- Newsletter
You have saved this page | See all saved pages
Have You Considered...
1990 BMW 5 Series Consumer Discussions
View photos
All BMW 5 Series Models
Used TMV from $1,102
BMW Driving Experience
-
Re: GM UAW Contract [dieselone]
RB, very nice car. The first BMW I ever got behind the wheel of was a 1990 318i which a older friend of mine bought new a year or so out of college. Wow, that car blew me a away. Having mainly driven domestics I'd never experienced a car that performed so effortlessly. It's something that's hard to describe, but the feel of the car was like nothing that I was ... Read More
-
Re: GM UAW Contract [roadburner]
RB, very nice car. The first BMW I ever got behind the wheel of was a 1990 318i which a older friend of mine bought new a year or so out of college. Wow, that car blew me a away. Having mainly driven domestics I'd never experienced a car that performed so effortlessly. It's something that's hard to describe, but the feel of the car was like nothing that I was ... Read More
BMW 5 Series - Battery Problem
-
Re: BMW 5 series battry issue [professor6]
Greetings Re: BMW 5 series battery issue [professor6] I've read through most of the thread on your electrical problem but one thing is not clear to me. Are you talking about the interior ventilation fan or the engine cooling fans? To the point, the engine cooling fans are thermostat activated and will run if the sensors say the motor/water temperature is to high. Many good ideas posted here but one that ... Read More
BMW European Delivery
-
It's funny shipo
for 7 years and over 135,000 miles my Mom drove a 1990 Mercedes-Benz 300E with RWD (no traction or stability control) and snow tires (during the winter). During the '90's we had some pretty nasty winters here in the suburbs of NYC (part of which fueled the SUV craze). My parents sold the 300E and leased one of the first 1998 CLK 320s (RWD) for four years. The winters got milder ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Maintenance and Repair
-
Re: 1990 BMW 535i, Battery/Fuse Trouble? [bgdell1]
I think you have bad battery cable connections/corrosion/tightness or funky jumper cables.
-
1990 BMW 535i, Battery/Fuse Trouble?
Was jump starting a vehicle with my car and it suddenly died. Went to go restart and it won't turn over at all but when I turn the key the hazards and interior lights flash on and off many times and I hear a clicking as if a switch under rear seat is clicking on and off. Any ideas what the problem may be
Luxury Performance Sedans
-
Re: Best LPS to buy and hold on to? [og_oggilby]
I am hoping to buy and keep my next car for as many miles as I can - over 200k or more if possible. I am not a high mileage driver (12k a year at most) Honestly, I think what you are suggesting is prescription for disaster. The average 1990 200K mile BMW 5 may still start when you turn the key, but today's 5 is about a million times more ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Sedans
-
Red Rear Turn Signal Light??
Presently, almost all countries outside North America require that all front, side and rear turn signals produce amber light. In North America the rear signals may be amber or red. International proponents of amber rear signals say they are more easily discernible as turn signals, and US studies in the early 1990s demonstrated improvements in the speed and accuracy of following drivers' reaction to brake lamps when the turn signals were ... Read More
Buying a used 5 Series
-
Re: What nice, high performance beemer to buy? [joyrider147]
1. Beemers= BMW Motorcycles Bimmers= BMW Automobiles 2.I'm leaning towards the 530i since it has less drawbacks, but should I go for it since 530i stick shifts are rare? Read this before you look at any early M60 powered BMWs. 3. Or should I do a tranny swap out and end up with all advantages and no drawbacks? Converting a post-1990 BMW to a manual transmission is often MUCH more trouble ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Sedans
-
sdg380 and e500
All of the e500's have the suspension that has the three settings.There is luxury,mid, and sport. The sport is sporty but is not harsh like my 3sport and the luxury setting is very smooth but controlled. It has air shocks which allow the adjustments.The air shocks while smooth in all settings seem a little isolated. I think I might prefer the spring shocks for feel.Yes, the 7 speed auto transmission is ... Read More
-
Re: Which BMW to have? [andys120]
"Do your homework Joyrider, the 530i is not a V8, it is a straight six. 530is w stick shifts aren't rare." Sorry dude, but I have to say this, maybe you should be the one to do the homework. ;-) During the mid 1990s, BMW's 530i WAS a V8 and not an I6. To the best of my knowlsdge, the first I6 530i was produced in 2001. Best Regards, Shipo
-
Which BMW to have?
