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Thread: Need help deciding - Trade In or Repair

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2020
    Location
    Washington DC
    Posts
    1
    My Cars
    2012 BMW 528i xDrive

    Need help deciding - Trade In or Repair

    I have a 2012 BMW 5 series 528i xDrive 75K miles, that I've been taking great care of. Mint condition with minimal scratches/ wear&tear, no issues or incidents over the past years, all oil changes at BMW dealers, etc.

    A couple weeks ago, the car had a starting issue so towed it to the dealer who says it may need a new valvetronic shaft & suggests trading it in for a new car vs. putting money in my old car. Saying they could also replace the valvetronic system for $5000.

    I'm very surprised to see this issue at only 75,000 miles. Trying to decide whether (a) trade-in the car in which case I won't get much in residual value (b) spend ~$5K to fix this but feels like a lot (c) look for someone who can correctly diagnose (confirm what the dealer is saying) and fix for a lower price ... if I go this path, any ideas if I'm in the DC area?

    Thanks v much!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Victoria, B.C., Canada
    Posts
    49
    My Cars
    2015 535i M-Sport
    Get an Indy evaluation first.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    .
    Posts
    7,708
    My Cars
    .
    Just to be clear, he doesn't mean the Indy 500. He's referring to an independent BMW specialist shop vs. the dealership.

    I have seen the valvetronic system fail causing a no-start condition plenty of times. An independent shop will likely be cheaper on the repair, but they also may not be as experienced or qualified as well as the dealership. Not to mention the resources the dealership has regarding its direct connection to BMW if something goes wrong. Some dealerships will also price-match an independent shop quote as long as the independent shop quoted genuine BMW parts.

    And if you choose to use an independent shop, make sure they are BMW specialists and not just any Midas, Meineke, or Pep Boys.
    ASE and BMW Master Certified Technician

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Ca
    Posts
    6,981
    My Cars
    2001 525it
    If my car need that kind of repair I would move on to a more reliable brand of car

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Location
    New York And CT
    Posts
    866
    My Cars
    07 Tundra, 02 530 14 x5
    I’d say trade it given the reputation of the n20 motor. And it’s notorious for failing timing chains.
    2002 525i

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