[bimmer328xi]

Own 2009 328xi, want sth new, thinking about 2012 528i should i go for it? My concerns are reliability especially engine n20 ( i consider 150km+-) what do you think?

[StradaRedlands]

Avoid the N20 unless it is documented that timing chain guides have been updated.

The e90 is a great car, while the f10 is larger and plusher, and possibly a smidge more modern feeling. Car is higher and easier to get in and out of, especially as you age. Your '09 is a LCI so it doesn't feel that dated to me. The ZF8 transmission is a huge plus over the GM6. Steering feel in the f10 is awful. Just drove my wife's this evening and can't get over how vague the steering is compared to my e90. That's my only complaint though, the rest of the car is pretty nice! If it's just a commuter for yourself, I would stick with the e90. Cheaper to maintain, simpler design, larger online community (compare the e90 forum with this one).

[smokinu454]

I agree, keep the e90. Avoid the early n20 engines at all cost.

[bimmer328xi]

Heard you! My concern why I don't want to keep my for too long is 190km and body condition not great will have bigger problems in a year or sth for sure

[Trian]

And that is one of the primary reasons to sell. Get out before your car has no value left. Have you looked for the same car (or 335) with less miles?

[bimmer328xi]

Heard about too many problems with them(335) and the price is almost twice more, I would get sth with b58, but rn financialy can't

[bimmer328xi]

Market in my area for lci 328 is 5-7~ when low milage cars cost 12-15 I find it crazy, but if I will find a good deal I will take it, enjoy it, especially as a first car at 18 its just what I need

[StradaRedlands]

Ahhh, presuming rust? Yeah, it's only going to get worse...

F10s are great cars, if you need to get a new car, they're good! Just a few negatives in general (electronic steering, increased mass, expensive parts). But the N20 is a dream killer... either get a 2015 model (they changed the internal parts in March 2015), confirm that the updates have been done and documented (!), or budget to get the work done yourself in the near future. Probably a $3,000USD job at this point. Factor that into the purchase price.

The 335i/535i with the N55 motor is MUCH more reliable than the 328i/528i with the N20/N26. Yeah, costs more and uses more fuel, especially in city driving, but reliability is not a real issue. Just generic BMW stuff.

Unicorn year for the F10 is the 2011 528i with the N52 motor. That's still pretty old/higher mileage for you though. Ours has not been reliable. The engine is fine, but lots of other issues with the first year of production.

Another option is to find a lower-mileage E90 with the venerable N52 engine. They're out there, but finding a rust-free one is probably what everyone in CA is trying to find as well!

[bimmer328xi]

Thanks for advices!
I can't say that the rust is because of the weather though, there was a part repainted in the past, and now it let me know about it + some other imperfections, but generally it has very good protection from the rust

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by bimmer328xi

Thanks for advices!
I can't say that the rust is because of the weather though, there was a part repainted in the past, and now it let me know about it + some other imperfections, but generally it has very good protection from the rust

Just remember, the best used car you can buy, is the one you have!!!

[bimmer328xi]

Could be could be, but still I can see this hole coming after 250km. The unknown is scary!

[s_ribs]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Just a few negatives in general (electronic steering

Electric steerting is RWD only, correct? I'm still learning F10 nuances but thought I read that xdrive models still had a hydraulic power steering.

[fotontom]

The F10 is my wife's car, but I enjoy driving it occasionally. It is a 2011, has 62K miles, has the N52 6 cylinder and ZF 8-speed. My daily is an E82, same motor, manual trans M-sport. I enjoy the F10 as it is essentially the same fuel economy and power as the E82, but more of a luxury car. If you seriously consider the F10, get a 6 cylinder non-turbo. Yes, you will have the usual N52 maintenance requirements, it is not a Toyota, but chances are you, too will enjoy it.

[bimmer328xi]

Thats interesting, because I enjoy this engine, didn't know that f10 also has it. Will consider this verrry important factor, thanks

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by s_ribs

Electric steerting is RWD only, correct? I'm still learning F10 nuances but thought I read that xdrive models still had a hydraulic power steering.

I think all F10s have the electric power steering?

[ChiNorm]

IIRC not with Xdrive.