1989 BMW 5 Series SE 3.0

Summary:

Solid, reliable value car with good status!

Faults:

Factory fitted remote Scorpion alarm gave up the ghost after a couple of months of owning. Contacted Scorpion alarms (address can be found online) and they sent me a refurbished direct replacement with two new remote senders (£100).

'Lights on' warning message never worked.

A problem with the windscreen wipers contacting the bonnet when in the full up position, leaving a small mark on the paint-work. Can be corrected by adjusting bonnet position, but with bonnet adjusted to maximum, still made contact.

General Comments:

This car is smoother than anything I've driven before. It can sit at a 100 MPH all day and you would think you were doing about 60!

Very little leg room in the back for a car of this size.

One touch driver's window and sunroof, also can be operated from the door lock, which was a nice feature. Doors can be locked from the boot lock.

Make sure you buy a SE, automatic, BMW alloy wheels with a full service history. There are plenty about, so bide your time and wait for a good one!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th October, 2001

1989 BMW 5 Series 525i 2.5 petrol

Faults:

Auto box needed replacing, all electrics giving problems, suspension constantly rattling, coolant problems, noisy camshaft, stiff door handles.

General Comments:

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.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 3rd September, 1998

28th Jun 2001, 10:32

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.

7th Nov 2005, 00:26

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. ;-)