BMW 5-Series Touring (2010 - 2017) 520d SE (Start Stop) 5d Step Auto Owner Review

For the first year, it was absolutely brilliant. Comfortable, performance and economy brilliant for such a car, and had a feel good element driving it. But then it started. Air suspension bags failed. Replaced. A year later same again, so decided to remove the system and fitted springs. Solved the problem, except the cars monitor system tells me there’s a problem and needs resetting every trip. There is no problem, in fact it’s better since I replaced the troublesome bags. Replacing light bulbs should be a two minute job, but no….it’s a job for a miniature contortionist. Why!!
Than the real problems. Broke down on day one of holiday. RAC arrived and said, turbo gone. Recovery only option. So into the garage for a two thousand pound plus repair. Why,!
Got the car back all fine, but after a week, the timing chain fails. Surely this is wrong for a car of this supposed quality, and certainly price.
This was my 4th BMW and used to sing the praises of the marque, but it really has become a money pit, and really not worth the headache. This latest bill has put us in real trouble, as we are now in for the first large bill, so really can’t afford to scrap it, so now have to try and fund another huge bill.
Oh, and in addition, the headlight leveling system is now reporting a fault, which apparently another huge bill!!
If I was to recommend anything, I would suggest reading all the horror stories about reliability problems like I did, but take them seriously. I have just experienced just about every possible problem which was forecast. I like many, didn’t listen thinking that a make like BMW couldn’t be that bad, but my findings are just that.
This has been really stressful.
Going back to Japanese