1990 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews
Recent Consumer Reviews
(26 Total Reviews)
One of the Best BMWs ever made
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1990 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 535i Sedan
Review
This car has served me very well in the past 3 years. I used to commute 100 miles every day and it didn't miss a beat. I put in a rebuilt head, which it didn't really need, but other than that I have 50K on it since I bought it and it hasn't taken any money to maintain since the cylinder head rebuild which cost me 3K. Other things to go bad are the thrust arms, remedied by installing urethane busings at a cost of $200.
Favorite Features
Straight 6 engine is awesome in city driving, great handling, comfortable.
Suggested Improvements
It really needs 40 more horsepower but in that case you can get the v8 540i. Couldn't affort it and maintenence is way more expensive so I live without 250 HP.
Fast and Solid
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1990 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 535i Sedan
Review
This was our first BMW and served our business well for the first 4 years with just the right mix of speed/handling/comfort for long drives along with the luxury suitable to impress when taking clients around town. Since then we have had 4 other BMWs, but this one remains my favorite - especially on road trips. Very reliable, but when something needs repair or even scheduled maintenance, the costs always seem outrageous. My problems have been electrical (CPU sword board twice, radio controls introducing static) and it's on its 3rd transmission (once at 95,000 and again at 175,000 miles). Reasonable gas mileage (18 city, 25 hiway). Interior and exterior are awesome even after 16 years.
Favorite Features
Handling and comfort at high speed on-board computer for trips, wrap-around cockpit, styling, CD changer.
Suggested Improvements
Cupholders.
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
among the best in the world
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1990 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 535i Sedan
Review
Completely different car from my previous Honda Accord. It's superior to just about any car out there overall - smooth, elegant, comfortable, reliable, and the performance is amazing. Even after 16 years, if I go to a new car dealership and test drive some high-end model, I drive back home and think to myself how much better this one is. I was initially hesitant about it due to its age and mileage (and reports of subpar BMW reliability), but it's held up as well as my Honda, looks way better and is far more comfortable. What really sold me was feeling like I was driving 40-50mph, and seeing that the speedometer showed about 95. Too easy to get speeding tickets.
Favorite Features
Best is the combination of Cadillac comfort (needs good tires to do it justice, though) with Miata handling. The manual transmission (very rare on these, I hear) works wonderfully with the inline-6. It looks fantastic - black on black - and is one sexy beast with good window tint.
Suggested Improvements
Poor fuel economy (18-21), no rear headrests. Only the dealership is willing to work on it. Some squeaks and rattles, though less than many much newer cars. The 93-95 wider grille is much better. Typical 150k+ problems, mostly cosmetic. No aftermarket CD player fits it without expensive rewiring.
7 out 7 people found this review helpful
The Ultimate Driving Machine
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1990 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 535i Sedan
Review
WOW! What a pleasurable car to drive. This car makes you want to simply go out for a drive. The design of the cockpit helps the occupants feel like they are part of the car. In the sport mode this car is a fast and tight luxury sports car. It's very agile, and responsive. I was searching for one for about a month when I just got a smoking hot deal. Be patient, and you will find a very nice model, that you will not regret buying.
Favorite Features
My favorite feature is the sport mode option. The car is very fast and well, sporty in this option. It turns the luxury sedan into a performance vehicle.
Suggested Improvements
NONE
6 out 8 people found this review helpful
1989 BMW e34 525ia
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1990 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 525i Sedan
Review
I purchased the vehicle with over 230k and I personally have put about 90k mostly highway miles. The vehicle is in remarkable condition for its age (nicer than most 2 to 3 year old cars) and is very easy to work on. The automatic went out at 250k but I was able to purchase a rebuilt one for 1200 and installed it myself. Considering I purchased the car for 1300 this was not a bad deal. I perform all maintenance myself (including tires) and I have multiple connections across the country for parts. After installing a performance chip and tweaking the air intake system I am averaging 29 mpg highway and 25 in the city. Excellent car for the money for either the do it yourselfer or the avg driver.
Favorite Features
Design style,reliability, and comfort. The 525i makes for an excellent communter car especially when you look at the cost. While I could afford a new BMW, why bother? When I can own 4 vinatge models that look as if they rolled of the showroom floor and not have to sale my kids.
Suggested Improvements
Not a big fan of timing belts on the M20 engine. This has been the death of many an e34 due to owner neglect. (they must be changed every 60k miles) For the avg driver I reccomend either a 535i which comes with a timing chain, or a 91 and up 525i. electrical system pain to troubleshoot.
13 out 13 people found this review helpful
love car, hate all its problems
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
1990 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 525i Sedan
Review
love car, hate all its problems. Many electricl problems. Battery always stalling. BMW dealership outragous!!!!!!!!
Favorite Features
seat
Suggested Improvements
more acceleration
1 out 5 people found this review helpful
It Sucks
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
1990 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 525i Sedan
Review
I thought i bought a real dream but it was all a nightmare. i bought this 90 525I with 120k on it in 98. it ran great for couple of miles then fell apart. the drive shaft fell off $600, crank shaft $1000, electrical problems. i can go on and on.
Favorite Features
the barking and handling, rides smooth. great heat and a/c.
Suggested Improvements
build quality and manicaly
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
Great 525i
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1990 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 525i Sedan
Review
Purchased with 71,000 miles now have 141,000. Car has been very reliable and fun to drive. handles great and only the lack of real power is a downside. Despite lower hp, this car cruises at 85 and handles great. Been an excellent ownership experience.
Favorite Features
Handling, brakes, build quality, style with sport wheels.
Suggested Improvements
Add 16 sport wheels and tires and it looks and handles better.
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
NATE'S Riew
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1990 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 535i Sedan
Review
tHIS IS A NICE MODEL MY SECOND 5351,PERFORMANCE IS REAL NICE SMOOTH,MPG IS NOT BAD EITHER ON LONG TRIPS I HAVE ACHEIVED UP TO 25.7 MPG CRUISING UP AROUND 75MPH,KEY IS TO OWN TOOLS AND THE BOOK THAT MAKES IT A FAR MORE ECONOMICAL OWNERSHIP. IT ALSO AFORDS YOU THE OPORTUNITY TO LEARN AND TO KNOW THE CAR.NICE INVESTMENT,PLEASURE TO DRIVE AND RELIABLE.4 MO. AGO TOOK ON A 3200 MILE TRIP. WAS SMOKING!!!!
Favorite Features
ONBOARD MONITORING,NICE STYLING,NICE PERFORMER,ABOVE AVERAGE HANDLING,NICE HEAT & ICE.
Suggested Improvements
MORE STORAGE AREA IN THE INTERIA
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
Awesome Car for the Money!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1990 BMW 5 Series 4 Dr 535i Sedan
Review
I have had this 535 for sometime and just love it. Build like a tank! Also I enjoy the speed factor in this car when I need to go it goes!!
Favorite Features
Build very solid, fast.
Suggested Improvements
None.
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
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