Before asking my big question, I need to get this off my chest and just wondering: WHY DO MANY CAR MANUFACTURERS MAKE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CARS THAT SUCK, BREAK DOWN QUICKLY, AND BURN GAS RAPIDLY BUT THEY RARELY MAKE NICE STICK SHIFT CARS THAT GO FAST, LAST LONGER, AND ARE MORE FUEL EFFICIENT? I was looking at several cars available; a 1993 325is Stick Shift Coupe, a 1995 740i or a 1990 ... Read More
Buying a used 5 Series
-
What nice, high performance beemer to buy?
Before asking my big question, I need to get this off my chest and just wondering: WHY DO MANY CAR MANUFACTURERS MAKE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION CARS THAT SUCK, BREAK DOWN QUICKLY, AND BURN GAS RAPIDLY BUT THEY RARELY MAKE NICE STICK SHIFT CARS THAT GO FAST, LAST LONGER, AND ARE MORE FUEL EFFICIENT? I was looking at several cars available; a 1993 325is Stick Shift Coupe, a 1995 740i or a 1990 ... Read More
BMW History and Engine Technology
-
Re: BMW 2.5 V6 [pearl]
IIRC, BMW built some wonderful 3.4 and 3.5 liter I6s back in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Yes, no? Best Regards, Shipo
BMW 5-Series Engine Questions
-
Re: Has anyone had engine problems with their 2007 525 or 530? [shipo]
In the mid 1990s BMW released their first V8 engine... BMW just got a V8 in the mid 90s??? I did not know that. That kind of makes me want to rethink wanting a 550i. :(
-
Re: Has anyone had engine problems with their 2007 525 or 530? [cls1949]
In the mid 1990s BMW released their first V8 engine (in both the "7" and the "5"), first in Europe, where it was proven to be very reliable, and then here in North America. Funny thing, those engines started dropping like flies once here on our side of the pond. The problem (as I understand it) was traced to the fact that our fuel has (errr, had) far more sulfur, and ... Read More
Luxury Performance Sedans
-
Re: VW and Audi [lansdownemike]
"facile comparisons of "the Germans" or "the Japanese" just don't hold any more. As you note, Audi is very well represented among the "highly recommended" (good drivers, reliable, good crash tests), and not a single MB is even "recommended." I resents the allegation and I resents the allegator -- seriously, though, I don't think that referencing places where CR or JDP suggest that readers should expect better reliability from Japanese cars ... Read More
-
VW and Audi
"VW had the cars, but they went on a buying spree, decided they wanted a piece of the S class, and left them on the market for a decade." Lexusguy, I agree. Former CEO Ferdinand Piech steered Volkswagen off course in the 1990s by trying to take the VW brand upmarket to challenge Mercedes. At the same time, as Business Week put it, "he took his eye off the company's core ... Read More
-
Re: Car People [pat]
Selling England by the Pound -- Genesis. You win the cupie doll, Pat! Here in Cincinnati, the new generation of BMW's with that spanky new "35" twin turbo engine are rolling out -- at this point, the 335 sedan and coupes are RWD, but already the 328 is offered with AWD and next year the X drive option will be added for about $1900. It promises to be a brisk seller. ... Read More
-
BMW rear-end
Beauty must really be in the eye of the beholder. Personally, I have found the rear-end designs of the 3 and 5 series, during the 1990s and up to 2004, to be both simple and visually compelling. In addition, my take is that it has been widely copied, including by Hyundai. BMW shouldn't treat it as off-limits because it's now found on many other cars. If those photos predict what the ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Maintenance and Repair
-
Re: 1990 525I slow up take and hesitation [batmansbuddy]
I'd inspect ALL the ignition components and I would also inspect all of the vacuum and intake hoses for any cracks or leaks. A shop can measure the fuel system pressure to see if it is within BMW specs.
