525ix Touring???

[GM525]

Hi.
Just reg`d to this forum.Has anybody got any opinions or experience with 525ix`s? I have just bought one and due to collect it on Mon.Cant wait! Previous car was an e30 316 Touring which I had for nearly 4 years-what a car! Although excited, I am still a bit worried about the cost of parts and maintaining it although it only done 70k miles (1992). Does anone out ther know what type of fuel consumption/performance to expect.Is build quality better than e30, and are ther any common probs to be aware of. Any info would be greatly appreciated. :)

[bahnstormer]

where are you from?
i can't recall a 525ixt everbeing sold in the states...

[GM525]

I am from Cleveland in UK. Did the US market get small 4 cyl engines?

[Torque]

I am from Cleveland in UK. Did the US market get small 4 cyl engines?
only in 3 series cars.

edit: smallest one of those is 1.8L

[GM525]

Your part no for flux capacitor is incorrect.That no. is for fluffle valve.
Flux capacitor is BS029333BX. :D

[Torque]

Your part no for flux capacitor is incorrect.That no. is for fluffle valve.
Flux capacitor is BS029333BX. :D
what in the world are you talking about ? how did we go from talking about displacement of us spec engines to flux capacitors ?

[cjones]

I have a 94 ix Touring here in Alaska, I bought it in Swinefurt in 2000 and imported it.
No problems but there are some surprising differences. The brake discs are different as is the exaust manifold, so a standard exaust won't fit.

[GM525]

what in the world are you talking about ? how did we go from talking about displacement of us spec engines to flux capacitors ?

[GM525]

sorry, that reply was meant for "bahnstormer". I think he`s winding someone up!

[GM525]

I have a 94 ix Touring here in Alaska, I bought it in Swinefurt in 2000 and imported it.
No problems but there are some surprising differences. The brake discs are different as is the exaust manifold, so a standard exaust won't fit.

[GM525]

Are there many in Alaska? Seems to be a few in England but spose would be more useful in your neck of the woods! According to a mag I bought the 0-60 time is over 1.5 secs slower than the 2WD version-do you know if this is correct.

[cjones]

I doubt that it would be much slower, the only factor would be about 75 lbs extraweight. In the book BMW 5 series by Marc Cranswick he quotes a test showing that the 5ix was faster on a closed course ie it has better road holding. There is only one other 5 ix that I am aware of in this country. Now on the side streets I am driving on sheet ice with studded tires and it handles very well. If you stomp on it the rear end will swing around but if you are gentle it will drive without sliding.
I had to replace the steering rack recently the exchange part cost over $800 that is 425 quid to you.

[lesage]

525ixT isnt a fast accelerating car. not slow either. Its an outstanding load carrier motorway cruiser. over 30mpg London to S W France, regularly, cruising at 80-90mph.
Front suspension on mine is soft, and was quoted £750 to have it done, ball joints etc replaced. So it'll have to stay soft

If you want economy, stay with a E30 316. If you want speed and a track car, stay with a Z3 2.8. Dont expect the 525iX to compete with either. Like I say, motorway cruising...


lesage

92 525iXaT 125000m
86 316 129000m
99 Z3 2.8 A 19000m

[GM525]

I see what you mean Lesage. The 316i Touring is the quickest car ive had, and I and probably never will be into fast sports cars. It has been the best ive owned by far - ok performance(m40 engines are sweet compare with other 4 cyl models from other makes) good handling, plenty of boot space, 35 mpg ,and good quality feel for a car thats over 10 years old. The main probs are when loaded up on a run its a bit gutless and economy suffers too.I reckon because the 2.5 engines are so understressed there wont be a great difference in econ on a long run.(I hope)
If anyone has any views......
thanks

[lesage]

When I wrote the response I had in mind that all cars are compromises and all have 4 wheels and move. It depends on what you want, and where you are. Central London or Alaska, for instance? The 525iX fits both, which is perhaps bloody remarkable, although the 316 is of course better unless Im fully loaded

En passant I think my 316 is a great deal more basic than your 316i. Carb, nothing electric, and a chain driven camshaft. Possibly best car Ive owned. V little to go wrong and good for London...But your E30 estate I think is a v good body design indeed

[lesage]

Oh, and, regarding my last post I forgot to menntion that the other thing that conditioned my earlier response was your observation that the iX appeared to be slower than the i. ie, "if speed were to be that important to you, perhaps a 5 series isnt what you want", sort of thing)

[Torque]

iX will be slower than i due to more weight. I also believed it had different gear ratios...

But I sure wouldn't mind owning one... I'm 17 and the only wagon I would ever drive is the E34 Touring. :)

[cjones]

The 525ix is low geared, it is easy to hit the rev limiter when accellerating. I also have a 92 M5 touring and an Alpina D 10 Touring (in France) and I don't find the ix boring.

[Elekta]

The 525ix is low geared, it is easy to hit the rev limiter when accellerating. I also have a 92 M5 touring and an Alpina D 10 Touring (in France) and I don't find the ix boring.

What's a D-10 Touring?

Please post pics of your three wagons errr estates errr tourings.

Check this out. My next door neighbor just gave her 16y/o daughter a silver 525iT, narrow grill.

My two year old has been stumped for weeks, and it's still pretty alarming to have see barely a handful of e34 tourings in austin, but mostly white black or green, and then to see arguably the only other silver touring in town parked right on the street in front of my house.

oi

[Snidly69]

What's a D-10 Touring?

Please post pics of your three wagons errr estates errr tourings.

Check this out. My next door neighbor just gave her 16y/o daughter a silver 525iT, narrow grill.

My two year old has been stumped for weeks, and it's still pretty alarming to have see barely a handful of e34 tourings in austin, but mostly white black or green, and then to see arguably the only other silver touring in town parked right on the street in front of my house.

oi
That's because we sold our red/black 525iT :( and I took our gold (cashmere beige) 530iT back to Colorado with me...so now Austin is less 2 e34 It's. What I REALLY want is an M5 Touring and a 525iXt...if anyone wants to help :D

[Snidly69]

Hey Anyone...
If ANYONE knows where on earth my red/black '91 525iT went (we sold it in '93 to buy yhe 530iT)....I really really want it back! a place you saw it, a plate...ANYTHING would help. it has everything including winter package (I still have the ski racks) I special ordered it and to my knowlwedge it is the only one in the country red/black. let me know...Please...help a guy out.

[SC David]

What's a D-10 Touring?

Please post pics of your three wagons errr estates errr tourings.

Check this out. My next door neighbor just gave her 16y/o daughter a silver 525iT, narrow grill.

My two year old has been stumped for weeks, and it's still pretty alarming to have see barely a handful of e34 tourings in austin, but mostly white black or green, and then to see arguably the only other silver touring in town parked right on the street in front of my house.

oi
Do you have links to pictures of your car?? Last time I remember seeing your sig picture it was still on basketweaves with an all stock front. I'm interested to see pictures of the touring in its current state. Love what I can see!