1993 BMW 5 Series Consumer Discussions

BMW 5-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Re: remove back seat bmw 525i 1993 [shipo]

  Written by: needle4989 on Sep 26, 2011 3:16:35 PM

  I bought this car on 2001,2002 ? and I heard that everything was original, enen tires. I never changed battery since I bought. recently battery dead. if so, how old this battery? 18-19 years old, is it possible ? I don't know.

• Re: remove back seat bmw 525i 1993 [needle4989]

  Written by: shipo on Sep 26, 2011 2:48:01 PM

  Silly me, I always thought the battery in the 1993 5-Series was in the trunk; shows what I know. :P What makes you think the battery is under the rear seat?

• remove back seat bmw 525i 1993

  Written by: needle4989 on Sep 26, 2011 1:53:16 PM

  How I can remove back seat bmw 525i 1993 ? I have to replace battery which is under back seat.

• Re: remove back seat bmw 525i 1993 [shipo]

  Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Sep 27, 2011 7:26:10 AM

  Lift the rear passenger side seat cushion. Some cars with the "parked car heating" option had another battery in the trunk. An 18 year old battery is unlikely. Usually 5-8 years is about optimum life span. If you can avoid it, don't jump start a 90s 5-series car. Remember, if you remove the battery under the seat, you're going to lose your presets for radio, fault memories, etc. So if your ... Read More

Buying a used 5 Series

• To Buy Or Not To Buy?

  Written by: hpowders on Mar 21, 2008 7:33:12 AM

  That is indeed the question! I leased a 2005 545i back in July 2005 for 3 years and got a great deal: 0.001 (2.4% interest) money factor and a great cap. cost with no money down, 36,000 miles allowed. The car has performed flawlessly-no mechanical or electrical issues. No dings. Looks as good as new. I get an incredible 21 mpg out of the wonderful V8. The vehicle only has 23,000 ... Read More

BMW 5-Series Extended Warranties

• Re: 2001 BWM 530 warranty question [edbarry12]

  Written by: shipo on Mar 1, 2008 12:40:26 PM

  Many folks, myself included, would advise that you simply "self insure" by taking the money that you would otherwise spend on the warranty and set it aside for unscheduled repairs. While you may not make out on any one car, the betting is that over years that you are a car owner, you'll come out well ahead in the end. FWIW, the last car that I bought the "extended warranty" on ... Read More

BMW 5-Series Sedans

• Which BMW to have?

  Written by: joyrider147 on May 14, 2007 2:41:47 PM

  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?

  Written by: joyrider147 on May 11, 2007 7:10:30 PM

  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

Luxury Performance Sedans

• Re: What's up with the Germans and 255 (ish) HP? [610looper]

  Written by: lexusguy on Nov 5, 2006 7:34:45 AM

  I recall when the TL type-S coupe and 4dr arrived, they were supposed to "bring it" to the 3er....even with more power than the 3 then, it still didn't cut it. Hardly. The TL and CL Type S cars had very sloppy handling, lousy brakes, bad interiors, and transmissions that liked to fail. Even the Volvo C70 coupe, which was based on the 850 sedan from around 1993, handled better than ... Read More

BMW 5-Series Sedans

• Re: Questions [dkatl]

  Written by: div2 on Oct 8, 2006 8:06:22 AM

  I'd consider waiting for the 2008 models if the styling were about to change. Does anyone know when the next update is due to occur? With regards to the E60, I'd say that the traditional BMW "Facelift" is due within the next 12-18 months. BMW usually unveils the facelifted model @3 years after the introduction of an all-new platform. The E-Class now has 93,000 miles and feels nearly new--much tighter than ... Read More

Luxury Performance Sedans

• Re: Car People [pat]

  Written by: markcincinnati on Oct 7, 2006 9:56:37 AM

  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

• Re: You may find this of note. . . [dewey]

  Written by: hpowders on Jul 12, 2006 4:44:20 PM

  My experience too is a statistical anomaly, having 3 trouble-free BMW's since 1993. I'm glad there are 2 of us. That should be it. ;) One lunatic on another thread actually called me a liar-that it couldn't possibly be true! Those damn surveys and the auto mags. have little to do with reality. If you believe what you read: the 5 series is terribly ugly, iDrive is incredibly difficult and this ... Read More

• Re: BMW leases [sfcharlie]

  Written by: markcincinnati on Jul 10, 2006 5:17:51 AM

  No doubt ED will appeal to a small % of buyers. But, even though I have not purchased and taken delivery in Europe (Germany in particular), I have been to Germany about 25 times since 1993 and have rented Audis, BMW's and Mercedes (most recently an E Class diesel) and driven from Berlin to Munich to Garmisch to Fussen (sp?) and lots of these km's were on the autobahn and many ... Read More

