BMW 5-Series (1988 – 1996) Review

BMW 5-Series (1988 – 1996) At A Glance

Good to drive, roomy, great value at current prices

Not really seen as classic cars yet despite their age

Ask Honest John

Why is the gear selector on my 1991 BMW 525 very stiff?

"I recently wrote to you about problems with a 1991 BMW 525 SE automatic. After a very robust drive in a hilly domain the selector of the gearbox selector was very stiff but when being driven normally it's okay. I had the oil topped up and the gearbox seems fine, so I suspect it's the selector. I am not sure whateher the selector is mechanical or electrical? "

It could be that the cable to the selector needs a liberal dose of penetrating fluid (such as WD40). This may not work at first and could take several applications before you start to see results as the more exposed are of the cable can get very gunked up.

Answered by Keith Moody

The automatic gearbox on my 1991 BMW became very stiff - what's wrong?

"I have a 1991 BMW 525i in very good condition, it has covered 135k mile since new and has never given a problem. I drove it robustly the other day in very hilly terrain so the auto gearbox was working hard. When I completed the journey the gearbox selector was extremely stiff and difficult to move. When the car cooled down, it was normal again. I have asked my garage to top up the automatic fluid in the gearbox which was last done about seven years ago as it is not part of the servicing routine. It took between two and three litres. Should I watch for any thing else? "

I'd suggest you look for a leak from the automatic box as total capacity for these units is around four litres. Was the 'box hanging on to gears? It sounds like the transmission may have gotten very hot during your journey and vented fluid.

Answered by Keith Moody

More Questions

BMW 5-Series (1988 – 1996) Buying Guide

What's Good

• A very good looking car when launched. Replaced square rigged E28 model. Decent quality. Good looks. Good ride and handling. 15' 6" long by 5' 9" wide; weighs 1,330kg to 1,530kg.
• Originally offered with 115bhp 1.8 four, 129bhp single cam 2.0 M20 six, 170bhp single cam 2.5 M30 six, 188bhp single cam 3.0 M30 six or 211bhp 3.4 single cam E28 six.
• Important engine changes in 1990 when M50 twin chain cam iron block sixes replaced old single cammers: 520i got 150bhp, 525i got 192bhp and 5-speed autoboxes. 3.0 and 3.5 gradually dropped. 315bhp 3,535cc twin chain cam S38 M5 six from 1989. E34 5-Series did not get the sometimes troublesome M52 alloy block six.
• Touring model is a practical estate car. IX denoted four wheel drive.
• 218bhp M60 530iV8 and 286bhp M60 540iV8 from Jan 1993 with optional six speed manual box from May 1994. 340bhp 3.8 litre S38 B39 M5 from Jan 1993 the top performer.
• 115bhp TD and 143bhp TDS iron block M51 2.5 litre diesels introduced July 1993.

What's Bad

• Premature bore wear in 'M60' 530i and 540i V8s from 1993 on.
• Low inertia 4-cylinder 518i OK in town, but not strong enough for heavy motorway use and can wear rapidly.
• Old single cam 520i and 525i need regular timing belt replacement.
• 5-speed auto not liked by autobox specialists.
• From April 2002 BMW started to phase out production of official replacement parts for cars over 10 years old.
• Wear in rear suspension bushes can cause wandering. Steering box and links wear.
• N/S wiper arm prone to catching on rear edge of bonnet.

What to Watch Out For

• Electronically 'corrected' odometer/on-board computer (clockers sometimes steal one of the chips). Make sure dash display all functioning, as prone to failure and new printed circuit costs £400.
• Accident damage. Electric window problems. Faked service indicator.
• Whining manual gearbox can last for years but expensive to fix. Slurry autoboxes with neglected ATF and filter changes.
• Accident damage to M5s.
• Earlier model, less powerful, imported LHD M5s.
• Smoke from worn valve stem seals.
• Overheating from cracked cylinder heads on older 6-cylinder 12 valve engines. Cylinder head studs of 12 valve engines can shear.
• 'Problem' M60 V8s.
• Duff catalytic converters.
• Smoking 1.8s (valve stem seals). Noisy 12-valve sixes. Misfires from faulty integrated coil units on later 24v.
• Rear subframe rubbers (MOT failure point - £200 to put right). Damage to front suspension and steering (look for uneven tyre wear).
• Duff ABS.
• Service light indicator can easily be re-set, so a paid invoice is the only guarantee of a recent service. Check tool kit is all there.

Recalls

• 1998: 5s built 1988-Nov '94 recalled to fit new radiator cap.
• 22-12-2006 R/2006/199 BMW E34 Touring steering lock may inadvertently engage build dates 01-11-1995 to 01-11-1996

BMW 525i