"Kevin Rhodes" > wrote
> Hello all, I am looking for some feedback on early 5-series Touring
> (station
> wagon) models. I am in the US, so I believe this would be 91-95 models?
> Either
> 525 or 530? I am looking to replace a 92 Volvo 740 Turbo wagon, which is a
> great car but a bit of a truck to drive. Looking for something a bit more
> fun.
> Better fuel economy would be a bonus as well, the Volvo only gets 20mpg
> when
> driven with enthusiasm.
>
> What are the things to watch out for with these cars? I would probably
> lean
> toward the 525, though there is a very nice looking 530 on ebay at the
> moment.

The 530iT in the US had the nikasil problem. Do not under any circumstances
buy one unless the block has been replaced with an alusil one.

> I have noticed that a number of them advertsed for sale state that the
> dual
> power sunroofs don't work - is this a common problem area? I would prefer
> no
> sunroof but that seems quite rare. Also, where any manual transmission
> cars
> sold in the US?

Manuals were sold, but mainly on the 525iT.
Google around for "E34", and check roadfly and other lists for common
problems.

Floyd