Looking to buy first BMW - 1989 535i

[BigD]

Yep, that's an upgrade the owner did, those were not an option on the 535, only standard on the M5.

The steering wheel does not have an airbag but it's possible to retrofit one. The wiring is already there, you need the wheel and the control module (there should be an orange rubber plug hanging on the passenger side in the engine compartment, around the wheel well, that is supposed to connect to the air bag controller).

[BigD]

http://www.bmwe34.net

[netmgr]

I wouldnt take it for granted the wiring for the airbag is there and retro fitting is a nightmare, replacing stering colombs etc

also you have a fingerprint on your lense!

and id ditch that tow bar if you get it! you should be able to buy a cover for the hole it leaves in your bumper

not sure i like the colour but if you like it....

darren

[nate71c]

I did notice the smudge on the lens, AFTER I got home and uploaded the pics! D'oh!

The towbar is ugly but functional, I do sometimes have to pull a small trailer to the tip etc.

[Phil Sanderson]

It looks pretty reasonable for 1989. It looks to be a basic manual trans 535i Executive with the options of Sports seats, Mtech 1 steering wheel and possibly towing pack. Sunroof, cruise control and rear window blind were part of the Executive pack in 1989. That car will Detail up great and before you ask, that yellow crap on the engine is a coating that BMW puts on the engine as protectorant for the sea transport. The Dealer is supposed to remove it at pre-ery but never does and is now very difficult to remove.

The car has average k's for being 15 years old and I'm sure you will love it. Manual E34's in Australia are pretty rare. How much are you paying for it? By the way I'm from Sydney.

Phil
'89 525i - mine
'93 540i - hers

[1992 BMW 535i]

Nice car! Yesterday I became part of the club when I purchased a 1992 535i. Beauty with 5 speed manual 185,000KMs, black on tan. I will post pics as soon as I can.

[nate71c]

Ok everyone, I finally took the plunge! I bought the 535i in the pics last monday. Have done around 300km so far (just to work and back) and I have a few observations:

The pre purchase inspection showed good even compression, smooth quiet gearbox, new brakes, good suspension, all electrics working, bodywork sound, noisy diff. The specialist is recommending I have him rebuild the diff and perform a full service sooner rather than later. I think it's probably a good idea, but I also realise that he can be expected to recommend I give him work!

The car has quite a heavy clutch (it's a 5 speed manual). Is this normal? It engages smoothly and progressively with no smell or noise, but requires quite a bit of pedal pressure.

How do I select which computer functions are available on the dashboard by pressing the indicator stalk in? Some of the functions display twice, and the owner's manual is less than clear on this topic.

The car has a towbar fitted, which I have removed. There is a 12" by 4" rectangular hole in the rear skirt that allows the towbar to protrude, and the car came with a brand new unopened cover plate for this opening. When I tried to fit this cover, it slides down onto the lower lip of the opening no worries, but I can't see a way for the top part of the cover to fasten on. It has two small holes that look as if there should be some form of clip or retaining brackets, but these are missing. Can anyone help me with pics or part numbers?

Finally, how would I go about removing all that horrible yellow junk that is baked onto nearly everything under the hood? I understand this is protectant wax for the sea journey from Europe which was supposed to be removed by the dealer prior to sale. Now we're 15 years down the track, am I going to need to bead blast it all off? I hope not.

Cheers,
Nate

[Warren N.CA]

I would replace the lube first with a top quality synthetic like RedLine 75W90 or 75W90NS (If you don't have LSD). if your diff goes bad, you may be able to get one from salvage. Check to see when the tranny lube was changed. Both tranny and diff should be drained and filled each 30K. Also be sure you coolant and brake fluids are no older than 24 months.

Check with Enhanced Automotive Technology to see if Mark D'Sylva can burn you a chip. His chip made an AWESOME improvement in my '89 535i.

You just bought a 15 year old car with high mileage, so be prepared for some repairs, from time to time.

Ok everyone, I finally took the plunge! I bought the 535i in the pics last monday. Have done around 300km so far (just to work and back) and I have a few observations:

The pre purchase inspection showed good even compression, smooth quiet gearbox, new brakes, good suspension, all electrics working, bodywork sound, noisy diff. The specialist is recommending I have him rebuild the diff and perform a full service sooner rather than later. I think it's probably a good idea, but I also realise that he can be expected to recommend I give him work!

The car has quite a heavy clutch (it's a 5 speed manual). Is this normal? It engages smoothly and progressively with no smell or noise, but requires quite a bit of pedal pressure.

How do I select which computer functions are available on the dashboard by pressing the indicator stalk in? Some of the functions display twice, and the owner's manual is less than clear on this topic.

The car has a towbar fitted, which I have removed. There is a 12" by 4" rectangular hole in the rear skirt that allows the towbar to protrude, and the car came with a brand new unopened cover plate for this opening. When I tried to fit this cover, it slides down onto the lower lip of the opening no worries, but I can't see a way for the top part of the cover to fasten on. It has two small holes that look as if there should be some form of clip or retaining brackets, but these are missing. Can anyone help me with pics or part numbers?

Finally, how would I go about removing all that horrible yellow junk that is baked onto nearly everything under the hood? I understand this is protectant wax for the sea journey from Europe which was supposed to be removed by the dealer prior to sale. Now we're 15 years down the track, am I going to need to bead blast it all off? I hope not.

Cheers,
Nate

[Warren N.CA]

undertaking a major refinishing project. If it offends you, keep the hood closed.

Ok everyone, I finally took the plunge! I bought the 535i in the pics last monday. Have done around 300km so far (just to work and back) and I have a few observations:

The pre purchase inspection showed good even compression, smooth quiet gearbox, new brakes, good suspension, all electrics working, bodywork sound, noisy diff. The specialist is recommending I have him rebuild the diff and perform a full service sooner rather than later. I think it's probably a good idea, but I also realise that he can be expected to recommend I give him work!

The car has quite a heavy clutch (it's a 5 speed manual). Is this normal? It engages smoothly and progressively with no smell or noise, but requires quite a bit of pedal pressure.

How do I select which computer functions are available on the dashboard by pressing the indicator stalk in? Some of the functions display twice, and the owner's manual is less than clear on this topic.

The car has a towbar fitted, which I have removed. There is a 12" by 4" rectangular hole in the rear skirt that allows the towbar to protrude, and the car came with a brand new unopened cover plate for this opening. When I tried to fit this cover, it slides down onto the lower lip of the opening no worries, but I can't see a way for the top part of the cover to fasten on. It has two small holes that look as if there should be some form of clip or retaining brackets, but these are missing. Can anyone help me with pics or part numbers?

Finally, how would I go about removing all that horrible yellow junk that is baked onto nearly everything under the hood? I understand this is protectant wax for the sea journey from Europe which was supposed to be removed by the dealer prior to sale. Now we're 15 years down the track, am I going to need to bead blast it all off? I hope not.

Cheers,
Nate

[Paul in NZ]

This pic will make you extremely envious but here is an indication of what is possible.This is George MAnn,s 735,the valve cover and intake manifold have been painted.The procedure for setting the obc functions on the dash go something like this.Press and hold the obc stalk button in and you will see prog 1 or something.You can then select your functions,as many or as few as you like in any order by pressing the respective button on the obc itself.when you have done that i think you press the obc stalk button again.

ours proly looks like this