Hello. I joined the forum with plans to purchase an E34 525i, but I ran across a 1986 535i, with 156k miles, new paint (not maaco), grey with burgandy leather, runs good, for 2,000.00. Everything works electrically, no dash lights on. I'm going to be using the car to drive at college with, so I want it to be pretty reliable, but I am a fairly competent DIY'er with a little german car experience (Mercedes). The only issue with the car is that , and I'm quoting the seller on this, "Sometimes, in order to get it to crank, you have to unplug the computer for a minute, plug it back up, and then she'll run fine." Does this sound like a serious issue, or maybe something minor? Also, in general, are these BMW's pretty reliable. My parents think that I should get some little "econo-box" for school, but I always have liked being a little bit different :). Or, is an E30 3-Series my best bet?

Thanks, Dave

I've never heard of anyone unplugging the ecu as a fix for anything... leads me to think it's a wiring problem with the plug.
Otherwise E28's are very reliable. An e30 would be just as good. To me they are kind of the same car (same style anyway), you just have to decide which size you want, the smaller one or the bigger one. :)

g

[quote= "Sometimes, in order to get it to crank, you have to unplug the computer for a minute, plug it back up, and then she'll run fine." [/quote]

This is my first post.

The problem is in the computer (ecu). It's not releasing the electronic ground it set on the black/yellow wire to the starter. At start the stater needs to see 12v at black/yellow wire in order to crank. Now it is possible that the reason the ecu is not resetting itself when the ignition is switched off is because of an incorrect main relay that doesn't have two 87 pins.

Can't post any pics yet but the ETM (electrical troubleshooting manual) has a small note on this in the Start section.

Hope this helps.

Well, I've also came across an 85 528e (Automatic). Its 1,200.00, and champagne in color, with tan leather, and everything but the AC works. I know that this particular BMW probably isn't going to outrun anything (save a non-turbo MB 240D), but I have heard that it is a reliable and fuel efficient car? I'm still considering a E34, but what kind of things are there to look for on the 528e?

Thanks, Dave

Well, I've also came across an 85 528e (Automatic). Its 1,200.00, and champagne in color, with tan leather, and everything but the AC works. I know that this particular BMW probably isn't going to outrun anything (save a non-turbo MB 240D), but I have heard that it is a reliable and fuel efficient car? I'm still considering a E34, but what kind of things are there to look for on the 528e?

Thanks, Dave


As with all e28s you must look for rust, cheak everywhere, especially the trunks and the bumper mounts. If its rusted bad back off of it. Also, the taillight seals are notorious for leaking.

Just FYI, the auto that came in the e28 can be blown by revving it in neutral... something about there not being a pressure relief valve.

Well, I'm still seriously considering a E34, but part of me thinks that the E28 would be cheaper to keep on the road, and easier for a DIY'er to repair. Is there any truth to this? Also, how does a E28 ride and drive compared to say, a E34 or a W124 MB?

Dave

I had the same dilema as you. I chose the e28 because I was afraid the e34 would be more difficult to keep on the road. Whether or not that is a real concern I cannot say since I've never owned an e34. But I can tell you that the e28 is pretty easy to work on, and most of the parts are surprisingly cheap.
With stock springs and shocks my car rode really smooth. I've since upgraded to H&R springs and Bilstein Sports, so it's not quite as smooth, but a lot more fun. :)

Well, I want something that is somewhat sophisticated (I looked at a very bare bones 1979 320i, with a manual gearbox, and the 4 cylinder. Probably very reliable, but not my cup of tea.), and I'm assuming that an E28 is a pretty well equipped car, but with less electronics than a E34? Also, I know that the 528e would have a M20 engine, so the timing belt would have to be replaced on a regular basis. Does anyone have any experience with changing that timing belt? Is it a reasonable job for a DIY'er with limited experience?

Thanks, Dave

Just FYI, the auto that came in the e28 can be blown by revving it in neutral... something about there not being a pressure relief valve.

That would be true, if he were looking at a 535i or is. But the trans in a 528e is a non Electronic one so it will not blow the A clutch if revved.

Lets try not to deter him from the e28 community.

Sorry I thought the problem was the same for both cars. Obviously I'm not trying to deter him from an e28, just any one with an auto. ;)
The e34 is definitely a more sophisticated car from the e28. You'll be much more isolated from the road, some people call that a plus, some people call that a minus.
Changing the timing belt on an M20 is DIY-able.

I'd choose an e28 over an e34 because I like the work that comes with them, I don't mind working on my car if need be, but some people don't like to.

The m20s in 528s are great pulling engines that are nearly bulletproof. If you find a nice car that happens to be an auto, I have a car with all the parts for a manual swap, and it isn't that hard.

I can't tell you what to buy and I am not sure what your lookin for in a car so, good luck to ya.

seems like i'm the only one unhappy with my e28, '86 535i. The things I've had to do to it have been a pain and now I'm wrestling with the starter and it's a real hastle. After that's, done I still need to sort out problems with the ECU,ICV and SI board.

It's really fun to drive when it runs but I owned an e30 and everythign was easy to work on with that car. Furthermore, it rarely gave me trouble to begin with. Paid 400 for it and drove it for 8 months where the e28 has been an 800 dollar nightmare.

I say consider the e30 again but I may just have had bad luck.

Just FYI, the auto that came in the e28 can be blown by revving it in neutral... something about there not being a pressure relief valve.


That would be true, if he were looking at a 535i or is. But the trans in a 528e is a non Electronic one so it will not blow the A clutch if revved.

Lets try not to deter him from the e28 community.

hello, i am looking at an '86 535i and i have never heard of this. so is there a way to apply a pressure relief valve, add it on, or is it just something you have to live with? also, is the rev problem only when it is in nuetral or when it is in drive, park, or anything else as well?

hello, i am looking at an '86 535i and i have never heard of this. so is there a way to apply a pressure relief valve, add it on, or is it just something you have to live with? also, is the rev problem only when it is in nuetral or when it is in drive, park, or anything else as well?


It does it while in neutral or park, and yes there was a TSB for installing a pressure relief valve after emissions testers blew a whole bunch of them to hell. Do a google search for "ZF4hp22 EH" and you'll get some info.

It does it while in neutral or park, and yes there was a TSB for installing a pressure relief valve after emissions testers blew a whole bunch of them to hell. Do a google search for "ZF4hp22 EH" and you'll get some info.

thanks. this is a great heads up.