Luxury Performance Sedans
-
Re: I agree with that... [kyfdx]
That tallies with my experience pricing BMWs. I never found the cost of a BMW I was considering to be, in the end, a deterrent to buying or leasing it, when compared to 3-series or 5-series competitors I was considering alongside the comparable BMW. On the other hand, I have not always found BMW to be the most appealing (cost aside) choice. Sometimes, the discussion can take an implicit turn and ... Read More
-
Re: BMW leases [sfcharlie]
I might be odd-person-out in this round of LPS discussion, but the BMW 530i was not a serious contender for my 2006 purchase. I loved both the 3-series and 5-series throughout the 1990s, but feel nothing when looking at or sitting in the new models. I'm with you, at least in regards to the 5 series. It may be more efficient than the M, and it may outperform it. However, I ... Read More
-
BMW leases
I might be odd-person-out in this round of LPS discussion, but the BMW 530i was not a serious contender for my 2006 purchase. I loved both the 3-series and 5-series throughout the 1990s, but feel nothing when looking at or sitting in the new models. Of course, that has nothing to do with anyone's buying decision, except mine. If, however, I was buying a BMW, I (again, just me) would not ... Read More
FWD, AWD, RWD and the Luxury Performance Sedans
-
FWD, RWD, AWD in older cars
I have a related question, but with respect to older cars. Context: I already have a nice 'summer' car, a RWD convertible. However, I live in a hilly part of NJ where we do have ~15 days/year with snowy/icy conditions in the winter. I need a car to drive ~6k miles/year including through the winter, and am considering a used car from mid-1990's. Many cars of the vintage I am considering ... Read More
Buying a used 5 Series
-
Vintage 5 Series Purchase Options
I am looking at 3 different older 5 Series cars to purchase and would like some wisdom to narrow it down (& negotiating info). Mileage is approx. & price is asking. 1988 535iT, $3,500, 80k on new eng/trans 1990 535i, $2,500, 207k 1991 525i, $4,500, 120k plus The 88 & 91 both come from an auto shop specializing in BMW repairs/restoration and so will be thoroughly tuned in and out with ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Sedans
-
Re: Troll Central??? [booyahcramer]
Dude, it's always a good idea to make sure the brain is in gear before engaging the mouth (or the fingers in this case). First off, for whatever reason, BMWs have historically been much faster than the numbers on paper would otherwise indicate. Like it or don't. Second, the 530i has 255 hp, not 220. In fact, I cannot remember a 530i model ever having 220 hp. Maybe the old V8 ... Read More
-
Re: BMW 5 Series - what year to buy? [shipo]
My three favorite 5er "Street Eliminator" Stories: 1. 1988: Redneck in an early 80's Z28 tries to keep up with my 1973 Bavaria 3.0(the 5er's direct ancestor); I hammer him in the twisties but when the road straightens out he really puts his foot into it to catch me. Problem is, I know the road has two huge frost heaves located @500' from the last corner. Apparently he doesn't. My Bavaria ... Read More
-
Re: Huh? [sorter]
Tell the truth, English isn't your first language. Right? I'm baffled by your post. BMWs recent engines (say since the late 1990s) have proven to be some of the most efficient ever made at any given power rating. Take both of their recent 3.0 liter I6 engines as an example. If you compare the 330i against say the G35, the 330i is more than a match for the G35 around a ... Read More
Luxury Performance Sedans
-
Re: Used BMW long term test [markcincinnati]
Back in the days when only academics had Internet access & "going online" required a subscription to 1 of the proprietary services, like GEnie or Prodigy, the sysop of CompuServe's personal finance forum used to rail against leases & loans. His approach to car acquisition: only drive what you can afford to pay cash for, don't buy new & don't spend more than $15K or $16K, even if you can afford ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Maintenance and Repair
-
Re: BMW Manual Transmission?? [Mr_Shiftright]
did this job on a 1990 Saab and it cost over $3,000, and that car would be easy compared to yours. Aw cmon, it's gotta be cheaper to repair/replace the tranny on a RWD car than on one that transmits power thru a transaxle to the front wheels.
