1991 vs 1992 BMW M5
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.
1991
Nothing that 1992 lacks.
1992
Nothing that 1991 lacks.
Both years
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Worn timing chain tensioner and guides All years One source so far
What to check: Listen for chain rattle at a cold start, and ask when the tensioner was replaced.
Euro Premium Parts calls the tensioner the most important preventive replacement on a high-mileage engine, and says a failure can destroy it.
A seller's guide (unofficial)
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Ageing cooling system All years
What to check: Watch the temperature gauge on a long drive, and ask when the water pump, thermostat, radiator and hoses were last replaced.
Euro Premium Parts says overheating is one of the most common causes of serious damage to this engine. NHTSA lists a recall for a new radiator cap on 1991 to 1993 cars.
NHTSA, a seller's guide (unofficial)
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Worn valve stem seals All years One source so far
What to check: Look for blue smoke at start-up and when coming off the throttle.
Euro Premium Parts says it usually shows above 80,000 to 100,000 miles, or on cars that have sat unused, and takes a lot of labor to fix.
A seller's guide (unofficial)
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Oil leaks All years One source so far
What to check: Look for oil at the camshaft cover and the front and rear main seals.
Euro Premium Parts says most cars of this age leak some oil, and that a rear main seal leak can soak the clutch.
A seller's guide (unofficial)
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Seized calipers and corroded brake lines All years One source so far
What to check: Have the whole brake system inspected.
Euro Premium Parts says the calipers can seize, the lines corrode and the master cylinder seals weep after three decades.
A seller's guide (unofficial)
Recalls
1991
- 90V204000 1991
The screws holding the wheel covers to the original wheels may not have been tightened fully, and in extreme driving can loosen and come off. Dealers apply thread locker to the screws. NHTSA
1992
Nothing that 1991 lacks.
Both years
- 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
- 98V178000 1991–1993
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
What changed between
After 1991, up to and including 1992.
No changes recorded between these years.
What it came with
1991
Nothing that 1992 lacks.
1992
Nothing that 1991 lacks.
Both years
What owners and buyers say
Reputation: what owners and the press report
1991
Nothing that 1992 lacks.
1992
Nothing that 1991 lacks.
Both years
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Sought after: A car with full service records and recent cooling work All years One source so far
Euro Premium Parts tells buyers to look for complete service history, recent cooling system work, a dry engine bay and a smooth, quiet engine, and to buy the best-documented car they can find. A seller's guide (unofficial)
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Avoid: A car with no record of timing chain work All years Less sought after
Euro Premium Parts says any E34 M5 without documented timing chain service should be treated with caution, and CarGurus warns about cars that seem too good a deal. CarGurus, a seller's guide (unofficial)