1991 Bmw 525i problems
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.
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Common 1991 Bmw 525i problems
The BMW 525i 1991 is known for several common problems, primarily related to its engine and cooling system.
- Engine Management Problems: Another common issue with the 525i 1991 is engine management problems, which can cause running problems and misfires. These issues are often related to the car's electronic systems and can be challenging to diagnose and repair without specialized knowledge and tools.
- Cooling System Maintenance: Regular maintenance of the cooling system is essential to prevent overheating and other related problems. This includes regular inspections of coolant levels, replacing radiator belts, hoses, pulleys, water pumps, thermostats, and thermostat housings . Additionally, the fan clutch, fan radiator, and bleeding screw should be checked and maintained regularly.
- Timing Belts: Timing belts are another component that requires regular attention in the 525i 1991. These belts should be replaced every 60,000 miles or about 96,000 kilometers to prevent potential engine damage .
- Fuel System: The fuel system is also a weak point in this generation of BMW 5 Series. If the fuel filter has not been replaced in a long while, it should be replaced to prevent potential issues .
- Suspension Parts: Suspension parts, especially in models with six-cylinder and V8 engines, can wear out faster due to the weight of the engine in the nose of the car. Regular inspections and maintenance are necessary to ensure the longevity of these components .
- Rust: For early to mid-90s models, checking the car for rust is essential, as BMW used a water-based paint during this period to cut costs. Rust can be a significant issue in these cars, especially if they have not been properly maintained .
In summary, the BMW 525i 1991 is known for several common problems, primarily related to the engine, cooling system, and fuel system. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial to prevent these issues and ensure the longevity of the car.
What engine is in a 1991 BMW 525i?
M50B25 inline-6
Petrol
| Model | Years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| 525i | 1991–1992 | M50B25 inline-6 |
| 1992–1996 | M50B25TU inline-6 | |
| 530i | 1988–1991 | M30B30 inline-6 |
| 1992–1996 | M60B30 V8 |
What engine is in a 525i?
At launch, the E60 used the previous generation E39 5 Series' M54 straight 6 engine in the 520i, 525i and 530i models. The only petrol model with a new engine at launch was the 545i with the N62 V8.
Why won't my BMW 525i start?
The most common reasons a BMW 525i won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
What is the top speed of the BMW 5 Series 525i?
Key Specs
- Petrol.
- 152.4 cu-in. 2497 cm3
- Inline 6.
- 215 HP. 218 PS / 160 kW.
- 184 lb-ft. 250 Nm.
- 152 Mph. 245 km/h.
- 27 MPG. 8.7 L/100 km. 32 MPG UK.
What engine is in a 1991 BMW 525i?
M50B25 inline-6
Petrol
| Model | Years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| 525i | 1991–1992 | M50B25 inline-6 |
| 1992–1996 | M50B25TU inline-6 | |
| 530i | 1988–1991 | M30B30 inline-6 |
| 1992–1996 | M60B30 V8 |
Does a 525i have a N52?
The more popular of the two engines, the 3.0L N52B30 was available on several models. Some of them include the E90/E92/E93 325i and 325xi, the E60/E61 525i and 525xi, the F01 730i, and the E87 130i. From 2006 to 2013, an iteration of the engine was used on the E83 X3, E70 X5, and the E63/E64 630i.
How much HP does a 525i have?
Used 2006 BMW 5 Series 525i - Specs & Features
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Base engine type | Gas |
| Horsepower | 215 hp @ 6,250 rpm |
| Torque | 185 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm |
| Valves | 24 |
Is the N52 a bad engine?
It is primarily known for its reliability and smooth performance. Nonetheless, the engine is a mechanical component with its share of issues. Among the issues, the most prevalent include valve cover gasket failure, which results in oil leaks, and electric water pump issues, which leads to overheating and coolant leaks.