-
Re: BMW Manual Transmission?? [joyrider147]
I did this job on a 1990 Saab and it cost over $3,000, and that car would be easy compared to yours.
-
Re: BMW Manual Transmission?? [joyrider147]
RealOEM.com 1990 525i manual transmission That is a transmission right from BMW that'll have a warranty and everything.... I'm sure you can find a used one from a junkyard or online or something for much cheaper. That choice is up to you. Regardless, I believe a transmission replacement is something like a 8-9 hour job and most BMW Centers charge around $100/hour. Of course, I might be a little off there, ... Read More
-
BMW Manual Transmission??
the BMW 5 series I'm looking to change into a manual is a 1990 525i. I did some research and I found most of the parts I may need and they total around $1,000.00. Since it is a 1990, how much do you figure it would cost since the car is simpler and the new cars may cost upwards of $10,000; pre-owned models might be $4 or 5,000; would a 1990 ... Read More
Luxury Performance Sedans
-
Audi and VW
1) Will this nightmarish organization called VW have no negative effect whatsoever on the future of Audi? It appears VW may try again in selling premium luxury cars like the Phaeton. IMO GM's Roger Smith looks like a genius when compared to Piech. VW's highest wages, lowest productivity and the least reliable autos in the industry are the least of VW's worries when compared to having such an incompetent chairman as ... Read More
-
Re: Fast and loose with the facts? [bartalk3]
I agree there is a value (your value) not the market value mind you, but there is a value that can be placed on pride of ownership. I have washed, waxed, dressed the tires, etc, my leased cars and for the 30 - 36 months have a great sense of Pride of Ownership. The house car satisfaction is somewhat of an argument that must be based on an assumption that is ... Read More
-
LPS cars, LPS houses, LPS lives. . .
. . .hmmm, let's see, we live in upper and upper middle class urbania or sububurbia; we have decent incomes and we drive cars that cost from $45 to $65 thousand dollars. I'll bet we have serious life insurance policies, even if our houses are paid for. I'll be we have serious "home owner" insurance policies with multi-million dollar liability (umbrella) riders. I'll bet we bundle our car and homeowner's insurance ... Read More
-
Re: There's always some way to rig the results. . . [markcincinnati]
I have to believe that the Cadi/BMW comparison was a fair comparison of a “sport” equipped Cadi vs. a standard 530i. I have driven all of the cars covered in this forum (multiple times) in an (as yet unsuccessful) attempt to find one that I wanted to buy. I always use a base comparison car when I do this so that I have a common frame of reference. Although I am ... Read More
-
Re: "There's no replacement for displacement. . .er, check that. . ." [lexusguy]
I agree with your post and the facts, myths and truths it represents. Where else, however, but "at the top" will diesels be able to be widely accepted which would make a dent in our consumption AND cost. When the Audi A8 and BMW 7 with their porkiness are able to go 35 miles on a gallon of diesel, wonder what would happen to A6's, 5s and ultimately the Chrylser 300, ... Read More
-
New meat
I did not expect to be in the market for a new LPS. I was driving to meet someone for dinner in my 2001 BMW 540i, a great car, when I had to lock up the brakes to avoid hitting a car that pulled out in front of me. The guy behind me in a 1990 Caravan did not have the same stopping power and totaled my car. I live in ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Sedans
-
Update...
