1991 BMW 5 Series 518i 1.8

Summary:

Not for fast drivers therefore needs tender loving care

Faults:

Exhaust fell off, £116 to replace.

Windows stopped working, still to replace.

Central locking collapsed.

General Comments:

The car is not quick, probably because it's a 1.8L engine dragging a heavy car.

However, fuel is economical, if handled carefully, you can get approx. 25 MPG.

Handles well on corners and is very comfortable (for short people), limited engine noise from the cabin. Limited space for rear passengers.

Therefore boot space is huge, can easily fit loads of luggage (2 large suitcases)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 19th June, 2005

4th Jul 2025, 10:16

I had a 518 carburettor model bought new in the Netherlands in 1981 and I kept it for 12 years; it was the best car I ever had and we did around a half million miles in it.

Had the engine reconditioned at 320,000 miles and I was a fool to part exchange it for an Audi, which was a money pit, but the vacuum device cracked the carburettor and the BMW garage told me a new carb would cost around 2000 gulden; that was a bit steep for me so I decided to part company. I later found out I could have bought a replacement Weber carburettor for much less than the BMW garage quoted; so that was a dumper. My car went to Poland, I hope somebody looked after it.

1991 BMW 5 Series 525i 2.5 petrol

Summary:

Understated bargain

Faults:

The radiator leaked.

Seats have started to wear badly.

Sunroof can sometimes stick.

Rear windows tend to stick as well.

General Comments:

Great cruising car, especially on long trips from Kerry to Dublin.

This car is seriously quick and handles like it's on rails, especially since it came with 17" 235 tires.

Its true what the sales person said to me "This car has a great set of lungs!", just gently touch the accelerator and it takes off.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th October, 2003

1991 BMW 5 Series 520 i 2.0

Summary:

A real Bobby Dazzler

Faults:

So far nothing has "Gone wrong" with the car, although since owning it, I have found some problems that will need to be remedied.

Firstly, there is an apparent, albeit, intermittent, smell of petrol, I suspect from the fuel lines.

Second, after the first few minutes, when the car reaches "normal" driving temperature, when stationery, the engine idle speed rises and then drops of it's own volition, (any ideas?)

Thirdly, the car "judders" at 90 Miles per hour. And the car judders under braking, suspect warped brake disks.

The interior, apart from the drivers seat is in very good condition, and have been offered a complete interior for £100, cheap as chips.

General Comments:

Although it would appear that there are some problems with the car, as above, you would expect some problems buying a used car of that year, so I was not daunted by the prospect of getting them fixed.

The car is a pleasure to drive, the body work is solid black, which when polished looks stunning, the car is lowered, probably a little too much, as certain speed ramps have caused concern for the exhaust system, but handles well both in the dry and the wet, although it can still slip out when driven hard, so ignore this at your peril.

I looked long and hard for this car, and paid less than £1000 for it, and am thoroughly pleased with it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th June, 2003

16th Jun 2003, 12:43

I have a 1992 BMW 520i, I had the petrol odour problem, I remedied this by removing all the rubber petrol hoses and soaking them overnight in WD40. It worked a treat, although wait until they dry out before reinstalling the hoses. Hope this helps.

17th Jun 2003, 07:12

The E34 5 series is a great car. Try http://www.bimmernut.com/forum/5-series-bmw/ for great advice and support.

Don

95 520iA.

17th Jun 2003, 11:22

Thanks guys for your help and advice. Took the Bimmer in today to have a diagnostic on it, seems it may well be the exhaust temperature sensor? a NEW one on me. We will wait and see. Once again thanks.

21st Jun 2003, 12:39

Seems it was something called the Lamda sensor, now going in for a clutch replacement.

22nd Jun 2003, 19:57

Well it seems it was something called the "Lamda" sensor, £155.00 later it seems to have done the trick, now for a replacement clutch £300, we will see what next, still a great car.

30th Jun 2003, 06:47

Well, the clutch cost a little under £400. A little more than I had expected, but hey, you have to expect it with a quality car.