how many miles can i get out of this thing?

[adashio]

i have a 520i from 1995

im fairly certain it was used as a business car for long trips as it has quite alot of miles for a 1995 model

it has 136 000 miles as of now

driving normal there is no slippage, changes fine, but when you really drive it hard it will sometimes stay in gear too long before changing up.

no (major) parts have been replaced that i know of

it was reguarly serviced by a qualified bmw mechanic from 1995 til 2004 (last entry)

btw its an auto...

how many miles can i expect out of this thing before its time to go car shopping again? considering that fluids filters etc will be changed regularly?

if everyone could quote how many miles theyve got on the clock now that would be excellent.

[semiretired]

My 91 525 M50 has lasted 16 years and 246,200+ miles.

[Mitch90535im]

My '90 535i 5-speed is currently at 226,000 miles. I burn no oil between regular 3,000 mile changes and I can't imagine parting ways with this vehicle.

[BMWDriver]

I got 251 000 miles (401000 kms) and she's clean under, hardly any rust, the engine is still going smoothly and strong, and I lose no coolant ever since I switched back to synthetic oil... What can I say, these things are made solid. I have faith I can do a lot of mileage with it yet.

I have an excellent mechanic who makes competent remarks and decisions, that helps wonderfully.

Previous owners (2) took good care and did lots of highway between Montreal, Toronto and Quebec City.

With a small engine, it is only normal that yours would rev high up for sports driving, because you need higher RPMs to get power to haul this heavy thing - automatic on top of that. My 2.5 (manual) is a bit slow to start in 1st gear because I have not much torque, so If I want a good start, I have to get above 2000 rpms and then clutch it in.

[Dave M]

91 525 5-speed. 530,000 km (330,000 miles). Recently rebuilt engine. Prior to rebuild it had lower compression in one cylinder and burned a bit of oil, but ran fine and would still be a reliable, eficient 30+ MPG runner without the rebuild.

I digress. Can't speak for the auto tranny, but the engines will go high miles if you want them to.

Dave

[bmwrp8]

1989 e34 525i m20 4speed Auto 261,000kms. or around 17+,+++miles. minor valve cover gasket,thermostat fluids ATF and stuff but aside from that shifts perfect tranny engine hasen't been rebuild yet..(crosses fingers:D ;) )

[Macv]

Take care of it and you won't be car shopping for many good years.

[markus]

as with any thing just keep on top of the maintainence and theres no reason why u cant see over 200k out of these things. The E34 is the one model you hear the fewest complaints about according to total BMW. plus these cars dont seem to rust like most cars of this vintage and the maintainence and repairs arent cheap, but worth it. Nothing compares to an E34.

[Ross]

Keep all the fluids fresh, including the trans, and you'll have lots more to go.
It sounds like you have the service records. Check how many times brakes were done, that will give you a clue as to being long miles or not.

[mikell]

I have over 227,000 miles on my v8 with auto, and still no major issues. Like everyone else has said - do the little things regularly and she'll take good care of you.

[Dash01]

280K miles and the rebuilt the head when the HG failed. The cylinders still had the hash marks from the factory machining, and there was no discernible lip at the top of the cylinder where the piston stops, indicating virtually no wear on the cylinder walls. Oil pump still good, as were sprockets and chains, although I replaced the timing chain.