Looking to buy first BMW - 1989 535i

[Phil Sanderson]

The price sounds OK for Adelaide. I don't think it would be all that much less in Sydney.
Maybe not whining diff, maybe CV or wheel bearing. Do what previous posters have advised and have someone have a look at it so you will know exactly what you are up for.
If you have looked at Bruno's site you will have seen the things that can go wrong with these cars, but don't let that put you off. Ask the owner what he has fixed/replaced over the years.
There are many high kilometre E34 owners (or at least their cars) on this site with 300k, 400k and more kilometres. If you intend to buy just go in with your eyes wide open.
That's the beauty of this site - benefit from the shared knowledge of the people who have been there done that.
My '89 525i has 280,000km on it and I expect to get it up to 400,000.

Phil

[Paul in NZ]

they have a standard 90 minute check which is pretty thorough....woll be around a 100 150 dollars.

[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

[632 Regal]

Definetly looks like a well maintained vehicle!

[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