BMW 5-Series Sedans

• Re: Is quailty still an issue? [hpowders]

  Written by: cmybimmergo on Jun 19, 2006 7:23:36 AM

  I've had 3 BMW's since 1993- 2 325i's and now a fabulous 545. Never any problems. OTOH, you've had three in 13 years, which means you don't keep 'em for much longer than four years. You *might* be ditching them before they hit the mileage at which the infamous problems start. Full disclosure: I bought my 02 530i 5 spd spt with 45,000 miles on it, and I intend to keep ... Read More

• Re: Is quailty still an issue? [springs4]

  Written by: hpowders on Jun 19, 2006 4:33:21 AM

  I've had 3 BMW's since 1993- 2 325i's and now a fabulous 545. Never any problems. Quality has improved. CR has upgraded all BMW's to average from below-average except for mine (545 V-8). I didn't care. Nothing drives like BMW in my price category and I was willing to chance the reliability thing for the incomparable performance. It's all covered under a great 4 year warranty anyway.

Luxury Performance Sedans

• Re: Perhaps I'm an anomaly. . .(rant) [quemfala]

  Written by: hpowders on Jun 12, 2006 4:01:01 PM

  I have had 3 BMW's since 1993. No problems at all. My 3 BMW's have indeed been wonderful. I have never been asked to participate in any JD Power surveys. I am far from alone in having trouble-free experiences. You can believe what you want to believe. Those surveys are a crock,IMO. If BMW's had such terrible problems, why are sales going throught the roof? People aren't stupid. That's why they ... Read More

• Re: BMW & Audi [drtravel]

  Written by: hpowders on Jun 7, 2006 7:02:48 PM

  I have had 3 BMW's since 1993. No problems. I have had the 545 V8 for a year and the car has behaved flawlessly. My own anecdotal experience indicates that either CR is full of crap, or I have been blessed with incredible luck.

BMW 5-Series Maintenance and Repair

• battery

  Written by: gazebro on Apr 15, 2006 2:46:42 PM

  I have a 1993 BMW 525i. I cannot find the battery. Please, HELP anyone! I found both cables but the battery itself is drained. NOT in trunk. The back seat does not lift nor come off, so where is the battery at. It's dead and I need to get the car moving. Thanks!

• Re: Heat and A/C problems with my 1993 525i [gajohnstons]

  Written by: gazebro on Apr 12, 2006 6:46:41 AM

  I own a 1993 BMW also. Do you know where the battery is? Found both cables. Back seat won't go up... Where is that darn thing? HELP! Thanks.

• Zodia

  Written by: zodia on Mar 29, 2006 2:48:20 PM

  I have a 1993 bmw 525i looling to sell . only having one problem , I redone the headliner and ever sence it will not start . So, if your are interested or have some idea on what to do to get it started please e-mail me at zodia_3@hotmail.com

Luxury Performance Sedans

• Re: Hybrid turbo (bio)diesel [dewey]

  Written by: markcincinnati on Mar 28, 2006 10:21:33 AM

  In the mid-nineties, I made my first of what became 6 visits to the Audi factory in Ingolstadt. Two of the 6 visits my wife and I made just as people walking up to the gate and asking if we could come in and go on one of the tours of the facilities. One of these tours we even took although it was completely in German. Our tour guide was bi-lingual ... Read More

BMW 5-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Thurst Arm vs. Support Arm

  Written by: gajohnstons on Mar 11, 2006 9:05:34 AM

  Hi Everyone. I purchased a 1993 BMW 525i in July of 2004. At that time I had a mechanic do about 2103.25 worth of repairs, etc. on the car including replacing a "Support Arm" and "Support Bushings". Last week the car began to rev on its own and I took the car back to the same mechanic who said it was an air intake leak. When I called to get a ... Read More

Luxury Performance Sedans

• Re: They Ain't Gonna Sell [erickpl]

  Written by: hpowders on Feb 9, 2006 10:14:23 AM

  All together since 1993- experiencing continuous BMW leaseship, I have had 12 years, 7 months of completely trouble-free leaseship. ( 2 325i's and now a 545) And the returning experience has been completely tension and hassle free. And I do not believe my experience is the exception to the rule. I'm not that lucky! I do believe anyone out there who is afraid of BMW need worry any more, IMO.

