I am looking to buy a BMW 525TDSSE Auto, 1996, N, with SH to 130k,Mileage is 160k, for £1,800. The car has A, Leather interior and is in very good condition.
I would like to hear from any owners of this particular model as to how reliable are these cars, and whether it is
likely to give much problem (if so, what are the common faults) Also, will the car be likely to drink more fuel than the suggested manufacturers mpg figures with 160k miles on the clock?
Does this car sound like a good buy?
Many thanks
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I've had a couple of E34s, though no experience of the diesel. IMO the E34 is still an elegant looking car though it is starting to look a bit dated now. The ergonomics are brilliant IMO and some of the features are superb.
I never had any issues with mine, though they both got through quite a few suspension components in their time - wishbone arms, bushes, track rod ends etc.
The 2.5 diesel engine is found in the early Vx Omegas too and is generally quite relaible from what I've heard.
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Forgot to mention - "service history up to 130K but now done 160K" - do you know if it's even had an oil change in the last 30K?
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Hi Chad,
Had a Vx Omega 2.5TD Auto, nothing but problems, gearbox, engine, sensors, injectors, relay switch. Vx don't know enough about the engine, and could not tell me to take it BMW, as BMW would have refused. Apparently, although built by BMW, it is not the same engine as in the 5 Series.
The BMW 5 Series, has a more powerful,refined,economical and reliable engine.
I was hoping a few owners would tell me about the BMW version.
Regards
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Apparently, although built by BMW, it is not the same engine as in the 5 Series. The BMW 5 Series, has a more powerful,refined,economical and reliable engine.
IIRC it is exactly the same engine in the Omega as in the BMW, the 525d had a 115 bhp version with no intercooler, in the Omega it was intercooled developing 130 bhp and the intercooled 525tds version developed 143bhp, the minor differences are likley to be ECU only.
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This particular BMW 5 series from 1995 on was probably the finest driver's car available at a price that most could afford.
Drove one back from Malaga to the North West in a day and a half including an overnight stop and could easily have turned round and immediately done the return journey.
I have a mate who used to run his own used car showroom but now works from home - he is one of the few such dealers in my area able to acquire used BMWs from the franchised dealer and offers some real bargains price wise.
He does point out that some of these used BMWs drive and handle like jelly and others are absolutely top notch - he's never been able to put a finger on the reason.
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What\'s for you won\'t pass you by
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The suspension will need a good overhaul at that age, unless it's already been done.
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Is it an E39 or an E34? Could be either at this age.
If its an E39, go for it. Right now, Or show me where I can buy it.
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Michael,
It is an E34. I would like to know if anyone can give me a reliablity/fuel consumption figures for this particular model.
Thanks,
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This website gives a lot of information
scroll the left hand panel for E34 info and buying advice
www.unixnerd.demon.co.uk/bmw.html
I have a BMW (not E34 or diesel) but it has done about 150K miles and has been very reliable and still drives superbly ( I had a brand new 55 reg 3 series diesel coupe last week as a courtesy (sp!) car when my wife's MINI was in for service and mine still compared very favourably. The E34 is regarded as one of the best models BMW made and I think it sounds an excellent buy at £1800. My advice would be to make the usual checks (all BMW's drive very well even at this mileage so if it doesn't feel good on a test drive it probably needs investigation)- inc HPI etc - and if you buy keep the car away from the main dealer, the prices these days are really high and they are focused on the company car market. Find a good independent BMW specialist who will charge about £40/hour( £100 at the main dealer) and consider getting the following changed:
Oil & filter
coolant
brake fluid
differential oil
Auto box fluid
the car will then hopefully give good service for many years.
And for trim parts, lenses, wipers, etc Euro Car Parts are very good value and do a huge range for older BMW's and have a good mail order service.
Good luck
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