ian

In my search for a daily driver i've come accross a 525i in very good condition, and wondered if anyone on the board has any experience with these cars.

This on has about 100k on it, with a 5 speed, and the M50 motor (thats the 24v compared with the 12v M20 motor in the earlier cars). It is the same basic motor as was in the 1995 M3's. I know they get good gas mileage and handle well, but if anybody has owned one that will be a big help.

(I already have asperations of a Turbo 525 from AA putting down 400 hp and be a sleeper M5 hunter... lol, why can't I just leave good enough alone....)

Jon Moeller

Alright, I get to help rather than be the one being helped. 525i is a great car with the m50 and the 5spd. My parents have a 525it auto, and my gf has an e36 325is. The manual is very helpful for keeping the engine where it likes to be. I find my parents' car to be relatively anemic for acceleration, but it's more than adequate for the way they drive. At speed on the highway, the car is totally comfortable. Like any good Bimmer, 100 mph feels like 55mph.
An area to be concerned with is the water pump. If it's a '95 or older, the water pump has a plastic impeller. If this has not been replaced plan on replacing it, immediately. The pump on my gf's car went at 110k, and we were lucky in that the impeller cracked cleanly, leaving the shaft to spin, and not move water. If the impeller shatters, you get plastic all through the cooling system. Not good. Otherwise, shocks and struts will probably go out around this time (Bilstein Touring are a good compromise). And rubber bushings will eventually need to be replaced.
Other than these routine maintenance items, you can expect to see the far side of 200k miles with ease.
-Jon (1990 BMW 325is being sold, 944S2 in the works)

Ahmet

You may find a 525 a little on the slow side, I hear chips help but I have no experience with modifications other than suspension related (to which they respond very well, my roommate makes delrin bushings for them BTW!). I've worked on a few and driven some, they usually are exceptionally reliable aside from the mentioned water pump, chanses are that's already been taken care of though, specially if the car has some miles.

I think an e34 makes a damn near perfect daily driver. I've thought long about an e36, but they're a bit too expensive for me still, and e30s are getting old... If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me Ian and I wouldn't mind coming out to check the car out with you either.
Ahmet

Dan Gallagher

i have a 95 525i. 140k miles.

it has been all good so far but last weekend the fuel pump died and left me stuck in brooklyn.

it handles ok but if you really turn in hard the front end pushes a bit. also after a good beating session the brakes felt a bit soft.

i think the 525 is faster than my 944n/a (it doesnt FEEL faster though, its really smooth)

oh and the 10 speaker sound system that came with it is nice

jason1972

I own a 1990 525i (12 valve engine) w/ 250k miles. the car is very, very reliable overall. the engine is abit slow but it is an excellent daily driver. you can buy a nice e36 (about 10yrs old) for less than $7k. They are faster than 944n/a.

ian

Thanks for the responces guys, speed is not my real concern with this car, as long as it is entertaing to drive and not too much of a slug i'll be ok with the power. I have the 951 for power (although it has been awhile sense I have driven it)

I am going for a reliable car, that will get me to and from work, that is not too hard to work on, and handles well. Rear wheel drive and being able to fit 4 people are also things I would like to have, and the M50 power 525 seems like a good option.

Also when you have a friend who builds bmw motors it is not a bad idea to consider one.