• Re: They Ain't Gonna Sell [dewey]

  Written by: hpowders on Feb 8, 2006 7:22:18 PM

  Yes, I did. Before the 545, I had a 1993 and then a 2002 325i and they have been trouble-free. 12 years of trouble-free BMW's plus the 545 test drives. I didn't feel I was taking a big risk here. BMW's have improved their quality control. For what its worth, CR has even noticed it. With Audi, I'm not so sure. I will be watching over the next 2 years to ... Read More

• Re: Quality [markcincinnati]

  Written by: hpowders on Jan 30, 2006 3:13:14 AM

  And yet, I wouldn't let that scare ME away from the M35. I have had 3 BMW's since 1993 and was told by family to "Stay away. You'll be sorry!" and have had a rather placid relationship with the service department-oil changes and cookies. I would have taken the chance with the Infiniti, but the 545 drove better, and at 2.4% interest, became an offer I couldn't refuse. In addition, when ... Read More

• BMW Service? What's That?

  Written by: hpowders on Dec 4, 2005 10:42:41 AM

  The only time I have brought my BMW cars in for service since 1993 was for basic routine maintenance. Don't believe CR's voodoo reliability statistics. They seemed divorced from reality. My BMW service dept. serves Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies, several kinds of fresh coffee, delicious hot chocolate, all the bottled water you can haul out of there, etc; If this be insecurity, give me excess of it!

• Re: The M reminds me of a girl I knew... [hpowders]

  Written by: killerbunny on Nov 23, 2005 7:01:54 AM

  Thanks for uncovering this "conspiracy" by BMW. You'll have to excuse me, but since I have had no trouble from BMW cars, which have been my exclusive vehicles since 1993, I really have no idea what you are talking about. Foolish for the conspirators to offer 4 years of free maintenance. I am not saying there is or is not a conspiracy. But your statement is not a valid reason as ... Read More

• Re: The M reminds me of a girl I knew... [formula]

  Written by: hpowders on Nov 23, 2005 6:24:49 AM

  The 5 series...."is engineered to make more money in the service bay." Thanks for uncovering this "conspiracy" by BMW. You'll have to excuse me, but since I have had no trouble from BMW cars, which have been my exclusive vehicles since 1993, I really have no idea what you are talking about. Foolish for the conspirators to offer 4 years of free maintenance. Really tough to make a really good conspiracy ... Read More

BMW 5-Series Sedans

• Re: No Facelift Needed [freddybb]

  Written by: hpowders on Nov 7, 2005 2:24:37 PM

  You've got that right freddybb. "Feline" is an excellent word to describe the E60. Some folks (nobody I know) may criticize the front or the rear design but I can't see anybody saying anything negative when you view the car from the side. Breathtaking! Like a sleek, aggressive cat about to pounce on its prey. IMHO. What did it for me was driving and comparing both the 545 and the M45 ... Read More

Luxury Performance Sedans

• no title

  Written by: markcincinnati on Oct 7, 2005 9:40:35 AM

  The monthly sales figures posted here have often found Audi's A6 fighting for last place with Acura's RL. Yet, Audi of America has [again] been able to take their stats and create blurbs such as: "AUBURN HILLS, Mich. –– Audi of America, Inc. reported its best September sales month in history. With sales of 7,854 units, the German luxury brand’s numbers are up 34.6 % over September of 2004. Key drivers ... Read More

• Re: 5 series [pearl]

  Written by: hpowders on Oct 5, 2005 6:08:26 PM

  I have had BMW's since 1993 and have had no problems including a 1993 325i which I kept for 9 years. My stepson is currently driving it which makes it 12 trouble-free years.

BMW 5-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Heat and A/C problems with my 1993 525i

  Written by: terpsroll on Aug 6, 2005 10:35:42 AM

  My BMW has high mileage (175k) but looks and runs great. Only problem is that when the A/C is on, while it works the heating system does not seem to turn off and there is a constant oozing of super heated air coming in on my feet. The A/C can not overcome this additional heat source. The local mechanics simply turn on the A/C and see that it works, tell me ... Read More

Luxury Performance Sedans

• Re: No insecurity [janssen]

  Written by: hpowders on Aug 2, 2005 6:40:34 PM

  I admit it is a curse. When you drive the "Ultimate Driving Machine" since 1993, you get totally spoiled. I want to like other cars. I have tried. I drove the M35, M45, GS300 and GS430. While each had a few good points, I still feel that BMW balance and driveability are the best. I do agree that if BMW's reliability keeps slipping and/or I have quite a few problems with ... Read More