1991 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
- Electrical system problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Structure problems
- Air bags problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1991 Bmw 525i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1991 Bmw 525i complaints
The NHTSA has received 18 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1991 Bmw 525i.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2012-10-20
- VIN: WBAHC2308LB
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: I PARKED MY CAR IN THE GARAGE AS USUAL. WHEN I WENT OUT TO LEAVE HOME THE STEERING WAS LOCKED. NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY WAS DONE AFTER PARKING IT OR WHEN ATTEMPTING TO START IT. THE LIGHTS FOR THE RADIO CAME ON, THE WINDSHIELD WIPER WORKS, THE LIGHTS ON THE CONSOLE LIGHT UP, BUT THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN MORE THAN A FEW CENTIMETERS. *TR
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2004-07-17
- VIN: WBAHD6315MB
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: WHILE SITTING IN MY 1991 BMW 525I THE SEAT SUDDENLY FELL BACKWARD,AND SIDEWAYS. AFTER REMOVING THE SEAT, AND ALMOST COMPLETELY DISSASSEMBLING IT SO I COULD TRY TO REALIGN THE THING LONG ENOGH TO MAKE IT HOME,I WAS ABLE TO THROUGH BRUTE FORCE PUT IT BACK IN PLACE. LATER AFTER SEVERAL SUBSEQUENT FAILURES I WAS ABLE TO PINPOINT THE PROBLEM.THE CABLES THAT GO BETWEEN THE ELECTRIC DRIVE MOTORS AND THE SEAT ADJUSTMENT GEARBOXES WERE SHEATHED IN A FAILURE-PRONE PLASTIC! THE PLASTIC THROUGH TIME WEARS AND STRETCHES UNTILL THE DRIVE CABLE SLIPS OUT OF GEARBOX ALLOWING CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. I JUST CHECKED TO SEE IF THIS ITEM HAD BEEN RECALLED WITH NO LUCK. *AK
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2002-03-22
- VIN: WBAHD6313MB
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TAIL LIGHTS DO NOT STAY ON DUE TO DEFECTIVE SOCKETS. THE PLASTIC SOCKETS HAVE MELTED FROM THE HEAT OF THE TAIL LIGHT BULBS AND NO LONGER HOLD THE BULBS IN PROPERLY. THEY BLINK ON AND OFF AND SOMETIMES STAY OFF ALL TOGETHER. DEALER ADVISED ME TO BUY NEW ONES @ $320 EACH TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. SINCE THIS IS A SAFETY DEFECT, BMW SHOULD REPLACE THEM. DT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBAHD6318MB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: THE COOLING SYSTEM FAN CLUTCH FAILED WITHIN 45,000 MILES. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBAHD6318MB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: RADIATOR FAILED PREMATURELY. NLM
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBAHD6318MB
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: THE DOOR PADDING ON BOTH REAR DOORS IS SEPARATING. NLM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBAHD6318MB
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: CONSUMER BELIEVES THE VEHICLE IS POOR DESIGNED BECAUSE IN ORDER TO REPAIR A BROKEN HEADLIGHT THE DEALER HAD TO REMONE THE ENTIRE GRILL RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE REPAIR COST. NLM
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBAHD6318MB
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: THE TRUNK APPEARS TO BE CLOSED AND CAN STILL BE UNLOCKED WITH THE TRUNK LIGHT ON CAUSING THE BATTERY TO RUN DOWN, WHICH IN TURN UPSET THE DOOR LOCK PROGRAM WHICH IS STILL HAVING PROBLEMS. NLM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBAHD6318MB
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: THREE BMW BATTERIES HAVE FAILED WITHIN THEIR WARRANTY PERIOD. NLM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-09-07
- VIN: WBAHD6310MB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: UPPER RADIATOR "PLASTIC MALE" OUTLET CONNECTING TO UPPER RUBBER HOSE EXPLODED CAUSING EXTRIME ENGINE OVERHEATING AND ENGINE FAILURE WITH NO WARNING EVEN AFTER DEALER INSTALLED NEW RADIATOR CAP RECALL IN AUGUST 1999. ALMOST CAUSED A HIGHWAY ACCIDENT. CAR HAS EXCELLENT MAINTENANCE RECORD AT DEALERSHIP. REPORTED PROBLEM TO BMW OF NORTH AMERICA. REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT WAS NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF BMW OF NORTH AMERICA.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBHHD631XMB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: REPLACED THE RADIATOR CAP BUT THE NEW CAP CAUSED A HOLE IN THE RADIATOR. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM DESIGN CONTAINS A FLAW, WHEN REMOVING RADIATOR CAP CONSUMER SUSTAINED BURN INJURIES DUE TO CAP NOT HAVING A TWO-STAGE RELEASE, O-RINGS AT THE BASE OF THE CAP ENSURE THAT THE PRESSURE IS MAINTAINED WITHIN THE RADIATOR UNTIL THE CAP IS FULLY UNSCREWED.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-06-01
