Auto box needed replacing, all electrics giving problems, suspension constantly rattling, coolant problems, noisy camshaft, stiff door handles.
So many people praise this car, yet my experience has been less than satisfactory. It's expensive on fuel and not as quick as I thought it would be, nor as reliable as I thought. A number of oversights in design which surprised - no warning when you leave lights on after turning off ignition (numerous dead batteries as a result). Wouldn't buy another one.
I Have the same 89 5 series and am experiencing all the same problems you have. I had to replace the camshaft after four rocker arms shattered and tore it to pieces. About an $1800 job. And that's under mild highway driving conditions. Although I think the look of the car is very nice, the problems that it carries is not worth the time and money. I've also noticed that it's not easy to sell at or even near the blue book value, as there are so many noticeable problems that just keep popping up. Sometimes it seems that this car has a mind of its own and just wants to toy with me. Not a very well put together BMW in my opinion. I wouldn't recommend the first couple models of the E34.
People who leave their lights on regularly are asking for it. I walk around the front of my car and check the lights every time I get out. On the other hand my 1991 model 525 does have a warning. I would have thought after the first new battery you would have learned your lesson mate. ;-)
Yes that's all very well but the lights went off with the key on my 1971 fiat 125, so the technology should be there. Its my opinion that the 5 series, post the E28, got tooo much bling thrown into the mixture - all very well when new, in fact the same goes for all newer models, but a bl**dy nightmre to put right as the models age.. The same goes for Benz which changed from being sturdy and over-engineered to being over-gizzmoed. Second hand buyers ye shall rue the day - in contrast to my E28 525 which should survive the apocalypse.
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