1995 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews

The Ultimate Driving Machine

Written by: Bimmerman4ever on 04/05/2009

Vehicle

1995 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 525i Sedan

Review

Nothing bad can be said for BMWs in my experience. This is my first E34 type. And I love it so far, over 200k miles and still running great. (I like lucky to find a 5 speed and from the original owner). I've owned many E30 325i/e bimmers two over 280k miles and not one burned nor drip a drop of oil. my First BMW was a 85 528e five speed and that was was fun to drive also. The e or Eta type engines seem to last longer than the i engines, Though much less HP add a chip and a different ratio LSD and it makes all the difference. The E30 Type 3 series really sold me on BMW engineering prowess and there dedication superior performance and meticulous design.

Favorite Features

OBD, computer controls/displays, interior and stereo although dated with a cassette player is easily overcome by a cassette adapter with input from an Ipod. Handling and acceleration is predictable with no surprises when cornering hard.

Suggested Improvements

added space above the shift console could fit a utility tray or coin holder a cup holder could have been a pop out drawer somewhere, 17" rims would help appearance, and a small low powered sub woofer would improve overall stereo sound Bosch, Alternator bearing dries out and makes whining noise

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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little workhorse

Written by: leah on 01/26/2009

Vehicle

1995 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 525i Touring Wagon

Review

The lack of cupholders is one of the biggest gripes; I ordered a set on line. This is a smooth, fun, solid little car. My BMW mechanic says in his experience people who get these wagons never want to give them up and I certainly second that. It handles very well, especially on the highway and has superior braking.

Favorite Features

Handling, breaking, dual sun roofs.

Suggested Improvements

Just that old cup holder thing.

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Will Drive 4-Ever!

Written by: WestKyCrimeInc on 04/05/2008

Vehicle

1995 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 525i Sedan

Review

Purchased a 1995 525i in 2003 at 193K miles! Was skeptical at first with mileage, But 5 yrs later I am sold! This 5 series is bullet proof! I have 228K miles on it and I enjoy it very much. The motor is bullet proof, the transmission is bullet proof, nothing breaks! In 5 yrs only repairs have been fan belt, brake rotors and pads, one radiator (broke at upper hose attachment?), oil changes and trans fluid change - that's it! Wow! I drive in LA and its 75-100 mph on the 405 with no problems. LA to Vegas in 3.5 hours with no oil burn! Impressive for 228K miles. Gas mileage at 65~75 is 23 mpg on the highway. City is 16 mpg no matter how it's driven I will keep car until wheels fall off!!

Favorite Features

Bullet proof motor and trans! Very good driver feedback from steering and suspension system! It's never surprised me! The interior, everything is really well designed and located. Excellent human factors design!

Suggested Improvements

Fix the upper radiator connector! Other than this, the E34 2.5L is perfect!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Big Disappointment

Written by: Paul on 01/05/2008

Vehicle

1995 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 540i Sedan

Review

The '95 540i is among the last understated, genuinely beautiful cars from BMW. It is tremendously powerful and the routine maintenance consists of little more than oil changes and brake jobs. The downfall is the transmission. It is a sealed unit with "lifetime" fluid (complete nonsense). It _will_ fail at 100k mi. and cost $5k to replace. The car is worth $4k. My trans has disgorged it's fluid on the driveway fully 4 different times. Each episode requires a limping trip to the shop and a bill of $300. On the road, the car is heavy and ponderous and not in the least bit fun to drive. Brakes have only two modes: off and full lock up. Zero finesse. Big disappointment.

Favorite Features

Imperial starship power. Bullet-proof engine. Whisper quiet. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Easy, easy routine maintenance.

