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Thread: 525i or 535i?

  1. #1
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    525i or 535i?

    hey all, I'm currently in the market for an e34, and the 540 is out of my range, so I'm trying to decide between 535s and vanos 525s. I'd like to hear opinions on power, potential, and reliability differences between the M30 and M50.

    Also, were here any option/trim differences between 525s and 535s?

    Experiences from people who have owned both would be great....

  2. #2
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    This gets covered occasionally. M30 has the edge in longevity but requires more maintenance. It drinks much more gas too. It's rough around the edges where the M50TU is a thoroughly-modern motor.

    Assuming you're looking at only manuals, the bad thing about the VANOS 525is is that they came with the Getrag 250. Not an awful trans but not as stout and durable as the box in the 535.

    The '95 525i is my favorite. They're a bit hard to find in stick, so quite a few people have done transmission swaps, including myself.
    -Denton

  3. #3
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    535i will be older, a bit rougher. 525i a bit more refined. 535i is a bit faster.

    Frankly you need to drive both to figure out which one you like, but condition and maintenance would be my most important consideration.

    Very few trim differences between the 525i and 535i.
    No current BMWs.
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  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by 4500 RPM View Post

    The '95 525i is my favorite. They're a bit hard to find in stick, so quite a few people have done transmission swaps, including myself.
    Thanks for the info. I am looking for a manual, however I'm not afraid to do a manual swap if necessary. Were there some things that were only available on the 95 model year?

  5. #5
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    95 525 5-Speed Gets my vote! The m50 tu is as smooth as glass, reliable, requires less maint, and gets better gas mileage. Power difference is very small between the two. Plus if you get a 94-95 you get the wide grill, projector headlamps and fogs, and mtec side skirts. (And i think wood trim, im not sure if 535's could get wood trim.)

  6. #6
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    Look in the FAQ for '95 changes. It's mostly cosmetic but all good upgrades, and upgrades that will cost at least $600 if you retrofit to an earlier car.
    -Denton

  7. #7
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    Looking at the other cars you own you may want to still consider the 535. The layout is much more straight forward. If you're looking for a smooth BMW go with the M50, but if you're looking for a workhorse and lean more toward the "oldschool" go with the 535. Just make sure whatever you get has or ends up with a stick. Its a totally different car with a standard transmission.

    -M30 | Miller W.A.R. Chip | Miller MAF conversion | S3.73 | Single Mass flywheel | e60 ssk | 25,20mm Sways | Vogtland Springs | Glasspack ~RIP~

  8. #8
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    M30 FTW!
    ... but I'm biased. The m50 is a good motor too.

  9. #9
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    Some 525i's came with ZF transmissions. I believe those were some of the 93's and 92's.

  10. #10
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    90 535i, 92 735iL

    ...

    M30 FTW.......just kidding. I currently have two cars with the M30 and both are smooth and quiet (both Autos, but I'm too lazy and broke to do a swap these days). I get around 23-24 MPG on my 535i. These motors regularly run into the 300,000+ range without any problems or major rebuilds. My 5 has 72k on it and the 7 is coming up on 250k....both late M30 motored cars. I've had an s50 M3 and yes, it was smooth, but the M30 is still a very good daily driver.

    The 5 series is a pretty heavy vehicle....so remember torque is your friend!
    Last edited by JUTTERB; 12-16-2008 at 01:31 PM.
    '90 535i -- SOLD
    '95 M3 -- SOLD
    '90 325i -- SOLD
    '92 735iL -- WRECKED TO DEATH
    '99 528iT Sport

  11. #11
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    The automatics that came in these cars are/ were manufactured by GM. Fact
    Last edited by BavarianCrzd; 12-16-2008 at 01:31 PM. Reason: Spelling

  12. #12
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    90 535i, 92 735iL

    ....

    I know the autos get a bad rap around here.......but really the 4hp22 was a pretty good transmission. I've never had any problems with any of my auto cars....ever (I've had three with the above-mentioned trans). That being said, I don't flog the sh*t out of them either....
    '90 535i -- SOLD
    '95 M3 -- SOLD
    '90 325i -- SOLD
    '92 735iL -- WRECKED TO DEATH
    '99 528iT Sport

  13. #13
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    get whatever has been maintained the best.