- VIN: WBAHD6317MB
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE SRS {A SAFETY SYSTEM} LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING. *AK
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBAHD6317MB
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: POWER DOOR LOCK MECHANISM FAILED CAUSING ERRATIC PERFORMANCE OF THE LOCKS.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1996-11-01
- VIN: WBAHD6313MB
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THE SPEEDOMETER OPERATES IRRATICALLY DURING COLD WEATHER. IT FUNCTIONS OK WHEN WARM. THIS IS CAUSED BY BAD MATERIALS USED ON THE SPEEDOMETER PCB BOARD. A NUMBER OF BMW OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS PROBLEM AND FIXES ARE SUGGESTED ON THE INTERNET AT THE FOLLOWING LINKS. HTTP://WWW.ESKIMO.COM/~DALUS/BMW/SPEEDO/SPEEDO.HTM AND AT HTTP://WWW.ESKIMO.COM/~DALUS/BMW/E30/INTERIOR/E30_SPEEDO_SENDER_PROBLEM.HTML. UNRELIABLE OR LACK OF INDICATION OF DRIVING SPEED CAN BE A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS APPEARS TO BE A PROBLEM THAT MANY BMW OWNERS HAVE SUFFERED AS INDICATED BY THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO HAVE REPORTED IT ON THE WEB. THE DEALER WANTS OVER $600 TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *MJS
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-10-10
- VIN: WBAHD6310MB
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: FLUID LEAKS SINCE '11/95. HAVE HAD A TOTAL OF 3 COILS REPLACED; R/R LOWER TIMING COVER, REPLACED GASKETS/NEW DRIVE BELTS - R/R OIL PAN AND REPLACED GASKET TO THE TUNE OF $1,125.00 AT 39,243 MILES. WARANTY IS 4 YRS./50K MILES. ASKED FOR AN ADJUSTMENT DUE TO LOW MILEAGE AND HIGHLY UNUSUAL PROBLEMS. RECEIVED FORM LETTER SAYING "SORRY, CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY." THIS $45K+ AUTO
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-07-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: 2BAHD6312MB
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: TRAVELING 65MPH GOING AROUND A CURB WHEN SUDDENLY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED FOR NO REASON. IT OBSTRUCTED THE DRIVER'S VIEW. HAD NOT HIT ANYTHING & NO OTHER VEHICLE HAD HIT BMW. STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE TAPED TO BE DRIVEN. *AK
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1995-06-01
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE COLLISION DUE TO FAILURE OF THE CRUISE CONTROL AND THROTTLE CABLES, RECALL ISSUED AFTER ACCIDENT OCCURED.
1991 Bmw 525i recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 4 recalls for different components of the 1991 Bmw 525i.
- 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.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
- Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
- Summary: THE AIR BAG CONTACT RING LOCKING TAB LOCATED IN THE STEERING WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAN BREAK WITHOUT WARNING.
- Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE CONTACT RING WIRING COULD EVENTUALLY BREAK. THE AIR BAG READINESS INDICATOR LAMP (SRS OR AIRBAG) IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WILL ILLUMINATE, AND THE AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A FRONTAL IMPACT VEHICLE COLLISION.
- Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOCKING TAB WITH ONE OF A DIFFERENT DESIGN.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1991 Bmw 525i problems:
Common problems with E34 : r/E34
Apr 1, 2020 ... Rust mainly. Take a good Look at where the factory Jack is used. Other than that, theres some Kind of Clutch to engage the Fan that might fail, ...
1991 BMW 525i Problems and Complaints - 3 Issues
Problem with your 1991 BMW 525i? Our list of 3 known complaints reported by owners can help you fix your 1991 BMW 525i.
Common issues to watch for on E34 535i
Oct 3, 2012 ... Hey guys I'm looking to pickup a manual trans car to work on some techniques with. I found a nice candidate in a 1991 E34 535i.
Mechanical things you need to know about your E34 - UPDATED 3 ...
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), ...
1991 BMW 525i problems
Mar 27, 2009 ... The LKM controls the headlights, not the seats and such. These symptoms are common of a failed 80A fuse. I have had to deal with both. King of ...
Other years of Bmw 525i
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