E28 5er, educate me!

[blitzkrieg59]

In around two months or so I will be on the hunt for a BMW. I was pretty sure I wanted to go e30 but I have seen some pretty nice looking e28's that are tempting me. I would be strictly looking for a 535iS model. Is this car running the m20? What are the specs on this specific model? Are the iS e28's hard to come by? Is there much potential in this chassis for performance or would I be better off with an e30?
Here's a pic of the culprit that is affecting my decision:
http://bmw.hlabs.spb.ru/pics/e28/04.jpg

[gol10dr1]

the e28 535i is equipped with an m30 engine. you should get that car, turbo it and replace the front bumper with the euro item, its not as large and looks real smooth. if your interested in the turbo, i have just the guy for you.

[Grey Phox]

Hey, the 535i uses the M30 engine. Its got about 180hp stock and tourqe im not really sure. I think about 215lbs. I may be off a little on the torque rating. The 535is are a little more rarer (if thats a word) than a 535i. I have only seen 1 535is in my life on the road. These cars have a BUNCH of potential. They are fun as hell to drive, work on, and mod. Stuff is harder to find rather than a e30, but not impossible. Give the e28 a try. Its much more roomy than the e30 IMO. :D Seriously though, both are great cars.

[blitzkrieg59]

I am a college student so unfortunately, turboing is going to be out of the question. Is there much potential to the M30 NA? What are the differences between the 535i and iS? Also, how much do these babies weigh in at?
I think that's all I've got for now... :)

[bähnstormer]

its more expensive to tune a motor NA
than to turbo it. doesn't matter if u're
a college student....do it right!

[blitzkrieg59]

That is indeed true. I guess that I should clarify that, even though I would love to have that kind of power, I don't have the dough for it. I'm talking chip camset, and exhaust at the most.

[RobbieR]

The E30's have the M20 powerplant. The M20's come with a timing belt. As stated earlier, the E28's come with the M30 powerplant that has a timing chain. There's a big maintenance advantage with the M30 as you do not really have to worry about a timing chain change or breakage. I beleive the M20 timing belt is recommended to be changed every 60,000 miles though.

However, both the E28 and E30 are great cars with bulletproof engines.

[tjn182]

I am a college student so unfortunately, turboing is going to be out of the question.

Whoa whoa whoa. Don't let that slow you down. I'm a sophomore in college and look at what I've done ... don't let that hold ya back!

[Grey Phox]

Yeah really man, don't let age be an option. I think i have you beat. Im a senior in HIGH SCHOOL. (I just turned 17) I do plan to turbo as soon as i get enough $$$$.

[Cacatfish]

535is was just made in 87 and 88. Still, here in Northern Ca, they are pretty easy to come by. They just have the airdam, spoiler and sport seats and (maybe) very slightly upgraded suspension. Otherwise, the same as a 535i.
It is pretty easy to gussy up a 535i to the same standards.

They are a great car all around, Weight is about 3300-3400lbs for the later 535i and 535is.

Performance is similar to an E30, though they are an obviously larger car and feel really different when driving. The E30 felt too cramped to me, whereas the E28 has a really airy cabin with lots of head room. The E30 is significantly more agile feeling and the steering feels more precise (R&P vs rolling ball).

I would definitely recommend getting one. A fun all around car, pretty bulletproof and kinda stylish.

[Mblaster]

In around two months or so I will be on the hunt for a BMW. I was pretty sure I wanted to go e30 but I have seen some pretty nice looking e28's that are tempting me. I would be strictly looking for a 535iS model. Is this car running the m20? What are the specs on this specific model? Are the iS e28's hard to come by? Is there much potential in this chassis for performance or would I be better off with an e30?
Here's a pic of the culprit that is affecting my decision:
http://bmw.hlabs.spb.ru/pics/e28/04.jpg
E 30's are nice, but you just gotta love a E28 535i.
:D

[stuntride]

^^^^^ that is the most beautiful e28 i have ever seen, makes me want one

[gol10dr1]

I am a college student so unfortunately, turboing is going to be out of the question. Is there much potential to the M30 NA? What are the differences between the 535i and iS? Also, how much do these babies weigh in at?
I think that's all I've got for now... :)

i am also a college student and it took me a year, but i saved up enough cash to splurge on the turbo. dont waste time doing a chip here and an exhaust there. save your money and do it right the first time.

[Hypr5]

i am also a college student and it took me a year, but i saved up enough cash to splurge on the turbo. dont waste time doing a chip here and an exhaust there. save your money and do it right the first time.

If you dont mind me asking, what was the total cost?

[blitzkrieg59]

Alright, now that I am officially in the market, how reliable are these suckers? Are parts expensive?

[Mblaster]

Thread from the dead.

Yea if you get a good one they are more reliable than any other 18 year old car. Get a bad one and you wil regret it. So spend the money and make sure you get the best car you can from a Bimmer enthusiast. Records are very important. Parts are available and not ///M pricy. So start looking, it might take a while to find the perfect car.

[blitzkrieg59]

Danke! The search has officially started. I got an email today from a guy with a 535/b35. :)

[flyeryan]

In around two months or so I will be on the hunt for a BMW. I was pretty sure I wanted to go e30 but I have seen some pretty nice looking e28's that are tempting me. I would be strictly looking for a 535iS model. Is this car running the m20? What are the specs on this specific model? Are the iS e28's hard to come by? Is there much potential in this chassis for performance or would I be better off with an e30?
Here's a pic of the culprit that is affecting my decision:
http://bmw.hlabs.spb.ru/pics/e28/04.jpg

Iowa City, huh? I'm guessing you go to Iowa, then? I go to ISU in Ames, and I have a 90 535i. I would definitely say go for the e28 with the 3.5 liter. They have a lot of power, and are a blast to drive, especially for a bigger car. Besides, a 5 series is just so much more classy than a 3 series! Don't let being in college stop you, as everybody is saying. Just research what exactly you want, do it right, and enjoy it! You don't have to spend a lot.

btw, if you're ever in ames gimme a buzz and maybe we can toss back a few.