Newbie here with some 535i questions!
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4re308
Hi all, glad to be a part of this site. I am interested in purchasing a particular 86 535i that is local to me, with 187k miles. It runs great, ac works nice and seems to drive very nice. I was told the automatics in this car was a trademark weakness, can any other 535i Auto owners confirm this? The car has poor paint, but the doors open and close with a firm factory sounding thunk. The body appears nice and straight, I don't see any rust at all. I'm just looking for a nice looking car, that can carry 4 people, big trunk, cold ac. I saw this car, and it needs a good detail and some fresh fluids. Is this car worth $2000, and is it a reliable transportation? Thanks for your time!
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Jon in Richmond
- Posts: 1389
- Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Well first off, welcome. This post would be better presented on the general conversation forum. The engine in the 535i can last upwards of 300k miles with proper care and maintenance. The auto trannys in these cars can be problematic with a lot of miles. What service history is available with the car? Front suspension components can cause problems. Have you driven the car? There should be no vibration when braking from 50 mph. Tranny should shift smooth up/down. Buy yourself a Bentley manual, learn how to use the archives and good luck. You will enjoy these cars.
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Tim in N FL
- Posts: 7392
- Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
- Location: North Central Florida, USA
- Contact:
Welcome to the board 4re308 (Ferrari reference by chance?).
Jon's comments and suggestions are bankable. I'd strongly suggest you keep looking and consider spending a few more dollars to find a nicely sorted e28. I know of several available right now in this community and an apparently solid one in the Marietta area (black/black 535is automatic) that is in the $4-5k range. You may consider Rich in Savannah's bronzit 535i (with fresh paint and a Metric Mechanic engine!!!) automatic as well. Buying one of these cars will help you avoid the typical $2,000+ worth of "hidden surprises" that often come with cars that are unknown quantities. If you currently have reliable transportation and can wait until you assemble that amount of cash, it would be a sound course of action and would help minimize a NEGATIVE first experience with our beloved e28s. Remember, these were NOT cheap cars when new and just because they are older now does not necessarily mean that they are inexpensive to maintain PARTICULARLY IF YOU ARE PAYING AN INDEPENDENT SHOP TO DO YOUR WORK. It will always be less expensive to own a car that you can wrench on yourself, when possible.
Find yourself a solid example of the e28 and keep it maintained as such and you'll be a happier owner / enthusiast. You can count on that. Bringing a car back from disrepair is always expensive...bear that in mind. Spend the money up front for an already well-sorted example...
JM2CW,
Tim
[Edit by Tim in N FL on [TIME]1122875557[/TIME]]
Jon's comments and suggestions are bankable. I'd strongly suggest you keep looking and consider spending a few more dollars to find a nicely sorted e28. I know of several available right now in this community and an apparently solid one in the Marietta area (black/black 535is automatic) that is in the $4-5k range. You may consider Rich in Savannah's bronzit 535i (with fresh paint and a Metric Mechanic engine!!!) automatic as well. Buying one of these cars will help you avoid the typical $2,000+ worth of "hidden surprises" that often come with cars that are unknown quantities. If you currently have reliable transportation and can wait until you assemble that amount of cash, it would be a sound course of action and would help minimize a NEGATIVE first experience with our beloved e28s. Remember, these were NOT cheap cars when new and just because they are older now does not necessarily mean that they are inexpensive to maintain PARTICULARLY IF YOU ARE PAYING AN INDEPENDENT SHOP TO DO YOUR WORK. It will always be less expensive to own a car that you can wrench on yourself, when possible.
Find yourself a solid example of the e28 and keep it maintained as such and you'll be a happier owner / enthusiast. You can count on that. Bringing a car back from disrepair is always expensive...bear that in mind. Spend the money up front for an already well-sorted example...
JM2CW,
Tim
[Edit by Tim in N FL on [TIME]1122875557[/TIME]]
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Rich in Tupelo
- Posts: 2917
- Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
- Location: Spring Hill, TN
Rich in Savannah's bronzit 535i (with fresh paint and a Metric Mechanic engine!!!) automatic as well
Car has new engine and tranny and much more. If you would like more details please feel free to call me during the day or early evening at 912-604-0067. If no answer, leave message and I will call you back.
Rich
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4re308
WOW thanks for the great information. I think I am going to walk on this car, and continue looking for a nicer one.
Good catch! Yes my user name is a Ferrari reference, I think the 308 is one of the most gorgeous designs ever made.
I am nuts about a E28 bodied car. They are great looking sharp nosed fast cars. I will keep you all posted, and Rich, I will call you soon when I save some some cashish.
Good catch! Yes my user name is a Ferrari reference, I think the 308 is one of the most gorgeous designs ever made.
I am nuts about a E28 bodied car. They are great looking sharp nosed fast cars. I will keep you all posted, and Rich, I will call you soon when I save some some cashish.
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Tim in N FL
- Posts: 7392
- Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
- Location: North Central Florida, USA
- Contact:
Keep us posted and let us know if we can help you out during your search. I don't see how you can go wrong with Rich's car. Go for it!