1995 BMW 5 Series 525i

Summary:

The 525i is a reliable car with prestige

Faults:

Has only failed to start once, in the winter. Had low fuel, and I suspect that didn't help.

Rear passenger window will not open with driver's control. 199,000 miles.

Driver's window broke and fell off track. 201,000 miles.

Driver's side passenger window motor spins freely but won't open/close window. 205,000 miles.

General Comments:

Overall my '95 525i has been a reliable and comfortable car. Compared to my '89 190e 2.6 that I had before, it is much quicker and delivers a much smoother ride. I would say if you're looking for more speed, go for something more along the lines of a 535 or 540.

This being the last year for this particular body style, it has all of the updates given to the car through its fairly lengthy production.

The car feels very safe. Some guy drove into the front passenger quarter at around 20mph, and only managed to dent the fender and crack the marker light. I drove it home.

Really the only negative things I can say about the car are that it could be a little quicker. It's frustrating that the windows had to go like they did, for a car this old, with this many miles, it's hard to complain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 28th October, 2010

1995 BMW 5 Series 525 iT Wagon V6

Summary:

Dreamy money pit - stay away

Faults:

Where do I begin?

Transmission failed 144,000.

Headliner completely detached 144,000.

A/C died 130,000.

Leatherette seats cracking 130,000.

Shocks replaced 124,000 & 154,000 ALL AROUND.

Radiator replaced twice.

General Comments:

I must have acquired a lemon - this BMW has been a money pit from Day 1. :(

LOVE the ride, so comfortable it's addicting. Has spoiled me completely.

My mantra for this car has become "Oh my God, what NOW?"

Sadly, will sell soon in utter defeat. Transmission was not fixed properly 1st time around by the shop.

But oh, the ride!!!

Maybe someday I'll try again with another BMW. The handling of this 1995 feels better than the 2002 I test drove last year.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 7th October, 2010

23rd Apr 2011, 04:57

No offense, but I hate it when people write reviews like this. Somebody buys a 12-year-old car with 125,000 miles on it, and is surprised that it is not as maintenance-free as a brand new Honda would be.

While these cars are known for problems with cracking their radiators, all the rest of what you describe is just the result of age/neglect and how the car was driven.

Are you really complaining about the cracks on the leather seats after 12 years and 155k? Leather dries out and cracks if you don't take care of it. Did you ever bother to TAKE CARE of the leather seats with a leather conditioner like you are supposed to??

1995 BMW 5 Series Dinan Supercharged 540i Sport 4.0L

Summary:

Fun fun fun

Faults:

Other than general maintenance, nothing.

General Comments:

Hats off to Steve Dinan for truly creating the "ultimate driving machine". The Supercharger, upgraded engine internals and improved engine management software boost the HP to a very civil and driveable 414 with 375 ft/lb's of torque, the upgraded brakes stop on a dime, the tuned suspension grips the road like no tomorrow and the gas mileage is steady at 22 mpg.

I purchased the vehicle at a truly reasonable price with the intention to attend driving schools and autocross events, but after driving the car 3000 miles, (in about three weeks time), find it way too much fun to be put out to pasture as intended.

If anyone can find one of these cars for sale, I can only suggest to purchase it and enjoy. This is the most bang for the buck I've enjoyed in a very long time.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 6th April, 2008

1995 BMW 5 Series 525i 2.5 gas

Summary:

If you can live with the maintanence it is a good car

Faults:

The manual transmission went bad at 135,000.

The trans likes to pop out of first gear.

General Comments:

I did not expect to replace a manual transmissions at 135,000 miles.

Very comfortable ride and the performance is good.

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

Review Date: 13th July, 2007