1990 BMW 5 Series 525i review from North America

Left outer tie rod needs replacement.

Timing belt and tensioner need replacement.

Some wear on the leather seats.

Steering wheel needs re-alignment.

Very good car. I bought mine 2 months ago from the previous owner for just $3500! Friends believe it is much newer than it really is, it truly was a car before its time.

I would've given it a higher performance rating, but the M20 engine is more fuel efficiency than power house. Handling is superb and suspension is the best I've driven.

Interior is very comfortable and spacious.

Easy maintenance for the do-it-yourself car owners, the M20 engine is small and durable and will last a long time. I'd recommend getting the Bentley Service Manual for this or any other vehicle, it will save you more than enough money in simple maintenance.

However the downside to the M20 engine is the use of a timing belt which will wear faster than a timing chain and can still break even if you replace the belt due to engine heat. A broken belt on this engine will result in pistons striking and bending the valves causing severe engine damage. A replacement of the belt every 50,000 miles is absolutely necessary.

I would recommend getting manual transmission as it will last longer than the engine on these BMW's.

Overall the E34 (BMW 5 series 1989-1995) is one of the least problematic BMW's and always looks modern and performs very well. A real plus vehicle.