1990-1996 BMW 5-Series: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1996 BMW 5-Series and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Brake performance
- Acceleration
- Antilock brakes
- Steering/handling
- Ride
Cons
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Fuel economy (V8)
Vehicle Highlights
Borrowing styling touches from the larger 7-Series, an all-new mid-range sedan debuted for 1989 on a longer wheelbase than the prior 5-Series. Two rear-drive sedans were available: the 525i with a 2.5-liter 6-cylinder engine, and the 535i, whose 3.4-liter six developed 208 horsepower. For 1990, both models had a driver-side airbag. The 535i's interior gained more leather, plus new wood trim.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | BMW 540i Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 51 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1996 BMW 5-Series. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1996 BMW 5-Series.
Year to Year Changes
1991 BMW 5-Series:
Automatic Stability Control (ASC) traction control became optional on the 535i, while the 525i gained a more powerful engine, rated at 189 horsepower. The 535i's automatic transmission got a shorter final-drive ratio and reprogrammed management system, to produce quicker acceleration. Both models gained a standard telescoping steering wheel. The new high-performance M5 sedan carried a 310-horsepower 3.5-liter engine and 5-speed manual shift.
1992 BMW 5-Series:
This season saw little more than revisions in standard equipment. A 525i Touring station wagon debuted in spring 1992 with a two-panel sunroof that opens over both the front and rear seats. Wagons feature a load-leveling suspension, and ride larger tires than the sedan.
1993 BMW 5-Series:
Engines in the 525i series got variable valve timing this year, while their cabins gained standard leather and wood trim.
1994 BMW 5-Series:
New V8 engines became available, in the 530i sedan and wagon, and 540i sedan. The first two got a 3.0-liter V8, rated at 215 horsepower, while the 540i benefited from a 282-horsepower, 4.0-liter. All models gained a passenger-side airbag. Two models were dropped: the 535i with its 3.4-liter 6-cylinder engine, and the limited-production M5.
1995 BMW 5-Series:
A new 6-speed manual transmission could be installed in the top 540i sedan, replacing the standard 5-speed automatic unit. All 525 models switched from black to body-color lower body panels, to more closely resemble the V8 versions.
1996 BMW 5-Series:
Awaiting the arrival of an all-new 1997 5-Series, BMW sold only leftover '95s in the early part of the 1996 model year. One new model debuted: 540i Sport.
Our road test for the 1990-1996 BMW 5-Series includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1996 BMW 5-Series and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1996 BMW 5-Series is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Acceleration from the 535i is brisk, and passing power impressive, but the automatic transmission does not always cooperate. At times it changes gears too soon and is slow to downshift for passing. All 6-cylinder engines are at their best at high speeds or with a manual transmission. We averaged 16.9 mpg in an automatic 535i, and it requires premium fuel. Handling is fluid and responsive, with ample grip and minimal body roll. The sedans ride tautly but comfortably, and noise levels are low. Stopping power is stunning, helped by all-disc antilock braking. BMW beat the Japanese handily in suspension sophistication. That means suppleness over bumps and taut control at speed, accompanied by precise steering. Driver confidence is enhanced by the no-nonsense dashboard, supportive seats, and fine visibility. These midsize sedans seat four in comfort, five in a pinch. Rear-seat leg room is not the most generous, whereas head room is adequate all around. Both V8 models are reasonably smooth and provide ample power at all speeds. We clocked a 540i with automatic at 7.1 seconds to 60 mph. Unfortunately, that car averaged just 15.7 mpg. Six-cylinder cars promise the same enthusiast-oriented road manners as the V8 models, but their engine trades somewhat higher gas mileage for a noticeable loss of acceleration, especially for midrange passing with automatic transmission.
Value for the Money
These midrange BMWs are thoughtfully designed and highly capable. Few sedans can match their supple suspension, comfortable seats, and precise steering. You also get robust construction and excellent detail finish. Yet, these cars lag behind such competitors as Lexus and Infiniti in overall value.
