BMW 525i Problems

BMW’s 5-Series is universally admired by owners and rival carmakers alike. So much do its rivals admire it that they have regularly used it as a yardstick when developing cars of their own.Holden used the then current 5-Series as the main benchmark when it was developing the VB Commodore in the 1970s, and again when it did the VE a couple of years back, and Ford has also used it in developing its recent Falcon models.Remarkably, given so many companies have used it as a benchmark for their own new cars the BMW has managed to keep its allure. It seems that it remains tantalisingly out of reach.MODEL WATCH The E39 5-Series followed one of the best, and most successful models BMW has ever produced, the E34, in 1996. Previous 5-Series BMWs were highly regarded, as can be seen by then Holden chassis guru Peter Hanenberger’s choice of the 5-Series as a benchmark for the VB Commodore in the mid-1970s, but the E34 cemented its place at the head of the pack.It had a unique blend of chassis agility and six-cylinder sweetness in a fully equipped package able to accommodate five in refined comfort that no other carmaker could match. Even its great rival Mercedes-Benz couldn’t match it for dynamics.The E34 really brought BMW to the attention of the Australian motoring public. Here was a good-sized car they could afford, at a pinch, if they were doing well. It’s now 20 years old, but it’s still popular with buyers of used cars.So the E39 had lots to live up to when it was launched in 1996. Unlike the models that followed it the E39 was a mild evolution of the E34, which was wonderfully elegant with clean lines and perfect proportions. The E39 was sleeker and smoother, but it retained the elegance that keeps the E34 looking fresh even today. There were new headlights and a new grille at the front, a smoother roofline and a stubby tail reminiscent of the smaller 3-Series. It was a car that looked good from all angles, a modern classic and a worthy successor to the great E34.The six-cylinder is BMW’s signature engine and the E39 had a number of choices of engine size. All had the silky smoothness, purposeful response, and seductive snarl that were so characteristic of BMW sixes down through the ages, but in the E39 they also delivered more power and torque for an enhanced driving experience.They started with the 2.5-litre double overhead camshaft engine with 125 kW and 245 Nm, but for more grunt there was the 2.8-litre engine that boasted 142 kW and 280 Nm. They were followed by the sportier V8 models, which packed the considerable punch of a 180 kW 3.5-litre double overhead camshaft bent eight and its bigger 240 kW 4.4-litre brother. All were linked to a five-speed auto transmission, but it had the option of the Steptronic sequential shift that aped a manual change.The agility of the BMW classic has always been one of its most admired attributes and the E39 could claim even better dynamics, partly because of its much stiffer body shell that gave it a very stable foundation. Independent suspension front and back with a sporty tune, precise and responsive power steering, and the power of ABS-supported disc brakes on all corners combine to deliver a dynamic driving package. All models were well equipped with all the fruit you could wish for in a prestige luxury car.IN THE SHOP The attraction of a used 5-Series is strong for those who couldn’t or wouldn’t afford one new, but they need to be approached with both eyes open and a questioning mind. As with any used car buy the best you can afford within your budget and leave enough left over to service it.Servicing BMWs can be expensive if you stick with the dealers. They generally give good service, but you pay top dollar for it, so link up with a specialist service mechanic with a good knowledge of BMWs and you will save heaps. Little goes wrong with BMWs on a regular basis, but brake wear is a consistent complaint with owners facing a hefty bill for replacement rotors and pads.Look for oil leaks around the engine. A rough idle could indicate a lack of servicing and extended oil change periods. BMWs also require the factory replacement parts, like shocks, exhaust etc. to give their best, but that’s not to say non-genuine parts will completely ruin the driving experience. A BMW specialist should know which non-genuine parts can be safely used and those to steer clear of.IN A CRASH The 5-Series has an array of airbags to protect the occupants in the event its chassis and braking prowess aren’t enough to avoid a crash. Front and side airbags were standard across the range.AT THE PUMP Expect to get around 11.0 L/100 km on average from a six and 13.0 L/100 km from a V8.OWNERS SAY Ed Malek’s 2000 523i had done 79,000 km when he bought it. It was clean and tidy, performed well and passed a mechanical and safety check. He hesitated for a while before buying it, but each time he hopped back into his 2005 Magna, he was convinced he should. He was impressed with its handling, low level of road and wind noise, comfort, and safety with eight airbags. The 2.5-litre six lacks a little grunt from take-off, but on the open highway it powers along admirably. Around town he gets 10.7 L/100 km. A few rattles have developed, which he believes could be the window regulators, and the CD changer is malfunctioning.LOOK FOR • BMW badge cred.• Timeless elegant looks• Great chassis dynamics• Sweet six under the bonnet• Roomy interior• Costly parts and serviceTHE BOTTOM LINE Great looking and performing sporting saloon that rewards the driver.RATING 80/100

