1990 BMW 525i SE (E34) Auto

Highlights

• 2.5-litre straight-six engine
• Superb original interior
• Extensively stamped service book
• Timing belt changed
• Period-looking Bluetooth sound system

Overview

Welcome to 1990, when fuel injection was still noteworthy and BMW were producing their third iteration of the 5-series: the E34. This is the car which brought BMW’s engineering to the middle-market masses during the 90s, and helped build the brand’s reputation.

This example has clearly been well kept during the intervening few decades, as evidenced by its superbly well preserved interior. The seat fabrics show almost no signs of use — a remarkable feat, and tribute to the build quality of the era.

It has recently been treated to some serious mechanical work, which included removing the transmission, changing the fluids, and replacing the crankshaft rear main oil seal. The timing belt was replaced in 2021, along with the water pump.

Now a modern classic, this 5-series saloon is the kind of car you used to see in abundance. Then one day you realised they had all been replaced by crossovers and SUVs. What used to be endemic is now a rare breed.

You can relive the glory days of the saloon car by owning this 525i. It’s sure to provide plenty of entertainment wherever you go. And the vendor has even had the good sense to fit a Bluetooth-enabled original style stereo. So you can blast out your favourite 90s playlist without having to rummage in the shed for that mixtape you recorded back in the day.

History and documentation

• Registered 6 Aug 1990
• Stamped service book with services as follows: Aug 1990 @ 1,082 miles, Jan 1991 @ 7,714 miles, Jun 1991 @ 13,708 miles, Aug 1991 @ 17,234 miles, 23,883 miles, 32,676 miles, Jun 1994 @ 39,229 miles, 48,767 miles, Apr 1996 @ 55,027 miles, Aug 1997 @ 64,075 miles, Jul 1998 @ 10,749 miles, Aug 1998 @ 71,255 miles, Aug 1999 @ 78,639 miles, Jul 2000 @ 85,104 miles, Nov 2001 @ 91,726 miles, Aug 2002 @ 94,261 miles, Sep 2003 @ 97,616 miles, 103,776 miles, Jul 2005 @ 106,626 miles, Aug 2008 @ 115,688 miles, Jan 2009 @ 118,330 miles, Jul 2012 @ 124,178 miles, Jun 2021 @ 130,130 miles, 2022 @ 130,708 miles, Apr 2024 @ 135,433 miles
• Original document pack including owner’s handbook, service booklet, and other documents
• Collection of invoices for parts and servicing
• Two keys
• Current MOT expires 23 Jul 2025
• V5 present in owner’s name
• Six registered former keepers
• HPI clear

Interior

• The interior of this 525 is in superb original condition throughout
• Velour seats very well preserved, with almost no signs of wear or damage
• Overall, there are only a couple of missing trim pieces, or areas of delamination
• The dashboard plastics look fresh and smart
• Manual seat adjusters
• Carpets clean and tidy
• Door cards very tidy, only a small area on the nearside rear door, where the upholstery has come a little unglued
• Original steering wheel, with no cracks or fading
• Dual-zone climate control
• Analogue instruments and clock
• Period correct looking Bosch Rotterdam stereo fitted, with Bluetooth connectivity
• Speakers installed in the rear parcel shelf
• Rear seat upholstery in excellent condition
• Electric windows and wing mirror adjusters
• Headlining in very good condition
• Sunroof opens as it should do
• Spacious, fully carpeted boot to the rear
• Full size spare wheel stored under the boot floor
• Almost-complete original toolkit stowed in the bootlid

Exterior

• Finished in an attractive shade of light blue metallic paint
• The paint is in good condition for its age
• Some minor stone chips to the leading edge of the bonnet
• Generally the body panels look good, with some small areas of bubbling
• There is a small dent on the bootlid
• There is some bubbling along the lower edges of the doors
• Scuffs on the bumper corners
• 15-inch alloy wheels look generally presentable
• Small areas of bubbling and a few scuffs on the alloy wheels
• The seller tells us that three of the tyres were recently replaced
• Some of the rubber seals and plastic trim pieces are a little perished
• Chrome badges front and rear
• Small areas of lacquer peel on the roof
• The headlights are clear and bright
• The fuel filler flap hinge was professionally repaired in Aug 2024 but the seller reports that it remains loose and falls off if not carefully handled, but is secure when on
• Heated rear windscreen

Mechanical

• 2,494 cc straight-six engine
• Produces 168 bhp, and 164 lb ft
• Four-speed automatic transmission
• Rear-wheel drive
• In Aug 2024 the gearbox was removed to replace a seized selector shaft, the crankshaft rear main oil seal was replaced, and the transmission oil filter was replaced
• This may have resolved the MOT advisory item: ‘oil leak, but not excessive’
• A standard service was also carried out, replacing the engine oil and filter, fuel filter, air filter and rotor arm
• In Jul 2022 both front damper units were replaced, with new struts and top mounts
• In Nov 2021 the timing belt and water pump were changed, along with the thermostat
• The seller tells us that the car starts perfectly and drives beautifully, with the six-cylinder engine being very smooth
• The only issue reported is a slightly less than smooth gear change from first into second, but only at low speeds
• This issue was investigated during the work carried out in Aug 2024
• No warning lights or other mechanical issues reported

Summary

They certainly don’t make ‘em like this any more. Elegantly styled, capable saloons might largely have given way to ugly SUVs these days but you can restore some old-school order to our roads by choosing an E34 5-series.

With its plethora of service stamps, superbly preserved interior, and attractive metallic blue paintwork, this 525i is a great way to enjoy a modern classic.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Pinner, Greater London.