Just had H&R sport springs installed.. and what a difference. They made my 2004 525 handle about 90% of a sport packaged BMW. Of course I will NEVER order a BMW without the sport package again. I was trying to keep my cost down when I ordered the car back in 12/2004 ( I traded a 2000 323 with sports/premium) . However the lesson is : if you want a BMW ... Read More
Luxury Performance Sedans
-
Re: The Invisible Luxury Performance Car [bartalk3]
I'm sure the STS is a great car and from what I've read it is competitive with the Japanese and European competition. But you know what Cadillac's problem is? They thought they could just wake up one morning and charge the same prices that Lexus, Mercedes and BMW do. A new STS comes out and all of a sudden it can cost in the mid $60K range. The previous STS probably ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Maintenance and Repair
-
New Car Buyer - Help soon
Hey everyone. I am in the market for a new car. My choices are Nissan Armada, Inifiniti QX56, and BMW 545i. All cars loaded. I am leaning towards the Armada and QX. I got one dealer to get the price of the 2005 QX down to $50997 (LOADED). I test drove the 545i yesterday, and it was beautiful. I did not want to get out of the car. Problem is, the ... Read More
Luxury Performance Sedans
-
scottjohnson
I don't think Lexusguy is saying that the RL is poor value against the European cars. However when you look at the GS430 and M45 which are V8 cars that start around 50K the underperforming RL starts to look like a poor value indeed. Even the European cars like the 530i, E350 and A6 3.2 aren't more than 5-8K more expensive and to some buying in this class that isn't much ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Maintenance and Repair
-
designman
As you know, the 6ers have heavily contoured rear seats that look as if they were lifted straight from a Gemini Command Module. Our first-and only-child came along and it was a royal hassle to try and fit a rear-facing child seat into the back seat. I decided to find an E28 M5 and put the M6 up for sale. It sold two days after the ad in the chapter newsletter ... Read More
-
Gotta Do Your Homework
erice... Ya gotta crack open the books. Surf the web. Do some research. "A"= automatic. Just an informal designator used by many to separate out manuals from automatics. Equipment on Sport Pkg changed from year to year. Seemed like it was a bit more comprehensive in the last couple years of the E39 (say MYs 2002 and 2003) than before. Included things like upgraded tires and alloy wheels, suspension mods, Sport ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Prices Paid and Buying Experience
-
E34 vs E39 vs E60
erice... You really need to do your own detailed homework. Seems like you aren't up to speed on much. And that is most dangerous!!! These are expensive cars to own and maintain. Only someone who knows their stuff and knows they have a great independent mechanic who specializes in BMWs need play in this field. Not sure exactly what you mean regarding the steering. For example, in the E39 platform, the ... Read More
-
Used 540i
You should check out the Tech Q&A section of Roundel (BMW CCA) and Bimmer magazines for the past couple years. Mike Miller has written extensively about the long-term reliability and service needs of the 1990 V8s in both E34 and E39 platforms. I certainly wouldn't consider buying one unless I had all the service records and those records show the owner knew about proper maintenance. I wouldn't consider buying an E39 ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Sedans
