1990 vs 1991 BMW 5 Series

Both years are the same generation, so most of what they offer is shared.

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

The timing belt on early 525i cars 1989–1990 One source so far

What to check: Ask for proof of the last timing belt change.

Euro Premium Parts says the M20's belt must be changed on schedule, because a snapped belt means catastrophic engine damage. The later engines use a chain.

A seller's guide (unofficial)

Worn VANOS seals on the twin-cam six 1991–1996 One source so far

What to check: Listen for a rattle at a cold start.

Euro Premium Parts says early VANOS units leak oil and rattle on a cold start as their seals wear, and that the idle control valve can cause a rough idle and stalling.

A seller's guide (unofficial)

Cooling system failure All years One source so far

What to check: Ask when the water pump, hoses, thermostat and expansion tank were last replaced, and watch the temperature gauge on a long drive.

Euro Premium Parts calls the plastic water pump impeller, hoses and expansion tank consumables, and says a failed impeller is the leading cause of head gasket damage on the six-cylinder engines.

A seller's guide (unofficial)
Rust in the sills and floor All years One source so far

What to check: Look at the jacking points, sills, floor pans and inner wheel arches.

Euro Premium Parts calls sill and floor pan rust the biggest structural concern on any E34, especially where roads are salted.

A seller's guide (unofficial)
Worn suspension bushings All years One source so far

What to check: On the test drive, feel for vague steering or pulling, and listen for clunks over bumps.

Euro Premium Parts calls the front control arm and rear trailing arm bushings wear items.

A seller's guide (unofficial)

90V016000 1989–1990
The front center armrest can press on the seat belt buckle and damage its release button, so the belt may not latch. Dealers fit shorter buckles. NHTSA

91V029000 1991
In cold weather a hot engine's throttle valve may lack clearance in its housing, because its parts expand at different rates. Dealers inspect it and replace the throttle housing if needed. NHTSA
92V101000 1991
The nut holding the throttle valve shaft may not have been tightened enough. Dealers test it and replace the throttle housing if needed. NHTSA
96V110000 1991–1992
A locking tab for the airbag contact ring in the steering wheel can break without warning. Dealers fit a tab of a different design. NHTSA

94V066000 1989–1993
The fuel feed hoses can harden over time and let fuel seep at the engine fitting. Dealers fit a redesigned hose and clamp. NHTSA
96V111000 1990–1994
The brake light switch can fail with the brake lights stuck on or off. Dealers fit a newly designed switch. NHTSA
97V131000 1989–1995
A plastic bushing on the cruise control or throttle cable can break, letting the outer cable catch on it when the accelerator is pressed. Dealers fit a spring steel clip to each cable. NHTSA
98V178000 1989–1995
If a thermostat, water pump or fan belt fails and the driver misses the overheating warning, coolant pressure can damage the cooling system. Dealers fit a new design of radiator cap. NHTSA

After 1990, up to and including 1991.

Engines: 2.5L twin-cam inline-six (1991–1996) CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference

Engines: 3.4L inline-six (1989–1993) CarGurus, a published reference
Transmissions: Five-speed manual CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference, Four-speed automatic CarGurus, a published reference
Drivetrains: Rear-wheel drive CarGurus, a published reference
Body styles: Sedan Edmunds, a published reference

Reputation: what owners and the press report

Nothing that 1991 lacks.

Nothing that 1990 lacks.

Sought after: Manual sedans, V8s and the Touring All years

CarGurus says manual sedans, V8s and Touring models are already becoming collectibles, and Euro Premium Parts says the Touring is increasingly sought after in the US. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)