Suggested Improvements

Um... better transmission?? Less random electronic stuff to go haywire. Simplified controls (eg: cancel the cruise and it's likely you'll turn on the windshield wipers). More fun to drive.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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still a great car

Written by: jeepguy on 11/04/2007

Vehicle

1995 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 525i Sedan

Review

Bought the car with 140K and drove it home (eBay...1000 miles away) getting 28 MPG all the way. I thought I wanted a 540i till I saw the MPG. Kept it mainly as a road trip vehicle for a year, then started driving it daily. Here we are 2 years and 25000 miles later. My only monetary investment has been tires, brakes, a/c compressor, spark plugs and a radiator. Not bad for a car with 166,000 miles. Still runs very strong, corners like a dream, great curb appeal. My wife tries to trade vehicles with me on an almost daily basis (Grand Cherokee Overland). The valets all ask me to let them know when I may be selling it!

Favorite Features

Driving comfort, timeless lines, MPG, road feel, brakes are awesome, cornering, durability, reliability, turbine smoothness, broad flat power curve, enough trunk space for several bodies (or so I am told), full size spare, factory sound system is pretty good, factory tool kit is actually useful!

Suggested Improvements

A little more power would be good, as well as a little better support with parts for the older cars. I find some parts are easier to get from friends in Europe than through the dealer.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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King

Written by: Organizedchaos on 08/11/2007

Vehicle

1995 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 530i Sedan

Review

The 530i is a stunning car. Great handling, a powerful v8 engine and great looks. This is the best car I ever owned. Plus it's a classic now.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

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Teutonic engineering at it's best!

Written by: Matt on 06/04/2007

Vehicle

1995 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 530i Touring Wagon

Review

I never intended to buy a BMW but thank goodness I did! the 530 is an awesome car, it is comfortable yet still has a sporty feel. The engine response is slightly delayed due to the automatic gear box (it takes half a second longer than a manual shift to kick in) but after that first pause, it flies. I have only owned this car for 3 weeks but it has stolen my heart. I would recommend a '95 BMW 5 series to anyone. P.S. If you are getting a very weak airflow through the dashboard vents, make sure you check the pollen filters (found buried under the dash, you can access them from the driver's foot well on right hand drive models). They clog up with dirt quite quickly and reduce air flow.

Favorite Features

The power, styling, comfort.

Suggested Improvements

Better factory fitted audio.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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1995 BMW 5 Series

Written by: Dream Master on 05/04/2007

Vehicle

1995 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 540i Sedan

Review

This car is a mixed bag. It is extremely comfortable in front but cramped in back. It gets fairly poor gas mileage, about 19 mpg in mixed driving. OTOH it is fast even by today's standards; the engine is a joy, and it handles amazingly well for such a big car. The steering is perfect, the brakes are excellent, and the controls are generally within easy reach. One exception is the window controls, which inexplicably take up most of the area between the front seats, where a console should be instead.

Favorite Features

Engine, handling, steering.

Suggested Improvements

Cupholders.

7 out 8 people found this review helpful

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Fun and luxury

Written by: jrutledge on 04/21/2007

Vehicle

1995 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 540i Sedan

Review

I wanted a performance car and a luxury car. I got both from one car with the 540i. With very slight mods it is even better.

Favorite Features

Interior and motor.

Suggested Improvements

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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I love this car

Written by: Brian on 03/08/2007

Vehicle

1995 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 525i Sedan

Review

I have a red 5-speed and it is a blast to drive. Terrific at responding to the driver's intentions. Mirrors and car shape allow for very easy viewing of other cars around you which can really make a driving experience. Driver is truly in complete control. CLASSIC body style. Car looks incredible when clean. Very tight steering and VERY impressive handling for a sedan. Car loves to be pushed. Built to be driven. I average about 24 mpg and can go well over 400 mi on a tank. Trunk space is a-plenty. Back seat leg room a little tight. Nothing better than taking this baby out on a warm sunny day with the windows down and the music up.

Favorite Features

I love the tight construction, and can't say enough about the body style. It just so good-looking! Love tracking my mpg on the on-board comp every time I fill up. I like the way the hood lifts up away from the windsheild. But the drive is what makes this car.

Suggested Improvements

Cupholders, but don't take away my little area around the shifter!

11 out 11 people found this review helpful

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