The reality of life is that few of us have the bucks to buy the luxury 'Benz, BMW or Jaguar we might aspire to own, they're simply too expensive for the regular Joe in the street. But step back in time to an older model and owning a once unattainable car from one of these great companies can be a real possibility.One such car in question is the BMW 535i that was released in the late 1980s and remained on sale until 1993.  In the days before the arrival of the 'M' Series the 535i was the performance king in the Bavarian carmakers local range.Today it's largely been lost in the crowd with the vast number of sporty BMWs that have since been released, but a chance encounter recently with an acquaintance who had bought one for a couple of grand was a reminder of what can be bought with a very limited budget.MODEL WATCHThe 535i was the top model in the E34 5-Series range that arrived here in 1988.  Minus the edgy look that overtook later models from BMW the E34 was a classically elegant four-door sedan that boasted beautifully clean lines and balanced proportions.It was a great looker when it was new, and that it remains a good looking car today when there are still many on the road is a testament to the appeal of its styling. It's hard to imagine that more than 20 years have passed since it was launched.The E34 range was extensive, extending from the modest 2.0-litre 520i through the popular 2.5-litre 525i and the 3.0-litre 530i to the sporty 535i that sat atop the tree.  Later there was the V8 540i and the first M5, both of which shoved the 535i into the background, but for a year or two the 535i was the king of the road.The E34 platform was highly regarded with independent suspension back and front, responsive power steering and powerful four-wheel disc brakes.  Up front it had a 3.5-litre fuel-injected single overhead camshaft six-cylinder engine boasting 155 kW at 5700 revs and 3.5 Nm at 4000 revs.BMW offered the choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic transmission, with the final drive through the rear wheels in traditional BMW style.  Standard features were air, central locking, fog lamps, power windows and radio/cassette sound.An Executive model was available with alloy wheels, cruise and a power sunroof.  There was also a 535is model available with power mirrors, a limited- slip diff and traction control.IN THE SHOPThe key to enjoying the thrill of driving an old car is to buy well, and there is one simple rule to follow when buying: condition, condition, condition.  To find the best car in the best condition it's necessary to shop, shop, and shop.BMW service specialist John Heckrath of Heckrath Engineering Services reckons the 535i is a great car, to own and to drive.  The engine is very strong and gives little trouble; the only word of warning he gives is that they can give cylinder head trouble if they get hot.The main reason they might get hot is a failure of the plastic reservoir in the radiator, which was a common failure with this model 5-Series.  If the temp gauge climbs off the scale don't be tempted to keep driving it, disaster awaits if you ignore the telltale sign of trouble.Brakes can be expensive to replace if that's needed to make a car roadworthy; expect a bill of $1000 for a full brake rebuild with new rotors.  Suspension bushes, particularly the front caster bar bushes, do wear so listen for a knocking noise under brakes, but the caster bar isn't expensive so isn't a huge concern.Electrics can be an issue; things like power windows and the heater control are known weaknesses. Check the operation of all systems to identify anything that isn't working and might need repairing.  The body stands up well, and doesn't rust, and the paint doesn't fade to any degree.Inside the trim also stands the test of time well and the dash isn't prone to cracking, but some minor trim parts do eventually come unglued and the foam in the headlining can crumble in time.  But a car with 200,000-plus kilometres already will keep going long into the future if well maintained.ON THE ROADSettle into the driver's seat of the 535i and you immediately feel at home, the controls readily fall to hand and the dials tell you all you need to know without any of the superfluous information you get on later cars.Start the silky smooth six and hit the road and you are quickly transported back to an age when the engine was the true heart of the car.  While sporty in character with plenty of good old grunt, the 535i is really a high-speed cruiser and at home on the open highway.The straight-six engine revs smoothly and sweetly with great mid- range response to make overtaking a breeze.  