1991 BMW 5 Series 535i review from North America
"A commuter's dream"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Most of the issues with the car have been routine wear and tear. BMW'S require routine maintenance; and in the process many "faults" will be discovered by the dealer.
At approximately 85,000 miles I did have a coolant system problem that resulted in oil somehow leaking into the coolant system.
At 120,000 miles the neck on the radiator cracked, necessitating a new radiator being installed (approx. $1,000).
For some reason the car does seem to idle high, creating a noticeable vibration when stopped. It is not the fastest car off the mark, but at freeway speeds it truly shines.
General comments?
This car has completely held up to the high standard you would expect from a BMW. At 130,000 miles, this car is remains incredibly tight and dependable. As my main vehicle to commute to and from work (approx. 1 hour each way), the car is very comfortable and enjoyable to drive.
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| 1990 - 5 Series 525i 2.5 inline six gas Incredibly fun to drive like a maniac, but you'd better be a mechanic to keep it on the road |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Year of manufacture | 1991 |
| First year of ownership | 1997 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2001 |
| Engine and transmission | S6 Semi-Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 9 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 10 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 8 / 10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 79000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 127000 miles |
| Previous car | Chrysler Intrepid |
| Date of Entry | 15th August, 2001 |