I think by the time the F10 and F11 came round, the N47 timing chain guides had been sorted. It was mostly models between 2008 and 2010 I believe.M340 wrote: ↑Thu Feb 11, 2021 8:38 am On the F11, I understand there are two variants of the 520D. The earlier car with the N47 and later LCI with B47. Apparently the early ones have timing chain issues and it’s an engine out job? And the B47 is the one to go for. But overall, F11s seem to offer much more bang for buck (especially inside) than F31s.
I went G21 last year and I absolutely love it.
That said, it would have to be a petrol for me. We had a 2006 E61 525i (the 218 BHP version) which was excellent. This was the 2.5 litre, no the detuned 3.0 that came after it. Never really felt out of puff, and had good straight off the line shove.
If I were buying now, for me it would have to be either be the E61 545i/550i or the F21 535i. The V8s get poor milage around town, but I don't do many miles and this car would be mostly used for motorway (so similar mpg to the straight sixes). One of the last opportunities for a fast V8 estate before they stop getting made! The 535i are about twice the price though...