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1990 Bmw 525i 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.

1990 Bmw 525i

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Common 1990 Bmw 525i problems

The BMW 525i 1990 is a popular car, but like any vehicle, it has some common problems that owners have reported.

One of the most frequently reported issues is oil leaks from the lower engine area. This problem has affected 72 car owners, and it can result in significant repair costs. The lower engine area is a critical part of the car, and any leak in this area can lead to severe consequences, such as engine failure.

Another common problem with the BMW 525i 1990 is the crank position sensor failure. This issue has been reported by a car owner who mentioned that the sensor went bad after the car had covered many miles. The crank position sensor is a vital component of the car's engine management system, and its failure can result in poor engine performance, stalling, or even failure to start.

The BMW 525i 1990 is also known for its cooling system problems

. The car's cooling system is prone to failure, especially if it has not been maintained regularly. The cooling system is a critical part of the car's engine, and its failure can lead to overheating, which can result in engine damage or even failure. Regular inspection and maintenance of the cooling system, including the radiator, belts, hoses, pulleys, water pump, thermostat, thermostat housing, fan clutch, fan radiator cap, and bleeding screw, are essential to prevent cooling system problems.

The fuel system is another weak point in the BMW 525i 1990

. If the fuel filter has not been replaced in a long time, it can lead to poor engine performance or even failure to start. BMW recommends replacing the fuel filter every 30,000 kilometers, which is quite a lot, but necessary to maintain the car's performance and reliability.

In summary, the BMW 525i 1990 is a reliable car, but it has some common problems that owners should be aware of. Regular maintenance and inspection of the cooling and fuel systems, as well as the crank position sensor, can help prevent these problems and ensure the car's longevity and reliability.

1990 Bmw 525i engine

What engine is in a 1990 BMW 525i?

M20B25 inline-6

Petrol

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

How much is a 525i BMW worth?

Prices for a used BMW 5 Series 525i currently range from $2,690 to $9,488, with vehicle mileage ranging from 77,304 to 217,176. Find used BMW 5 Series 525i inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.

What is the 0 60 on a 1990 525i?

Performance

0 - 60 kph3.8 s
0 - 60 mph8.4 s
0 - 70 mph11.0 s
0 - 80 mph14.0 s
1/4 mile16.2 s @ 88.4 mph

What is the fuel consumption of BMW 525i?

Find and Compare Cars

2007 BMW 525i
Personalize Find a car6 cyl, 3.0 L, Manual 6-spd Compare
Fuel Economy
EPA MPGPremium Gasoline 21 combined city/highway MPG 18 city 28 highway 4.8 gals/100 miles

How reliable is a BMW 525i?

BMW 525i Ratings Overview

The average rating is a 4.2 out of 5 stars.

What engine is in a 1990 BMW 525i?

M20B25 inline-6

Petrol

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

What is the 0 60 on a 1990 525i?

Performance

0 - 60 kph3.8 s
0 - 60 mph8.4 s
0 - 70 mph11.0 s
0 - 80 mph14.0 s
1/4 mile16.2 s @ 88.4 mph

How much is a 525i BMW worth?

Prices for a used BMW 5 Series 525i currently range from $2,690 to $9,488, with vehicle mileage ranging from 77,304 to 217,176. Find used BMW 5 Series 525i inventory at a TrueCar Certified Dealership near you by entering your zip code and seeing the best matches in your area.

1990 Bmw 525i car problems categorized by type of issue

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

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Exterior lighting problems
  • Power train problems
  • Seats problems
  • Hydraulic problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1990 Bmw 525i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Latest 25 complaints 1990 Bmw 525i

The NHTSA has received 49 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1990 Bmw 525i. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 1990 Bmw 525i vehicles.

2006-08-18

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2006-08-01
  • VIN: WBAHC2315LG
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: (1) MY 1990 BMW 525I STARTED TO OVER HEAT ON AUGUST 01,2006. THE TEMP GAUGE GOES UP 50% MARK. THE COOLANT LEVEL WENT DOWN EVERY DAY AND I FILLED IT UP WITH DISTILLED WATER TO CONTROL THE TEMPERATURE, HOPING THAT IT WOULD CORRECT ITSELF SOME TIME. (2) I COULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR ON REGULAR BASIS ANYMORE. WITHIN FEW DAYS, I SAW COOLANT OVERFLOWING AND SPRAY-OUT. FOLLOWING THIS, I NOTICED SLIGHT ROUGH IDLE AND VIBRATION. (3) REALIZING THAT DRIVING THE CAR WAS NO MORE SAFE, I CALLED WESTCHESTER BMW, WHITE PLAINS, NY. ON EMERGENCY BASIS, THE DEALER ACCEPTED THE CAR THE FOLLOWING WEEK FOR DIAGNOSIS. ON AUGUST 14 2006, THE DEALER CONCLUDED IT IS COOLANT LEAKING IN THE ENGINE AND OUTSIDE THE ENGINE. NO PARTS WERE REPAIRED AND REPLACED BECAUSE THE ENGINE WORK SPECIFIED BY THE DEALER WAS EXPENSIVE. I TOOK THE CAR BACK HOME. CAN NOT DRIVE IT ANYMORE. *JB
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2004-01-20

