Used 1992 BMW 5 Series Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 1992 5 Series, so we've included reviews for other years of the 5 Series since its last redesign.
I just didn't know...
Tony Holland, 07/19/2009
1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 92 525i for 2900 cash. It had 204,000 on the odometer. 4 years later it is still a daily driver. A red 5 speed with all the options. I have replaced about everything under the hood from the a/c compressor to the alternator. Water pump, fuel pump and a new radiator. This sounds like a lot, but the absence of a car payment made it worth the money. The car is a joy to drive. The 5-speed makes up for the lack of power. The car is very at home at interstate speeds and will cruise "Way" over the speed limit for as long as the fuel lasts. This has been a great used car that is a blast to drive. Now I know..."BMW The Ultimate Driving Machine".
Paying Tribute to my 5 Series
hb1991, 06/05/2012
1991 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
316k miles and still drives like a dream. This car has been in my family for 12 years and has not given me any major mechanical problems. This has been and will be the best car I will ever own. It has reliably performed throughout its service life. No bells and whistles, just a bare bones car that never acts up. I reliably changed the oil every 4k miles and did all maintenance myself. For a 21 year old car it shines up like a new penny. Beautiful, reliable, and a joy to drive. I will miss her when she's gone...ought to go to a BMW museum. What a joy.
1992 BMW 5 Series for sale near you
Showing 2 of 2 listings
- 525i SedanMSRP: $11,9751,108 mi away
- 535i SedanMSRP: $23,7501,724 mi away
What A Automobile
Chuck Sperry, 09/28/2015
1991 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car off the showroom Floor in October 1991. I wished I could buy a new one again! This car has been a DREAM, it currently has 281,000 miles on the original transmission and engine. I've always changed the oil every 4,000 miles and have always used Mobil 1 Syn. OH! by the way...always make sure to change all your fluids (Brake, power steering, rear end, coolant as needed. This is the year 1991 where BMW went from a timing belt to a timing chain. The M50 engine also has a large-big pusher oil pump. I might be buried in this thing..............DiD I ever get my money's worth. Learn to work on the car yourself...it's not that hard. The only thing I had to change was the ECM....there's a place in Miami that will repair ECM's for $400.00 with a lifetime warranty....besides that just regular maintanance. This vehicle doesn't burn a drop of oil. Automobile of the Century!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best Car of My Life
Mike, 02/07/2008
1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Wagon
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car has been all over the country, and has never let me down. I have put an insignificant amount of money into it for repairs, and it now has 240,000 miles on it and still going strong. I am planning another cross-country trip with this car in a few months!
Now I understand ...
sotampa, 09/09/2005
1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Wagon
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car is not a speedster. Gearing is for practicality (wagon and 'touring' version). This is a road car. A dream on the highway. Solid cornering. It is a GREAT car. I'm up over 212,000 miles on this car and it is still GREAT! Sample problems have been: Door latch had to be replaced. Brake light module failed. Fuel pump replaced. Got to fo the a BMW pro on this car. Parts are always from the dealer. You can feel nickel and dimed (dollar and fived?). I have had several excellent up-end Japanese cars. The power is with the Japanese but the car itself along with the driveability goes to the BMW. I NEVER expected to get hooked. I am.
one excellent car
ted phillips, 04/07/2002
1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Our '92 525I 5 speed is the best all around sedan I have ever owned. With a 5-speed the performance is quite good and the gas mileage is 26mpg at 75-80 on the highway and about 21-22 used locally. The body and paint look new and the interior leather is still quite good. There has been only one significant repair to replace engine oil seals, otherwise the car has been absolutely trouble free for 108000 miles (still original perfect clutch).
Keep the dealer on speed dial.
JosephJ, 12/03/2002
1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Wagon
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The car handles curves and cruising on the highway like no other car I have ever owned, but on acceleration the car lacks any real power. It is the slowest BMW I have ever driven. You might be 0 to 60 in half a minute. The car eats cash. Minor repairs are still in the hundreds of dollars. The smallest of plastic parts are expensive and when you include labor at ANY BMW dealer, you can count on even a dashboard light replacement costing you about $200. I have owned this car for 2 years and have spent nearly $4000 in repairs and upkeep. In addition, I have had three dead stops and had to be towed to the dealer.
