1990 525I engine size.

[vping]

I thought that the 525I's were 8 cyls. The one I am picking up is a straight 6. Was this a wimpy option or a standard engine? How much HP does this generate?

As a newbie to BMW's I hope I don't get flack for having a straight 6. :(

[pgrindstaff]

The 525i only ever came with the I6 and 168 HP. The only V8s in this era were the 1993-1995 530i and 540i. Google is your friend :D

[Ross]

The 2.5 was the entry level engine for the U.S. 5ers. The 3.5 6cyl was the option until the 3 & 4 liter V-8s in '94(?).
It is a bit of a wheezer in the 5er around town.

[vping]

I did google it and thought I read it was an 8. Can you give it some aftermarket umph?

[bmmrguy]

I did google it and thought I read it was an 8. Can you give it some aftermarket umph?

I'd chip it. You'll be happy with the HP increase.

[vping]

In glancing through some posts, I've noticed people talking about chips. What do they specifically do and what do they cost?

[ryan roopnarine]

1989 + 1990 525i= 2.5l 12v SOHC I6--168hp
1991-1995 525i=2.5l 24v DOHC I6=189 hp.

most cars from mercedes and bmw have the displacement in the model, ergo bmw 525i= 5 series, 2.5l
mercedes S430= S class, 4.3l

[BMWDriver]

I got the 189 hp 2.5L engine, and to have a bit of fun I have to stick around 4000 rpms and up. Luckily, I have manual and so, full control of how much power I release. True the torque is sluggish from start when driving in ordinary fashion. I can't imagine how boring it must be to have an automatic 520i.

Anyhow, the M50 can really handle some high revs and give good sporting conditions. Very solid, and decent on fuel consumption.

If ever I change, which is very unlikely since it runs so beautifully and what with all the efforts I put into it, I'd definitely get into a 530 or 535.

[gmannino]

If your looking for performance, buy another 5 series. I own a M20 1990 525 and its probably the slowest car I've ever owned. But I did not buy it for performance to speed, I bought it for comfort and it does a great job at that. You'de be better off with anything but a 1990 525. A 540 would better suite you.

[vping]

I am not getting the 525 for speed either. It just kinda fell in my lap, but if I can squeeze a few extra ponies out of it and it does not cost that much, why not.

[M20Turbo]

If your looking for performance, buy another 5 series. I own a M20 1990 525 and its probably the slowest car I've ever owned. But I did not buy it for performance to speed, I bought it for comfort and it does a great job at that. You'de be better off with anything but a 1990 525. A 540 would better suite you.

I really like the M20 in my car, however I have spent a few $$'s getting it to where it is today. Easy to work on, not a lot $$ to maintain. The HP at 168 is not the great but when you add a little forced induction (6.5psi.) she does just fine.

[healtoeit]

The 525i only ever came with the I6 and 168 HP. The only V8s in this era were the 1993-1995 530i and 540i. Google is your friend :D

My 525I makes 189HP stock BUT!!!! mine is a 1992!


google more my friend (hint: M50 engine)

The m20 engine is great same one as in the e30 325I

[healtoeit]

I got the same car and same year as you man! He is looking at an M20 though >.< So he is loosing about 20hp b/c of that.