TDIclub Secret Society of BMW Owners (SSBMWO)

[IndigoBlueWagon]

N57 is a good engine. Same one as in the 335d and X5d, with minor differences. The emissions hardware can be problematic, and it's expensive. For example NOX sensors (there are two) are closet to 700 each. But the engine is smooth, quiet, and pulls like a train. The 335ds can have carbon biildup problems (mine hasn't), but I don't think that's true in the heavier X5 and 535. It's a small car/big engine issue.

If the car has received a new DEF tank in its life it's probably OK for a while.

 

[JM Popaleetus]

If the car has received a new DEF tank in its life it's probably OK for a while.

And if it hasn’t?

From the CarFax, it seems to have been maintained every 5000 miles by a single dealer in NJ, then SC.

I haven’t done a deep dive into all the forums yet. But so far I’ve seen fear of injectors, timing chain guides, EGRs, etc. Nothing too scary having lurked here for a decade.

Ultimately buying a $90k car with 92k miles is a gamble AND WILL be pricy to maintain. I just don’t want to buy a ticking bomb either.

There is a difference between a gamble and a certainty.

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

Injectors do fail, but not that often and they aren't terribly expensive. Timing chain guides are issues on other BMW engines, but I haven't heard they're a problem on the N57.

I can't remember how much it costs, but the DEF tank is expensive. If it hasn't been replaced I'd probably find out what a replacement costs and negotiate accordingly.

Just remember, as you said, you're maintaining a $90K car, no matter what it cost you. It's not going to be inexpensive.

 

[turbobrick240]

They like to catch on fire if left idling for prolonged periods followed by aggressive acceleration. More common in the UK where they were used in police cars.

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

BMW fixed that a long time ago.

 

[turbobrick240]

That's good. More than 5 UK N57 police cruisers were burning up each month for several years. They purchase another brand now needless to say.

Police fleets still using ‘faulty’ BMWs three years after PC’s death

Despite a PC being killed following an engine failure in his BMW patrol car, 32 of England's 39 police forces are still using vehicles with the same engine.

www.fleetnews.co.uk

 

[tditom]

There is an immaculate 2016 535d for sale near me with 92k miles; with a dealer service history logged every 5k miles. Single owner and every single option ever offered (original MSRP was $90k).

I'm so tempted; but also nervous because $90k BMW with 92k miles. I'm capable of doing my own basic maintenance; my heart is telling me to buy my dream car. But my brain says otherwise.

Thoughts? N57 a good engine?

My 2014 535d just went over 185k miles. I still enjoy driving it every time.

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

There's one on BaT right now. Bidding has been kind of slow, but it usually doesn't get busy until the last few hours and minutes.

No Reserve: 2011 BMW 335d Sport Sedan

Bid for the chance to own a No Reserve: 2011 BMW 335d Sport Sedan at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #129,374.

bringatrailer.com

 

[mannytranny]

My beloved 335D has been a relative gem. But get this...I have not put a drop of urea in this thing for 3 years and 30k miles. I never deleted it, but it mysteriously stopped requiring urea after a trip to the dealer for some emissions warranty work. They must have pulled some trick that turned off the urea injection, but somehow it still passes emissions testing in California (where they check the monitors). I'm not complaining, but I really wonder whats going on in there.

I (stupidly) took it on a 1500 mile road trip to the north rim of the Grand Canyon last week, and even with my heavy foot it managed 37 mpg hand calc'd. With the sport package, it does NOT like anything even resembling a slippery road. Wow.