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WBAHC231XLB
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: CONSUMER COMPLAINED ABOUT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS. LIGHTS WENT OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THIS HAPPENED INTERMITTENTLY. *AK
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2003-04-29

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH THE VEHICLES AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT WARNING. *NLM
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2002-05-01

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2001-06-01
  • VIN: WBAHC2300LB
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WHILE DRIVING, COOLANT LEVEL WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND CONSUMER NOTICED WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, CONSUMER FOUND THAT WATER WAS IN THE OIL DUE TO A CRACKED HEAD, CONSUMER LATER RECEIVED RECALL 98V178. *SLC
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2002-04-02

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-03-20
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: WBAHC2304LB
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: I REALIZED MY CAR WAS WRECKED SEVERAL TIMES, IT'S A SALVAGED CAR, BUT SOLD AS NORMAL; THEREFORE OVERPRICED. *AK
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2002-02-28

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-02-15
  • VIN: WBAHC1317LB
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: BRAKE LIGHT FAILED NO DAMAGE, DEALER WON'T HONOR RECALL #96V111000. *AK
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1999-06-08

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-03-01
  • VIN: WBAHC1317LB
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: RADIATOR CAP FAILED, CAUSING COMPLETE FAILURE TO RADIATOR. HOWEVER RADIATOR IS NOT COVERED UNDER RECALL NOTICE (98V-178). *YC
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1998-09-01

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-01-16
  • VIN: WBAHC23L2GB
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: OIL PAN GASKET FAILED CAUSING OIL LEAK.
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1998-09-01

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-07-01
  • VIN: WBAHC23L2GB
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WATER PUMP FAILED.
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1998-09-01

VISIBILITY PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-08-01
  • VIN: WBAHC23L2GB
  • Components: VISIBILITY
  • Summary: HEATER CORE FAILED.
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1998-09-01

SUSPENSION PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-08-01
  • VIN: WBAHC23L2GB
  • Components: SUSPENSION
  • Summary: FRONT WHEEL STRUTS FAILED.
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1998-09-01

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1998-04-22
  • VIN: WBAHC23L2GB
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLE FAILED.
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1998-09-01

EQUIPMENT PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WBAHC23L2GB
  • Components: EQUIPMENT
  • Summary: AIR CONDITIONER LEAKS FREON EVERY YEAR.
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1998-09-01

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WBAHC23L2GB
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: POWER LOCKS STICK OCCASIONALLY.
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1998-09-01

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-08-19
  • VIN: WBAHC23L2GB
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: BATTERY FAILED.
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1998-09-01

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: WBAHC23L2GB
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: REAR BACK TAIL LIGHT AND BRAKE LIGHT FAILED.
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1998-09-01

POWER TRAIN PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1991-06-10
  • VIN: WBAHC23L2GB
  • Components: POWER TRAIN
  • Summary: GLASS OVER ODOMETER CRACKED.
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1998-09-01

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1991-06-10
  • VIN: WBAHC23L2GB
  • Components: STRUCTURE
  • Summary: INSIDE DOOR PANEL SEPARATED FROM THE DOOR.
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1997-11-13

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Components: AIR BAGS
  • Summary: CONSUMER WAS DRIVING 30 MPH WITHOUT VEHICLE COLLISION OCCURRING THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DEPLOYED, CAUSING THE OCCUPANT TO BECOME INJURED. PLEASE GIVE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
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1997-07-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1992-07-01
  • VIN: WBAHC2312LB
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: OXYGEN SENSOR FAILED.
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1997-07-23

STEERING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-08-01
  • VIN: WBAHC2312LB
  • Components: STEERING
  • Summary: LOCK IN STEERING WHEEL BROKE.
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1997-07-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1996-03-28
  • VIN: WBAHC2312LB
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: RADIATOR LEAKS.
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1997-07-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-12-01
  • VIN: WBAHC2312LB
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: HEAD GASKET LEAKS OIL.
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1997-07-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-12-01
  • VIN: WBAHC2312LB
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: THERMOSTAT FAILED.
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1997-07-23

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-12-01
  • VIN: WBAHC2312LB
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: WATER PUMP FAILED.
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1990 Bmw 525i recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 1990 Bmw 525i.