Best car I've ever owned
Alison Woods, 07/22/2004
1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Wagon
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought this car as a dealer demo with about 3,000 miles on it. I've had it for 11 years and it is still a great car. The only major repair I've had to do on this car was to replace the onboard computer, but I replace my desktop computers about every 3 years! I also had to replace the fuel pump which seems to have been a problem with this particular model. The last major service cost $400.00. I may keep it another 5 years!
Smooth as silk, though expensive to keep
Cruiser-Joel, 07/01/2003
1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Wagon
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Got this car in 1997 from a guy who babied it. Had 68k miles and was perfect and maintained on schedule. This car rides so nice, I hate to part with it. I have 138K miles on it and it still drives like new. Down side is it is so fricking expensive to maintain. I only have it serviced by BMW. However, it will do 200K easily and I intend to keep it for at least another 2 years. Some rust on the doors but nothing serious. I have spent at least $10,000 on repairs over 5 years. But, it was worth it.
Spectacular car
ArmenB, 12/24/2003
1991 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Amazing automobile. Quiet and smooth on the highway, great reflexes and dynamics on the back roads and race track. 175k and more solid than some new cars I've driven.
E-34 --- The best kept secret !
Josh S., 03/08/2005
1991 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had my 525i for about a year and a half, and have no regrets about the purchase. This car feels like a "real" car. It feels safe and solid, the 2.5 straight six is adequate, and the car handles well. The 50/50 weight distribution is one reason for this. The build quality is outstanding and the design seems straightforward and no-nonsense. It looks timeless, and as a used vehicle, I think one gets a lot for their money with this car. And besides, since this car is designed to be stable at 130 m.p.h., imagine how stable it feels at 70 m.p.h.! Since I enjoy fixing my own vehicles, I consider parts availability and dealership cooperation important. My local dealer has been obliging!
1991 blk on blk 525i beamer - Luv it!
Lovely Beverly, 09/04/2006
1991 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I finally decided to give the 1991 525i a review. I only drive BMWs and the 525i is my 3rd beamer (automatic), I prefer manuals but... My 525i has 243,878 miles on it and it still rides smooth, tight and stiff. I did put a transmission in it at around 210k because the 3rd gear went out. Above all the regular maintenance and small things that goes wrong, like the cig, lighter(s) not working, I love this machine. It's the bomb.
An Inexpensive Luxery
Elebaster, 05/27/2003
1991 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After having this auto for 6 months, I have no regrets. It is comfortable, reliable and has enough power to navigate big city traffic with ease. The only problem is that it goes around 20.0 MPG and requires premium (93 octane) petrol.
RW 92 525i
Richard Wamboldt, 05/02/2002
1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Caris basically excelent,however, numerous mechanical problems have been encountered: 3 burnt exhaust valves between 96000 and 123000 miles, A/C compressor failure at 82000, water pump total failure at 90000, fuel pump failure at 97000. The clutch, which I drove for 104000 required replacement recently and then, only the throwout bearing actually required replacement. The car is in excelent condition, no body damage and the leather interior is clean and undamaged. All functions are working.
Cool Ride
Duane Barrett, 06/30/2006
1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I recently bought this car with 168,584 miles for $3000.00. This is my first BMW and aside from the interior cosmetic problems, the body is still in excellent condition and the car runs GREAT!!! Looking forward to owning and driving the Bad Man Wagon!!!
Best of all!
Luke B., 10/22/2004
1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my first BMW and I am hooked! I have owned Saabs, Sterlings and a Range Rover, but after driving and owning this car I can confidently say that I will have it for a long long time and my next car will be another BMW. I have owned the car for the last 16,000 and have had no serious issues, only a few minor problems like replacing sensors and some difficulty with the seat motors. My most expensive bill so far has been the 90,000 mile service, but other than that, all is quite well!
awesome
Casey Pickell, 09/15/2005
1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
this BMW is a solid ride. i bought it with 114000 miles for 4000 dollars. it was the steal of the century. the engine is smooth as butter with effortless acceleration in the top end(it could use some more low end power) it gets great fuel economy for a 6cyl, 20 city 28-30 at 65 mph on highway. the seats are incredible and hold their age magnificently. the trunk is huge and the same for the sunroof.the computer is nifty as well, i didnt think they had that stuff in 1992. i have had no problems at all with the car in 6000 miles of driving.