• No insecurity

  Written by: hpowders on Aug 2, 2005 5:11:01 PM

  I don't feel insecure about Infiniti's success. I drove an M45 sport. Did not know what all the fuss was about. The vehicle felt heavy. The steering felt artificial. The "wood" looked like cardboard. The engine sounded too loud. The styling reminded me of an Altima. Having driven BMW's exclusively since 1993 and after reading so many good things about the M45, when I finally got to drive one, I was ... Read More

• Re: Bless You, Bangle! [rich545]

  Written by: hpowders on Aug 1, 2005 4:31:46 PM

  Thank you very much rich545! To actually experience drivers moving out of their lanes to get behind my beautiful new 545i was an absolute kick! One of them was driving a new RL. It's like my car had a magnet attached to the trunk. I can't stop going to the garage to look at my beautiful new addition to the family. I can't wait to get out there on the interstate ... Read More

• Re: M bitchin' [richcream]

  Written by: hpowders on May 5, 2005 4:38:32 PM

  Heh,heh. You're a regular riot, richcream. Well I've had 2 325i's since 1993 and neither has been in the shop except for regular maintenance. I would not take a chance on the 5 series, however. I think there's a lot of bad news there. Let me tell ya, there is no other car I would rather be driving in a torrential downpour than a BMW 3 series. It takes curves like ... Read More

BMW 5-Series Sedans

• rain

  Written by: hpowders on Mar 22, 2005 10:19:41 AM

  If anything my BMW handles better in the rain then on dry roads. Have had 2 BMW's since 1993-same for both.

BMW 5-Series Prices Paid and Buying Experience

• Re: BMW 545i v 530i [sjeed]

  Written by: hpowders on Mar 3, 2005 8:29:58 AM

  Hey sjeed. I too have BMW in my blood. Been driving only BMW since 1993. Right now nobody seems to have come up with a cure. Drove the LS 430 and the GS 430 today. Disliked the LS. Very light steering. Didn't like the wood steering wheel. Gated shifter was tedious to use. Turns were very un-BMW like. Then tried the GS 430. Night and day! Very pleasantly surprised. Drives like ... Read More

BMW 5-Series Sedans

• Re: Just joined the 5 series club.... [cassidym]

  Written by: hpowders on Feb 26, 2005 5:41:13 AM

  I have had 2 BMW 3 series since 1993 and the driving experience has been incomparable. Only one problem in 12 years-right front passenger airbag opened for no reason in 2002. Would like to move up to a 2005 530 or 545 this August. Have you had any mechanical issues with your 545? How does it perform in typical slow-moving every day traffic situations? I believe Edmunds said something negative about ... Read More

Luxury Performance Sedans

• Re: Well..... [igiban]

  Written by: hpowders on Jan 11, 2005 6:22:08 PM

  I hope BMW get its act together. I have driven BMW's since 1993 and I got so spoiled from its excellence that I don't think I can drive anything else. It thus pains me to see this happen to what was such an outstanding auto producer.

• Re: Front leg room [mtjohn]

  Written by: hpowders on Nov 23, 2004 2:49:12 PM

  Hey thanks anyway, mtjohn, but the car is a 330 on a lease with less than a year to go. Rather than try and tinker with the seat which I'm sure BMW Financial Services would frown on, I have vowed to do my homework next time and test drive as many vehicles as I can so this doesn't happen again. I owned a 1993 325 and just assumed the legroom would ... Read More

BMW 5-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Tool to remove Radio in 1993 bmw 525

  Written by: rugby65 on Jun 4, 2004 1:27:34 PM

  My grand daughter has a 1993 525 and the radio stop powering up. We have checked the fuse and it's not blown we can't remove the radio because the dealer says it takes a special tool, It looks like an ordinary allen screw but so far we can't find one that fits. The dealer won't sell us the tool, It seems that they want to make the money them self by ... Read More

BMW 5-Series Sedans

• Enjoy the Car "As Is"

  Written by: riez on May 1, 2004 7:39:48 AM

  diver110... LSD = limited slip differential. On BMWs, it is only available on M3 and M5 (standard on both). LSD used to be available as an option on pretty much all BMWs built before around 1993. LSD is an acceleration enhancer. It helps both off the line as well as while accelerating in corners. With an open (i.e., non-LSD) differential, power goes to the wheel spinning the fastest. So if a ... Read More

• warthog

  Written by: shipo on May 16, 2003 11:16:57 AM

  This morning I was behind a BMW badged as a 535. I saw it only from the rear and judged it to be 8-10 years old. Has there ever been such a creature? How about 10 or more years old. The last 535i officially imported to North America (a current 535i V8 is being sold elsewhere in the world) back in 1993. Actually, there were two different 5-Series cars with about ... Read More

