I have been a BMW fan for many years waiting for the chance to purchase. I prefer the 3-series convertibles, however I saw a 525i that I had to check out. The dealership has had it on the lot for 5 months now. It's a '95 green with dove interior. New bridgestone Potenza tires, all electronics work, interior is in good shape, no rust anywhere on the car. It has both keys, original owners manual with some service documentation. I know there are some issues with the 5-series and its a little scary. The car was originally purchased at a reputable BMW dealer here. Can I go to the dealer with the VIN to check its service records? They want $7,800 for the car. KBB says its worth $10,000. Any info you have would be greatly appreciated. If it checks out then I need help selling the wife, although I think my 1yr. old son would like it.
525i Caught my Eye. Need some help.
- Thread starter En 2 Jazz
- Start date
First welcome to the board. You do not mention the year and options if any. How many miles are on the car? Yes the dealer or BMW NA could check the service history for you, I had BMW NA do so for me when I purchased my 98 M roadster used. As far as gremlins I do not know any so maybe some of the 5 series guys can answer that question for you.
Welcome.
A couple suggestions: I would get the service info from ANOTHER BMW dealer if possible than the one selling it to you just in case they were to "lose" some bad repair record. Also, the car may or may not have been serviced at a dealer so consider that.
The 95 525 is a slightly different generation and engine than my 98 V8 but in general I think you should focus on repair/inspection of these items are notorious for me and others I've heard:
Water pump (bearing "wobble" visible by belt pulley going in and out or making noise) and RADIATOR (stress cracks by upper hose connection is failure area)
Have catalytic converter(s) inspected for rattles or breakdown. They are mucho $ to replace.
If not Auto, check clutch life/replacement interval.
Headlight adjusters -- plastic pieces inside assembly that cost nuts but are a pain in the ass to repair. They dry rot over time and snap in half leaving saggy headlights that jiggle. Try to adjust the lights under the hood and see if they move or not.
These are other general suggestions:
Make sure the AC system and windows, sunroof etc. are all working properly (one-touch close feature etc.)
Check the NADA guide and Edmunds.com against your KBB value to get an average. Also note whether it is trade-in (dealer) or private value. Also do a CARFAX with the VIN (see if the dealer will provide it) to prove no accidents etc.
Other than that, do your typical tire-kicking and inspection.
Good luck!
A couple suggestions: I would get the service info from ANOTHER BMW dealer if possible than the one selling it to you just in case they were to "lose" some bad repair record. Also, the car may or may not have been serviced at a dealer so consider that.
The 95 525 is a slightly different generation and engine than my 98 V8 but in general I think you should focus on repair/inspection of these items are notorious for me and others I've heard:
Water pump (bearing "wobble" visible by belt pulley going in and out or making noise) and RADIATOR (stress cracks by upper hose connection is failure area)
Have catalytic converter(s) inspected for rattles or breakdown. They are mucho $ to replace.
If not Auto, check clutch life/replacement interval.
Headlight adjusters -- plastic pieces inside assembly that cost nuts but are a pain in the ass to repair. They dry rot over time and snap in half leaving saggy headlights that jiggle. Try to adjust the lights under the hood and see if they move or not.
These are other general suggestions:
Make sure the AC system and windows, sunroof etc. are all working properly (one-touch close feature etc.)
Check the NADA guide and Edmunds.com against your KBB value to get an average. Also note whether it is trade-in (dealer) or private value. Also do a CARFAX with the VIN (see if the dealer will provide it) to prove no accidents etc.
Other than that, do your typical tire-kicking and inspection.
Good luck!