Used F10 BMW 5 Series, from RM 115k, what to look out for

We’ve previously talked about the things to look out for when buying a used Mercedes-Benz E-Class W212, now here’s a basic guide of things you should look out for when buying its direct rival, the BMW 5 Series F10. Now that the F10 is on sale on the used car market for as low as RM 115,000, should you put your money down for one? 

Common issues

Though BMWs have since collected a reputation for its unreliability in Malaysia’s hot climate, the 5 Series F10 is generally a reliable model.

According to the owner of M Dynamic in Ara Damansara, Mr Lai, the biggest issue the F10 commonly suffers from is an ECU failure on the 6-cylinder naturally aspirated engine.

This engine was available in the early days of the F10’s generation before BMW rolled out its TwinPower Turbo engines. If the ECU fails, the car will not be able to even start. To repair the issue will set you back at least RM 3,500.

On the newer turbocharged engine – codenamed N20 – on the later F10s, a common issue that sends the car into the workshop is the ruptured intake hose. A replacement usually costs around RM 500.

Speaking of engine problems, the F10 is also known to have a timing chain sprocket problem where the engine will lose power and owners will have problems starting the car. It also produces rough friction sounds.

To replace this component, you will have to replace the oil pump as well. The cost is estimated to be around RM 2,500.

For cars that have passed the 100,000 km mileage mark, there is also the possibility of the water pump failing, affecting the engine’s cooling system. Replacing this component will cost around RM 2,000 as well.

Like most German cars, the F10 is not saved from the wheel speed sensor failure. If this system fails, it will interfere with the brakes, traction, and stability control. Replacing this will cost at least RM 350.

Another well-known problem the F10 suffers from is rainwater leakage on the firewall (the part between the engine and cabin) causing water to leak into the cabin and wetting the carpet. It will cost around RM 650 to replace the protective plastic on the firewall.

The parking brake on the F10 is also reportedly a common problem. Usually, this happens when the motor fails. To replace the motor will set you back around RM 1,500.

Although the F10 is a comfortable luxury car, the materials within the cabin seem to degrade faster than usual, especially the inside door handle that melts as the car ages. Replacing this part will cost RM 550.

Service cost

Like all cars, the F10’s service mileage interval is at every 10,000 km. The cost of each service average around RM 450 to RM 500. Gearbox service also needs to be carried out for around RM 1,000.

Air-conditioning service usually costs around RM 250, which is similar to a car of Japanese make. Spark plug replacement on the F10 usually costs around RM 80 each while brake pad replacement is set around RM 400 for the fronts and RM 300 for the rear.

Which model cycle should you get?

The facelift, or in BMW speak “Life Cycle Impulse” (LCI), is always the better bet when purchasing a used car as the updated models have usually addressed the many issues a new generation faces. In the F10’s case, BMW Malaysia launched the facelifted 5 Series in 2014.

The BMW 5 Series F10 on the used car market

Based on our research, models registered from 2014 and onwards are the most value for money units, that is if the car has been well taken care of. A BMW 520i (184 PS and 270 Nm) registered in 2014 is now going at as low as RM 114,000.

If you want more power, a heads-up display, and the Harmon Kardon sound system, go for the BMW 528i M Sport (245 PS and 350 Nm). A model registered in 2014 is now sold on the used car market for as low as RM 131,000.

There is also the torquey diesel variant BMW 520d that produces 400 Nm. The diesel spec F10 is set around RM 108,000 on the used car market.

If you’re looking for a vehicle with longer lifespan then the 520d is the car you should get as it is known to reach 350,000 km mileage without any reportedly huge issues.

Remember, the price you see listed on used car classifieds are usually not the final price, you might have to pay more for "processing fees" and other hidden charges from the dealer.

We recommend looking to private owners instead, this would eliminate the possibility of mileage tampering and you will have easier access to the full-service records as well. You can also take this opportunity to understand the history of the car better.

Conclusion

Even though BMW has moved on from the F10, the model still looks current as the car doesn’t vary too much from the G30 in terms of looks, though some users still feel that the F10’s design has more charisma.

For just above RM 100,000, the F10 is a worthwhile investment if you want to enjoy the driving dynamics that only BMW can offer without needing to splurge a huge sum of your hard-earned money.