1998 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 1998 Bmw 525i problems
The BMW 525i 1998 model is part of the e39 5 series, known for its high-performance engine and advanced electronics. However, like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems that owners have reported.
- Cooling System Failure: The cooling system is the most common issue in the e39 5 series, responsible for 25% of all workshop visits
- Hose and Line Leaks: The high-performance engine of the e39 5 series can lead to leaks in the power steering hoses, oil valve cover, and other lines. These leaks can result in difficulty steering, handling, or misfiring. Fluid deposits on the driveway or garage floor may indicate a leak.
- LCD Display/Computer Readout: The LCD display on the dashboard is responsible for conveying important information, such as mileage. However, it can suffer from pixel loss, causing a jumbled mess of letters and numbers. This issue can be due to a faulty ribbon cable or the onboard computer.
- Thrust Arm Bushings: The rubber units, or thrust arm bushings, are part of the suspension system and can fail around 75,000 miles, causing loose steering and jittering during braking.
- Window Regulators: In high-mileage e39 5 series BMWs, the front and rear windows may stop working due to age and wear and tear. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the window tracks and guides can help prevent this issue.
These complex problems with the e39 5 series BMW are best repaired by trained and experienced mechanics familiar with German automotive systems. Regular inspections and maintenance, as recommended by BMW, can help identify and address these issues before they become severe.
What is the main problem with BMW 5 Series?
Faulty cooling system
The main issue to look out for in a Mk4 5 Series is a malfunctioning cooling system, which accounts for a quarter of all trips to the garage. Ensure the engine doesn't start overheating on a test drive, and look for any signs of leaking coolant under the car.
Is BMW 5 Series a reliable car?
Owners told us about their experience with the BMW 5 Series (2017-2023) as part of our annual Reliability Survey. Most of our readers said their cars were proving to be reliable, but minor issues were reported by some owners – mostly relating to the car's infotainment system, seats and suspension and bodywork.
Is the e39 reliable?
The e39 is a very sturdy car. Get yourself a LCI e39 M5 or a later e39 530, stay away from the autotragic transmissions. It came in several trim levels. The 6 cylinder '530', the v8 '540' and one of the most highly regarded saloons[4doorSedans] from Germany, the e39 M5 with the s62 5l v8.
Is BMW 525i a 5 Series?
Prices shown for the used 2006 BMW 5 Series Sedan 4D 525i with typical miles are what people paid to buy this vehicle or what people received when trading in this vehicle at a dealer.
How many miles can a BMW 525i last?
A BMW can last 150-200,000 miles with proper care and if you drive the national average of 13,500 miles per year, you can expect to drive your BMW for 10-15 years according to MotorAsk.
What is the main problem with BMW 5 Series?
Faulty cooling system
The main issue to look out for in a Mk4 5 Series is a malfunctioning cooling system, which accounts for a quarter of all trips to the garage. Ensure the engine doesn't start overheating on a test drive, and look for any signs of leaking coolant under the car.
Are BMW e39 reliable?
The e39 is a very sturdy car. Get yourself a LCI e39 M5 or a later e39 530, stay away from the autotragic transmissions. It came in several trim levels. The 6 cylinder '530', the v8 '540' and one of the most highly regarded saloons[4doorSedans] from Germany, the e39 M5 with the s62 5l v8.
Which generation of BMW 5 series are most reliable?
BMW 5 Series F10 (2010-2016)
This model is regarded as one of the most reliable 5 Series due to its well-engineered design, and it also received high ratings from both Consumer Reports and J.D. Power.
1998 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:
- Equipment problems
- Service brakes problems
- Hydraulic problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1998 Bmw 525i vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1998 Bmw 525i complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1998 Bmw 525i.
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: WBADD6321WG
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: ASH TRAY.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-08-18
- VIN: WBADD6324WB
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: WE ARE REPORTING A SIGNIFICANT BRAKE WEAR ON MINIMAL MILEAGE WITH VERY MODEST USAGE. WE WE ASKED BY THE DEALERSHIP NOT TO REPORT THIS TO THE NATIONAL OFFICE. WE HAVE , AS YET, NOT REPRTED THIS TO THE NATIOANL BMW OFFICE UNTIL WE FILED THIS REPORT AND RECEIVED A RESPONSE FROM YOU REGARDING ANYOTHER SIGNIFICANT REPORTS OF BMW BREAK FAILURE OR EXTREME WEAR. WE HAVE HAD TWO PREVIOUSLY LEASED BMW'S THAT WERE DIRVEN THEIR FULL 36MON/36,000 MILES WITH NO BREAK PROBLEMS INCLUDING NO REPLACEMENT OF PADS OR ROTORS.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1998 Bmw 525i problems:
What are some common problems on a 1998 528i? | BMW Werkz
Sep 21, 2008 ... Looking into buying a 1998 528i with 160K miles and was curious about the common problems these cars have. With all the miles on the car ...
BMW e39 5 Series Common Issues | BMW Mechanics in ...
Cooling System: The water pump and thermostat have been known to fail in the e39 5 series, and in some rare cases the radiator can be faulty. To find out if ...
Opinion on 5 Series BMW and common problems | BimmerFest ...
Nov 27, 2006 ... I've heard that there are many electrical problems associated with bmw. Could you guys give me some opinion on the car and any common problems?
BMW E39 Reliability: Common Problems & Q&A
Nov 3, 2012 ... Im thinking of buying a 1998 e39 523i and wondered what to look out for in regards to mechanical reliability and - Answered by a verified ...
E39 Common Problems | BimmerFest BMW Forum
Jun 16, 2011 ... E39 Common Problems ... I've got it narrowed down to an E39 5-series, hopefully with the manual transmission. ... 98 528i); raising pressures, often ...
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