Attention E-28 owners

[RobG083]

Hi,

I am considering selling my e30 325e coupe so that I can upgrade to a 5-series. I am only looking at the 535i or 535is. Are there any outstanding maintenance issues that these cars are known to have (ie an interference engine that's ruined when a timing belt fails)? How long do they typically last? I'm at 200k and the e30 is going strong, I would expect the 5's would be around the same, maybe better?

 

[bahnstormer]

try to avoid the e28 and aim for a e34 =]
that's what i have so i'm a little biased but
its a more power car. i'm at 155k in my 91
and everything's ok so far. of course i had some
repairs to make, but i bought the car for 4 grand
so i was expecting that. try to get a manual tranny
as the autos aren't the most reliable...
the m30 motor, in my es4 535i is a chain, no belts
so no worries there. my mechanic said to kill the m30
u'd have to shoot it. this motor is VERY strong.

 

[italiacarfan]

[No message]

 

[italiacarfan]

Hello,
My 87 535is has 211k on the original motor and trans, runs excellent. I average about 19mpg and the car has been very cheap to run. Lots of low-end torque, very well built and a solid car. I would reccomend the E28 over an E34 because you have more interior room, less electrics to go bad, simple engine, classic BMW styling. The 535is has the nice Recaro seats as well not available in the E34.

 

[kelvin535]

response to RobG083

sup, i had a detailed run down all written up but it was lost

i have an 86 535i with 229k burns no oil
they are good for 300K+ with timing chain
cast iron block
stay away from autos, 85 5spd strongest (265)
make sure it has an lsd diff a must, i understand that to be the only option for the 535i, mine has one
i lay dual 3ft long black marks when i spin shifting to second
i raced a 750 v12 tonight, he got me by a car length around 60mph

be prepared to do work and spend around a grand when u get one
check out 745i.com to see what ima do with the m102 turbo before xmas

hope this helps and good luck

-Kelvin

 

[fireblade8]

I have an 88 535i......runs awesome and if you are a do it yourself kinda person ....salvage yards usually have more parts for for the e28's alot cheaper!

 

[poboyis]

my boss has a '89 535i (E34), driving it since 2 years old, original auto tranny and 270000 miles. he said the only rapairs motor wise he has done to it is a water pump and a handful of fan clutches, thats it. If i were to EVER drive a 5er, it would have to be an E34 535i(s)

 

[Chesty Bonds]

I was told by my mechanic to avoid the E28 if possible. He said that it was one of the first BMWs to have a full electrical engine management system and that they tend to cost a LOT of $$$ unless they're in perfect working order...