Any advice on buying a used BMW 5 Series?

Hi,

I am planning to buy a 2011 or 2012 BMW 5 Series M Sport auto. Any advice and price range please?

Susan Jacob (Cork)

Jan 2016 Filed under: choosing used car

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Expert answer

Hi Susan,

You should be fine - that's the current model and it hasn't thrown up any major reliability issues. BMW also seems to have fixed a long-standing concern over the reliability of the timing belts on its 2.0-litre diesel engine, as well as some weaknesses around the turbos. That said, unless the car has a pristine and fully stamped service history (preferably from a BMW main dealer) then avoid it - they're complicated things and any skimping on maintenance by a former owner will come back to haunt you.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Advisor
@neilmbriscoe