When required it would race to 100 km/h in 9.5 secs and cover the standing 400-metre dash in 16.5 secs.It also handles with aplomb, even though it's quite a big car. The steering response is quick and accurate, the handling nicely balanced and predictable, while the ride is firm but comfortable.IN A CRASHThe 535i was born before the widespread adoption of airbags, but it is a fundamentally sound motorcar with a solid body and a well- balanced, responsive chassis that gives the driver every chance of avoiding a crunch.  If it lacks the passive safety of airbags the 535i does have the important active safety delivered by ABS antilock braking.AT THE PUMP Ask anyone about the 535i and you're likely to be told that it's a gas-guzzler. That is its reputation and it is a well-earned one at that.  The 535i shouldn't be bought if you're concerned about fuel consumption; this is a high performance car and it will use quite a lot of fuel.A road test at the time of the launch had it returning 11.9 L/100 km, which isn't too bad, but that can quickly blow out to 14 L/100 km or more if that taps are regularly opened with enthusiasm.LOOK FOR. Classically elegant shape.. Smooth six-cylinder engine.. Sporty performance.. Thirsty if driven hard.. Expect high mileage.. Service record a must.THE BOTTOM LINEAn oldie but a goodie. Buy right and you will thoroughly enjoy the thrill of driving one of the greats from a bygone era.RATING 70/100

The BMW 5 Series is a medium-large German machine that’s aimed as much at the sports sedan market as at the buyers of luxury saloons.Older 5 Series are rather smaller inside than you might expect. That’s chiefly because it has rear-wheel drive and the engine is set well back in the bay, meaning the gearbox is beside your feet. Recent cars, since about 2004, are better off in this respect, but it’s still wise to try all seats for size.Handling is enhanced by the near-perfect weight distribution that’s the result of rear-wheel drive and the engine’s position. This is a car that feels just wonderful; seemingly the harder you drive at a bend the better it feels and responds.The really clever thing is that this sports handling is achieved without upsetting comfort. Some of the worst of Australian roads may catch it out at times, but it generally makes light work of rough surfaces.The great majority of BMW 5 Series sold in Australia are four-door sedans, but in recent years we seem to be joining our European cousins in choosing station wagons. Called ‘Touring’ wagons in BMW speak, these have a reasonable carrying capacity, though, as is often the way in the boutique-wagon class the slope of the rear end does restrict the entry of bulky objects.Engine performance is good, even from the models with relatively small capacity. The non-turbo straight-six with a relatively small size of 2.0 litres, but has enough performance for many owners. The silky smooth nature of the straight sixes is excellent.Big capacity BMW straight-sixes are some of our all-time favourite powerplants, providing effortless performance and a willingness to rev that’s delightful.Many recent BMWs have turbocharged four-cylinder units that have plenty of torque. Though the engineering to minimise turbo lag is impressive, they still don’t provide the near instantaneous response we have loved in BMW non-turbo engines for many decades.Rounding out the petrol engine range are superb V8 units. Big on power and torque they are much loved by enthusiastic drives. Their fuel consumption isn’t as high as you might anticipate as they are an excellent design.BMW Australia was one of the early adopters of turbo-diesel technology downunder. These have become increasingly popular over the years. Turbo lag is better than average, but can still be a pain at times. But once that lag has gone and you’re into the big-torque midrange, you will love the endless grunt they provide.Insurance can be expensive due to the cost of parts and the high status of trained repairers. So if you are moving up from a more mundane car to a BMW for the first time, shop around on premiums before becoming over-committed to the dream car.Spare parts and repairs are about average in price for a vehicle of this type and prestige rating.BMW is well represented in most major areas in Australia. Some factory-trained BMW mechanics have since left the company and set up independent repair shops. They don’t have the same factory contacts as the official dealers, but are often highly regarded by owners. This is certainly not a car for the amateur mechanic to attempt to work on.WHAT TO LOOK FORCheck on the insides of the front wheels and brake callipers for excessive brake-pad dust. That may be a sign of a hard driver.Make sure all electronic and electrical items are operating correctly. Use the owner’s handbook to make sure you find everything as these are among the most complex cars on the planet.Look over the car for body damage and previous repairs.Be sure the engine starts virtually immediately and idles smoothly from the moment it fires up, even when it’s stone cold.The engine should accelerate without hesitation and not blow smoke from the exhaust, no matter how hard it is worked.Automatic transmissions should change smoothly and, except for some changes on big throttle openings, should be all but impossible to feel.CAR BUYING TIPIf moving upmarket to a European car after a series of sensible low-cost Asian models make sure you budget for the high cost of servicing and repairs. 

