Used 1990 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews
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A fun car that never goes out of style
seabow2, 12/21/2007
1990 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
Purchased my Bimmer a year ago from the 2nd owner with 130k miles on it. On a scale of 1-10 it was an 8.5 due to the previous owner not driving it very often. I mention this becuase I want to give this vehicle a fair rating. The 535i is supposed to a well built vehicle and I believe it be. I had to replace quite a few small items to make this car fully functional. Once that was completed, this 17 year old car was like new! The handling is exceptional and the responsiveness is great. It is a pleasure to drive on a daily basis. I would buy an older 535 any day of the week over a lot of newer cars. I'm glad to see BMW started making them again because they are truly wonderful.
First car!
bdelaney, 06/03/2009
1990 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
Well I bought my 525i about 3 month ago it is my first car. The car broke down on me about 2 weeks ago and I just barely got another job so I can fix it. I love this car, greatest car I've ever drove. The crank position sensor went but she's got a lot of miles. I put some upgrades into her (Aftermarket clutch, Cold air intake and straight pipes). This car is so fast with the upgrades, but the engine does need to be rebuilt.
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James, 08/02/2008
1990 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I've owned this car for nearly a year now and I'm very pleased with it. Overall it's a solid automobile. A car this old does have its kinks and quirks but it has always, always been reliable. The feeling I get when I get behind the wheel and fire it up is irreplaceable. This is my second Bimmer and I don't think I could own anything else at this point. Buyer beware!
I love My 535
Mike, 05/25/2009
1990 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I bought this car three years ago with 143K miles and I have 205K on it now. I have replaced the driveshaft twice and the heater core. I recently did the exhaust, which was expensive - $1300 for the cat back. I am handy with cars and do most of my own work. This car has not one rattle and very minor rust after 19 years! What a fantastic car!
among the best in the world
A, 04/12/2006
1990 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
I LOVE IT
rjs5689, 12/24/2002
1990 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 1990 and still today she runs strong. i love hitting the parkway entrance becuase i know i can just hit it and fly on with no problem. It is very comfortablt it is black on black so it does get kinda hit. the auto transmisison shifts like a charm even with the 90000 mile son it now.
Nice 5 series
1990bmw, 07/15/2007
1990 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have had this car little over 2 years and have put over 60K on it. The thing is a rock solid tank, 17 years old with 217,000 miles and counting, no problems outside of brakes and tires. Air is air cold and the heated seats are great in the winter.
1989 BMW e34 525ia
Adam Holland, 09/27/2005
1990 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
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.
NATE'S Riew
W.N.V.sr, 02/25/2004
1990 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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!!!!
Bimmerlover
Bobby, 04/14/2008
1990 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is the second 5-series I have owneD. My E28 was great and fun to drive but it was automatic, this E34 is my new baby and I just love this car so so much, I cannot let her get dirty. It is a pleasure to drive and sit in, shifting through the gears and getting up to the top speed is my plan every day I get in. It still turns a lot of heads. I love everything about this car, and can't wait till I get another one, I was hooked since the last BMW my friend whom is a bimmer lover warned me about not being able to drive another tybe of car after getting into a BMW.
Timeless Beauty
adrafts, 07/31/2008
1990 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
As the years go on, it is amazing how great this car still looks and feels. The feel of the drive is incredible, you really feel like you are one with the car. For a now 18 year old car, it really stands out. I have it in the blue-silver as pictured above--- gorgeous color. All the electronics are easy to use and very innovative, especially for its time. The dash is very well laid out and easy to read also. An overall excellent car! Sure to be a classic.
BMW 535i
Nate in NY, 11/07/2002
1990 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The best thign to do with is car, is find an open road. Even though my car is 13 years old, it still is exceptionally fun to drive. IT handles well, and has plenty of kick.
A pretty good car over the years
wingnut, 05/05/2002
1990 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've owned my 525I since new (11 years). The only thing I would comment over the years is the maintenance cost is expensive, however one should expect,you pay for the price of luxury, and outstanding performance...I have no regrets in my ownership!! A well built car
Amazing Teuton
SemperUbi, 11/21/2002
1990 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a great car. Despite its age, it holds up well. Ours is a 1990 Bronzit (BMW-speak for gold) auto; the slushbox is perhaps the car's only fault. It is a crime to bipass the BMW stick. Anyway, it has 208 hp, but feels like much more. Roars back and forth between CT and NYC in 2 hours (we live on the eastern side of CT) easily. Has never had any major problems. May or may not require the timing chain done; better to do it than face the risk. Reliability has been totally spotless. As Yuppies start to sell these in favor of more haute couture cars, these become great buys. Destined to be a classic.
This puppy flies
Thomas E, 01/10/2003
1990 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I'm the third owner to this vehicle. I recently purchased it from a friend for a few grands. Besides the fact that it's a BMW, I was blessed with its color- electric red. This puppy has over 170k miles on it and still drives super smooth. Friends who drive 2002 non-bmw cars immediately feel the difference when they get into my '90 BMW. If treated right, these engines can gracefully acquire 250k- 300k miles. I've yet to spend a dime on it. It honestly feels like a $25k dollar car, which isn't even a fraction for its current retail value.
