e28 or e34?

[manco]

<!-- / icon and title -->In the market for a used five and may have an opportunity to get a 1985 535i. I've been told to hold out and get the e34 b/c they have more technology and safety while still using the same motors as e30s and e28s. I am wanting a safe daily driver and my nostalgic side wants the older, but my practical side says the e34 or newer would be better. Daily driving would be about 60 miles on mainly country highways.

I should also mention I'll be hauling children around....and I don't want to spend more than $6k.

Any thoughts?

[forsaken]

6k eh?

E34 ftw, timeless, clean, look. 6k could hook you up with a 535, or a really sweet m50 525.

[The Beastmaster]

Each iteration of the 5er got heavier and more plush. I love my E34 and drive it much more than my E39. I've been vacillating about an E28 M5 as everyone says it is a much more raw car than the E34 M5.

I had a 528e 5spd back in the day and it was a hoot to drive! My suggestion is to drive both and see what you like better.

[wludavid]

The e28 is more reliable in its own way. They had FAR fewer electronic gizmos to break. Also if you do your own work the e28 will be much cheaper to own since there are probably more things that you can do yourself. Though there's a signifigant enthusiast's group for both styles.

The e34 was stuck in the era between the consumer's demand for motorized everything, and an era where BMW could make a truly electronic car. As it was, the e34 has miles of wire running from every switch to every motor, where the e39 had a multibus system with fewer wires (and thus fewer places for insulation to rub off and create short circuits or erratic behavior).

That said, since you'll be transporting kids around in Tennessee, it's hard not to recommend the e34. Since it's a heavier, stiffer car, it's no doubt safer. And you won't have to spend a fortune to recharge of upgrade the A/C. :D Of course, if you decide on the e34 make sure all the electronics are working. You don't want to inherit someone else's problems. Get the M50 and you'll get decent mileage. Just make sure the torque converter is up to snuff if you go with the automagic tranny.

[Dark Helmet]

The E28 is a man's car... the E34 is much more androgenous. if you want a comfortable cruiser, get the E34, as it is still very capable in a sporting realm.

but the E28 weighs at least 500lbs less... and is much mroe visceral and is almost brutal in a good way.

however, mine does sound like it has an uncorked small-block in it... :D:D:D:D wanna buy it?

[xatlas0]

The E28 is a man's car... the E34 is much more androgenous.

Nah, my E34 is very clearly a woman. It bugs me all the time.
"Replace my turn signals!"
"Did you leave your lights on again?"
"Hurry up, it's 2:59!"
"Is your seat belt on? I'll annoy you until you put it on."
and it gets very cranky if you ignore it.

As others have said, the E28 and E34 are very different cars. The E28 is more raw, the E34 more subdued. If you are toting kids, I'd go with the E34, as kids (and wives) like creature comforts that the E28 lacks, like good AC, plush(ier) seats, and a much better radio/ sound system. Plus, if you look for a while, you can find a 93 535i/5 with tracton control, something the E28 never had. The E34 535 only has driver's side airbags, if you want more, you'll have to go with a 94+ 5-er. I do not know if the E28 even has airbags. That said, they are both very safe vehicles.

[Dark Helmet]

well said good man.

[xatlas0]

Hey, Dark Helmet, isn't Grand Prix on DVD?

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FFJYCU/ref=imdbpov_dvd_0/103-1990313-9582255?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=130

[Dark Helmet]

in july... in july... I just need to make a new sig....

[manco]

is the 2.5 too small to pull such a large car?

[Dark Helmet]

yes, it is.

[xatlas0]

is the 2.5 too small to pull such a large car?

Unless boosted, yep.

[manco]

Well then. Thanks. That narrows the search...

[SC David]

is the 2.5 too small to pull such a large car?
Just imagine your E30 with 4 passengers. It's not going to be fast, but it will scoot around if you get the revs up. 28mpg highway isn't so bad either :)

Otherwise, avoid the M20 at all costs!

[RVAE34]

Nah, my E34 is very clearly a woman. It bugs me all the time.
"Replace my turn signals!"
"Did you leave your lights on again?"
"Hurry up, it's 2:59!"
"Is your seat belt on? I'll annoy you until you put it on."
and it gets very cranky if you ignore it.

Very funny

My E34 is my first BMW. I have had many other cars. I would have to say it is by far the best car I have owned/Driven. It is so well made and rides great. drives great, looks great. Given I love the E28 too, but I think of the E28 as a more raw race machine. The E34 is still performance oriented, but more artistic and practical in my opinion. I think the E34 is a timeless design, you could almost guess that is was built in the late 90's early 00's if you didn't know, where as the E28 looks older and more like a classic car. My 525i 5 spd has plenty of pull and handles great. I actually love the extra weight of the car. Very well balanced and when you shut the doors, you know the car is solid as a tank. BTW, my car gets 25 mpg with a chip and my lead foot.

[Dark Helmet]

the E28 is a long long way from being a racecar... most certainly. but it is more primitive in every way.

[Dark Helmet]

you also have the M50 525, not the M20 525.... huge difference...

[RVAE34]

sorry, I was referring to the E28 M5 as far as race car, forgot to mention