So I am looking in to buying a 1990 525i auto with 162k. I have concerns with the transmission since it is original. I have not driven it yet, but the owner states that the transmission does not slip or make noises. Are these good transmission? I have always loved BMWs and am looking to buy my first and am wondering if this would be a good one to get even though it has an Auto. How expensive are the transmissions to rebuild or replace? From the pictures it look to be in very good shape. Owner had it serviced at the BMW dealership. On the ad it lists this as the recent maintenance:

Mileage is 162k

Complete service history on all maintenance done:
6/05 timing chain - all gskets - machine shop time
6/05 tune up
9/05 new front & rear brake shoes & calipers, new A/C compressor & freon
8/06 new radial front tires (2)
11/06 complete engine hose replacement (14 in all)
12/06 head light control module
1/07 new water pump and tune up

it seems like the owner has really taken care of this car...just want your opinions on it.


Thanx!

What is the price? Pictures? Those are huge determining factors. :)

I'd be wary.

First of all, the auto transmissions in the E34s are not the most durable, to say the least. :rofl Many have to replace them after 150k. At 162k, God knows when it will go out and leave you stranded.

Secondly, I would advise you to reconsider getting a pre-1991 525i, as they will have the M20 engine, which has several disadvantages, among them: a) less power than the M50, b) less torque than the M50, c) timing belt vs. timing chain, d) simply inferior technology.

Thirdly:

6/05 timing chain - all gskets - machine shop time

This is a physical impossibility. These cars do not have a chain, they have a belt. So it was probably the timing belt. ;)

Finally, PRICE AND PICS (yes, I know I already said this, but it's critical).

Good luck!

the price is $3500 OBO, ill have pics up in about an hour...the car is located in my parents city and my father just took some pictures of it

Yeah, not bad, but it'll be slow.

What I've heard of M20-powered 525iA's makes me want to stay away from them for the lack of power alone, not even getting into the fact that they're slushboxes, much less old BMW slushboxes that were built by GM.

I wouldn't do it.

Just FYI, I just paid $3,100 for a 109k original mile 1991 (M50 motor) 5 spd. (stick shift). YMMV, of course, but the deal the OP is posting is definitely not a steal by any means!

how do i post pictures? do i have to host them from another site and then post a link? i dont see a spot to attach any.......i dont think i will get the e34, anybody interested, i can give you a phone number. its located in indianapolis, in.

it has some damage to the front bumper, a nice little ding in the back, and the windshield had some leaks with close to the roof and the owner did a "nice job" patching the leaks with caulk.

i really want to get a manual transmission, i just dont trust automatics. if anybody has an e34 for sale for under $4000 in the indiana area i would be interested

i have a 90 525 auto, its not a rocket, but its not as slow as everybody says, and on the highway it does 80 easily and gets great gas mileage, but that is a high price for one, u could get a nice 535 for that much

I started a thread regarding the durability of the auto transmissions. My 1991,525 has 230,xxx miles on the original auto. I just don't know when it will finally go, so far so good. I guess it has to do with how well the original owner took care of the car?

If I were you, I'd try to find a 5 speed w/ M50 motor. Good luck with your search.