I am interested in getting a 5 series in the 85-88 model year. I have not owned a bmw and am trying to educate myself with the car. I am looking at these model years because I like the boxy body style.

I also like to DIY my maintenance. Can anyone suggest a site or reference material that I can use to read up on this model please. I would welcome any suggestions and advise on shopping for one and also their maintenance.

Boy you are new BWM? You have to learn to spell it first

Boy you are new BWM? You have to learn to spell it first


ahhh!:)

I am interested in getting a 5 series in the 85-88 model year. I have not owned a bmw and am trying to educate myself with the car. I am looking at these model years because I like the boxy body style.

I also like to DIY my maintenance. Can anyone suggest a site or reference material that I can use to read up on this model please. I would welcome any suggestions and advise on shopping for one and also their maintenance.


I have a little bit of experience with this. My last car was an 87 535. A fantastic car! If I recall 88 was a new body style - still boxy but more modern. Just take a pass on a 528. MY 535 had 8 way power seats for the driver and passenger, fantastic leather, power everything, very swift (had a 3.5 straight 6 perhaps 225/ 230hp), handled excellent and was a blast to drive. My advice is be prepared to get new rims and tires. Mine had some kind of odd size rim - between a 15 and 16" rim - it was a metric size rim. Tires were 250 each and were only made by Michelin. I could afford them now, but I owned this car while I was in college. Be prepared to fix vaccum leaks, replace the exhaust and driveline bits. If you don't mind dropping some coin then that's an excellent place to start. Good luck!:)

Boy you are new BWM? You have to learn to spell it first

Thanks for the response Everyone. sorry, i've corrected spelling....

Also add my sig so you can see the cars I play with. So, the BMWs have vacuum controls like the MBs? BTW why pass on the 528s. Whats a good reference for BMW model numbering system?

As owners, what do you find to be challenging maintenance and wear items on these cars? What should I watch out for while shopping for the model I am interested in (E28?)

PS, I was trying to post a picture or a url link to photobucket but it would not let me.

No prolbem, Tobybul, I think you just got initiated!! Welcome to the forum. I've only had a Bimmer for a few months, & this forum is the best place I've found for info. A bunch of exremely knowlegable & helpfull people on it. Good luck.

You will get lots of great information from folks here. You can also run a search and find hours of reading info. I cant help you much on the 5s, but others will help out. Welcome

I looked at a 87 535i manual and damn near borrowed money to get it- sweet little cars.

Its either this forum is not read much or not many are that knowledgeable with the vehicle or not much really goes wrong with these models...

Any more feedback for a potential 5 series owner???? Please..... just in case, any kababayans out there with some tips?

I did find a few sites that were helpful but apparently I cannot post url's yet..

well.. as I am in Germany I can only tell you what is on the Euro models.. and we have a forum over here which is really good..
I am a member of that site..

actually there are 2 right off the top of my head...
www.e34.de (http://www.e34.de)
www.bmw-syndikat.de (http://www.bmw-syndikat.de)

if you try google to translate the page you might get some good info.
I read German so I can help you out there as well.

:)

if you are looking for info on an e28... go to www.mye28.com/

ditto on the mye28, but the e28 is possibly the best model BMW produced for a DIY if you want to carry 4 passengers in safety and comfort and still be able to work on the car yourself

http://www.502motorsports.com/BMW_5_Series_Info.html

FWIW

I have owned the e28, e34 and e39 5 series, and love them all. The e28 and e34 are easier to work on, the e39 can be a bit more challenging, but that comes with the territory. Your best bet is to scour the FAQ and read as much as you can here, there is much to be found...lots of good info...