1989 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.

1989 Bmw 525

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Common 1989 Bmw 525 problems

Based on the complaints from owners of the 1989 BMW 525, several common problems have been reported:

  • Overheating: The 2006 BMW 525 has been reported to have overheating issues, which is the most common problem associated with this model year. The average cost to fix this problem is around $18,000, with an average mileage of 66,000 miles when problems occur.
  • Coolant System Leaks: Some owners have reported coolant system leaks in the BMW 525i. This could be due to issues with the radiator, head gasket, or plastic fittings in the cooling system. As the car ages, these plastic components can become brittle and prone to leaks, especially in hot climates like Australia.
  • Electrical Problems: Starting issues can also be related to electrical problems, such as a faulty starter motor or battery. If the car has been sitting for a long time without use, the battery may be damaged and unable to hold a full charge. Jump-starting the car or using an external battery can help diagnose if the issue is related to the battery or other electrical components.
  • Fuel Pressure Maintenance: Hot-start problems in fuel-injected systems can indicate issues with maintaining fuel pressure. This can lead to cold start sputtering as more fuel is demanded. The fuel supply line and components like the fuel pump, filter, and regulator should be checked to ensure proper fuel pressure maintenance.

These common problems highlight the importance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any issues that arise with the BMW 525 1989 model. Regular inspections and addressing these issues promptly can help ensure the longevity and performance of the vehicle.

1989 Bmw 525 engine

What engine is in a 1989 BMW 525i?

M20B25 inline-6

Petrol

ModelYearsEngine
525i1988–1991M20B25 inline-6
1991–1992M50B25 inline-6
1992–1996M50B25TU inline-6
530i1988–1991M30B30 inline-6

How reliable is E34?

Very... as long as you keep the cooling system well maintained. The only noticable issue I had with mine was the em-pee-geez were pretty weak at around 14.9 mpg but I had a slush box. My M62'd 540 with the 6 speed is getting about 18.

What is the top speed of a BMW E34 525?

BMW E34 5 Series 525i Performance
Top Speed :143 Mph / 230 km/h
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) :8.6 s
Acceleration 0 to 1000m :29.2 s

How much does a BMW 525 1993 weigh?

3,484 lbs.

Used 1993 BMW 5 Series Sedan 525i - Specs & Features

Dimensions
Wheelbase108.7 in.
Cargo capacity, all seats in place16.2 cu.ft.
Turning circle37.7 ft.
Curb weight3,484 lbs.

What engine is in a 1989 BMW 525i?

M20B25 inline-6

Petrol

ModelYearsEngine
525i1988–1991M20B25 inline-6
1991–1992M50B25 inline-6
1992–1996M50B25TU inline-6
530i1988–1991M30B30 inline-6

How reliable is E34?

Very... as long as you keep the cooling system well maintained. The only noticable issue I had with mine was the em-pee-geez were pretty weak at around 14.9 mpg but I had a slush box. My M62'd 540 with the 6 speed is getting about 18.

What is the top speed of a BMW E34 525?

BMW E34 5 Series 525i Performance
Top Speed :143 Mph / 230 km/h
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) :8.6 s
Acceleration 0 to 1000m :29.2 s

How much horsepower does a 1989 BMW 525i have?

1989-1995: BMW 525iWhile the European E34 range began with the four-cylinder 518i and included a 520i with a 2.0-liter I-6, the U.S. range began with the 525i. Powered by,a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter M20B25 inline-six, the E34 525i offered around 168 hp and 164 lb-ft of torque.

1989 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
  • Air bags problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1989 Bmw 525 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1989 Bmw 525 complaints

The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1989 Bmw 525.

