How reliable is a 528i?

[kevlarcarb]

Im interested in a F10 but reviews say its not reliable, valve cover gasket is notorious with them I know.
Im use to 3 series and am just looking for something quiet and reliable. Thoughts guys?

[kevlarcarb]

Hum, no response worries me maybe not so reliable.

[ezaircon4jc]

The early N20's had timing chain guide issues. IMHO, the I6, being BMW's bread-&-butter engine, is a better choice.

[kevlarcarb]

Thanks its the same engine in the 3 so underpowered in the 5, but Im not after a fast one oddly enough (need queit). So stick with a 528i then. Im trying to find a wagon too.
Your talking about the inline 6 right?

[ezaircon4jc]

Thanks its the same engine in the 3 so underpowered in the 5, but Im not after a fast one oddly enough (need queit). So stick with a 528i then. Im trying to find a wagon too.
Your talking about the inline 6 right?

The I6 is quieter than the buzzy 4-banger.

Yes.

[ChiNorm]

What is your appetite for risk? The 535 is by far the safer choice. Worth more when you sell it too. My indy calls the N20 the worst 4 cylinder motor BMW has ever made.

Good luck.

[moosport]

Timing plastic guide issue will fail sooner if you have auto start/stop enabled. 2011 528i with N52 engine at 160k. Did the oil filter gasket a few years ago. Its important to fix it else it can grenade the engine when oil leak drips on the belt.
One of the head bolt break causing oil leak. Engine mount was replaced at the same time. Valve cover gasket was replaced around the same time.

Recently replaced all the front suspension parts plus tie rods and read shocks. All these jobs were done in last 20k miles. Next to do is remove the blower fan to clear out the debris and replace the filter foam.

[lrclough]

I now have a 4 cylinder turbo 2016 F10 528xi with 51,000 miles which replaced a 2000 528 with an inline 6 that I bought new delivered in Munich.

I believe that the 2016 actually has more horsepower than the 6 cylinder 2000, which had problems with valve cover gasket and oil filter housing leaks plus I had to replace the water pump plus the cabin air electronic controls had continuing problems.

At the end, the vanos system on the 2000's engine needed to be rebuilt but at that point it was not worth the cost

So far zero problems with the 2016. Either way, be sure to use a good local mechanic, not the dealer