-
Past, Present and Future
div2... I concur, though my BMW-lust arose in late 1970s when I was in high school. Is a shame that BMW won't bring the 120i over, though I wonder if a 120ia will be too underpowered, like the 318i Compact was in the mid-1990s. (Remember test driving one with wife, who can only drive automatics. No power at all.) The gadgetry (and resulting issues with reliability and longevity) really are off ... Read More
Good, Bad or Ugly - Current and Future styling trends of BMW
-
Sales
tlcman... BMW's management has been obsessed with sales for many, many years. They have long believed that a modern car company has to reach a certain size in order to survive. Manufacturing economies of scale, market presence, R&D, etc. That was a huge reason they ended up with the Rover debacle. BMW wanted to use Rover to be their "mass market" brand/marque. Is one reason why BMW kept MINI (and is ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Maintenance and Repair
-
duracellguy
Unless I'm mistaken, your E60 530i has the same oil change schedule as my E39 530i, which is not 10,000 miles but 15,000. Regarding whether the standard interval is acceptable, consider the following re-post of a post I made some time back: I have posted my views on the oil change schedule on BMW’s latest batch of engines here a few times over the last five years or so, however, I ... Read More
-
nobmw
First off, I wouldn't confuse a low-ball dealer trade-in number with what your car is really worth. As far as I can tell, there are no 1995 525i vehicles anywhere in the country worth only $2,200. That is, unless the car is thoroughly thrashed and bashed. Assuming that your car had decent paint it should be worth around $7,000 as a trade-in, and maybe as much as $10,000 if you sold ... Read More
Luxury Performance Sedans
-
no title
That may be true also, but you have to remember they'd been doing things the same way for years and years and probably took some time to adjust and/or make changes in their pricing structure. All of this is just speculation anyway. I'd really like to hear from someone that worked at MB or BMW from 1990-1995 or so. M
-
no title
There has been a lot written and said about MB's position on Toyota entering the luxury car market. Some say that Mercedes-Benz was scared to death and thus responded just 2 years later with their first-ever V8 powered E-Class, the 400E. They did respond a year before BMW did with their V8 powered 540i. Neither BMW or Mercedes was in a position to offer their full size cars with a V8 ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Sedans
-
Steering 2004 530ia
One week ago (4/24/04) I took delivery of a new 2004 530i, with premium pkg., steptronic, and a few other extras. I DID NOT get the sport pkg. because I did not like "active steering". Well, I LOVE my new bimmer with one exception. At highway speeds (60-80 mph and higher) the steering seems too responsive. It requires frequent steering wheel inputs from me, and I am not accustomed to this ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Wagon 2004 Redesign
-
E60
Saw one in the flesh on connection at Oslo/Norway airport. The E60 530i was on display inside the departure lounge. Doors were locked but I did spent a few minutes 'evaluating' the exterior from various angles. First off: it looks better in person, really. It has the same visual impacts on me as when I first saw the E39/1997 model and back then I was driving a 1990 535i - progressively ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Sedans
-
Infiniti M45 Following Footsteps of Infiniti M30?
