Used BMW 525

What to know before buying: BMW 525

From 1 forum thread and 3 press tests · updated 11/10/2026

What the reviews say

• An owner of a 1993 E34 525 24V praises its quiet, comfortable cabin, easy handling and predictable rear-wheel drive; measured mixed consumption was 9.3–9.8 l/100 km.[1]one source
• An E39 525i owner highlights its comfort, space and motorway ability, describing the 2.5-litre petrol engine as economical for its size.[3]one sourceE39
• An E39 525d review reports good stability, a quiet cabin, comfortable seats and adequate power, but says acceleration lacks punch.[3]one sourceE39
• An E60 525i with the M package was rated positively, though its ride was described as firm; an E60 525d M Sport owner also wanted stronger acceleration.[4]one sourceE60

Typical faults

• N52 engines used in the E60 after 2005 may develop substantially increased oil consumption after 100,000–150,000 km.[2]one sourceE60

  100 000–150 000 km · 2005+ · N52

• N53 engines used in the E60 from 2007 are reported to have short-lived oil pumps and direct injectors; a leaking injector can fill a cylinder with fuel and cause hydrolock.[2]one sourceE60

  2007+ · N53

• Corrosion and vibration where the E60's aluminium front structure meets steel can weaken mountings; symptoms include knocking, steering play and eventually cracked glass.[2]one sourceE60
• The E60's cabin electrics are rated only moderately reliable: iDrive electronics, sensors, wiring and control units may fail or freeze, requiring reprogramming or replacement.[2]one sourceE60
• One E39 525d owner reported electrical faults that intermittently disabled the instrument panel and other lighting.[3]one sourceE39

  525d

Which engine and version to take

• For the E60 525, the 2.5-litre M54 petrol is identified as the least troublesome option: it could cover 300,000–350,000 km without cylinder-valve group repairs, but was fitted only through 2005.[2]one sourceE60

What to avoid

• Treat the N52 cautiously: the source reports a shorter service life than the M54 and a marked rise in oil consumption after only 100,000–150,000 km.[2]one sourceE60
• The N53 is a riskier choice because of erratic behaviour and short-lived oil pumps and direct injectors; injector leakage may cause hydrolock.[2]one sourceE60

What to check at the inspection

• On an E60 with the N52, check its oil-consumption history and engine condition, especially at 100,000–150,000 km.[2]one sourceE60
• When diagnosing an E60 with the N53, scrutinise the oil pump and direct injectors, including possible fuel leakage into the cylinders.[2]one sourceE60
• During an E60 test drive, listen for front-end knocks and check steering play; also inspect aluminium-to-steel mountings and the glass.[2]one sourceE60
• On an E60, test every iDrive function, sensor and electrical feature; control-unit faults may require reprogramming or replacement.[2]one sourceE60
• On an E39 525d, test the instrument cluster and all interior and exterior lighting because an owner reported intermittent electrical loss.[3]one sourceE39

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]iauto.lv — BMW 525 24V 1993.gads - Lasītāja pieredze · forum
2. [2]car-use.lv — BMW 5.sērija E60 Ekspluatācijas nianses · press
3. [3]whatcar.lv — BMW 5.sērija sedans (96-02) Atsauksmes par auto - WhatCar.lv · press
4. [4]whatcar.lv — BMW 5.sērija sedans (03-09) Atsauksmes par auto - WhatCar.lv · press

Spotted an error? Tell us