Buying my first BMW

Well lads am thinking of buying my first BMW, I've got around 10 grand to play around with and I have my eyes set on a 2008 520d. (I seen a car that i liked with 99,000 on the clock)
It's an M SPORT Z5SO 4DR NX52 / Z5S0 E60 SALOON N47 2.0.

The more i researched into this model the more bad reviews i found.

Are these models really as bad as people say or do you have to get unlucky to get one that gives so much trouble??

Any opinions greatly appreciated guys

Cheers

I just god a 520d and after alot of research I decided to go for the 2007 model after seeing the problems the 2008 models can have. I just didnt want to take the chance with one. There are other members on here that know alot more than I can. If you can stretch the budget abit more maybe a 525d might be a better option for you???

07 also came with the n47 engine so relying on the plate alone won't help you'll need to check what's under the bonnet , I'd say if buying either leave enough money aside for a new chain or try find one that's had it done already

Cheers for the replys lads :)

So if im understanding this right, are you saying that if the timing chain is replaced the car should be pretty reliable after that? OR is there much more problems with this model other than the timing chain???

As far as I'm aware that's the primary one, other things that are standard to all cars; suspension, turbo, service history etc. should be taken into consideration.

Not all facelift 2007 520d came with the N47 engine.
But do you really need a diesel? Are you really putting the mileage?
If not really, go for petrol (hard enough to find...). Many diesels cars have DPF issues and with new regulations coming down (preventing you from removing the dpf), it will cost you a lot of money to fix

Yeah checked everything out, new timing chain, turbo and dpf...

Picked her up and she's a beaut

Thanks very much for the advice