The 5-Series launched in 1988 was a landmark model for BMW, and buyers of prestige cars, with an attractive combination of sporting performance and luxury that was previously unavailable. Add to that impressive build quality and reliability and the E34 5-Series is now attractive for used car buyers.Prior to the E34 5-Series BMWs were looked at as the poor cousins to Mercedes-Benz in the prestige car segment of the market. While they were recognised for their sporting performance and handling, their build quality and reliability were inferior to the more conservative cars from arch rival Mercedes-Benz.But the E34 5-Series went a long way to changing that perception. In the eight years it was produced it became a very popular model, and used cars buyers who want the cache that comes with a prestige badge have access to plenty of good quality cars at quite affordable prices.MODEL WATCHThe E34 5-Series arrived here in 1988, but the 520i didn’t arrive until 1990.There was a 520i in the E34 range in Europe before 1990, but with just 85 kW on tap it didn’t have the sort of performance Australians associated with the BMW badge so it wasn’t sold here. That changed in 1990 when BMW replaced the two-valve engine with a new four-valve six and the power jumped to a much more respectable 110 kW.Performance was still quite modest by Beemer standards, with the five-speed manual car needing 10.6 seconds to accelerate from standstill to 100 km/h, and the four-speed auto equipped car requiring another second for the same journey. But the relative lack of performance was offset by its miserly fuel consumption, which was particularly brilliant on the highway.There was a choice of five-speed manual or four-speed auto, the former being the choice for performance, the latter that for serene progress and fuel economy.Suspension was independent front and rear, steering was power assisted, and brakes were four-wheel discs with ABS standard.The sweetly styled 5-Series is BMW’s mid-sized car, perfect for a family of five with its roomy, comfortable interior.The level of standard features is impressive, particularly for a car that can be bought now for less than $15,000. Air-conditioning is standard, as are power mirrors and windows, central locking, a four-speaker AM/FM/tape sound system, and cruise control.A major facelift in mid-1992 saw the front end styling revised with the new wider BMW kidney grille, and a number of feature upgrades, but the big news of 1992 came later in the year with the introduction of the VANOS variable valve timing engine which improved the performance of the 520i.AT THE WHEELThe performance of the 520i is brisk without being breathtaking. If you’re prepared to allow it to rev you will be rewarded by the sweet sound of BMW’s smooth six, and acceptable performance.Around town it’s quite happy to keep up with traffic away from the lights, but it’s better suited to rolling along at a smooth and steady pace. If you drive it that way you will regularly return fuel consumption of 10.5 to 11.0 L/100km.On the highway you notice its passing performance is a little lacking which makes it important to plan your move. But sitting on the highway speed limit, the cruise control engaged, it will return fuel consumption figures of 7-7.5 L/100km.The ride is superbly supple, without compromising the handling in the slightest, which is precise and responsive. A minor criticism relates to the steering, which is a little vague on centre.Inside it’s tranquil with little wind or road noise, just the smooth sound of the six-cylinder engine as the revs rise.IN THE SHOPBuying any car that’s 10 or more years old requires care and attention to detail. When that car is a complex prestige car like the BMW it requires even more caution, because they are often in the hands of second and third generation owners who sometimes can’t afford the level of servicing that they need to keep them running at their best.Before you do anything else head straight to the glove box in search of the service book. If it doesn’t have one, walk away. If it does check the service record to confirm the mileage shown on the odometer and to check that if has been regularly serviced by a BMW expert.The 5-Series requires regular servicing, and it can be quite expensive, particularly when done at a BMW dealer. There are a number of independent BMW service specialists who will follow the factory service schedule at a much more affordable price, but you need to check the credentials of any non-factory service agent before giving them your car.When inspecting a car for possible purchase give it a thorough body check, looking for signs of accident damage and poor subsequent repairs. Look for colour mismatches between panels, poorly fitting panels, sloppy doors that don’t close smoothly and solidly.Check door openings, particularly looking for wear in door hinges and check links, and damage to seals.Also inspect the lower sections of the doors for rust, looking closely around the seals for telltale signs of the dreaded tin worm.Inside, look for heavily worn carpet under the driver’s feet, and on the footrest. Inspect front seats for heavy wear on the outer bolsters, and splits in the cushions. Some distortion of the crash pad through exposure to the sun is not unusual, but walk away if the crash pad is cracked or split. Generally the BMW interior trim stands up very well.Mechanically the BMW is generally reliable. Check the engine for accumulation of sludge, which might indicate a lack of servicing. Be wary of any engine if you find sludge under the oil filler, a rebuild might be just around the corner.Radiators are known to develop leaks and can lead to major problems with the cylinder head if not attended to quickly.Look for non-genuine parts, which can indicate an owner who can’t afford the upkeep on a prestige car. Aftermarket shock absorbers, brake components, exhausts and tyres might be cheaper but often rob the 5-Series of its best performance and often don’t have the ultimate service life of the genuine factory parts.LOOK FOR• tight body even at high mileage.• modest, but super smooth, performance.• exceptional fuel consumption, particularly on the highway.• roomy interior with accommodation for five.• well equipped with lots of features.• sporty handling and comfortable ride.• BMW prestige

Graham Smith reviews the BMW 5 Series from 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 as a used buy.

Ewan Kennedy road tests and reviews the 2000, 2003, 2010 and 2015 BMW 5 Series sedan and wagon as a used buy.