2007 BMW 525xi

The 2007 BMW 525xi is an all-wheel-drive variant of the E60 5-Series, known for its blend of luxury, performance, and handling. Besides the 3.0L inline-6 engine in the 525xi (215 hp and 185 lb-ft of torque), the 2007 5-Series also came with a 3.0L inline-6 in the 530xi (255hp and 220 lb-ft of torque), a 4.8L V8 in the 550i (360hp and 360 lb-ft of torque) and a 3.0L inline-6 diesel in the 535d (265hp and 413 lb-ft of torque). Transmission options included a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic. Owners often praise the car’s driving dynamics, comfortable interior, and sophisticated styling. Common dislikes include higher maintenance costs compared to non-luxury vehicles and potential for electrical issues.

Engine

N52 3.0L Inline-6 (525xi)

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing gasket, and oil pan gasket. Symptoms include oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, and low oil level.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the location of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• VANOS Solenoid Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system can experience solenoid failures, leading to rough idling, reduced power, and potential stalling. Error codes related to VANOS are often present.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty VANOS solenoid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found
• Water Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The water pump on the N52 engine is known to fail over time. Symptoms include overheating, coolant leaks, and the engine temperature warning light illuminating.
  • Solution: Replace the water pump and thermostat.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic (GM GA6L45R)

• Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Fluid can leak from the mechatronic sleeve, located where the electrical connector passes into the transmission. This can lead to transmission slipping or failure.
  • Solution: Replace the mechatronic sleeve and fluid service.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shift problems, rough or delayed shifts, slipping, or failure to shift at all.
  • Solution: Valve body replacement or rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Worn control arm bushings, especially the thrust arm bushings, can cause vibrations at highway speeds, clunking noises when going over bumps, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the affected control arm bushings or the entire control arm assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ per side, depending on whether bushings or entire control arms are replaced.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Front Axle Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Vibration and shaking at low speeds, especially during turning.
  • Solution: Replace the entire front axle assembly
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains overnight or within a few days of non-use. This can be caused by a faulty module not entering sleep mode or parasitic draw.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the battery drain using a multimeter and identify the faulty module. Repair or replace the module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+, depending on the cause and the module needing replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows failing to go up or down, or making grinding noises during operation.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per window.
  • Recalls: None Found
• CCC iDrive Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The Central Control Computer (CCC) iDrive system, responsible for navigation, audio, and vehicle settings, can fail, leading to a blank screen, no audio, or inability to control vehicle functions.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the CCC unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1500+ depending on repair vs. replacement and new vs. used unit.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust can develop, especially in areas prone to moisture and salt exposure, such as wheel wells, rocker panels, and undercarriage.
  • Solution: Repair or replace affected panels, rust removal, and application of rust inhibitors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+, depending on the extent of the rust damage.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture and condensation inside the headlight housings.
  • Solution: Resealing or replacing the headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof failing to open or close properly, getting stuck, or making excessive noise.
  • Solution: Clean and lubricate sunroof tracks, repair or replace the sunroof motor, or replace the entire sunroof assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+, depending on the complexity of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2007 BMW 525xi, while offering a luxurious driving experience, can be prone to several common issues. Engine-related problems such as oil leaks and VANOS failures can be moderately expensive to address. Transmission problems, particularly those related to the valve body, are more costly. Suspension issues can affect ride quality and handling, while electrical gremlins can be frustrating and costly to diagnose and repair. Exterior issues like rust can detract from the vehicle’s appearance and potentially impact its structural integrity. The severity and cost of repairs can vary widely depending on the specific issue and the repair shop. It is recommended to have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified BMW mechanic before buying a used 2007 525xi.