1989 BMW 535i, how relaible are these cars?

[CHAMBMW]

i'm looking to purchase a 1989 BMW 535i for my dad, what should i look out for? for those of you that have this model plz inform me about any major problems that are common. thanks

[jimmyz2]

The E34 3.5L 5 spd is one of THE most reliable BMW(and stylish ;) ) ever made.

[rennwerkes]

I have to agree. But if you have to, stay away from the automatic models. The ZF automatic transmissions are terrible and constantly failing. I almost went completely away from BMW because of this. However, came back into the fold and bought an E39.
The E34 3.5l motors are very robust. I have NEVER seen the bottom end wear down if you take care with regular oil changes, etc. The heads do sometimes have problems with cam lobes wearing down but not sure if it was fixed on the E34 cars. Have seen this happen on many E28's. You do need to adjust valves but that's fun, right???
Very straight forward to diagnose problems too.
Good luck

[CHAMBMW]

thanks, i'll keep away from automatics...i'm currently looking for a 5spd.

[MaloventEvil]

ok first of all, e34 535i is a ROCK SOLID car. i have not had ANY trouble with automatic tranny's (in my e34 535ia i was at 190k miles with stock automatic tranny with no signs of problems).

[Cereal Killa]

The E34 3.5L 5 spd is one of THE most reliable BMW(and stylish ;) ) ever made.


Has to be the most true statement I've ever heard. At 155k miles, only problem I have is that I got a bad tranny from BMW, and that started to go at 153k. Regular maintenence goes a loooong way.

[tjn182]

The M30 engines in the 535i can last 300k+ miles. I had one engine that went 350k miles and it didn't burn a lick of oil (i blew the headgasket on it though).

[misterjover]

535i engines haul major ass. I initially thought that the 89 e34 535 was a big, bulky, combersome car, but after driving one for a couple hours, I was thoroughly impressed by its torque and quickness off the line.

As long as you use synthetic oil and premium gas, an e34 will last you a long time.

[MaloventEvil]

some people feel that the 535i doesnt put out enough power, i thought it was PERFECT because at i think it was 2.5-3krpm the torque just jumped and it tossed you back in your seat. it felt like you hit the nawwwz button. the 535i felt faster than my 540, (but we all know which one is faster ;))

[tjn182]

some people feel that the 535i doesnt put out enough power, i thought it was PERFECT because at i think it was 2.5-3krpm the torque just jumped and it tossed you back in your seat. it felt like you hit the nawwwz button.
Hah - About 2 years ago my sister drove my 535i to the store. She came back asking me if I had a turbo on it (which i didn't at the time). You're totally right, at about 3k rpm those cams kick in and you get punched back in the seat :)

[jimmyz2]

Another great thing about the 535i is freeyway cruising.The car feels the same rock solid at 125-? as it does at 55mph. :redspot

[JAlfredPrufrock]

Cham - it's a great car in all aspects. I would recommend one if you can find one in good condition.

[delgadoduvidoso]

Mechanically? They're rock solid. Control arm bushings are the only "trouble area"; though the newer, upgraded bushings work a lot better.
Interior wise, here's what happens: The vinyl on the '89's door panels will pull away from the backing. If you stop it early you can fix it, otherwise you'll have to redo them or buy a new set. Best bet is to find a later set (the ones with leather armrests) in the same color and toss them in. They hold up MUCH better.
The only other issues are that the radios tend to start to have issues in the ten to fifteen year range, and the headliner sags (fortunately not a problem in my current '89, but has haunted the E34's of my past).

[MaloventEvil]

Another great thing about the 535i is freeyway cruising.The car feels the same rock solid at 125-? as it does at 55mph. :redspot
so does the 540 ;)

[CHAMBMW]

i just bought one at last! took me a few months to find a decent one.

found one....it's a 1989 535i Gold (champagne) will paint it black soon. with 225,000 Miles :eyecrazy

got it for 1800...real clean except for a little fender bender. drives great...but does need the gearbox replaced...the steering feels very stiff, only when turning left.

nice 16' inch BMW wheels...i dont' know what style...just some chromy 5 star kind.

it needs an inspection 2, and i plan on doing it myself. what kind of stuff will i need? what weight in oil? etc...

thanks if you can help me out.

[tjn182]

225,000 Miles :eyecrazy

No biggie. I got 210k miles on mine and I'm also pumping 8psi of boost. 225k shouldn't give you any trouble.

[jimmyz2]

No biggie. I got 210k miles on mine and I'm also pumping 8psi of boost. 225k shouldn't give you any trouble.
What are your hp/torque numbers?Nice set up. :buttrock

[Apex E36]

Its too bad that the aero on the E34 535im only lets it get to ~150 (with Dinan chip).... :devillook

[InfernoM3]

Here's mine. 92 535iM. Great car. smooth on the highway. I still have lots of parts to put on. Acs bumper, EAT chip, Acs mirrors. m5 sides.

[MaloventEvil]

Its too bad that the aero on the E34 535im only lets it get to ~150 (with Dinan chip).... :devillook
actually, it can go higher. my mech 535 pinned the tach on the auto tranny at ~ 154mph. and my god does it feel planted at that speed. i think the spoiler and more agressive suspension setup helped with that feeling too.

[jimmyz2]

actually, it can go higher. my mech 535 pinned the tach on the auto tranny at ~ 154mph. and my god does it feel planted at that speed. i think the spoiler and more agressive suspension setup helped with that feeling too.
That was on a dyno with a big fan right? ;) :stickoutt

[323I Junkie]

Only concerns I have heard of/noticed:

Funky messages : Most of them sensors: with mine, its Washer fluid. My moms is oil low,
Long time to rebuild oil pressure=due to crappy bleedback valve, e34.net sells a fix for this
Torquing the oil spray bar to 10 pounds and using safety wirte bolts helps the cam eating thing

HEadgaskets can go, but updated ones are great
Soundsystem produces irritating hiss when at low volume



If this is the biggest complaint about a 10 to 15 year old car, then thats pretty sad. I absolutely love mine, I have nothing but a DINAN chip


As for NA mods, they are plentiful, and the car really rolls. Metric mechanix sells drop in 260 horse all the way to a 301 horse 3.8

The exhasut is so good, most headers Ive seen or read about produce almost no gain, chips are awesome, suspension is awesome


I just rode in one at a CCA meet, it had:

DINAN exhasut
EAT chip
BAvautos swaybars
Konig shocks I beleive
Eibach springs
HIDs
Gauges
Shifter kit
Stock cats
Low gears, but not in the 4's

HAndling felt similar to an e36 M four dour, maybe better? Accleration was in the Mach 1 range, but after 100 it felt no different than mine (Mass flow inhibited by dirty cats?)

Anyway, very satisfying four door :buttrock: , and still looks very cool

[jimmyz2]

"The exhasut is so good, most headers Ive seen or read about produce almost no gain"
I put on headers and have to disagree.Unfortuntely I also did a chip at the same time.I dyno'd at 200 rwhp on 91 octane.

[323I Junkie]

"The exhasut is so good, most headers Ive seen or read about produce almost no gain"
I put on headers and have to disagree.Unfortuntely I also did a chip at the same time.I dyno'd at 200 rwhp on 91 octane.

I wish you had done that in stages. Most headers Ive read about cost 600 bucks and net you like 5 RWHP

[jimmyz2]

I wish you had done that in stages. Most headers Ive read about cost 600 bucks and net you like 5 RWHP
Mine cost $1,200 and I got 10 rwhp :lol
Paid $400 for RD Headers from fleabay.Boy was I lucky I did not get ripped off.