1992 BMW 5 Series 535i Sport 3.5 petrol

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 525 ix SE

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!!

1992 BMW 5 Series SE 525i

Summary:

A high comfort and high performance bargain

Faults:

Nothing so far.

General Comments:

What a fantastic motor!

I have only had my car 3 weeks but have found no surprises. I bought it with one minor fault* and none have since surfaced.

It drives like a dream, the acceleration is more than adequate - serious power when you need it, in 3rd 4th or 5th gears. The acceleration seems to go on forever with a huge power band - plus noticeable surge above 4,000 revs.

And what a great looking engine.

It is a car I want to invent journeys for, just to drive it.

*The minor fault is a non-operating air flow slider (for the side vents) hardly a worry!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st June, 2001

29th Sep 2001, 03:23

I bought my '95 518 a couple of months ago. Apart from the high mileage shown on the odometer (you wouldn't know from the condition of the car), it has no faults to worry about.

The car is a dream. I was told it would be "underpowered"... It is nothing of the sort if used as a normal saloon on normal roads. It is easy to drive, very comfortable, beautifully fitted with original equipment and look great. Many folk have said how well it looks.

All that for under 3 grand. What else do I want?

Tonyjstone@aol.com

7th Jan 2003, 16:58

I have had 1 1995 520SE for 2 and a half years, I bought it with 92k miles and it has now reached 127k. It has always been reliable and looks and drives like new. I have had one problem with the cooling fan clutch with needed replacing (£97) and have had new disks and pads on the front (£200). I replaced two tyres for an outrageous £360 at Kwickfit, unfortunately only Dunlop make the (apparently) odd size 235 tyres.

The car has passed the two MOTs I have had to put it trough without needing any work. Average fuel consumption is around 28 Mpg and it doesn't use a drop of oil between services. All the electric goodies still work and handling and ride are better than some new cars.

I was nervous when I bought my BMW as it had a high mileage, I have since learned what a well engineered car it is and need not of worried.

Recommended.

Mike.

29th Mar 2003, 11:13

I bought a 2000 520se with 60k on the clock in Sep 2002. It is 'as new' and hides its higher than average mileage very well. It's a joy to drive with the 6 cylinder 2 litre engine proving not a bit underpowered for normal family use. My previous car was an Omega 2.5lt estate that had plenty of grunt so I expected worse performance than the 520 actually delivers.

I'd recommend one to any discerning driver unless he wants 0-60 in 7.5 seconds (and fuel bills to match).

1992 BMW 5 Series 520i E34 2.0 petrol

Faults:

Since I bought it last year (6/97) have changed middle & back box with 2 piece set up instead of BMW standard 1 piece, cheaper if either needs changed again!

General Comments:

Underpowered at bottom end but great to drive when cruising!

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

Review Date: 26th July, 1998