1992 BMW 5 Series 535i Sport 3.5 petrol from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A top class sports saloon

Faults:

Speed sensor went at 111,000 miles, cheap and quick to fix.

General Comments:

Fantastic car.

Great performance, comfort, refinement and handling.

Cost of ownership is the worst aspect. Fuel economy averages around 21mpg and servicing costs are slightly higher than the average vehicle.

Performance is very surprising for such a large car with an automatic gearbox, and the noise from the 3.5 litre straight six is fantastic.

Handling is very sure-footed and confidence inspiring.

Comfort and refinement is great for a 10 year old car. Quiet and smooth. Look for an SE with full leather and the onboard computer (very handy). More refined than most brand new cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th October, 2001

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!!