F10 520d

bigtimecharlie · 25-01-2022 2:44pm #1

Looking for a change of car.

I see some cars online identified as 520d fw92 ( 2 of them) and another was 520 fn22.

What do those codes mean? On mobile so trouble linking.

TJJP · 25-01-2022 3:02pm

Seems to be a BMW production code, not something I'm familiar with though from looking at them. Looks like fw92 is efficient dynamics, less clear about fn22.

Series Chassis Body Type Model Production Code Production Year From Production Year To

SeriesF10 Saloon 520d N47N(FW11)01.02.2010-

SeriesF10 Saloon 520d N47N(FW12)01.02.2010-

SeriesF10 Saloon 520d ed N47N(FW91)01.02.2010-

SeriesF10 Saloon 520d ed N47N(FW92)01.02.2010-

bigtimecharlie · 25-01-2022 3:12pm

Thanks for that.

Fn22 is a mistype, should have been 5n22.

Can this info be got via vin number?

TJJP · 25-01-2022 3:46pm

Should be.

2010 520d SE was FW12 via vin starting WBAFW12.

2013 520d Msport was also FW12 via vin starting WBAFW12.

So it looks like it's the early part of the long vin they are using for the earlier FW12.

5N22 looks like the post 2013 facelift (LCI) SE model?

bigtimecharlie · 27-01-2022 1:17pm

Thanks for the info.

What websites are people using to find cars outside of adverts, donedeal, carsireland? Any other links appreciated.

Leonard Hofstadter · 01-02-2022 11:14pm

Those codes are what are known as 'type codes' by BMW. They (with a few exceptions, like US market cars) correspond exactly with characters 4 to 7 in the VIN. Like other manufacturers, BMW changes these characters every time a new model or facelift ('LCI' in BMW speak) is introduced, but unlike other manufacturers, BMW changes different type codes for each engine, steering (LHD or RHD) and even certain national market versions (like the US, and sometimes South Africa, Japan and Malaysia). There was even a time when choosing a manual or automatic got a different 'type code'; the e46 was the first BMW to ditch that practice and obviously most cars are automatic now.

In the case of the 520d, as mentioned above 5W12 is the type code for a standard pre-facelift 520d, and 5W92 is for the Efficient Dynamics model. I'm not sure where 5N22 is mentioned, it's quite unusual for the third character in a type code to be an even number for starters, but in any case, the type code for the facelift 520d is either 5C32 (if it has the N47 engine and the associated timing chain problems that go with this engine), or 5E52 if it has the newer and more reliable B47 engine.

They don't do separate type codes for SE and M Sport or different trim levels (which is something the likes of Toyota does), and they never have.

bigtimecharlie · 03-02-2022 9:06am

Thats great info.

My garage mechanic told me to make sure I get an LCI model which is 2014 to 2016.

I'll check vin numbers for the codes you listed above.

Stallingrad · 03-02-2022 2:33pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118574254#Comment_118574254

Keep in mind early 2014 LCI had the N47, 2015 onward have the B47. The B47 is the one you want and has the smaller plastic engine shroud.

Screenshot 2022-02-03 at 2.32.38 p.m..png

Leonard Hofstadter · 05-02-2022 12:14am

A car with the B47 is definitely the one you want - a little more power and mpg, as well as a bit quieter, but the main advantage obviously is no timing chain issues. In truth, all these engines are quite noisy and unrefined, so far removed from the six cylinders you used to get as standard when you bought a 5 series with the 520 badge (that of course was when you could only get a petrol 520i, which is a long time ago now, sadly).

bigtimecharlie · 08-02-2022 9:07pm

Many thanks for the info I'm getting, keep it coming.

Found the 5N22 I spotted previously https://www.carsireland.ie/2983271.

Leonard Hofstadter · 08-02-2022 10:41pm

That car isn't clean at all, has a fair bit of leg on it (at 170,000 miles) and is the entry level SE. I'd pass.

bazz26 · 08-02-2022 11:48pm

It's crazy what 15k only gets you in these type of cars in the current market.

Leonard Hofstadter · 09-02-2022 12:49am

There's still some value out there if you look - only the other day David Golding cars was advertising an E60 523i SE auto with just 60,000 miles for €1600. Yes it's a poverty spec e60 with the smallest engine, and it's 10 years older, but considering that mid-00s six pot BMWs go for 4-5k in M Sport and a bigger engine if they've been minded (often with at least 100k miles), that's a very good deal considering the mileage. I would take an e60 like that over an f10 (especially that f10) all day long.