• Summary of posts "happy with standard suspension"

  Written by: larryn3 on Mar 26, 2003 9:18:08 PM

  This post is not to instill a war between sp and non-sp. Clearly the sp group wins hands down on this and other message boards. However, there is a vocal minority and frequent questions on advantages of standard suspension, so I thought I would summarize those comments from reviewers and bmw owners for those seeking words on the non sports package BMW 530. 1) consumer reports: Highest scoring car in CR ... Read More

• Axxis Brake Pad Update

  Written by: srfast on Mar 25, 2003 6:31:27 PM

  I mentioned a few weeks back that I was replacing the stock/factory BMW brake pads with Axxis (formerly Repco) Deluxe Plus pads. BMW brake pads are notorious for producing excessive amounts of brake dust and the pads on my 2003 530i with SP are no exception. I've lived with brake dust before, but having to clean my wheels every weekend was a task I wanted to avoid. I've used Repco/Axxis Metal ... Read More

• CDV Exist In BMW 525i/530i/540i

  Written by: srfast on Feb 10, 2003 6:13:22 PM

  I own a 2003 530i/5spd and have a "drilled" CDV installed. I drove a 1993 325i/5spd for 10 years without any complaints/problems which wasn't the case regarding the 2003 530i. I drove the E39 for approx. 15 days with the factory CDV and then had it changed. The car now shifts as I am accustomed to - no more guessing or changing my driving style to compensate for the CDV. BTW, ... Read More

• Thanks For The Review...

  Written by: srfast on Nov 29, 2002 2:13:41 PM

  because it reinforces my decision. I am replacing a 1993 325i/E36 with a soon to be delivered 2003 530i (5spd/SP/PP/CWP/Xenons/PDC/RAB). The 325i was picked up new in 12/92 and has performed flawlessly. I am hoping for a similar experience with my 530i. I am selling (giving ?) the E36 to my nephew for $6,500, so I will see it often. If you're interested, here are the specs: http://www.roadfly.org/bmw/classifieds/cars/detview.php?view=10209 I wish you ... Read More

• dzuba: Short Shift Kit (SSK).....

  Written by: srfast on Nov 1, 2002 6:17:52 PM

  reduces the "throw distance" between gears in a manual trans. Most factory shifters including BMW require your move the shifter a long distance to select the next gear. Using a SSK reduces this distance enabling you to change gears quicker. I currently own a 1993 325i with Sport Package, Dinan chip & exhaust system, etc. and installed a SSK in 1994 and that is one of the first mods I am ... Read More

• Just returend from ED

  Written by: joseph40 on May 13, 2002 12:03:54 PM

  My wife and I just returned for taking a ED of a 530iA (black sapphire, SP, PP, nav, shades, dsp). The trip was absolutely "magical". Riding through the Swiss alps, cruising at 100 mph (and getting passed), and negotiating the circle at the Arc de Triumphe, all made for a fabulous trip. I will repeat what others have stated, if you get the chance, do a European Delivery. We flew into ... Read More

• Four Things

  Written by: cdnpinhead on Mar 25, 2002 5:46:56 PM

  1) Leases -- It's interesting that those who rent (lease) cars care about a rebate if they don't drive the contracted miles. It's a business deal, much like a medical savings plan in today's IRS world. If you guess wrong, you lose. Another option: you could actually buy the car. 2) Reliability -- This is a huge one for me. I've learned to really enjoy European cars (especially Audi . . ... Read More

• 540 as a daily driver

  Written by: SergeyM on Mar 22, 2002 4:18:32 PM

  I am going to get a 2002 540ia next week. It is my first BMW and I am somewhat concerned about reliability issues. I am trading my Acura TL-S and I can keep or trade my old 1993 Camry. So I would like to ask current 5-series owners if your cars proved to be reliable enough to serve as a daily driver (20 miles one way to work). I am prepared ... Read More

• to chrism123

  Written by: jls21 on Sep 17, 2001 7:15:47 PM

  We obviously have similar paths regarding our choices in automobiles. You are coming out of an Accord V-6, and I came out of a Camry 6 cyl. Same deal - the Camry, while no comparison in handling, smoothness of operation, body integrity, etc. to the 528, actually had more apparent power - about the only thing that I liked in the Camry. Don't fault me, as I did not choose that ... Read More

BMW 5 Series Sport Wagons

• classgas

  Written by: classgas on Jun 4, 1999 9:30:27 PM

  I have a 94' BMW 530I Touring, which I bought new in July 1993. It has 65,000 miles on it, and it still looks and runs great.