The BMW 5-Series made its first appearance in 1972. So, it has been in the market for over 50 years. However, it is the entry-level BMW 528i that changes the 5-series for good. This car offers a comfortable, luxurious, high-performance, and smooth ride. But what are some of the common problems of the BMW 528i?
Even though the BMW 528i comes with lots of exceptional features, it also has several issues that interested buyers should know about. After being in the market for over five decades, BMW technicians and mechanics have come across several issues that usually face the BMW 528i.
Some of the common problems that interested buyers of the BMW 528i should expect are coolant leaks, fluid leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, looseness in the front suspension, and engine overheating. Nonetheless, with proper repair and maintenance, most of these issues can be avoided.
What are the common problems with BMW 528i?
Coolant leaks
Coolant leaks are very common on BMW models that have clocked over 80,000 miles. Besides, coolant leaks on the BMW 528i usually happen in the water pump or radiator. A coolant leak in the radiator is normally caused by corrosion damage to the radiator tubes.
Fluid leaks in the power steering hose
As your BMW 528i puts on several miles, fluids will start to leak in the power steering hose. The main reason behind this is due to loosened O-rings or worn-out seals. If the O-rings and seals become worn out, you will have to replace them in time to avoid fluid leakage.
Looseness in the front suspension
BMW 528i also experience loose front suspensions. This is after the car puts on several miles and it doesn’t receive proper lubrication. Other causes of a loose front suspension can be a loose steering wheel or worn-out suspension parts, such as the tie-rod end.
Valve cover gasket leaks
This is also a common problem on BMW 528i models that have covered several miles. After driving your car for a while, the valve cover gasket may start to crack, rot, or even brake. In some cases, the bolts may become loose and they will leak. The solution is to replace the valve cover gasket.
Engine overheating
Another common issue that BMW 528i buyers should know about is engine overheating. This usually occurs because of a coolant leak, failed radiator thermostat, or failed radiator fan. Find the damaged part and replace it.
Fuel pump issue
When your BMW 528i sputters at high speed, this is a sign of a fuel pump problem. This issue is typically caused by a broken water pump that causes water to leak in the fuel pump. Other possible causes are cooling system leaks, little or no coolant, low oil, or thermostat failure.
Faulty hydraulic valve lifters
This issue is more common in BMW 528i models made between 2004 and 2015. These cars also tend to have the N52 engine. A malfunctioning hydraulic valve lifter will produce a frustrating ticking noise. The main cause of a faulty hydraulic valve lifter is a lack of lubrication. If you have such a problem, you will have to replace the cylinder head or lubricate the part.
Rough idling and slow start
Like most BMWs, the BMW 528i spark plugs also wear out faster. And if the spark plugs are worn-out or bad, the car will start idling roughly or having a slow start. The solution is to replace the bad spark plugs with new ones. Nonetheless, you should also check the fuel injectors.
Water pump failure
The main cause of water pump failure in the BMW 528i is the corrosion of the seal between the pump and the engine block. This causes the coolant to leak out of the space around the seal, which also affects the water pump.
FAQ
How fast is the BMW 528i?
If you’re looking for a fast, high-performance, luxurious, and powerful car with a smooth ride, the BMW 528i is a good choice. This car is fitted with a 2.0-liter inline-4 engine that delivers up to 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. It has a top speed of 147 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds.
Is the BMW 528i reliable?
It depends. If you compare the BMW 528i with mainstream cars, you will find that this car is very unreliable. However, if you compare it with similar luxury cars, you will find that this car is very reliable. Most reliability rating agencies give BMW 528i 3 out of 5, meaning it has above-average reliability.
This is a high core considering most BMW models are rated below-average reliability.
What is considered high mileage for BMW 528i?
The BMW 528i is one of the most reliable BMW series on the market. Thanks to its exceptional engines such as the N52, which are some of the best BMW engines of all time. However, if your BMW hits over 200,000 miles, it will be considered to have high mileage.
Nonetheless, if the BMW 528i is maintained properly, it can hit over 500,000 miles. But if it’s not maintained well, it may not even clock over 150,000 miles. So, proper care and maintenance are needed for any car to cover many miles and last longer.
Is BMW 528i fuel-efficient?
Yes, the BMW 528i is one of the most fuel-efficient luxury sedans on the market. This car has an EPA rating of 23 mpg in the city, 34 mpg on the highway, and a combined 27 mpg. Therefore, it is very fuel-efficient and will help the user to save some cash on fuel.
Is the BMW 5-Series more reliable than the BMW 3-Series?
No, the BMW 5-Series is not more reliable than the BMW 3-Series. The BMW 3-Series is the most reliable BMW series. Besides, it also features the most reliable BMW models of all time, which include the BMW 318i, 325i, and 328i. Nonetheless, the BMW 5-Series is the third most reliable BMW Series after the BMW 3-Series and 1-Series.
Summary
In conclusion, the BMW 528i is a high-performance car, comfortable, luxurious, powerful, and fuel-efficient. Nevertheless, the car also has several issues that users should expect to encounter. Some of these problems include engine overheating, coolant leaks, valve cover gasket leaks, and much more.