The 535i Still Looks Classy
Silver Fox, 02/25/2003
1990 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
A blast to drive! It looks rich, even today, its comfortable and classy. The automatic transmission is fine after 123,000 miles. I had to replace a leaking head gasket at 123,000. Otherwise, it has only needed regular repairs. The black paint still shines up well. Friends think it is a newer car than it is.
Best 5-series = 1989-1995!
TDI_BUFF, 12/02/2003
1990 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought the car in 2000 with 129k miles. It had obviously been well cared for by previous owners. I have had the car for 3 years and it now has 174k miles. I have NEVER been disappointed by this reliability. I have replaced some normal wear items (clutch, shocks, timing belt, etc.) and I have repaired a few unexpected things (instrument lights, air conditioning, oil pan gasket). Overall, I have been pleased with the superb engineering of this BMW.
535i sport
2blue, 12/12/2003
1990 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
what a great car built from granite super looking goes like your money in a bettin shop standard or with a few mods they look like there saying im here and here im going to stay if looked after will proberly out live you...
BMW 535i
washburn6394, 12/22/2003
1990 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We bought this car used with over 100,000 miles on it. So far, we have had to do only minor repairs (maintenance). The car is fun to drive, FAST, and still gets a lot of looks even though it is 14 years old. This is a fun, showy car that's still safe and dependable enough to drive around with my kids and not feel like an old lady!
Awesome Car for the Money!
MCMan, 02/19/2004
1990 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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!!
The Ultimate Driving Machine
Doug, 03/11/2006
1990 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Great 525i
Jonathan W, 03/03/2004
1990 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
It Sucks
Mike76, 03/24/2004
1990 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
love car, hate all its problems
alliehhhh, 05/02/2004
1990 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
love car, hate all its problems. Many electricl problems. Battery always stalling. BMW dealership outragous!!!!!!!!
Fast and Solid
mike, 01/08/2007
1990 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
5 series eval
steve galgoul, 04/08/2003
1990 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
the car has been quite reliable for 13 years, the interior leather should be upgraded, as is showed wear signs quite prematurely,i would consider another if sales incentives,(low finance,free finance)were available...Germany's gutless failure to support the US war effort could affect my decision
One of the Best BMWs ever made
MilosD, 06/03/2007
1990 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Best Car Owned So Far!
ScrumDawg, 05/13/2003
1990 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 535i two years ago from BMW of Nashville as is. It had one previous owner who used this dealership for all services. The car was running hot and they changed the thermostat thinking that was the problem. As it turned out it was the head gasket. They replaced it for FREE. Since then I have had to replace some hoses, clamps, struts, suspension bars, brakes and tires. As long as I maintain the engine with regular fluid changes and tune-ups I plan on driving this car to 300K miles. If you are thinking of purchasing one, be sure you get the 3.5 litre engine vs the 2.5. The weight of the body and frame demand it.
Good solid Car
C. G. B., 06/02/2003
1990 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is just about the best over the road car i have ever owned. Great power and handling, Rock solid on the road. Only a few small problems in the year I have owned it. Watch out for the HVAC fan on used ones, fan only works on full blast. Power door locks also are easily broken.
1990 BMW 525i
W E Phillips, 09/09/2002
1990 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
One of the best BMWs ever made. I have owned three BMW and I have enjoyed every one, but my 1990 525i has been unbelievable. 140,000 miles on the brakes and 155,000 miles on the original clutch and still counting. This is with four different drivers and 50/50 city and highway driving. Great looks, functionality, and dependability. Now if it just had a little more horsepower.
Lucked out !
Michael Spiro, 09/23/2002
1990 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
We bought a BMW 525i in may when we fisrt arrived. We couldn't beleive what a buy we were getting. I mean we paid cash for a BMW and thought it's just a matter of time before something major goes wrong with. 4 months later and she goes like a dream and start up like she has been waiting all night to go for a drive. As my mechanic said this is the best engine that BMW ever built. It will just go on and on and on as long as you look after her !!! And trust me we do.
525i classic
bmw admirer, 05/03/2003
1990 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought 1989 525i new. It was my 3rd BMW. It has been great. No problems in 117000 miles. Great drive. I am going to get a new car for improved safety (i.e. airbags). Unfortunately, the next car won't be a BMW because of weird style and i-drive of coming 530i similar to 745i.
I Love My Car, !!BUT!!
Terry Akron OH., 05/05/2003
1990 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought my car from a friend who purchased it new. He had it for 10yrs and kept in perfect condition.I have had for 3yrs now and things are starting to go wrong with it. I bought it with 71,000.00mi now it has 150,000.00mi it still runs great, drives great, and looks great, !!BUT!! things are starting to wear out. I wish things did not cost so much to get repaired. Someone please help!
BMW 535i Lover For Life
Billy Goats Gruff, 01/13/2020
1990 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have owned my 2004 X5 for almost 4 years now, and was my very first BMW. I LOVE everything about it, and so much so that when it came to find a side project, another older BMW seemed like the logical choice. I got extremely lucky and found a 1990 535i for sale that was/is in pretty decent condition. Although its' current status is slightly unkempt, it shows great portential, and the engine is bullet proof. with 354,000+ on the odometer, one would come to expect low compression, and leaks aplenty, but the engine seems to thrive at around 5,000 RPMs, and the exhaust note makes me feel like every one of those 205 war horses is raring to be loosed. I'm a sucker for a fixer upper, and will be looking for the elusive 540 in the very near future.
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