The 2004-2010 BMW 525d Touring (E61) is a fifth-generation 5 Series wagon known for blending practicality with BMW's signature driving dynamics. It was lauded for its responsive handling, comfortable ride, and the indispensable extra space of the Touring body. The E60/E61 generation is famous for its advanced chassis design, utilizing weight-reduced aluminum components for near 50/50 load distribution. However, it can be infamous for complex technology (like early iDrive/CCC) and common maintenance issues, such as cooling system failures. Today, the 525d is well suited for enthusiasts seeking a reliable diesel daily driver with lower running costs, provided potential maintenance is factored in.
BMW 525-Series maintenance is costly, with potential for expensive repairs like cooling system failure, timing chain issues, and rear air suspension problems. Insurance costs are also above average. Reliability is rated reasonably well for models with the 2.5L engine.
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