1995-10-09

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-08-01
  • VIN: WBAHC230XKB
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEMS, CAUSING CLUSTER MODULE/POWER WINDOWS/ALARM/POWER DOOR LOCKS TO FAIL. *AK
1995-02-28

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-02-28
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER FAILED, CAUSING FAILURE OF DASHBOARD AND ENGINE SAFETY WARNING SYSTEMS. *SKD
1995-01-03

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1994-12-30
  • Crash: 1
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE AIR BAG DIDN'T DEPLOY. TT

1989 Bmw 525 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1989 Bmw 525.

1994-04-11
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
  • Summary: FEED FUEL HOSES CAN HARDEN AND "SET" OVER TIME, ALLOWING A SEEPAGE OF FUEL AT THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING. THE CLAMP USED TO HOLD THE HOSE TO THE FITTING IS UNABLE TO COMPENSATE FOR THE HARDENING OF THE FEED FUEL HOSE.
  • Consequence: FUEL SEEPAGE BETWEEN THE FEED FUEL HOSE AND THE ENGINE FITTING CAN RESULT IN FREE FUEL IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A FIRE WHEN EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
  • Remedy: A REDESIGNED FEED FUEL HOSE AND HOSE CLAMP WILL BE INSTALLED TO ALLEVIATE THE FUEL SEEPAGE.
1992-12-02
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
  • Summary: THE 80-AMPERE FUSIBLE LINK LOCATED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT CAN DEVELOP MECHANICAL WEAKNESS DUE TO AGING AND THERMAL STRESSES, AND CAN BREAK.
  • Consequence: IF THE FUSIBLE LINK BREAKS, THE TOTAL VEHICLE ELECTRICALSYSTEM WOULD BE INTERRUPTED BY THE OPEN CIRCUIT. ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS WOULDBE INVOLVED, AND THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START, OR WOULD STOP, IF RUNNING. THISWOULD RESULT IN LOSS OF POWER TO THE VEHICLE WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING, LOSS OFHAZARD WARNING LIGHTS, LOSS OF LIGHTS AT NIGHT AND POSSIBLY A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: REROUTE THE ELECTRICAL CABLES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT TO REDUCE THE CURRENT FLOW THROUGH THE FUSIBLE LINK, AND REPLACE THE OLD FUSIBLE LINK.
1990-01-30
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
  • Summary: UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, FRONT SEAT CENTER, FOLD-DOWN ARM REST MAY CONTACT THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE RELEASE BUTTON AND PREVENTING THE BELT TONGUE FROM LATCHING WHEN BUCKLING UP.
  • Consequence: OCCUPANT WOULD NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED AND COULD BE INJURED IN THE EVENT OF A SUDDEN STOP OR ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: REPLACE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT BUCKLES WITH SHORTER VERSION THAT WILL NOT CONTACT THE ARMRESTS. NOTE: OWNER NOTIFICATION DATE; 2/90 IS PREPARED IN DRAFT FORM.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1989 Bmw 525 problems:

Common problems with E34 : r/E34
Common problems with E34 : r/E34
https://www.reddit.com/r/E34/comments/ft2cyr/common_problems_with_e34/

Apr 1, 2020 ... Hi guys I am very interested in these cars and was just curious what are the common problems in e34's because I want a reliable car for ...

Mechanical things you need to know about your E34 - UPDATED 3 ...
Mechanical things you need to know about your E34 - UPDATED 3 ...
https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/mechanical-things-you-need-to-know-about-your-e34-updated-3-22-11.525152/

Mar 7, 2011 ... It could be an electrical problem such as a bad battery, bad alternator, failed DME relay, failed crankshaft position sensor (very common), ...

Contemplating an E34, reliability issues?
Contemplating an E34, reliability issues?
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?239333-Contemplating-an-E34-reliability-issues

Aug 4, 2004 ... I have an 1989 525i with the M20 engine. Easy to work on, but wish I had more HP/TQ. I've driven it on long trips and have not had a problem.

1989 E34 525i - Dashboard Problems | BMW Forums : BimmerForums
1989 E34 525i - Dashboard Problems | BMW Forums : BimmerForums
https://www.bimmerforums.co.uk/threads/1989-e34-525i-dashboard-problems.116125/

Jun 19, 2012 ... #2 · Jun 20, 2012. Could well be the capacitors that have failed-it's a known problem. Have a read of this as they are repairable (E32/E34 are ...

Common issues to watch for on E34 535i
Common issues to watch for on E34 535i
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1901551-Common-issues-to-watch-for-on-E34-535i

Oct 3, 2012 ... I found a nice candidate in a 1991 E34 535i. I may be going out to look at it later this week and was wondering what some common issues were to ...

Other years of Bmw 525

bmw 525 1990 photo
525 1990
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525 1991
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525 1992
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525 1993
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525 1994
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525 1995
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