2010 535i - is the N54 worth it or not?

[Christoff V8]

Hi guys,

I am considering the following car to purchase:
http://www.surf4cars.co.za/showroom/vehicle_details.aspx?VehicleID=1268735&ref=showroom

My question: is the N54 engine worth it or not? I have heard that the N55 is much better and that the N54 has a lot of turbo problems. Is this true or not, should I consider the car of move on?

Thx peeps

 

[husaindindar]

For that mileage, I think that motor is still new.
My 2c
If you want to modify the motor, then the N54 is the machine you want. The N55 cannot be modded as much as the N54, but it remains the more reliable motor of the 2.

In my opinion, the N54 is by far one of the best motors ever. It just has some issues that are known and can be swapped out when they do give issues eventually. Known high expense issues: Wastegate rattle, water pump and HPFP.

My assumption is that since this is a 5er, it was never hammered as much as it would if it was a 335i or 135i. So that motor should be like new.

 

[akash]

The N54 is brilliant its the other components supporting the motor thats a pain in the ass when they give trouble.

 

[Yuben]

As a 2010 model, many of the failures or recalls would already have been done. Check the history.

N54raise:

 

[TurboLlew]

Personally, I would do it. Depends on your appetite for issues and repair work. to some, a R5K fix is expensive, to others a R100K job is cheap (not that you should be getting a R100K bill with one)

 

[Woodies]

Do it! It's a strong engine! Like the guys say, it's the crap attached to the engine that fails. HPFP, elec water pump and turbos really.


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[Maljan]

Go for it, but check the service history. The N54 has a reputation for wastegate rattles. It needs a lot of expensive labour to put right. The parts are cheap (sort of).

Off topic - the F10 is not very photogenic. It looks like a plus sized 3-series in pictures. In the metal it's much nicer.

 

[zaleonardz]

Firstly thats an N55, not N54, and in terms of reliability, thats a good thing.

My one has 140k on the clock, I bought it on about 70k. Only hint of failure was a hpfp at around 90k on the clock.

If you leave it stock, service is regularly, you cant go wrong.

Mine is far better equipped though, and about 60k cheaper... just saying

(good price of the km, but you will feel it in depreciation as you rack on the thekm)

 

[325iSmk2]

As zeonardz says, that's a N55. That car is a bit of a bargain, really.

 

[zaleonardz]

well it is a bit of a bargain, but not always,

Cars with km way below its age, could give indication of a short distance car.

Meaning 5km in the morning and 5km back daily. Which means that it never saw decent oil temperature and oil pressure.

Ask me, I know, as I bought an 06 X3 with 90 on the clock and tossed the motor after my first durban trip as it actually saw revs above 4,000rpm and i broke the rings

But as it stands, that is a fairly good price for one with such low miledge, it really is, but I would check it for sludge, Or at the very least, proof of a oil change once a year, if it is 6 years old and has had only 3 or 4 oil changes, be scared...

Its probably out of plan due to its age ?

While being "negative', it really is an amazing vehicle, and if your that way inclined, there is no reason why you cannot beef it up to the same power the guys are getting out of the equiv. 335.

If you do the sensible thing however, and leave it the fsck alone other then regular maintenance, it really is an amazing vehicle.

A 530d or 550i would be preferable, with my money being on the 530d

 

[Iceman12596]

Being a 2010, the recalls such as Wastgate rattles, HPFP etc and all the other crap would've been done, so no need to worry about that. Run the VIN number here with John and he will give you the history of the car, IMO go for it.

 

[sash]

Firstly thats an N55, not N54, and in terms of reliability, thats a good thing.

My one has 140k on the clock, I bought it on about 70k. Only hint of failure was a hpfp at around 90k on the clock.

If you leave it stock, service is regularly, you cant go wrong.

Mine is far better equipped though, and about 60k cheaper... just saying

(good price of the km, but you will feel it in depreciation as you rack on the thekm)

Leonard is yours is on sale for R230K now?

 

[cOlDFuSiOn]

All the F10 535i / F06/12 640i's had the N55 motor?

I have had 0 issues with my N55's engine itself (Leaking oil pump was about it).. Strong motor, driven hard once warmed up raise: It's a decent daily :rollsmile:

 

[Christoff V8]

Thanks to everyone for the help thus far!

Okay guys, here is the VIN Number:

WBAFR7203AC264400

I ran it on www.realOEM.com and they say it is the N55, here's the link:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select?vin=C264400

I also called a BMW garage and a very unfriendly individual checked it on the system and told me that is has a 'full service history and is a very clean car'. However, I am not convinced.

I will appreciate it immensely if you guys could help me with running the VIN? Someone mentioned 'John' who can assist?

I have a feeling that, if everything checks out on this car, i.e. true mileage, annual oil service etc. then I am going to seriously consider buying it! I have been searching for months now, an are very prone towards the 530d, but the truth is, they are about R350' for a 2010 with fairly low mileage (67' - 75'), then I still have to add the shortfall on my trade in. And to be completely honest - the diesel hasn't convinced me yet - I like the diesel, but I LUV the petrol!!

 

[zaleonardz]

Well sort of.

I am keeping the F01 for myself, so the F10 has to go

Firstly thats an N55, not N54, and in terms of reliability, thats a good thing.

My one has 140k on the clock, I bought it on about 70k. Only hint of failure was a hpfp at around 90k on the clock.

If you leave it stock, service is regularly, you cant go wrong.

Mine is far better equipped though, and about 60k cheaper... just saying

(good price of the km, but you will feel it in depreciation as you rack on the thekm)

Leonard is yours is on sale for R230K now?

 

[325iSmk2]

Thanks to everyone for the help thus far!

Okay guys, here is the VIN Number:

WBAFR7203AC264400

I ran it on www.realOEM.com and they say it is the N55, here's the link:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/select?vin=C264400

I also called a BMW garage and a very unfriendly individual checked it on the system and told me that is has a 'full service history and is a very clean car'. However, I am not convinced.

I will appreciate it immensely if you guys could help me with running the VIN? Someone mentioned 'John' who can assist?

I have a feeling that, if everything checks out on this car, i.e. true mileage, annual oil service etc. then I am going to seriously consider buying it! I have been searching for months now, an are very prone towards the 530d, but the truth is, they are about R350' for a 2010 with fairly low mileage (67' - 75'), then I still have to add the shortfall on my trade in. And to be completely honest - the diesel hasn't convinced me yet - I like the diesel, but I LUV the petrol!!

Looks like it's decently specced too. The only thing the N55 gives away to the diesel is consumption, but at that price differential between the 530d and this you'd have to drive a lot to just break even.

BTW, the service intervals specified are very long - 25000 (or even 30000, can't remember) km/2yr so I doubt that it would have had annual oil changes while under MP.

 

[Christoff V8]

Did you check the service history?

I know the service intervals are requirement based, based on usage rather than kilo's. I don't know if this is a problem or not?

 

[zaleonardz]

Service intervals on this car is 7,500... bugger what anyone else says... 7,500, cost you under 1k...