BMW 5er-Reihe F07/F10/F10M/F11 523i, 204 PS, 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive (2010–2011)

Research for this car

• Generation guide BMW 5 Series F10/F11 (2010-2017): known problems and buying guide

  A solid family saloon with good diesels, but check the rear air suspension, xDrive and front suspension before you buy.

• Gearbox guide ZF 8HP 8-speed automatic (BMW Steptronic): problems, costs and what to check

  A solid 8-speed when its fluid is changed on time. Buy with oil records and a clean scan, and avoid one that shudders or has run in limp mode.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Ask whether the car sags overnight, then check the ride height at both rear corners. A scanner running BMW's workshop software (ISTA) reads sensor heights and compressor run time. Bad result: the rear drops after standing or the compressor runs a long time. Gebrauchtwagenberater gives 500-900 EUR for a pair of rear bellows (Germany).
2. Lift the car and check the front lower arms, joints and shocks for play. Test the steering column for knocks. Bad result: play in the joints or knocking over bumps. The arms are the main cost; no price is confirmed.
3. Open the rear doors and check the footwell and carpet for damp. Look at the door bottoms and drain holes. Bad result: a damp footwell or corrosion near the door drains. The sources give no fix and no price.
4. Ask for proof of the parking-brake software update. A scanner reads the software version. Bad result: a flat starter battery after the car stands, and no update on record. The update itself is cheap.

From the gearbox guide

1. Read the gearbox fault memory with a BMW-capable scanner. Bad result: pressure or solenoid codes such as 4F84, 4F87, P189C or P0748, or a past limp mode.
2. Ask for fluid and filter invoices. Bad result: no fluid change by 80,000 to 120,000 km, or a change without an adaptation reset.
3. Drive the car from cold and select Drive and Reverse. Bad result: a hard 1-2 shift, or a delay of 1-3 seconds before the gear engages.
4. Drive 15 minutes in town, then under load. Bad result: jerky 2-3 shifts, flaring, slipping or a burnt smell.
5. Hold a steady light throttle at low speed. Bad result: a shudder or vibration, which points to the torque converter lock-up clutch.
6. Look under the car on a lift. Bad result: oil at the wiring connector on the case, on the plastic pan or on the cooler lines.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions