5 Series E34 vs 7 Series E32: which is better?
BMW 5 Series E34 (1988–1996) vs BMW 7 Series E32 (1986–1994): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW 5 Series E34
BMW 7 Series E32Specifications
| BMW 5 Series E34 | BMW 7 Series E32 | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 1988–1996 | 1986–1994 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.5 (525i) | 3.0 (730i) |
| Power, up to | 192 hp | 188 hp |
| Torque, up to | 245 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Gearbox | manual | automatic |
| Drive | rear-wheel drive | rear-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 720 mm | 4 910 mm |
| Width | 1 751 mm | 1 845 mm |
| Height | 1 412 mm | 1 400 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 761 mm | 2 833 mm |
| Fuel tank | 81 L | 90 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 29 450 ₸ | ≈ 42 425 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
BMW 5 Series E34
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 192 hp
- Large fuel tank: 81 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Gearbox ZF 5HP/6HP: bushing and mechatronics wear
- Age: the last cars were built in 1996, condition is everything
Gearbox (ZF 5HP/6HP): bushing and mechatronic wear; shift shocks.
BMW 7 Series E32
Pros
- Powerful versions: up to 188 hp
- Conventional automatic, no robotized gearbox or CVT
- Large fuel tank: 90 L
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Age: the last cars were built in 1994, condition is everything
Which one to choose
- 5 Series E34 — if you care more about: power, kz tax 2026.
- 7 Series E32 — if you care more about: torque, wheelbase, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: 5 Series E34 or 7 Series E32?
5 Series E34: up to 192 hp, 7 Series E32: up to 188 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 5 Series E34 — about 29 450 ₸, 7 Series E32 — about 42 425 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.