1995 535i looking to buy

[dude99]

***Edit: Title should read 525i**

So up until now I've always been a Mercedes guy (mostly Mercedes diesels), but I'm in the market for a new (to me) car and saw a 1995 525i on craigslist in great shape and become intrigued by it. So I started reading and I think it will suit me well. A couple questions:

1) from what I've read the M50 is a solid engine, but can have cooling issues, but what are they? Each article i come across stops short of actually describing the issues so I can look for them

2) Are the automatics in these a 4 or 5 speed unit?

3) I was reading that I can expect up to 30MPG (US) on the highway, is that a reasonable expectation?

4) any big ticket things to look out for id I go and take a look at it?

-thanks for the help in advance

[Layne]

Let me preemptively say that your thread title is obviously a typo, so everyone chill out. We all know there is no 95 535i.

The cooling system has a lot of plastic parts that are basically rotten at this age. Replace all that with new, and get a metal thermostat housing, and it's all good for another 20 years. That's shockingly expensive though.

[demetk]

I could be persuaded to sell my 95 535. :)

[dude99]

*bump*

[V1990]

Big ticket items would be the suspension components. Control arms (lower/upper), rear pitman arms (dogbones, not expensive) and rear subframe bushings (PITA). Ensure fan and fan clutch are in good order. A grenading fan will ruin your day (and radiator). Engine and tranny mounts as well. Giubo and center bearing if 5speed. I believe autos were 4 speed. VANOS may need new seals. I'm an M30 guy and am not well versed with much else, but Layne is spot on with upgrading from plastic to metal impellers.

[V1990]

Also, check your electrical system. Some relays and fusible links may be worn out. Some fuses may have corrosion. i'd recommend cleaning the contacts on your seat switches to make sure they function correctly. Look up the seat twist issue, sometimes the seat motors get out of sync or die and then your seat is trapped in an awkward position. Luckily for me only the switch contacts were corroded and needed cleaning.

[dude99]

Thanks for the info. What about the fuel mileage?

[V1990]

Not 100% since I haven't bothered to actually look it up... but highway 25-28 (non VANOS v VANOS). City is probably 20-23.