Several Questions From a Newbie - United Bimmer Community

**Catman** · 05-14-2006, 12:30 AM

Greetings all, I have been lurking here since I found this site a couple of weeks ago ...and have been checking out other online BMW sources in hopes of finding answers to several questions I have. I have been looking for a new(er) work car and have been considering a BMW or Mercedes. I tend to put alot of miles on a car averaging ~1000-1500 mi/wk ...sometimes more. I need a wagon because part of the time I need to carry a couple of pakages ...weight it not an issue, but they are bulky. I need something that is comfortable and from what I have seen the BMW's are capable of 300K mi with regular maintenance. I have searched for a FAQ and cannot find anywhere that these questions are answered ...please forgive my ignorance.

I am strongly considering a 5 series. What is the differences between the 525 and 528 ...other than the engine size?

What options are available on different models?

Why do I not see any '96-'98 models?

An an audiophile I will be upgrading the stereo in whatever model I get. I will plan on ripping out everything I can get to and bypassing the rest. Is there any advantages of a '94-'95 model over a '99-01? (these are the years I'm considering most)

What MPG can I expect out of each model?

What are the reliablility / dependability issues with the I6 vs. V8?

I notice that the older V8's are 3.0 and the newer ones are 4.4? What MPG is expected from each ...any other differences besides cu. in.?

Anything to look for or avoid?

thanks agian for your input,

>^..^<

**Bimmer_5er** · 05-14-2006, 01:04 AM

Welcome to united man. The 5 series is a great car, iv owned two so far and I love them.

As for some of your questions, From 1996 - 1998 the 5 series went through a transition, 1995 being the year they stopped producing the e34. They then started producing the e39 in 1997, then a year later the wagon was introduced. If you go with the e34 525i then it will have the M50 engine which is a pretty reliable engine except for the ignition coils, which isnt very expensive to fix. If you go with the 528 it will have the M52. The M52 is also a pretty good engine, and it has more torque than the M50. Some of the problems with the M52 are failure of the water pump, and also the VANOS solenoid.

Im not really to sure about stereo(being that i dont really care what the stock is) so not much info there

As for the MPG on the cars you could expect the e34 525i to get anywhere between 18 - 21. For the e39 M52 anywhere between 20-24. The inline 6 engines in both models are very good engines, as i stated before. Now with some of the V8's in the 530i and 540i, from what iv read they tend to be more problematic than the I6, some one correct me if im wrong im just not as familiar with those engines as i am with the I6

I hope i anwsered some of your quetions.

-Jay

**94bmw325i** · 05-14-2006, 11:21 AM

dont forget the early e34 525i's had the M20 motor, the e30 325 motor?

For the e34 there was a 530i? I thought it was 525, 535, 540, M5?

I am not sure if Canada is different because don't you guys also have a 320i?

**jybute** · 05-14-2006, 11:50 AM

Stay away from early model 530's. The nicasil block is prone to cracking and other premature engine wear. They did recall the car soon after the problem was noticed and replaced the engines under waranty up to 100,000mi. or something. But in my opinion it is best to stay away from something like that all together unless you can know for sure the engine was replaced.
Every 530i I see is in pretty rough shape. But at the same time, just about every other e34 I see is in pretty good condition.