535im
BigDoug, 02/27/2002
1991 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Awsome... when running.
Great car like all needs TLC
B lund, 02/11/2016
1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Wagon
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
Make sure there is no pstr hose leaks
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
A Fantastic Car!
fernando, 05/08/2002
1991 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is one of the best cars ever made by BMW. There is a perfect balance within power, performance, luxury an fun to drive.
10 years
Gerome, 06/10/2002
1991 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is my 3rd BMW, and although I now know they start to need some attention at about 10 years old, the engine if taken care of will perform forever. The overall build, quality and performance of these cars are remarkable and I will probably always own a BMW.
pieces of a dream
dr.g, 06/19/2002
1991 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
fun sedan, love the 5 speed hardly ever needs repairs. i've driven over 100,000 moles with this car, i put 85000 miles on my previous 1986 535 without any major problems
Billy's Machine on Wheels
Bill D, 07/05/2005
1991 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I have always dreamed of having a bmw because it has been in our family for around 25 years. That same car is still driving to this day with over 200,000. When I purchased mine with 130,000 miles. I loved the way it drives and how it handles the road and curves. I had my brother who owns a lincoln continental 1991 same year as mine and he test drove it for around 80 minutes and he told me that he should purchase this car and looked at him and said we are car shopping for me not you. he said this bmw drove better then his car. So I bought it and love. I never have any issues and my bmw now has over 161,000 miles and still going strong.
Awesome Vehicle
tcana6, 07/16/2005
1991 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the very first BMW that I have ever owned. It's really perfect small to my style and sporty looking.
The Ultimate Driving Machine
Mazen, 03/16/2002
1991 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the car of cars, looking to buy a newer one soon!
No more BMWs like this
Classic, not Plastic, 05/15/2021
1991 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I brought this vehicle in 2016 (5 years ago) with 43k miles from a collector. Used it as the main car for travelling over the period. Car is close to 90k miles now. Since I would use the car for frequent travelling, I changed virtually very part that would normally go with time... cooling system, brakes, suspension, gaskets every where. I did have to replace the automatic transmission kit. Only corrective maintenance. All good quality/ branded parts. From this point the car rode like new, and was very reliable. For me it was a pleasure driving this car. Now that the story is told, the positive aspects: (a) Easy to find good brands parts, at reasonable price - with rockauto and ECStunning I could get it all; (b) Maintenance is pretty straight forward, no complex electronics; (c) quality of parts is amazing, there is virtually no chinese part whatsoever, evene the batery of the keys where made in germany, so every thing works in the car unti now (d) Styling - a classic. Negative aspects: The only point is that it is under powered for the weight. The in line 6 M50 engine is bullet proof, great sound and feel, but will need high RPMs to gain any speed. The transmission is kind of lazy, so I normally down shifted manually. For modern standards it is slow. Will catch up a 2021 toyota corolla only after 120 mph, and long after the race begins...
Better than expected...
dkisme2, 07/29/2008
1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This it the first BMW I've ever owned, and I will happily buy one again. I've had to do very minor repairs with it since I got it almost a year ago. It came with just over 360,000 miles (yes that's correct, not a typo). And currently it's got over 372,000 miles on it. I've had to repair the oil seal and that's been about it. I'm going to be buying tires for it soon, otherwise it's in great shape (interior is nearly flawless). There's minor rust along the bottoms of the doors, but what do you expect for any car that's driven in Wisconsin? Overall, I couldn't be happier, and I definitely plan on running it till over 450,000, hopefully 500,000 miles.
My BMW 525i
Trevor Cooper, 06/27/2009
1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My father got me a 1992 BMW 525i after I got out of high school; that car was the best - it had a cellular phone and anti-theft system, heated front seats leather seats, 10 way power adjuster and the best trip computer ever. That car can be a pain in your wallet. When my headlight went out in 1994 I paid 129.42 for a new bulb.The car lacks in power; it actually takes you about 8.5 seconds to get to 60 but has the best sound when you accelerate. I still have that car today, the car drives basically the same from 17 years ago.The car has the same features from 17 years ago that includes the cellular phone anti-theft system, the leather has no cracks, 6 disc cd changer -- still I can't believe the phone works.
