The entry-level diesel in BMW's executive saloon. The 518d uses the same B47 2.0-litre four-cylinder as the 520d, detuned to 150 hp and 350 Nm, paired with the ZF 8-speed automatic. It is a popular company car in Western Europe thanks to low CO2 emissions and excellent motorway fuel economy, regularly returning 5.0 l/100 km or better on longer runs. The B47 is a significant improvement over the troublesome N47 it replaced, with the timing chain relocated to the front of the engine.· more· less
Efficient and refined diesel engineLow running costs for its class
EGR system is recall-proneAdBlue system can be costly to fix
Buy if: You want an efficient executive cruiser for long-distance use and can verify the EGR recall has been completed.
Avoid if: You mainly drive short urban trips (DPF and AdBlue issues) or want strong acceleration from the base diesel.
Maintenance costs
€800 – €1,650/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€550 – €950 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€250 – €700 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Maintenance costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
€800 – €1,650per year
€550 – €950
service, tyres, brakes
€250 – €700
repair buffer
Price & maintenance
Used price
€24,000
median asking price, typically 105,000 km
Typical range€21,000 – €29,000
Maintenance cost
€800 – €1,650/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€550 – €950 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€250 – €700 /yr
Price estimates are based on French asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on French asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Used price
€24,000
Typically €21,000 – €29,000, at around 105,000 km.
EGR cooler can leak coolant internally, mixing with soot and potentially causing fire · more· less
BMW has issued multiple recalls since 2018 affecting B47 diesel engines, including those in the G30 5 Series. The EGR cooler can develop internal leaks where coolant (glycol) mixes with hot diesel soot, which can cause the intake manifold to melt and in rare cases lead to fire. The recall has been extended several times because initial fixes proved inadequate. If the recall has been completed, cost is zero. If out-of-recall and the EGR cooler and intake manifold need replacing, expect €800-1,500 at an independent specialist. Always verify recall status with BMW using the VIN before purchase. After the recall repair, some owners report subsequent EGR valve failures (€300-500) as a secondary issue.
AdBlue / SCR system malfunction
up to €1,8002 of 7
NOx sensors, dosing injector, or SCR catalyst failure triggers warning messages · more· less
The AdBlue selective catalytic reduction system on the B47 uses NOx sensors, a dosing injector, and an SCR catalyst to meet emissions standards. Forum reports show multiple fault codes (80527A, 80527D, 8052CD) appearing typically after 60,000-100,000 km. The most common failure is a NOx sensor (€350-500 per sensor, two fitted). The dosing injector can crystallize and block (€300-400 to replace). In worst cases, the SCR catalyst itself needs replacing (€1,200-1,800). The system can also flag false warnings after using contaminated AdBlue or letting the tank run completely dry.
Timing chain stretch (high mileage)
up to €2,5003 of 7
B47 timing chain can stretch at very high mileage, much less common than on the N47 · more· less
The B47 moved the timing chain to the front of the engine, a major improvement over the N47 where rear-mounted chains were a widespread failure point. On the B47, chain stretch is uncommon and typically only occurs beyond 150,000-200,000 km, often linked to extended oil change intervals or poor oil quality. Symptoms include a rattle on cold start lasting a few seconds. Replacement at a specialist costs €1,500-2,500 depending on whether automatic or manual transmission. BMW-recommended oil change intervals should not be exceeded. This is a low-probability issue on a well-maintained car.
ZF 8-speed automatic harsh shifting
up to €2,5004 of 7
Harsh or delayed shifts when cold, potentially from worn solenoids or low fluid · more· less
The ZF 8HP transmission is generally excellent but can develop harsh cold-start shifting over time. ZF recommends fluid and filter change every 100,000 km, which BMW historically listed as a sealed-for-life unit. Neglecting this service causes the fluid to degrade, leading to harsh shifts. A transmission fluid and filter change costs €300-500 and often resolves the issue. If the solenoids are worn (ZF issued a recall on certain solenoid batches), the mechatronic unit may need repair or replacement at €1,200-2,500. Most cases are resolved with a fluid service.
