1985 Bmw 525 problems

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The BMW E34 is the third generation of the BMW 5 Series, which was produced from November 2, 1987, until 1996. Initially launched as a sedan in January 1988, the E34 also saw a "Touring" station wagon (estate) body style added in September 1992, a first for the 5 Series. BMW replaced the E34 with the E39 5 Series in December 1995, although E34 Touring models remained in production until June 1996.

The E34 generation marked the first time all-wheel drive was incorporated into the 5 Series with the 525iX, and the first V8 engine to be used in a 5 Series. The E34 also saw the introduction of stability control (ASC), traction control (ASC+T), a 6-speed manual transmission and adjustable damping (EDC) to the 5 Series range.

There was an unusually large range of engines fitted over its lifetime as nine different engine families were used. These consisted of straight-four, straight-six and V8 engines.

The E34 M5 is powered by the S38 straight-six engine and was produced in sedan and wagon body styles.

1985 Bmw 525

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Common 1985 Bmw 525 problems

The BMW 525 1985, part of the E28 series, is known for several common problems that owners have reported over the years. These issues range from engine and fuel system problems to electrical and interior concerns.

  • Fuel System Issues: The high-pressure fuel lines in the E28 series, including the 525i, are prone to cracking due to heat and vibration after about ten years.
  • Electrical Problems: Electrical issues are common in the E28 series, with intermittent stalling being a significant concern. This can be caused by dying relays or dirty wiring, particularly in the main, fuel pump, and unloader relays.
  • Interior and Heating Issues: The E28 series, including the 525i, can experience issues with the interior electric seats, particularly the headrests, which can fail and require repair.
  • Suspension and Steering Concerns: Expect some play in the steering due to the use of a rack-and-pinion system, and be aware of potential issues with tired upper control arm bushes, sticky front calipers, and worn cam sprockets on M20 engines.
  • Fuel Injection Systems: The fuel injection systems in the E28 series, including the 525i, can differ between models, with Bosch LE Jetronic being used in the 518i, 520i, 525i, and 528i.
  • Rust and Corrosion: As with many older cars, rust and corrosion can be a significant issue in the E28 series, particularly in the low-value cars that may not receive proper maintenance.

By being aware of these common problems and taking the time to thoroughly inspect any potential purchase, buyers can make informed decisions and avoid costly repairs down the line.

1985 Bmw 525 engine

What is the suspension problem on the BMW 5 Series?

BMW 5 Series air suspension problem

Rear air suspension issues are common in the 5 Series Gran Turismo, causing symptoms such as the vehicle leaning to one side, sagging at the rear, a loud bag from the suspension airbag, and hissing noises.

Are BMW 5 Series reliable?

When it comes to reliability, the BMW 5 Series has a reputation for being a dependable and long-lasting car. However, like any vehicle, there are certain models and years that are more reliable than others. Factors such as maintenance, driving habits, and road conditions can all impact the reliability of a car.

What is the problem with the gearbox on a BMW 5 Series?

Many owners of the BMW F10 5-Series have reported problems with their vehicle's 8-speed automatic and 6-speed manual transmission systems. Some of the most common complaints included jerking while downshifting, sudden drops in speed, a loud “clunking” noise while shifting gears, and a rough riding experience.

How much horsepower does a 1985 BMW E28 have?

SUPERB PERFORMANCE.

That's revealed by a few bare figures: With a power output of 210 kW (286 hp) at 6,500 rpm, acceleration of 6.5 seconds to 100 km/h and a top speed of 245 km/h, more than 35 years ago the model was one of the fastest street-legal cars available.

What is the problem with the gearbox on a BMW 5 Series?

Some 5 Series owners have reported issues with the automatic gearbox, including jerking, clunking and sudden drops in speed. Many automatic transmissions are jerky, so this symptom doesn't necessarily indicate a fault, but clunking noises and changes in performance should be investigated.

Are BMW 5 Series reliable?

When it comes to reliability, the BMW 5 Series has a reputation for being a dependable and long-lasting car. However, like any vehicle, there are certain models and years that are more reliable than others. Factors such as maintenance, driving habits, and road conditions can all impact the reliability of a car.

What year is a 525 i BMW?

Petrol

ModelYearsTorque
525i1992–1996250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) at 4,200 rpm
530i1988–1991260 N⋅m (192 lb⋅ft) at 4,300 rpm
1992–1996290 N⋅m (214 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm
535i / 535iS1987–1992305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm

Is BMW 5 Series 2015 reliable?

How Reliable Is the 2015 BMW 5 Series? The 2015 BMW 5 Series has an above-average reliability rating of four out of five from J.D. Power.

1985 Bmw 525 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 525 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1985 Bmw 525 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1985 Bmw 525 complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1985 Bmw 525.

1998-08-07

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-09-01
  • VIN: WBAHD6324FG
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: THE DEFECTIVE REAR BRAKE LIGHT CIRCUIT MALFUCNTIONED, CAUSING THE TAIL LIGHTS TO GO OUT WHILE DRIVING, WHICH ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. DEALER REPLACED THE BRAKE CIRCUIT BOARD. PROBLEM IS STILL OCCURRING. BEEN TO DEALER 6 TIMES. DEALER CANNOT DETERMINE PROBLEM. *AK
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1985 Bmw 525 problems:

Known E60 525i problems? - MyE28.com
Known E60 525i problems? - MyE28.com
https://www.mye28.com/viewtopic.php?t=61992

Apr 13, 2009 ... The cars develop ticking noises, at first just on a cold start but eventually end up ticking all the time. Its a problem with the cylinder head ...

1994 BMW 525i
1994 BMW 525i
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?485438-1994-BMW-525i

Feb 15, 2006 ... The most common problems include blown head gaskets and failing VANOS units. The head gasket can be checked with a compression test. You can ...

Year, Model, Miles and Issues - BMW 5-Series Forum (G30)
Year, Model, Miles and Issues - BMW 5-Series Forum (G30)
https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1942405

Jul 29, 2022 ... Year, Model, Miles and Issues 2017+ BMW 5 Series (G30) General Discussions. ... Both are common problems ... Dallasguy1985 07:54 PM 07-29-2022. 2018 ...

Should I buy this 2002 BMW 525I sport?
Should I buy this 2002 BMW 525I sport?
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1314708-Should-I-buy-this-2002-BMW-525I-sport

Sep 24, 2009 ... Look here at Edgemotorworks' checklist for common problems with the E39: ... Good luck! volodka1985 ... I've owned a 525i ( with a manual ...

E39 525d buying advice : r/BMW
E39 525d buying advice : r/BMW
https://www.reddit.com/r/BMW/comments/szfldq/e39_525d_buying_advice/

Feb 24, 2022 ... It's a 2.5 525d SE with an M Sport kit. **Important questions:** What do I need to look out for? Any common problems? How reliable are these ...

Other years of Bmw 525

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525 1989
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525 1991
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525 1992
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525 1994
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1985 Bmw 525 photo