BMW 3 Series or 5 Series petrol on high mileage?
Discussion
I’m looking to upgrade from my hatchback to a saloon. This would preferably be something which I can rely on for at least 3-4 years. The new congestion charge being introduced soon in the city means I’d have to change my 10yr old diesel to a petrol over the 07 reg. I have planned to get an m sport 3 series or 5 series.
- I’m not looking to spend more than £5K on my first saloon
- Mileage range I’m looking at is 90k - 120k
-I’d be doing some local driving daily and maybe motorway trips every week or two. I roughly clock in 150-200 miles a week.
My questions are:
- Which would be the much more reliable out of the two?
- Are there any common faults I should be looking out for?
- If you did have to do any repairs, how much you spent altogether, and if you’d recommend it as a first saloon?
- Anything I am missing or should take into consideration?
Appreciate your help and advice in advance ✌🏾
- I’m not looking to spend more than £5K on my first saloon
- Mileage range I’m looking at is 90k - 120k
-I’d be doing some local driving daily and maybe motorway trips every week or two. I roughly clock in 150-200 miles a week.
My questions are:
- Which would be the much more reliable out of the two?
- Are there any common faults I should be looking out for?
- If you did have to do any repairs, how much you spent altogether, and if you’d recommend it as a first saloon?
- Anything I am missing or should take into consideration?
Appreciate your help and advice in advance ✌🏾
They'll be fine as long as service them regularly.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103210...
325i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105122...
330i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105082...
Leftfield
2.0T Insignia Elite
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104291...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202103210...
325i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105122...
330i
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105082...
Leftfield
2.0T Insignia Elite
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202104291...
I have just been in a similar situation and ended up buying an E61 530i with the N52 engine. I am really enjoying it and have done 1000 miles in the past three weeks in comfort.
On the N52/53 engine the electric waterpump is the key thing to check, they tend to fail about 80-100k so would be ideal if it had been changed. I am no expert but from my research they are solid engines if serviced and given some basic maintenance.
On the N52/53 engine the electric waterpump is the key thing to check, they tend to fail about 80-100k so would be ideal if it had been changed. I am no expert but from my research they are solid engines if serviced and given some basic maintenance.
I currently have a 55 plate E90 330i that is running just fine after 115K miles.
It replaced an 06 plate E91 325i that I bought on 132K and sold on 139K as I wanted a bit more go! That also ran fine, but did need a new electric water pump at 135K. A new Pierburg (OE) pump costs around £250, or £500+ from BMW!
I specifically went for the earlier N52 engine as I've read of the N53 being prone to injector and High Pressure Fuel Pump issues.
The water pumps on N52 engines seem to be a bit of a lottery - my first E86 needed a new one after 60K miles but my 2nd looked like it was on the original when I sold it on 90K.
I don't know about 5 Series, but 530is would have the same engines as 330is so most running costs ought to be much the same.
It replaced an 06 plate E91 325i that I bought on 132K and sold on 139K as I wanted a bit more go! That also ran fine, but did need a new electric water pump at 135K. A new Pierburg (OE) pump costs around £250, or £500+ from BMW!
I specifically went for the earlier N52 engine as I've read of the N53 being prone to injector and High Pressure Fuel Pump issues.
The water pumps on N52 engines seem to be a bit of a lottery - my first E86 needed a new one after 60K miles but my 2nd looked like it was on the original when I sold it on 90K.
I don't know about 5 Series, but 530is would have the same engines as 330is so most running costs ought to be much the same.
Baked_bean said:
I have just been in a similar situation and ended up buying an E61 530i with the N52 engine. I am really enjoying it and have done 1000 miles in the past three weeks in comfort.
On the N52/53 engine the electric waterpump is the key thing to check, they tend to fail about 80-100k so would be ideal if it had been changed. I am no expert but from my research they are solid engines if serviced and given some basic maintenance.
That’s definitely something I’ll be looking out for. I’m guessing they tend to be expensive replacements or repairs if left after the 80-100k mark. On the N52/53 engine the electric waterpump is the key thing to check, they tend to fail about 80-100k so would be ideal if it had been changed. I am no expert but from my research they are solid engines if serviced and given some basic maintenance.
Mr Tidy said:
I currently have a 55 plate E90 330i that is running just fine after 115K miles.
It replaced an 06 plate E91 325i that I bought on 132K and sold on 139K as I wanted a bit more go! That also ran fine, but did need a new electric water pump at 135K. A new Pierburg (OE) pump costs around £250, or £500+ from BMW!
I specifically went for the earlier N52 engine as I've read of the N53 being prone to injector and High Pressure Fuel Pump issues.
The water pumps on N52 engines seem to be a bit of a lottery - my first E86 needed a new one after 60K miles but my 2nd looked like it was on the original when I sold it on 90K.
I don't know about 5 Series, but 530is would have the same engines as 330is so most running costs ought to be much the same.
Appreciate the response - sounds like an expensive repair! Is there any way of telling the water pump hasn’t been replaced or is coming towards the end of its tethers? Something I’m definitely looking into. It replaced an 06 plate E91 325i that I bought on 132K and sold on 139K as I wanted a bit more go! That also ran fine, but did need a new electric water pump at 135K. A new Pierburg (OE) pump costs around £250, or £500+ from BMW!
I specifically went for the earlier N52 engine as I've read of the N53 being prone to injector and High Pressure Fuel Pump issues.
The water pumps on N52 engines seem to be a bit of a lottery - my first E86 needed a new one after 60K miles but my 2nd looked like it was on the original when I sold it on 90K.
I don't know about 5 Series, but 530is would have the same engines as 330is so most running costs ought to be much the same.
thefm said:
Appreciate the response - sounds like an expensive repair! Is there any way of telling the water pump hasn’t been replaced or is coming towards the end of its tethers? Something I’m definitely looking into.
Sadly as they are electric there is no way to know - they just work until they don't! Both my failures resulted in over-heating within a mile, and if you carry on driving they go into limp-mode.
I only found out my 2nd E86 seemed to be on the original pump when my Indy had it on his lift - presumably they have a date marking somewhere.
In your situation I'd look for evidence of a new pump or budget on needing one.
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