2012 BMW 5 Series 520d M Sport 2.0 diesel

Summary:

Performance + economy!

Faults:

Small oil leak.

General Comments:

5 Series is a perfect all round car. I love this thing.

Black metallic M sport model (best on dark colors); the car looks as good as anything a decade more modern.

Inside the car has comfort levels like I have never seen, very smooth and luxury is everywhere.

2.0 diesel engine is a belter - a looked after engine will last many miles and still pull strong while doing 45 - 50 mpg even with the auto box.

A fine automobile. Find a nice one. Rough examples get very expensive to fix! For BMW fans only at this age.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 22nd April, 2025

2nd Oct 2025, 19:37

I wouldn't touch any 5 series at this age. I had a 2010 model similar to yours a while back and after the 100K mile point it was one thing after another, total money pit. Leaks, EGR valve going bad, timing chain needing attention, you name it.

2012 BMW 5 Series 520d M Sport 2.0 diesel

Summary:

Nice, but not a car to keep long term

Faults:

Turbo.

Oil sensor issues.

Noisy timing chain needs checked.

General Comments:

Can't fault the performance and comfort of the 520d M Sport. It is a fine executive car even after ten years, feels modern as anything. Very comfortable and fun to drive.

Manual box is fun to use though the car suits an automatic.

Leather interior is very nice.

Great looking car, but expensive to buy and keep. Buy a nice one, have your fun with it, then sell it before it becomes a money pit!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 16th February, 2023

1st Apr 2023, 12:41

European cars use components made by various large european car parts companies. The quality of these components varies from very good to short lasting. You may find a Lemforder ball joint will last the life time of the car (while an Asian ball joint will need replaced by 100k miles), while the bushings on the control arms will get too soft and the shock absorbers too stiff by 80k miles on an European car. Generally speaking, many components on European cars need replaced by 80-100k miles : suspension parts, cabin fan blowers (poor products by Behr Hella) window regulators, various engine sensors and so on. Steering racks also tend to fail at some point (usually made by ZF). Some Bosch ignition coils are very long lasting, others fail prematurely.