1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 2.5 inline 6 from North America

Summary:

Too expensive to maintain

Faults:

The fuel pump had to be replaced 2 weeks after I bought the car.

The rear window shorted out as well as the locking mechanism, had to replace the whole door.

General Comments:

Pretty good car, it's just a pain to maintain.

Handles like a dream, corners great, sounds excellent when cruising, turns heads.

Not a car to have if you are in college.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 9th September, 2001

9th Feb 2003, 00:23

I find it hard to believe that someone can fault a car on the points you make when it has over 190K miles on it. How many cars have you owned at that mileage that have been trouble free. That said, I've owned seven BMWs and had many of them beyond the 200K mile mark. They are easy to work on and easy to get discount factory parts for here in the US. What cars in this mileage range that you have owned have done better? I've owned over 40 vehicles and there's a reason that all I drive now are Bimmers.

4th May 2004, 09:23

Try one of the rear-wheel drive Volvos. Nothing beats them! I own a 1989 740 Turbo which currently has 207,000 miles. I've owned the car since 138,000 miles. Never had to repair the engine or transmission. One power door lock needed a new motor and one of the rear windows needed to be reset on the track. That's the extent of my troubles with the accessories since 150,000 miles. Never had to replace an entire door...that's nuts!

9th Jan 2005, 23:08

OK so we're talking high mileage here... my '95 Accord runs like new at 200K miles... not even had to change a bulb..!! nothing except radiator and brake master cylinder.

OK I admit it's not as cool as a Beemer .. but I have a mortgage and two kids in school. I'm just jeleauos I can't afford one..

1992 BMW 5 Series 525 ix SE from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great looking, practical, luxury car

Faults:

Nothing major as yet.

Central door locking/unlocking either doesn't lock or unlock on one door, this is intermittent and touch wood, hasn't happened for a while now.

Also auto transmission has a quirk, coming to a full stop after medium to heavy braking, even though it's in drive or reverse, the car doesn't register this for a few seconds and you don't move, then it appears to register, the gear engages and away you go. This is not every time and I am unsure as to what may be the cause. Not having had an auto before, it may be the norm.

General Comments:

A great looking car, I didn't want to admit I had a need for an estate car, or Tourer as BMW call it, kids, D.I.Y etc, but this car gives you both looks and practicability.

Interior is well laid out and the leather seats are comfortable.

Acceleration not great, but mid range and cruising are both excellent and effortless.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th July, 2001

20th Apr 2010, 15:14

Totally agree, I have a 1992 525ix SE, manual saloon. It's probably one of only a handful left in the world as only 216 were ever built. Getting it re-sprayed as I type (for a small fortune), but she is definitely worth it!!

1992 BMW 5 Series SE 525i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A high comfort and high performance bargain

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

What a fantastic motor!

I have only had my car 3 weeks but have found no surprises. I bought it with one minor fault* and none have since surfaced.

It drives like a dream, the acceleration is more than adequate - serious power when you need it, in 3rd 4th or 5th gears. The acceleration seems to go on forever with a huge power band - plus noticeable surge above 4,000 revs.

And what a great looking engine.

It is a car I want to invent journeys for, just to drive it.

*The minor fault is a non-operating air flow slider (for the side vents) hardly a worry!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st June, 2001

29th Sep 2001, 03:23

I bought my '95 518 a couple of months ago. Apart from the high mileage shown on the odometer (you wouldn't know from the condition of the car), it has no faults to worry about.

The car is a dream. I was told it would be "underpowered"... It is nothing of the sort if used as a normal saloon on normal roads. It is easy to drive, very comfortable, beautifully fitted with original equipment and look great. Many folk have said how well it looks.

All that for under 3 grand. What else do I want?

Tonyjstone@aol.com

7th Jan 2003, 16:58

I have had 1 1995 520SE for 2 and a half years, I bought it with 92k miles and it has now reached 127k. It has always been reliable and looks and drives like new. I have had one problem with the cooling fan clutch with needed replacing (£97) and have had new disks and pads on the front (£200). I replaced two tyres for an outrageous £360 at Kwickfit, unfortunately only Dunlop make the (apparently) odd size 235 tyres.

The car has passed the two MOTs I have had to put it trough without needing any work. Average fuel consumption is around 28 Mpg and it doesn't use a drop of oil between services. All the electric goodies still work and handling and ride are better than some new cars.

I was nervous when I bought my BMW as it had a high mileage, I have since learned what a well engineered car it is and need not of worried.

Recommended.

Mike.

29th Mar 2003, 11:13

I bought a 2000 520se with 60k on the clock in Sep 2002. It is 'as new' and hides its higher than average mileage very well. It's a joy to drive with the 6 cylinder 2 litre engine proving not a bit underpowered for normal family use. My previous car was an Omega 2.5lt estate that had plenty of grunt so I expected worse performance than the 520 actually delivers.

I'd recommend one to any discerning driver unless he wants 0-60 in 7.5 seconds (and fuel bills to match).

1992 BMW 5 Series 518i 1.8 petrol from Sweden

Summary:

Expensive but reasonable quality, overpriced

Faults:

Strange very annoying noise emits from behind the dash even when fan is not switched on, sounds like some sort of valve/electric motor being opened & shut - continues all the time, BMW dealer has no explanation.

When started engine makes clicking noise, fan /water pump - even after service it came back.

General Comments:

Mostly wear & tear, although I thought that about £700 for a "Service II" was a lot of money. Lots of noise from underneath, suspension/ hocks beginning to get old perhaps. I have to agree the seats are very comfy, even better than the new BMW's.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 1st August, 2000

14th Feb 2001, 09:51

The clicking noise on startup is cold, dry tappets, should wear off once the engine is warm.

13th Jul 2001, 03:19

I think £700 is a bit steep even for a service II, you can get them for under £250 at BMW specialists.

17th Jan 2006, 08:13

You've been one of the Lucky 5 series owners then!

15th Feb 2006, 11:56

My experience of the noise when you start is:

Fill some thicker oil on it... 15W40... That made mine stop...

1992 BMW 5 Series 520i E34 2.0 petrol from UK and Ireland

Faults:

Since I bought it last year (6/97) have changed middle & back box with 2 piece set up instead of BMW standard 1 piece, cheaper if either needs changed again!

General Comments:

Underpowered at bottom end but great to drive when cruising!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th July, 1998