|
E90 and F10 owner here, both N52 cars. F10s are much nicer and comfortable cars, much larger as well. E90 is better in a tighter urban environment. F10s have terrible sight lines for parking. All parts on a F10 are at least 10% more to purchase. And I have had to replace just about everything. It's finally working well now, but I'm scared of whatever comes next. Probably active suspension shocks/struts which are stupid-expensive. If you want a smaller/taught car, go E90 and fix the things you know are wrong. If you want nicer & larger, go for the F10, but be prepared to have to do pretty much all the service items you mentioned as well. Same exact engine with the same exact problems. Starter, VCG, radiator, water pump will all need replacing. Because of that, it won't be a money saver in my opinion.
F10 is my spouse's car, and she LOVES it. I'm all about the E90 life. But I look at the F10, and am amazed at how good it looks. Perfect proportions and lines. E39 was the same way. BMW really knows how to make a five series (E60, you go stand in the corner and think about what you did wrong!).
My rec is to fix up the known good car you have (and rare with the N52 3 stage) and drive it. It has a lot more miles on it, and everything sounds good/normal other than the transmission problems. Remember, the best used car is the one you own!
|