Faults:

I replaced the alternator belt assembly - cheap parts.

E39 wheels were 2mm too large for the E34 hubs, so placed spigot rings to get rid of the vibration.

Replaced the aux fan.

Tried to fix failed electric windows/sunroof/ central locking, but no progress so far.

General Comments:

The car is still amazing for its age. It is a comfortable long distance cruiser.

The economy is not bad, considering its age (7.5 to 8.5 l/100km), and it still really moves when you want it to. It can easily maintain 130 - 140 km/h uphill when fully loaded.

Definitely get the TDS version, as it has the intercooler.

Parts are cheap, and most maintenance can be done yourself as there are not too many electronics.

Apart from the electrical gremlins, this car does what it is supposed to do, and is reliable, comfortable and bulletproof. Just another proof that the less electronics you can have in a car, the better.

Faults:

2 windows fell in ($252).

Power steering needed to get replaced ($900).

Control arm started to shake my car ($500).

Ashtray won't open.

Hood holding thing disappeared.

I'm getting 13.5 mpg.

General Comments:

The car is still moving, and hasn't let me down, but I'm selling it. It's already a money pit, & I've only owned it for 2 months.

My car has trouble reaching 55mph on hills. It sometimes thinks the parking brake is on when it's not.

The seats are amazingly comfortable.

My steering is a bit too heavy, but it's probably a result of the power steering needing replacement.

The car's defroster is awful and takes forever to work. The heated seats are amazing too.

I was expecting a lot more car for the money than what I really got..

Faults:

Warning display says rear bulbs defective, when they clearly are all working fine.

General Comments:

My last car was a 1989 Rover 827SLi (Honda engine) 2.7 V6 auto. I loved that car, it was the car the police used back in the 80s. I was sad to see it go. Until I found my BMW 525i.

At first sight, I thought mmm, 1993, it will be tired, won't run well, thoughts bad brakes, a tired old car with all sorts wrong with it etc etc. But NO, this wasn't the case.

A guy bought it brand new from a BMW dealer back in 1993, for his wife. Who drove the car until last year when they both sold up and emigrated to the states.

The car looks and drives like it's brand new, inside & out. It's as smooth as silk, everything works, the 2.5 6 cyl runs like a dream.. even the BMW service book has every service stamp from brand new, it's like a new car, with an old registration plate on it.

It's almost like it's never been driven, although it has 97000 miles on it.

It's a rare find and I love the car. Forget leaping thousands into dept on a 2.0L Mondeo or Focus, or Vauxhall, this car is better, I'm keeping it for a long time...

Faults:

Electric seats do not recline properly.

Rear end whining.

Shaky front steering that only needed tightening.

General Comments:

Reliable car that is great on gas (25mpg average).

This car is expensive to fix, but there is no need because it never breaks.

Every single part on this car is original; even the clutch with 160k miles on it.

Great handling and performance isn't bad; I've smoke many Hondas and other small cars.

Fully loaded stock, and BMW has many great little features that on American cars you would pay a lot of money for.

Overall, the E34 is an awesome car that does not break, and you can expect it to start up everyday and not have a problem.. it just requires regular tune ups like every other car.