These midrange BMWs are thoughtfully designed and highly capable. Few sedans can match their supple suspension, comfortable seats, and precise steering. You also get robust construction and excellent detail finish. Yet, these cars lag behind such competitors as Lexus and Infiniti in overall value.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | BMW 540i Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 7 | |
| Fuel Economy | 3 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 6 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 4 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 4 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 51 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation BMW 5-Series includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation BMW 5-Series .
Trouble Spots
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)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
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.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,280 |
| Alternator | $610 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,150 |
| Brakes | $255 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $875 |
| Exhaust System | $1,015 |
| Radiator | $710 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $865 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $1,920 |
Our price chart for this generation BMW 5-Series details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1996 | |||
| 525i | $3,800-4,500 | $3,100-3,700 | $1,200-1,400 |
| 530i | $4,300-5,000 | $3,600-4,200 | $1,500-1,700 |
| 540i | $4,700-5,500 | $3,900-4,600 | $1,800-2,100 |
| 1995 | |||
| 525i | $3,300-4,000 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| 530i | $3,800-4,500 | $3,100-3,700 | $1,200-1,400 |
| 540i | $4,200-4,900 | $3,400-4,000 | $1,400-1,700 |
| 1994 | |||
| 525i | $2,800-3,500 | $2,100-2,600 | $600-800 |
| 530i | $3,300-4,000 | $2,600-3,200 | $800-1,000 |
| 540i | $3,700-4,400 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| 1993 | |||
| 525i | $2,400-3,000 | $1,700-2,200 | $500-600 |
| 535i | $2,900-3,600 | $2,200-2,700 | $700-800 |
| M5 | $8,600-9,800 | $7,700-8,800 | $4,500-5,100 |
| 1992 | |||
| 525i | $2,000-2,600 | $1,400-1,800 | $300-400 |
| 535i | $2,500-3,200 | $1,800-2,300 | $500-700 |
| M5 | $7,500-8,500 | $6,800-7,700 | $3,800-4,300 |
| 1991 | |||
| 525i | $1,700-2,200 | $1,100-1,500 | $300 |
| 535i | $2,100-2,800 | $1,500-2,000 | $400-500 |
| M5 | $6,500-7,500 | $5,700-6,600 | $2,900-3,400 |
| 1990 | |||
| 525i | $1,500-2,000 | $1,000-1,300 | $200-300 |
| 535i | $1,900-2,500 | $1,300-1,700 | $300-400 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation BMW 5-Series include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 108.7 | 108.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 185.8 | 185.8 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.9 | 68.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.6 | 55.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3484 | 3760 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.2 | 51.2 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 21.1 | 21.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 36.9 | 36.8 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.6 | 41.6 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.4 | 37.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 37.0 | 34.2 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
A 168-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline six, as in 3-Series models, went into the 525i at first. Horsepower got a boost for 1991, to 189. For more vigor, the 535i employed a 208-horsepower, 3.4-liter six. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard; 4-speed automatic optional. The smallest engine gained variable valve timing for 1993, with no change in horsepower but 3 extra pound-feet of torque, peaking some 500 rpm sooner. For 1994, two V8 engines became available: 3.0-liter and 215 horsepower in the 530i, or 4.0-liter with 282 horsepower in the 540i. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard in the 530i, with 5-speed automatic optional. The automatic went into all 540i models that year.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| ohc I6 | 2.5 / 152 | 168 | 164 | 5-speed manual: 18/25 4-speed automatic: 18/23 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc I6 | 2.5 / 152 | 189 | 181-184 | 5-speed manual: 19/28 4-speed automatic: 18/25 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc I6 | 3.4 / 209 | 208 | 225 | 5-speed manual: 15/23 4-speed automatic: 16/22 |
5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 17.2 |
| dohc V8 | 3.0 / 183 | 215 | 214 | 5-speed manual: 16/24 5-speed automatic: 17/26 |
5-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V8 | 4.0 / 243 | 282 | 295 | 5-speed manual: 14/23 5-speed automatic: 17/25 |
5-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: 15.7 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Germany
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation BMW 5-Series include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1996 BMW 5-Series directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
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.
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