designman... Concur with Habitat1's insightful comments. You might read the reviews on the M45 by various automobile magazines. The reviews were lukewarm at best. The M45 just doesn't work well as a total package. No overall synergy between engine, transmission, steering, braking, tires, and chassis. Synergy is key to BMW's success. Driving experience more than the sum of just some nice parts. M45 essentially a cut-and-paste job taking an odd Japanese-market ... Read More
-
Dealers vs Non-Dealers - Another View...
Prior to 1998 all of my cars were purchased used out of warranty. Between 1990 and 1998, I owned an '87 BMW 325e and then a '91 535i. Both vehicles spent time at dealers and private mechanics. I had great success in both instances, but these cars were relatively unsophisticated (i.e., tried and true 12v in-line sixes and limited onboard electrical gimmics). That said, my last two cars have been brand ... Read More
Good, Bad or Ugly - Current and Future styling trends of BMW
-
3 Series
indiana97... If you like introduction and production data, check out Jeremy Walton's book, BMW 3 Series Enthusiast's Companion (Bentley Publishers, 2001). Per it, the first 3 Series (E21) was "announced in the first week of July 1975 to the German press and European LHD markets, the 3 Series was also sold in RHD...in Britain in Autumn, 1975.... On sale in US starting November 1976 [320i MY 1977]." The E30 3 Series ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Sedans
-
Dinan and AC Schnitzer M5 Upgrades
I read in an article that the new M5 has throttle bodies for each of the 8 cylinders and they made them larger, as well as add 30,000 in upgrades so now its an 105,000 luxury car with the speed of a rocket. I'd like to know if the 1990-93 M5 has the same upgrades available through Dinan or AC Schnitzer and would the 1991 version have those throttle bodies for ... Read More
-
BMW Buys ATs, Designs Own Electronic Controls
diver110... Someone here probably knows. I don't. I'm thinking it was sometime in late 1990s. Say around '97-'99. I'm not a fan of automatic transmissions so I don't pay too much attention to them. Do keep in mind that BMW buys automatic transmissions from others. Believe many are now GM's built in France. Thinking others are ZFs. Heart of BMW's Steptronic is the internal electronic "brains" that control the shifting. Others ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Wagon 2004 Redesign
-
Looks vs Performance
Like I said in an earlier post, it took me a while to adjust to the 1997 5 when it debuted. I was in my 1990 5 and have grown to love its look. But the reason I bought the 1990 5 was performance(esp handling). There were other cars(e.g. Mercedes) that look better but since I was the one doing the driving, performance was more important. In my opinion, my 1990 ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Sedans
-
BMW 535i
The first BMW I ever drove was a 1990 535i 5 speed manual. I got to drive one from Baltimore to Richmond as part of a dealer exchange. Excellent car. So easy to drive. I looked down at the speedo and was shocked to see just how fast I was driving. The E34 535i is in my opinion one of the best cars BMW has made. Near-perfect size, inside and out, ... Read More
-
no title
I am 100% sure there was no E34 535is. It had to have been a gray market car. The first day I worked in a BMW dealership(summer of 1990), we had a Z1 in the shop. The owner was a shipping magnate, who could get an exemption for a year at a time. Very striking car, Hunter green with an almost lemon yellow interior. The Z1 wasn't imported because it couldn't ... Read More
Good, Bad or Ugly - Current and Future styling trends of BMW
-
Sales and Styling Leadership
carguy58... 745i sales rose over 740i. You don't think the new Nissan Maxima isn't radical styling? Or the Mazda RX8? Or that the New Beetle wasn't a radical departure from where VW had been in the early 1990s? Or that the new Infiniti G35 hardly looks like its sister I35 or G20? Or that the G35 coupe breaks new ground for Infiniti styling? Or just compare the Cadillac CTS to the ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Wagon 2004 Redesign
-
karmikan/ateixeira
I guess that only time will tell if Bangle is setting a trend that will seem obvious in the future or if he is creating a family of Azteks. Please don't mention Azteks and BMWs in the same sentence ;-) The Azteks are ugly from any and all angles. There is absolutely zero redeeming value, IMO. Wait, I take that back. If an Aztek rolls over, you can use it as ... Read More
-
no title
6_speed: you really think so? BMW has been almost universally criticized for the "same sausage, different length" styling. That's probably why Chris Bangle is trying so hard. The 7 looks different, but once the 5 is out they'll still have similar styling, and probably the next 3 when that comes. I can see that he's trying to add some character back (by the way, your 1990 5 gets an A+ from ... Read More
-
new here
Perhaps a new blood to this group will help... I didn't like the new 7 when it first came out. Today, I'm OK with it but a 7 is not in my list, not because it's ugly but because it's too big. I had a 1990 5 and when the 1997 5 came out, I was a little disappointed. It's not as if I had some other design/body-style in mind but ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Sedans
-
Diesels
I would like to add my voice in support of a 330d and/or 530d. The last Mercedes E300TD (1999) available in the US was very impressive. Acceleration equal to my old 1984 Toyota Supra and 34+ mpg on the highway. A business associate has one and has been offered in excess of $30k by the dealer to sell it back to them (i.e. not a trade, they would give her even ... Read More
-
Thx, Riez/G****. . .
for your comments. I completely agree that cars were easier to maintain and/or live with into the six-digit range prior to 1990 or thereabouts. I've followed your experience with your 540 with considerable interest and hope that you continue to enjoy it. Where it sings is in its home -- try to get to Germany and drive the autobahns. They're crowded now, and getting worse, but there are still stretches that ... Read More
-
Engine Replacements
habitat1... Aren't the mid-1990 V-8 engine replacements normally tied to the Nikelsil (sp?) debacle? Didn't BMW use a new alloy in these blocks which then didn't last? Was it something tied to high sulphur in American fuel?
