The 1988–1996 BMW 525i Sedan (E34) is a beautifully built, fast, and safe executive express, praised for its excellent build quality and setting the benchmark in its class. Reviewers and enthusiasts regard it as a strong performer, with the Touring variant being noted for driving like a sports estate. The model is famously known for its sophisticated engineering, but is infamous for common issues like cooling system failures and front suspension problems. Today, a well-maintained 525i E34 is suited for enthusiasts seeking a classic driving experience or for reliable daily driving, provided the common issues are addressed.
The 1988-1996 BMW 525i (E34) is fairly reliable but can have expensive maintenance costs over 100k miles. Common concerns include the cooling system and front suspension. It may also lack power. Insurance rates are typical for the 5 Series.
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