Best Car I Ever Owned
Joey Bag , 07/29/2002
1992 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
She is a 1992 535i 5 speed. I have owner her since 1999 and havent had any major problems at all. She now has 215,000 miles on her and runs really strong. I changed the clutch and throw- out bearing at 180,000 miles. That cost $800. I did the front-end and replaced all the gastket including the head gasket at 200,000. was around $2000.00. She rides like a brand new car, people are always asking me what year it is and when i say 92 they are like wow, and everyong always compliment the smooth ride. She has great power and with the 5 speed its alot of fun, I added 17 inch wheels and now she handle awesome.
1992 525 BMW
kuda, 07/26/2004
1992 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall this is an excellent car! I would highly recommend picking one up especially if you can find a low mileage vehicle.
Excellent choice !
Serega, 05/22/2005
1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Straight to the point: 1) Reliable car. Bought the car with 138K miles on it - not a single complaint during the first year. 2) The performance is awesome, just shift AT into S mode and you can outrun most of the cars. Handles corners like it's glued to the ground. Definitely a fun to drive. 3) The only competitors at this price lack style and/or performance. 4) Comfort is superb: climate control, noice isolation, power everything. The list is unlimited. 5) Fuel economy: I get 20 mpg in mixed conditions with agressive driving. 6) Interior design: everything is where it's supposed to be. 7) Exterior still turns heads. 8) Overall:has 50K$ car feel:)
1992 525i
dmoss, 03/15/2003
1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This has been a great car! The car is built like a tank, and it is still solid at 11 years old.
Luv my Bimmer
Kenny, 10/07/2005
1992 BMW 5 Series 535i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This auto has been a joy to own and drive. I am fortunate in that I can do most of my own routine repairs, of which there have been few. Good Luck.
Loved this car
eeeeerik, 06/14/2003
1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Got this car 2 years old out coming out of college, fella before me put 76K miles on it in the first two years so I got a great deal. In the next 2 years I put another 60K miles on it, never a hiccup. Gave it to my wife when we got married. Now with 2 kids and over 200K miles, the maintenance cycle has picked up beyond what I'm willing to commit (which is quite a bit). The engine/tranny is still solid. It's the belts, water pump, alternator, battery, leather seats are starting to rip, you get the point. Hate to call it quits but the time has come.
1992 was a great year
Jake, 01/03/2017
1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I am 16 years old and i purchased my 525i 5 speed for a few different reasons... I wanted a car that me and my grandfather would be able to fix up together. He is a great mechanic and has helped me a lot with it. We had to fix a lot considering we bought the car for just $1000. We fixed the brakes, shocks and struts, clutch, flywheel, slave cylinder, lights, new tires, all new seals in the engine, windows, and a new valve cover gasket. That sounds like a lot but the gentleman we bought it from had it sitting in his driveway for 10 years and never drove it and it has around 230,000 miles. In total I was probably in around $4,500 but it is totally worth it. It shifts great, sounds great and is actually pretty fast when you want it to be. The thing is an absolute tank. The way it drives and the amount of fun it is makes up for the quite dated interior. If you do not drive it crazy it gets great MPG around 25-35 miles to the gallon! I love this car and I think it is a great first "classic" car.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Classic Dream
Charlie H., 09/20/2019
1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Currently inoperable, excellent body, no dents. Good leather interior. Perfect car for restoring. Minor repairs and reconditioning needed.
A Bad Year
Joe, 11/01/2006
1992 BMW 5 Series 525i 4dr Sedan
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
Amid the favorable reviews I must interject some objective facts. We purchased our 525IA on a lease turn-in and spent $9,000 repairing and maintaining it over the course of 3.7 years. Reliability was awful, having stranded my family four times. Once each for fuel pump, A/C compressor seizure, self-destructing water pump, and seized belt idler pulley. When asking BMW of North America, they apologized for my model year being one of the "Dark Ages" vehicles where they outsourced the offending parts and/or labor. When the question of service came up, they sent me a standard form letter. Stay away.