1995 BMW 5 Series Dinan Supercharged 540i Sport 4.0L from North America

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 from North America

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

1995 BMW 5 Series 530iA 3.0L DOHC V8 from North America

Summary:

The 530i BMW never goes out of style!

Faults:

Buying a car with over 200,000 miles on it was a risk. But I ended up only having a few issues.

Mass Air flow sensor went out (Cost $300 to replace)

Multiple Coolant leaks (typical for age)

Power Steering leaks (again typical for age)

Other minor things like dashboard light bulbs etc burning out.

General Comments:

For a car approaching a quarter million miles and not being diesel, I have been very impressed with the reliability of this car!

It handles tight, and is very comfortable to drive.

It has plenty of power, although it's a bit slow right off the line.

Fuel efficiency is top notch for a V8 (about 19 city and 28 highway!)

This car is like a tank, it just doesn't break down.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th October, 2006

28th Aug 2007, 17:08

My 1994 530i has been a pleasure since day one.

Purchased with 132K miles (YES, 132K) on the odometer; it had been nicely maintained and was very clean.

Retired now, I have put 10K on it touring the Northwest USA in three months, but drive an old Pick-Up truck daily.

The Auto Slip Control saved my bacon when a deer jumped in front of me around sun set in the Lassen National Forest. Handled like a dream...

I expected to put a few hundred into the car since it was USED, and have actually been delighted as to the ease of maintenance. Major stuff will have to be farmed out, but I really don't expect any...

By the way, a K&N air filter helps the low end performance a great deal. I wouldn't purchase a new one at these prices today, but this one has been a good experience. I am 6'3" and weigh 240 lbs., and am quite comfortable.

My beamer has certainly earned the title, (13 year old) "ultimate driving experience!" I think it is a sweet car, and I am not so easy to please.

1st Sep 2007, 18:31

This car is so solid!, It is a v8 and it is soooo stylish! I love my beamer! No problems EVER so far.

17th Sep 2007, 14:47

I have just purchased a 1994 530i and right off the bat had to repair the crankcase ventilation valve and spark plugs ($1221), but I absolutely love the car! And it is a 3.0 V8...

1995 BMW 5 Series 525i 2.5 gas from North America

Summary:

The last of the genuine BMW's

Faults:

Water pump broke. Replaced by dealer under courtesy warranty.

Brake light switch broke. Replaced it myself.

Idle control issues, still troubleshooting.

Headrest electrical adjustment broke.

Replaced several lights and small mechanicals that would be expected to be bad at 100k miles.

Variable valve adjustment unit is noisy at idle (like a diesel). Looking into getting it replaced. $$$

General Comments:

Car still looks new. Beautiful!

Great BMW handling. A dream to drive.

Comfortable leather seats look new.

Decent fuel economy for a bigger car.

$50,000 less than new!

The newer BMW's have serious reliability issues now that they are getting some miles racked up. So I will continue to keep this car in good repair and expect to drive it for another 100,000 miles.

This is a great car to have at this mileage if you are good with a wrench and / or have a large wallet.

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

Review Date: 25th February, 2005