1995 vs 1996 BMW 5 Series

vs

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.

1995

Nothing that 1996 lacks.

1996

Nothing that 1995 lacks.

Both years

  • Worn Nikasil bores on early V8s 1994–1996 One source so far

    What to check: Have a compression test done, and look for white smoke and oil use.

    Euro Premium Parts says the Nikasil coating on early M60 bores reacted with sulfur-rich US fuel and wore fast, losing compression, and that later engines are unaffected. It also lists failing engine wiring insulation on the M60.

    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 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)

  • 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)

Rare catches

1995

  • Rare 540i M-Sport Package

    A run for North America after the M5 left it A published reference

    205 built for North America A published reference

1996

Nothing that 1995 lacks.

Recalls

1995

  • 94V219000 1994–1995

    The double-lock feature can engage with people and the key inside the car. Dealers replace the general control module with one whose software lets the windows open. 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

1996

  • 04V183000 1996–1997

    The front spring strut plate can crack after long exposure to the elements and break, and could touch the tire. Dealers fit a retaining clip under the plates. NHTSA

What changed between

After 1995, up to and including 1996.

  1. 1996A carry-over year, the E34's last. CarGurus

What it came with

1995

Packages
540i M-Sport (1995) A published reference

1996

Nothing that 1995 lacks.

Both years

Engines
2.5L twin-cam inline-six (1991–1996) CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference, 3.0L V8 (1994–1996) CarGurus, a published reference, 4.0L V8 (1994–1996) CarGurus, a published reference
Transmissions
Five-speed manual CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference, Four-speed automatic CarGurus, a published reference, Five-speed automatic (1994–1996) CarGurus, a published reference, Six-speed manual (1995–1996) Edmunds, CarGurus, a published reference
Drivetrains
Rear-wheel drive CarGurus, a published reference
Body styles
Sedan Edmunds, a published reference, Touring (1992–1996) CarGurus, Edmunds, a published reference

Colors

1995

  • Arctic Gray Metallic 1995 Edmunds
  • Diamond Black Metallic 1995 Edmunds
  • Jet Black 1995 Edmunds
  • Arctic Silver Metallic 1995 Edmunds
  • Aspen Silver Metallic 1995 Edmunds
  • Alpine White III 1995 Edmunds
  • Orient Blue Metallic Pearl 1995 Edmunds
  • Oxford Green Metallic 1995 Edmunds
  • Bright Red 1995 Edmunds
  • Calypso Red Metallic 1995 Edmunds
  • Cashmere Beige Metallic 1995 Edmunds
  • Avus Blue Pearl Metallic 1995 Edmunds
  • Cosmos Black Metallic 1995 Edmunds
  • Dakar Yellow 1995 Edmunds
  • Dark Blue 1995 Edmunds
  • Montreal Blue Metallic 1995 Edmunds

1996

Nothing that 1995 lacks.

What owners and buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

1995

Nothing that 1996 lacks.

1996

Nothing that 1995 lacks.

Both years

  • 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)

  • Watch for: An early V8 without a compression test 1994–1996 Walk away One source so far

    Euro Premium Parts advises avoiding early M60 V8 cars unless a compression test shows the Nikasil cylinder bores are undamaged. A seller's guide (unofficial)