Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: Small flakes may come from the vents or a foul odor may be present when the A/C is operated. A redesigned evaporator is available to fix the problem. (1992-93)

Climate control: Fuse #20 may blow repeatedly and BMW has approved replacing the original 10-amp fuse with a 15-amp fuse. (1993-94)

Dashboard lights: The hazard flashers may begin flashing by themselves or the turn signals may flash at twice the normal speed due to condensation shorting out the circuit board. (1992-94)

Doors: If the central locking system unlocks itself after being locked or locks itself after being unlocked, the actuators could be defective or the trunk lock may need to be adjusted. (1992-93)

Oil leak: Oil and coolant leak from valley in V8 engine could be a rear main seal leaks. (1994-96)

Starter: The starter may fail because it keeps running after the engine starts. The root cause is a sticking ignition switch. The whole lock and switch must be replaced. (1992-94)

Transmission slippage: Transmission may slip and/or check-engine light may glow due to torque converter clutch (TCC) slipping and/or TCC solenoid failure. (1992-94)

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.

1990 5-Series: Under certain conditions, front armrest may contact seatbelt buckle, damaging its release button.

1990-92 5-Series 535i: Brake lights may fail to operate, or be on continuously.

1990-94 5-Series 525i: Brake lights may fail to operate, or be on continuously.

1990-95 5-Series: Malfunction or failure of cooling system component can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure.

1990-95 5-Series 525i: Plastic bushing for cruise-control and throttle cables could break, causing throttle valve to remain partially open; car then might not decelerate as expected.

1991 5-Series 525/535: Movement of throttle valve may be impeded, preventing car from decelerating.

1991-92 55-Series 25i/535i/M5: Airbag contact-ring locking tab can break without warning, eventually causing broken wiring; airbag would then not deploy in collision, and indicator would illuminate.

1992 5-Series 525it: Airbag contact-ring locking tab can break without warning, eventually causing broken wiring; airbag would then not deploy in collision, and indicator would illuminate.

1992-94 5-Series 525it: Brake lights may fail to operate, or be on continuously.

1994 5-Series 530i/it, 540i: Brake lights may fail to operate, or be on continuously.

1994-95 5-Series 525: Double-lock mechanism can engage with key and occupants inside car.

1994-95 5-Series 530i: Plastic bushing for cruise-control and throttle cables could break, causing throttle valve to remain partially open; car then might not decelerate as expected.

1996 5-Series: In some cases, long exposure to certain environmental and operation conditions could cause front spring strut plate to begin to crack, and possibly break eventually.

1996 5-Series: On certain vehicles, environmental conditions may cause the front string strut plate to break and interfere with the front tires. Dealers will inspect and install a retaining clip.