Faults:

Usual mechanical wear and tear for age and mileage - clutch, brakes, suspension, exhaust, etc.

Locking/alarm/immobilizer electric issues.

Pretty bad rust in its final year with me.

General Comments:

Early 1990s 5 series. E34. Best looking generation in my opinion.

In the mid 1990s when I bought this car I didn't know what to expect; I knew they were good but had heard stories even back then about reliability issues and high running costs.

As it turned out over the course of a decade the car proved reliable, and although there were some expensive repairs needed, it never caused me any major issues.

Black 520i SE, stunning looking inside and out.

Very nice to drive and super comfortable.

2.0 engine did 28 - 31 mpg and I drove it fast sometimes, good for its time. Manual transmission. The autos gave a bit less economy, but were more common and more suited to this car's relaxed style.

A fine car I miss a lot, only scrapped it in 2006 when it was 14 years old as that rust wasn't getting any better, but the car was still running strong, I looked after it. Looking back I should have kept it, fixed the rust, then garaged it; these are worth a fortune for a good one now as they are rare.

Faults:

Coolant sensor when I bought the car.

Rear right central lock at 125000km.

Coolant radiator has a little leak, had to be changed to a new one "behr" at $157.

2 front shock absorbers when purchased.

AC air filter.

General Comments:

The car is amazing. I enjoy driving the BMW, especially the e34.

Very solid build, everything is good quality from inside-outside, except the door panels, so I had to put some glue on it.

Mine is a very clean car. Still looks like new.

I always do services on time (oil change, filters...) and everything has been going very well for almost 3 years, and is still going well.

I like the dashboard lights, like a plane.

The BMW has a presence and unique personality of its own. Mine is black and looks very nice.

I intend to keep it for 5 more years, and expect it to do well. Then I'll buy the next generation e39.

Faults:

Torque converter was replaced for a leak - $900

Fuel Pump died - $125 DIY

Gearbox failed - Didn't bother replacing.

General Comments:

Absolutely brilliant handling and ride comfort

Engine seems to be pretty reliable

Transmission failure annoyed me quite a bit, but I would buy another BMW. I think I just got a lemon.

Faults:

Replaced all six ignition modules.

Fitted platinum spark plugs.

Mass air flow meter replaced three times, initially bought cheaply second hand because of BMW's exhorbitant price, however the most recent acquisition is a reconditioned unit with a two year warranty versus BMW's 1 year factory warranty.

Water pump, still functioning but had a slight weep, so I replaced it.

Sunroof had some small rust spots where the rubber seal joins, I also replaced that with a second hand unit, exactly the same colour and perfect.

Replaced electric window switch central module.

Ignition lock failed, had to replace key barrel.

New windscreen, lots of chips caused by poor Australian roads.

Front brake rotors have been replaced twice in 4 years, hopefully the Brembo brand I recently purchased will live up to their good name, also replaced the front pads at the same time.

Front shocks have also been replaced, one unit was leaking after a very rapid 13 hour drive from NSW to QLD; Bilstein gas shocks currently fitted are proving to be very nice to work with.

General Comments:

I have owned over 30 cars since obtaining my licence in the mid 70's, from Fiat's, Rover's, Mercedes, Peugeot's, Toyota's and even a Cadillac; every time I think about moving on from the BMW (I have also had countless test drives in late model vehicles, I'm sure the salesmen are on to me!!), I just marvel at the smoothness and solidity of the 5 series, the more I re-invest in this car the less likely I am to sell it, components just seem to last such a long time. Everything I have replaced had been performing for over 16 years, so I really have nothing to complain about; I only wish that I had been able to experience this car from new, but the $70,000 price tag was well out of reach. I still smile when that exhaust crackles on acceleration.