"Is the 5 Serisi 520i reliable, and what should you check?"
When buying a used BMW 5 Series 520i 2011 (F07 / F10 / F10M / F11), the most frequently mentioned issue is cracks in the oil filter housing and gasket. Carbon buildup on intake valves is also commonly reported.
Engine: N20
N20B20B · 520i · Used in this car from 2011-2017
Strengths
Relatively low fuel consumption
Good potential for chip tuning
Watch-outs
Timing chain has low service life
Frequent leaks from under valve cover
Plastic pipes have short lifespan
Known engine issues
Timing chainThe most famous weak point of this engine is the modest service life of the timing chain, sometimes it lasts less than 80,000 km. Note that units after 2015 have a longer service life.
Oil pump chainAnother widespread problem of early engines was the breakage of the oil pump chain with fatal consequences. A new thicker chain appeared in September 2012.
Piston destructionN20B20A engines with compression ratio 10.0 are easily tuned and run without much trouble, but N20B20B engines with compression ratio 11.0 suffer from detonation after chip tuning.
Listed from most frequently reported, each with its source.
Cracks in oil filter housing and gasket
Often reported
The oil filter housing may crack or break, and the gasket can fail, leading to oil leaks and possible oil/coolant mixing.
Engine Bay
Carbon buildup on intake valves
Often reported
In direct injection engines, fuel does not clean the intake valves, so carbon deposits accumulate over time, causing misfires, rough idle, power loss, and increased fuel consumption.
Engine Internal
Premature wear of oil pump chain
Often reported
In the 2.0 N20 engine, the oil pump drive chain may stretch or break at low mileages (60,000-100,000 km) in early series, leading to loss of oil pressure, metallic noises, and potential severe engine damage.
Engine Internal
Timing chain stretch/failure
Often reported
The N20 engine may experience premature timing chain stretch, causing metallic rattling on cold start and knocking under load. If untreated, it can lead to timing slip and engine damage.
Timing chain
BMW 5 Serisi 520i technical specs
BMW 5 Serisi 520i (2011): boot 560 L; fuel use 7,3 l/100 km (urban 9,6 l/100 km · extra-urban 6 l/100 km); 0–100 in 8.3 s.
Boot capacity
560 L
Fuel consumption
7,3 l/100 km (urban 9,6 l/100 km · extra-urban 6 l/100 km)
What should I look for when buying a BMW 5 Series 520i?+
When buying a 2011 520i, check the service history, test drive, and look for engine/transmission warnings. The most commonly reported issues are: cracks in the oil filter housing and gasket; carbon buildup on intake valves; premature wear of the oil pump chain.
What are the common problems of the BMW 5 Series 520i?+
The most frequently reported issues are: cracks in the oil filter housing and gasket; carbon buildup on intake valves; premature wear of the oil pump chain.
Is the BMW 5 Series 520i reliable?+
Rather than a simple yes or no, it's important to weigh the proven pros and cons. This page lists 4 verified findings.
How does Carbeak collect data?+
The cards on this page are derived from the Difetti fault database; the source vehicle is verified to match the target vehicle in brand, fuel type, engine, and generation. Topics with insufficient evidence are not shown.