I was about to buy an e28, but I having trouble deciding if it is the right car for me. I know that 1987 535is' are probably the most desirable of the e28s (other than an M5 or M535). The one I am looking at is an 85 535i. It does have a lot of miles, and I know that the engines can go for well over 200k with proper maitanence. The car itself is in very nice condition, and a lot of stuff has been done to it already (suspension, brakes, etc.)

Do you think I should hold out and wait for an 87 535is?

Why are 87's more desirable? What exactly is the differences?

ABS Brakes. If its in good condition and priced right buy it anyway

Do you think I should hold out and wait for an 87 535is?

Why are 87's more desirable? What exactly is the differences?

Sport springs, specially valved bilsteins, sometimes thicker sways, spoilers, sport seats. If you can find really good well taken care of 535, I think it would be better than beat 535is. Just don't buy the slushbox.

Before buying, check suspension bushings/play/shimmy on steering, RUST, any signs of crtacks on the roofline behind rear windshield and on right below the rear windshield on the seam, any signs of rust around the windshields. I might be able to help with inspection if needed, I am on the North Shore. PM me if you need help.

Sport springs, specially valved bilsteins, sometimes thicker sways, spoilers, sport seats. If you can find really good well taken care of 535, I think it would be better than beat 535is. Just don't buy the slushbox.

Before buying, check suspension bushings/play/shimmy on steering, RUST, any signs of crtacks on the roofline behind rear windshield and on right below the rear windshield on the seam, any signs of rust around the windshields. I might be able to help with inspection if needed, I am on the North Shore. PM me if you need help.

Ok, thanks. I am actually on the North Shore aswell. I keep changing my mind about which car I want and all that. This car looks really clean though. I would like to have a 535is, but they tend to go for more money, and the 535i I am looking at is much cheaper. Considering it's my first time purchasing a car (and my second car overall) I think I should just keep it simple and not worry about it being the exact thing I want. Afterall it is still a BMW and will be loads better than my first car. (Ford Taurus SHO)

The only thing he said it needs is shifter bushings, and control arm bushings. I know the shifter bushings is not a huge deal, but waht about the control arm bushings?

I'm going to check it out Sunday. If I have any other questions or if I want you to check it out for me I will give you a PM.

Get the 535is, i miss mine so bad, blue leather sport seats!!!

Ok, thanks. I am actually on the North Shore aswell. I keep changing my mind about which car I want and all that. This car looks really clean though. I would like to have a 535is, but they tend to go for more money, and the 535i I am looking at is much cheaper. Considering it's my first time purchasing a car (and my second car overall) I think I should just keep it simple and not worry about it being the exact thing I want. Afterall it is still a BMW and will be loads better than my first car. (Ford Taurus SHO)

The only thing he said it needs is shifter bushings, and control arm bushings. I know the shifter bushings is not a huge deal, but waht about the control arm bushings?

I'm going to check it out Sunday. If I have any other questions or if I want you to check it out for me I will give you a PM.


Shifter bushings are cheap, but it will be pricy to replace them. Dropping the exhaust and the driveshaft is the easiest way to do it, but I think it could be done with just dropping the exhaust.

Upper control arm is 120 a piece, you want to replace in pairs, lower is around $80. Those are quality Lemfoerder parts.