BMW: Should I buy a 535i?

> I'm thinking of purchasing a 1983 535i. It would be my first BMW so I

Great cars. Didn't think they came out until very slightly later though,
the parts CD shows no 535i before 1984. Either the year or model is
wrong.
 

Nice, 117k isn't high miles.
 

May have worn shifter bushings, not massive job but really improves the
feel.
 

Metric TRXs are a curse, just try buying new tyres for them! I'd run
225/50/16 16" wheels on that for best results.
 

The fuel filter and pump are there. Good excuse to fit a new filter and
renew the fuel hose in that area. Also I'd fill the tank all the way and
watch for leaks. The filler tube rusts where it meets the top of the
tank. Not a major job to fit a new tank and not too dear mail order.
 

Not that familiar with US prices but I'm guessing $1600 is cheap. This
can be made into a VERY nice car with tons of power and good handling.
E28 parts are fairly cheap mail order and they are reliable.

If it's got a timing chain as opposed to a belt it's a 528i or 535i. On
an 83 I'd say 528i. Now I don't think either of those was sold in the
USA until a good bit after 83 so it's maybe imported. It MIGHT have ABS.
An imported 535i has 40bhp more than a US spec 535i. If it's a 535i the
distributor is on the end of the head and attached directly to the
camshaft. A 528i has the distributor at the side of the engine and it's
gear driven.

Interesting car and one I'd personally like to own. But it sounds like
it needs a good tidy up and service.

--
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pjs wrote:
| I'm thinking of purchasing a 1983 535i. It would be my first BMW so I
| could use some help in determining whether it's a good deal. It has
| 117k miles and the current owner of ten years claims to replace the
| Syntech every 3000k. He's replaced the fuel pumps, timing chain, oil
| chain(?), head gasket, heater core, exhaust system, and perhaps other
| items that I just don't recall at the moment. There is a little bit
| of rust at the top of the wheel wells, under the hood--a seemingly
| strange place, but what do I know? It grinds a bit going into 2nd (he
| says it always has) and ever so slightly going into 3rd. The shifting
| seems weird to me in that you seem really to have to direct the
| shifter to the right gear (not at all like my Landcruiser), but
| perhaps it's just something you have to get familiar with. The
| interior (in good shape) is cream colored leather and the exterior is
| maroon (burgundy?, whatever). The clear coat seems to be coming of in
| a couple of small spots. I'm told the underbody is treated. It's
| driving on 14" rims right now, but he said there are some metric sized
| ones(?) with old tires that will be thrown in. There are power
| windows and a cool looking (it's blue) Blaupunkt cd player. He's
| throwing in a couple of Pioneer (should I care?) speekers to replace
| the "not very good ones" in the back. It's been parked in a covered
| area for a couple of weeks and there's a small, i.e. 6" or so fuel
| spot in front of the right rear tire (I couldn't see from where
| exactly it was coming aside from toward the front of the fuel tank) I
| didn't think to check whether the tank was full nor whether there was
| dried fuel on the fender indicating fuel expanding with hot weather
| and leaking from the tank. There was no other discernable leakage that
| I could see. I'm not sure what else to add except that he's asking
| $1600. Any feedback? Thanks a lot. pjs

Any idea why the vendor is selling it? You could just be buying someone
elses problems... It seems cheap enough though, so if you haven't blown the
budget why not pay a mechanic to go over it...

regards,
five

Get the VIN number an pay for a car fax. This will tell you what kind of car
is was registered as. Best money spent next to a good mech look over.
Plan on spending around another 2-4k for present repair/fixes that will be
needed. I think for around 5k you can get a nice 535 iS here in the states.

If you like doing you own repair work, this could be a great project car
that you will cherish for may years. Contact your local BMWCCA chapter and
ask some questions from the group and to some owners opinions.

Good Luck

Al F
'00 M Roadster
'96 E36
'88 E24

"pjs" <com> wrote in message
news:google.com... 

I'd try to get a newer 5-series. A 1990+ preferrably. You can usually find a
525 in this year for under $6k with the same miles that will be much more
reliable with fewer problems.

-Adam

"pjs" <com> wrote in message
news:google.com... 

A 525, that is a wimp car. Those things are under powered like Fiat's. A
pre-90 535 is a much more sportier and powerful car. And they are reliable,
if taken care of. IMHO. But what do I know. The 535 from 86-89 can be
found at excellent prices and repair parts and knowledge base is fantastic.
I think they look better also.

Al F

"mc" <com> wrote in message
news:S0S1b.5919$gnilink.net... 
a 

On Sat, 23 Aug 2003 20:50:34 -0400, "Al Floer" <net>
wrote:
 

Nice top post.

be gone troll
"dizzy" <com> wrote in message
news:com... 

John Burns <demon.co.uk> wrote in message news:<demon.co.uk>... 

Thanks to everyone who's commented so far. I did have the model
confused. It IS a 533i not a 535i. Since it was Saturday and all the
local mechanics were off I took the liberty of at least checking the
compression, which came out even across all six cylinders. It runs
smoothly too. Both good signs I thought.
Someone asked why he's selling-he said carrying insurance for eight
cars was getting to be more expensive than his wife could abide. He's
also getting rid of a Civic station wagon, but on balance I thought
the BMW had a wee bit more style. Having studied in Munich there's a
sentimental aspect too. I do think that I'm going to make an offer
tomorrow. I have a mechanic friend who is enthusiastic about helping
me with the shifter issue. It is an 83, so there is always going to
be work that can be done, but that's half the fun isn't it?
Also, I appreciate the suggestion on contacting my local club. I
could use an avocation and this car might turn into it.
While not all advice was taken, all seemed wise and all was much
appreciated. Thanks again to all for your input. pjs