My wife owns an '87 325e and is has been a wonderful car, so now I am looking into getting either a 533i or 535i for a "family" car. Which is better? I know it's a subjective question, but which one would you rec.? I know the 535i has a little more power, more torque, and better fuel management, but other than that, are there any differences? I have the possibility to get a 533i fairly cheap, but should I just wait to get a 535i?

Are there any issues I should look for with the e28? I know about the more common issues due to Bimmer mag., but are there any other issues I should look for (i.e. rust(where), damage, etc.)?

TIA for all of your help!

I remember something about the 3.3 ltr being only a single cam chain with the 3.5 being a double row cam chain. Both are great cars, I had a 3.3 ltr transplant in my old E12 5 series, it was a monster in my E12... :-)

533s are rare. They have power coming around redline where as 3.5 has its peak around 5ooo rpm due to different cam and few other things so technically is there was a 0-60 race between the two, 533 would pull away.

I also thought the 533 had a lighter flywheel to make up for the lesser torque.

It also depends on which 535 you get. If you get an 88 535, im pretty sure you get the M30b35 which is the 218hp motor. The M30B32 (533) has 181hp, and about 200ftlbs, where as the 535 with the M30B34 (~85-87) has 184hp, but about 220ftlbs. The horsepower increase over the B32 with the B34 is nothing really, but the torque is nice. You do get the better motronic version with the later M30 motors.

Id say go for the 533, and get an 83 model year. It was the fastest sedan in 1983.

-Jeff

Jeff, e28s never got b35.

I also thought the 533 had a lighter flywheel to make up for the lesser torque.

It also depends on which 535 you get. If you get an 88 535, im pretty sure you get the M30b35 which is the 218hp motor. The M30B32 (533) has 181hp, and about 200ftlbs, where as the 535 with the M30B34 (~85-87) has 184hp, but about 220ftlbs. The horsepower increase over the B32 with the B34 is nothing really, but the torque is nice. You do get the better motronic version with the later M30 motors.

Id say go for the 533, and get an 83 model year. It was the fastest sedan in 1983.

-Jeff

I've had 5's and 7's of both flavors. either one by this time should have had a headgasket done at least or needs one. unless it has alredy been done on the 533, you'll probably be looking at valve stem guides just to start with and while you're in it the whole head rebuilt. there are a lot more 535's on the market to get spares and you have a little more time to save up for one, injectors for the Motoronic 1.1 (late 87 and on) are higher impedence and you can pull ones from a ford 5.0 also that brings you into the electronics for the early e34 and e32 3.4 liters.
B32's have smaller intakes than the B34's.
keep in mind you said family car too. either one you are looking at suspension components first and formost as long as it runs. you should have less headaches with the 535 since 533 parts are getting rarer and those who have them bring up the price in parts they have sitting around cause some of the stuff works on the M5's and 6's.
the lighter flywheel thing is transferable to either car and I have even put them in M30B35's to replace the dual mass flywheels.

Ah, so it was the E34 then...i thought maybe they did because im pretty sure the 635s did at the end or production, but they went to 89, and E34 started in 89.

Thanks for the correction.

-Jeff

If you can easily get a 533 and you think you'll be happy with it, then get it. The 535 is not going to be that much quicker, if any. There's not going to be an appreciable difference, especially if the objective here is family car. If I were you, my top priority would be getting one with a decent body and paint. The drivetrain is pretty much bullet proof for either car so long as the previous owner has done some maintenace. The suspension is easy to do for a regular DIYer, but if the PO has done it, even better. good luck.

While it will be the family car, that doesn't mean I'm not going to modify it. I'm mainly planning on doing suspension upgrades and mild performance driveline wise (chip, Exhaust(?), diff, clutch). Other than that, I plan to keep it original, but I would like the car to have the "is" body kit. I'm mainly going to focus on a good, solid body and paint as those are the most expensive things to do to it. Also, any mechanical stuff that needs to be done I can do myself, and yes, I do have years as a professional mechanic.

The 533 isn't chippable but it does have the aforementioned lighter flywheel up to 12/83 and high lift cam. They are also marginally lighter due to their manual seats and other things that are escaping me at the moment. I've owned both and I think the 535 is probably a better choice solely for the newer engine management, possible premium sound and the usable OBC. It is also quieter due to more extensive sound deadening. In owning an earlier e28 you come to realize that many electronic parts changed in or around 85 and pre 85 parts are getting scarce (ie. instument cluster, lock actuators, obc etc...)

Having said all of this I still love my 533:)

There is a chip for the 533i, supposedly by D'Sylva, but I don't know if it's actually available or not. I keep going back to the 87-88 535is in Delphin Grey with Tan interior. I understand this is a common color scheme, but I think it's a great looking one. Plus, if I get the 533i or 535i, I'll be constantly wishing for the "is" as I LOVE the front and rear spoilers! Don't know how I feel about the sport seats, but I do love the factory sport seats in my GTI. I know I can always install the spoilers and lights and such, but then I would probably have to get them painted, etc. or I can spend the extra dough and by it from the factory like that.

I was looking at the M535, but it seems the only difference between it and the 535is is the newer interior in the "is". Other than that, they produce the same hp, torque, and have the same perf. specs. I know the M535 is more rare, but other than that, I just don't see the difference. Explain, if you will.

As for an M5, while I lust after the M5/M6, there's no way in hell I can afford the engine rebuild in one of these suckers right now, much less the purchase price of one.