BMW 5-Series Maintenance and Repair
-
Extended Warranties
darkblue... Keep in mind that extended warranties are warranties that cover beyond the initial period offered by the original manufacturer's new car bumper-to-bumper warranty. Yes, there are two kinds. One by the original manufacturer (see all the CPO programs from BMW, Lexus, MB, Ford, GM, etc.) and others by 3rd parties not affiliated with the manufacturer. The warranties differ on coverage periods and coverage details. They are essentially insurance policies. Some ... Read More
BMW 5-Series Sedans
-
Weight
snagiel... Completely concur. BMW needs to be worrying more about eliminating weight and reducing complexity. Who needs bloat and overengineering? Light weight and simplicity have certain inherent advantages. The new Z4 makes me appreciate how wonderful the original MX-5 Miata was in 1990. If trends continue, wondering if BMW won't be moving itself out of the luxury sport market it dominates and into MB's and Jag's sport luxury market? Give me ... Read More
-
Have Good Independent Mechanic Familiar w/BMWs Inspect
gchua... Is worth it to spend a little bit of money to have a good BMW-familiar mechanic inspect the cars. Key things to look at include engine, drivetrain, and transmission, not to mention steering and suspension. Plus do some research on 530i V-8 reliability. From what I've read, there were some problems with these early 1990 small V-8s. That is why they didn't sell the 3.0L V-8 for long. The M60 ... Read More
-
Snagiel
Don't give up hope yet, according to a study I read somewhere, the number of cars sold with a manual transmission in 2001 actually went up to over 10% in the U.S. for the first time since the late 1980s or early 1990s. I have always maintained that given the "Keep up with the Joneses" mentality here in the U.S. that there was only one sure fire way of making folks ... Read More
-
Need Expert Opinions......First Time BMW Buyers
We are very close to purchasing a 530i with PP, Upgraded Stereo and Steptronic. Have heard here (post #2379) that BMW has had problems with the life of auto trans in the 1990s. Does anyone know if there have been any problems with steptronic? In Cars.com article on 2001 525, it says that the shifter is licensed from Porsche. And in Nov. 2001 Consumer Reports reviewing 530i it says the steptronic ... Read More
-
Winter Driving in NJ
This sounds like a job for...Shipo. AWD vs RWD...first thing you need to know is that AWD helps you start, but does nothing but add weight which will decrease your stopping distance. The 5 series is one of the safest cars on the road. 95% of the driving conditions can be handled fine if you have All Season Tires (Standard on non Sport Package equipped cars) by the traction control and ... Read More
-
Used '94 540i
poyote... Didn't pull any reference material so I can't remember if the '94 540i came in both automatic and manual. Are you talking about a 540iA? Automatic tranny life has been an issue with BMWs in 1990s. Do you have access to complete service records? Have you run a CarFax report to get vehicle history data? If not, this is a must! Do you know the former owner(s)? Talk to them, ... Read More
-
Teo - thanks for the link, but..
..the new 5 look just doesn't do it for me. Looks like a cross between an 1990 5-series and 1990 7-series. Very bulky looking. I often wondered how BMW could improve the exterior styling of the current 5. If this is it, they didn't. Albeit I am a loyal BMW fan, I find the new E-class to be much better looking. Mercedes is going in the right direction, BMW is regressing, ... Read More
BMW Owners Meet the Members
-
I don't know
For me the 318 was just a little too under powered. 130 stock hp is not enough for that heavy of a vehicle. A 318ti might be a better choice, but if you need 4 doors, then you might want to step up to a 323 or 325. Obi 1990 BMW M3 Alpinweiss II
BMW 5-Series Sedans
-
535i battery question
I recently purchased a 1990 535i. According to the vehicle history at the local dealer, the battery was replaced one year ago with the standard BMW battery. I left the car parked for 10 days and the battery was completely drained. Took 2 days on a trickle charger to get it back up. The dealer said this is normal, as these cars have to be run at least every 5 days ... Read More
BMW Owners Meet the Members
-
Geez!
Leave for one second here, and everyone posts messages! Still love my 90 M3! This car always puts a smile on my face when driving. I always worry that I am being too hard on my engine, but it just loves to sing at the high rpm's! :) And handling? Do you even need to ask? =) Obi 1990 BMW M3 Alpinweiss II
BMW 5-Series Sedans
-
Looking to buy 90 525i
I am looking at a 1990 white 525i loaded. Clean. about 130,000 miles. Asking $6995. How are BMW's when it comes to longevity and breakdowns? Is this a good deal. I don't know much about BMW's. Can I expect to get some more good mileage out of this car? Any experience from other owners would be greatly appreciated.
BMW Owners Meet the Members
-
Aw Man!
C'mon! Ok, ok...you don't have to sell the M6, but can I pleaaaaaaaase take it for a test drive! :) Obi 1990 BMW M3 Alpinweiss
-
Hello all!
My name is Steve (but just call me Obi!), and I own a 1990 BMW M3. It is all stock (I have yet to do upgrades.) and only has 20,700 miles on it. It is BY FAR the coolest car I have ever owned. It is Alpinweiss II with Nuetral Leather interior. Good to be here!
Research Models
Advertisement
Advertisement
Tips and Advice
Advertisement
Advertisement
Recently Viewed
Select your vehicles