DPF clogging from short-trip driving
up to €3,5005 of 7
Diesel particulate filter blocks if regeneration cycles are interrupted by short trips · more· less
The DPF needs periodic high-temperature regeneration, which requires sustained driving at highway speeds for 15-20 minutes. Cars used primarily for short urban trips may not complete regeneration, leading to progressive soot buildup. Early symptoms include increased fuel consumption and a DPF warning light. A forced regeneration at a dealer costs €150-250. If the DPF is too far gone, professional cleaning runs €400-600, and full replacement is €2,000-3,500 including labor. This is primarily a usage-pattern issue rather than a design defect, and highway-driven cars rarely have this problem.
Oil leaks (filter housing gasket, valve cover)
up to €8006 of 7
Minor oil seepage from gaskets becomes visible after 80,000-120,000 km · more· less
Oil leaks on the B47 are less dramatic than on some older BMW engines but still occur. The oil filter housing gasket and valve cover gasket are the most common locations, typically developing seepage after 80,000-120,000 km. Symptoms include oil spots under the car, a burning oil smell, or low oil level warnings. The oil filter housing gasket replacement costs €200-400 at an independent specialist. The valve cover gasket runs €300-500. Neither is urgent if caught early but should be addressed to prevent oil from dripping onto hot exhaust components.
Steering rack wear
up to €3,0007 of 7
Electric power steering rack can develop play or clunking, typically after 100,000+ km · more· less
The G30 uses an electric power steering rack that some owners have reported developing a clunking noise when turning at low speeds or a vague feeling on-center. This typically appears after 100,000 km. The electronic nature of the system means replacement rather than rebuild is usually required, and the new rack must be calibrated using BMW diagnostic software. Replacement cost is €1,500-3,000 depending on whether a new or refurbished unit is fitted. This is not a widespread issue but worth checking during a test drive.
Generally reliable, but verify EGR recall status
The B47 engine is a significant reliability improvement over the N47 it replaced, with most owners reporting trouble-free running to well beyond 150,000 km. The most critical item to verify is whether the EGR cooler recall has been completed, as this is a fire safety issue. Beyond that, the main concerns are emissions equipment (AdBlue system, DPF) which are particularly sensitive to driving patterns. Highway-driven cars with complete service history are very safe purchases.
Service history
Complete BMW dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes were done at or before BMW's recommended intervals.
Tires
Check tread depth, date codes (max 5 years old), and uneven wear patterns. Rear tires wear faster on RWD models.
Cold start
Start the engine completely cold. Listen for rattling in the first 10 seconds that could indicate timing chain wear.
Test drive
Drive for minimum 30 minutes including motorway speeds. Observe gear changes, steering feel, and any warning lights.
Specific for this vehicle
Verify EGR cooler recall completion
Contact BMW with the VIN to confirm the EGR cooler recall has been completed. This is the single most important check on any B47 diesel BMW.
Check AdBlue system for warnings
Look for any AdBlue-related warning messages on the dashboard. Start the car and cycle through the service menus. Check AdBlue fill level and whether the car has been flagged for SCR faults.
Inspect for oil leaks underneath
Look under the car with a flashlight for oil stains, particularly around the oil filter housing and valve cover. Check the engine bay for oil residue.
+ 3 more checksShow less
Test ZF gearbox cold and warm
During the first few minutes of driving, check for harsh or jerky gear changes. Then drive again after 20 minutes when warm. Ask when the transmission fluid was last changed.
Check DPF status with diagnostics
If possible, use BMW ISTA diagnostics to check DPF soot loading percentage and regeneration count. A car that mostly did short trips will show high soot loading.
Listen for steering rack noises
Turn the steering wheel lock to lock at low speed in a car park. Listen for clunking or grinding noises from the steering column area.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
EGR cooler leak / fire risk (B47 diesel, multiple extensions 2018-2024)Critical - verify completed with VIN
Coolant pump electrical connector short circuit risk (2012-2018 models)Verify completed
The EGR cooler recall is the most critical item. BMW has extended this recall multiple times since 2018, and initial fixes proved inadequate. Contact BMW directly with the VIN to verify current recall status. Do not purchase without confirmation that the latest version of the recall repair has been completed.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years, from Nov 2016: 2+1 years)Expired on most used 518d G30 models
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)May still apply to 2017+ models until 2029+
EGR recallFree repair regardless of warranty status
All 518d G30 models are outside their original factory warranty. The EGR cooler recall is a safety recall and will be performed free of charge at any BMW dealer regardless of warranty or age. Extended warranty packages are available through BMW and third-party providers.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