1998-08-04
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM
  • Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. A MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE OF A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT, SUCH AS A THERMOSTAT, WATER PUMP, OR FAN BELT, CAN RESULT IN SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND SYSTEM PRESSURE. IF THE INDICATIONS OF A CRITICAL OVERHEATING CONDITION IS NOT NOTICED BY THE DRIVER, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT DAMAGE TO, OR FAILURE OF, A COOLANT SYSTEM COMPONENT COULD OCCUR.
  • Consequence: IF A CRACK WERE TO FORM OR A SEAM WERE TO SEPARATE IN THE HEATER CORE END PIECE, HOT COOLANT COULD SUDDENLY BE EXPELLED, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO A VEHICLE OCCUPANT.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A NEW DESIGN RADIATOR CAP TO CONTROL PRESSURE AND PROVIDE GREATER COOLANT OVERFLOW IN THE EVENT OF OVERHEATING.
1997-08-19
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
  • Summary: THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES ARE ATTACHED TO THE SAME THROTTLE VALVE ACTUATING LEVER AT THE THROTTLE HOUSING. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE PLASTIC BUSHING ON EITHER CABLE COULD BREAK DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES COUPLED WITH VIBRATION. IF THE BUSHING BREAKS, THE OUTER CABLE HOUSING CAN SEPARATE FROM THE BUSHING. IN THIS CASE, DURING APPLICATION OF THE THROTTLE PEDAL WITHOUT CRUISE CONTROL BEING ENGAGED, THE OUTER TUBE COULD CATCH ON THE EDGE OF THE BROKEN BUSHING.
  • Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE THROTTLE VALVE TO REMAIN PARTIALLY OPEN. IT HIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE CAR MIGHT NOT DECELERATE AS EXPECTED INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A SPRING STEEL CLIP ON THE OUTER TUBE OF EACH CABLE IN THE AREA OF THE ADJUSTING SCREW AND PLASTIC BUSHING. THE CLIP IS DESIGNED TO PREVENT THE OUTER TUBE FROM DISLODGING FROM THE BUSHING.
1996-07-01
  • Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
  • Summary: THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH CAN FAIL ALLOWING THE SWITCH TO REMAIN IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LIGHTS ON" POSITION.
  • Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LIGHTS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ON, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION. FOLLOWING DRIVERS WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS STOPPING, INCREASING THE POTENTIAL FOR A VEHICLE ACCIDENT.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED SWITCH.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1990 Bmw 525i problems:

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 ... Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum - Powered by vBulletin. The Facebook Platform ...

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 ... Here is a list of problems/failures that are common on the E34 and preventative measures. ... By the way I have a 1990 525i. Click to ... i have a ...

Q&A: Troubleshooting a Rough Idle in a 1990 BMW 525i Engine
Q&A: Troubleshooting a Rough Idle in a 1990 BMW 525i Engine
https://www.justanswer.com/bmw/2lw8i-1990-bmw-525i-runs-rough-when-idle-changed.html

Oct 1, 2009 ... Clean the intake where the throttle plate is and also remove the idle air control motor and clean it and the passage way with carb cleaner. The ...

2003 BMW 525i E39: Problems and more problems… Please advice ...
2003 BMW 525i E39: Problems and more problems… Please advice ...
https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/2003-bmw-525i-e39-problems-and-more-problems%E2%80%A6-please-advice-soon.613812/

Apr 11, 2012 ... The maintenance on these cars is quite high and frequent. On the other hand we have my 06 Toyota Highlander. It has 97K miles. The repair folder ...

1990 BMW 525i Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
1990 BMW 525i Repair: Service and Maintenance Cost
https://repairpal.com/cars/bmw/525i/1990

Get 1990 BMW 525i repair and maintenance costs, common problems, recalls, and more. Find certified BMW mechanics near you.

Other years of Bmw 525i

bmw 525i 1991 photo
525i 1991
Bmw

18

4

0

  • 5
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  • 2
  • 1
bmw 525i 1992 photo
525i 1992
Bmw

26

4

0

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  • 1
bmw 525i 1993 photo
525i 1993
Bmw

5

3

0

  • 5
  • 4
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bmw 525i 1994 photo
525i 1994
Bmw

8

4

0

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bmw 525i 1995 photo
525i 1995
Bmw

28

3

0

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bmw 525i 1998 photo
525i 1998
Bmw

2

0

0

  • 5
  • 4
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  • 2
  • 1

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1990 Bmw 525i photo