Questions about 535i

[gorillajin]

I've been searching for bmw e34, and I was focusing on 540i, then now I am kind of interested in 535i/5.
The only reason I didn't even care about 535i was no passenger side air bag...too bad. My wife will sit on passenger side and the air bag must have......but anyway....
I did search here about 535i, but I couldn't get all the answers.

Does 535i has the same problem as 540i? I know it doesn't have nikasil problem, but how about head gasket or other major problems on engine or transmission?
It seems like 540i is better car than 535i, but I would like to know more about this car.
What to check before buy, and what are the major known issues.

Thank you.

[strad]

I've not had my 535/5 very long. But I am not aware of any specific problems with the driveline. The engine is known to last 400k miles between rebuilds if taken care of. Trans is likewise pretty strong. M30s are very stout engines.

Now, as for deferred maintenance, you want to pay close attention, but that would be similar with a 540. My car needs a bunch of work (mostly suspension) but I only paid $900 for it and it only has 129k miles, so I'm not complaining too loudly. Suspension work is generally a 100k mile deal, and on my car it obviously wasn't done at that time lol. So I'm doing it now.

[gorillajin]

Thank you for the reply.
Well I'm happy as long as it doesn't have any majot engine issues.
suspension is easy to fix or replace so I don't really worry about it.
Hum.....tempting tempting...

I gotta research more about this m30 engine and 535i.

[Stir Fry A Lot]

The M30 was was named one of Ward's top ten engines of the 20th century.

[PorscheDude]

M30 is an iron block, no coating issues.

[Stir Fry A Lot]

Its a lot less refined and much more of an old school engine. Lots of usable torque but no where near as fast as the 540. They're actually fun too work on too but they rarely need repairs. You're welcome to meet up with me and take mine for a spin if you ever get some time.

[gorillajin]

Hey, Stir fry a lot, I now actually live in oakland now. I think I live really close to you. If I can meet up with you and check how bmw drives, that would be awesome.
Let me know!

[Stir Fry A Lot]

I'm gonna be down at the shop tomorrow kicking it if you want to stop through. Its in Berkeley right off the Gilman exit.

[KyleCleveland]

As a matter of fact, I'll be there with my 95 540i too. I'd let you drive it, but the suspension isn't up to snuff! I'd be happy to give it a quick swing up and down the highway if you wanted though.

Pope

[PetesHelga]

Originally Posted by gorillajin

I've been searching for bmw e34, and I was focusing on 540i, then now I am kind of interested in 535i/5.
The only reason I didn't even care about 535i was no passenger side air bag...too bad. My wife will sit on passenger side and the air bag must have......but anyway....
I did search here about 535i, but I couldn't get all the answers.

Does 535i has the same problem as 540i? I know it doesn't have nikasil problem, but how about head gasket or other major problems on engine or transmission?
It seems like 540i is better car than 535i, but I would like to know more about this car.
What to check before buy, and what are the major known issues.

Thank you.

I personally think that a 535i/5>540ia. not only that but if the comparison included initial price, maintenance, reliability, and performance I think the 535i would come out as the best overall e34. I stand by that.

the 535i has no engine block issues but the head might require work on very high mileage engines. the head gaskets are sensitive to over-heating. not that they are a regular failing part, but they don't hold up to a poor maintained cooling system. and let me tell you that it is dirt cheap to overhaul the cooling system of the 535i (i just ordered the parts).

the auto in the 535i is stronger than the one in the 540i but won't last as long as the engine. the 5spd getrag 260s are almost bulletproof.

If i were looking for an e34 today it would be between a 535i/5 and a 540i/6 and i would probably buy whichever one is in better shape.

Originally Posted by Stir Fry A Lot

The M30 was was named one of Ward's top ten engines of the 20th century.

wow, I just checked this out and you are right. God I love my m30 more and more each day.

[gorillajin]

Thank you so much for the advice! This forum is really helpful!!!
By the way, what shop are you guys talking about?
I might have time today. I gotta do some stuff with my wife, but if I had time, I will stop by.

Oh, and if I found a car that I want to test drive, can you guys help me out? I had a bad experience with a german car that I didn't know anything, and bought a piece of junk before... It was part of my fault. If one of members can go and check the car with me, that would be great help No pressure, I am just saying.
I found a few 535i in bay area, and one of them is very tempting.
I don't mind buying $500 car and bring it back to life since it's so much fun.

Cheers!

[Stir Fry A Lot]

German Auto Sport, 707 Jones st. Exit gilman, go over the tracks, make a right on fourth st, go down about 3 blocks and make a right on Jones. Its the last garage. I'll probably be there til about three but its not definite. I will be there for a few hours at the least though, I'm going to get there around 10. You can bring your wife if you want, its a real mellow environment.



http://www.yelp.com/biz/german-auto-sport-berkeley

[UberFunfer]

535i is widely regarded as the best overall E34. Very tough and reliable. Simple cars, not too much to go wrong or fix. I would also have wanted a 535i/5, but I ended up with an auto.

[gorillajin]

Oh, you are the onwer of German auto sport!! I will stop by! If not today then anytime soon. I will be there with either my mercedes or mini so that way you know it's me.

[Stir Fry A Lot]

I'm not the owner, I used to work for them but am going to school full time now. We work on BMWs and Mini's but not Mercedes. But yeah, stop by anytime, there's a good chance I'll be down there.

[gorillajin]

Sorry, misunderstanding.
by the way, is there any specific year that I should avoid? or the best year for 535i?
I am still concern about no passenger side air bag...is e34 BMW pretty safe....like saab, volvo, or w124 mercedes benz?
I know, I am bitching about air bags, but I guess I am getting old.

[zubbie]

The E34 is a tank. Amazingly resilient in an accident. The lack of an airbag would not stop me from buying a 535 (any year is fine by btw). but that's just me.

[NorCalZman]

How much power does the M30 make? I know the M50 has 189HP.....

[gorillajin]

I believe it produces 209hp.

[Binjammin]

The best year for the e34 is 1993. It has the updated wiring goodies like alarm prewire, park ventilation control etc...

Power is 208hp, 225 ft/lbs.

[Stir Fry A Lot]

I'm hoping to get 200 to the wheels when I take it in to get dyno tuned in the next few days.

[strad]

Originally Posted by Binjammin

The best year for the e34 is 1993. It has the updated wiring goodies like alarm prewire, park ventilation control etc...

Power is 208hp, 225 ft/lbs.

My car is 9/90 and it has park ventilation on the option list.

edit: and by that I mean the car actually has the option installed. It's on the build sheet under options.