe weak point of this engine is the high-pressure fuel pump and short-lived Siemens piezo injectors. They cannot tolerate poor fuel and can fail at almost any mileage. Note that later revisions of these components are much more reliable than predecessors.
Catalytic converterThe exhaust system has a storage catalyst with a nitrogen oxide sensor, and they burn off contaminants only during prolonged high-speed driving. If this system fails, repair is very expensive, and owners often delete it.
Timing chain and VVT adjustersThe VVT adjusters are quite reliable but require quality oil and maintenance. Every 60,000 km their valves need cleaning and seals need replacement, otherwise they will rattle quickly. The chain itself lasts long; only guide rail failure occurs at low mileage.
Listed from most frequently reported, each with its source.
Ignition Coil Failures
Often reported
The ignition coils on the 2.0 170 HP engine are prone to failure and deterioration over time.
Engine Internal
Timing Chain/Guide Wear and Breakage
Often reported
In some 2.0 units, wear and breakage of timing chain guides/sliders have been reported. This can cause metallic noises from the engine area, the check engine light flashing, or if neglected, engine stalling. Chain or guide failure can lead to serious engine damage.
Timing chain
Faulty Lambda / NOx Sensors
Often reported
Lambda or NOx sensors are reported to fail frequently, causing the check engine light to come on and incorrect combustion adjustments.
Exhaust Emissions
Injector / Injection System Issues
Often reported
For the 2.0 engine (N43 in 2007-2010 models), injector clogging or failure is commonly reported, especially in vehicles over 100,000 km; this can cause power loss, idle fluctuation, and error codes related to combustion/sensors.
Fuel System
BMW 5 Serisi 520i technical specs
BMW 5 Serisi 520i (2010): boot 500 L; fuel use 6,9 l/100 km (urban 9,4 l/100 km · extra-urban 5,6 l/100 km); 0–100 in 9 s.
Boot capacity
500 L
Fuel consumption
6,9 l/100 km (urban 9,4 l/100 km · extra-urban 5,6 l/100 km)
What should I look for when buying a BMW 5 Series 520i?+
When buying a 2010 model 520i, check the service history, test drive, and look for engine/transmission warnings. The most commonly reported issues are: ignition coil failures; timing chain/guide wear and breakage; faulty lambda/NOx sensors.
What are the chronic problems of the BMW 5 Series 520i?+
The most commonly reported issues are: ignition coil failures; timing chain/guide wear and breakage; faulty lambda/NOx sensors.
Is the BMW 5 Series 520i reliable?+
Instead of a simple yes/no, it is necessary to evaluate the proven pros and cons together. This page lists 4 verified findings.
How does Carbeak collect data?+
The cards on this page are derived from the Difetti fault database records; brand, fuel, engine, and generation compatibility between the source vehicle and target vehicle is verified. Topics with insufficient evidence are not shown.