  14. #14
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    Quote Originally Posted by zubbie View Post
    get whatever has been maintained the best.
    +1 I would have to agree.

  15. #15
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    Quote Originally Posted by zubbie View Post
    get whatever has been maintained the best.
    +1

    I will say this though; I have 540i envy

  16. #16
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    As far as modding goes are you planning on keeping it mostly stock or are you looking for big power?
    Quote Originally Posted by Brody View Post
    The big bang happened in an M30 block

  17. #17
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    Quote Originally Posted by vlksdragon View Post
    hey all, I'm currently in the market for an e34, and the 540 is out of my range, so I'm trying to decide between 535s and vanos 525s. I'd like to hear opinions on power, potential, and reliability differences between the M30 and M50.

    Also, were here any option/trim differences between 525s and 535s?

    Experiences from people who have owned both would be great....
    I have owned both, a 92 535i (8 years) and a 92 525i (non-vanos). If you just want power, go for the 535i. However, the M30 doesn't like to run past the 1/2 way temp mark. I've shut it down twice at the 3/4 mark and I got two blown head gaskets . The 525i went almost to the red once and no blown gasket . The 95 525i is great IMO because you get the painted front/rear bumpers and side skirts and has the V8 hood/grill. Side blinkers and newer side mirrors from 93 on. The M30 will require valve adjustments every 12K-15K miles and a full tune up around 30K-50K miles. M50 and M50TU have less maintenance issues. If you are worried about spending $$$$$$$ for repairs, go for the M50. If you find a M30 with maintenance records then the choice is up to you.
    '13 328i F30
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    87 528e/5. 01 M5
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    92 535iA. 10 Mustang V6 4.slow
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  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by BavarianCrzd View Post
    Plus if you get a 94-95 you get the wide grill, projector headlamps and fogs, and mtec side skirts. (And i think wood trim, im not sure if 535's could get wood trim.)
    Just the wide grill and side skirts. Had all of the other above mentioned options on both of the 535's I've owned.
    Quote Originally Posted by Brody View Post
    The big bang happened in an M30 block

  19. #19
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    Question 535i Touring Model??

    I am from the e36 forum - long time BMW owner and builder of e30s and e36s.

    With my ever expanding family, I am considering a 5 series touring model. I like the M30B35 engine.

    Couple of questions:
    1. Did the 535i's ever come in a touring model?
    2. Did the 535i touring ever come in a 5 speed?
    3. Or will I need to do a auto to manual conversion? I am sure that pedal mounts, crossmembers and transmissions are out there from sedans - but if the touring was never was offered in a 5 speed, then the driveshaft may be tough to come by.

    Thanks for any input you guys can offer.
    Mike
    Cary, NC

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  20. #20
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    The touring came as 520i, 525i, 530i and 540i. As well as diesel and 525ix..


  21. #21
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    Which is completely irrelevant, as the U.S. got mostly 525i Tourings and a smattering of 530s. All were autos.

    There are a few converted 535iT manual tourings floating around...one may still be for sale.

    EDIT: Read the FAQ or whatever, both attack eagle and Shrike071 have posted great Touring manual swap threads. The drivetrain is identical to the sedans AFAIK.
    -Denton

  22. #22
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    e34 for tha keeps
    i love my 94' 525i.... with narrow grill

    but basically yeah everything they said. im at 220,000mi and motor wise the things bulletproof. but i have a blow clutch and yeah, the tranny is far from perfect

  23. #23
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    Another M50 VANOS owner, 194xxx and going strong. I did have to replace the transmission @ 140k though. My 95 is the value package with leatherette/no wood interior. The engine has been very reliable and runs strong even after I blew the waterpump and drove it( I had to) and hasn't skipped a beat.

  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by BavarianCrzd View Post
    Plus if you get a 94-95 you get the wide grill
    You say that like it's a good thing...

    Quote Originally Posted by BavarianCrzd View Post
    The automatics that came in these cars are/ were manufactured by GM. Fact
    Don't go tossing facts around like that. The v8, m20, and m30 cars all got ZF automatic transmissions, and they are good, strong units. Also, the GM transmission is NOT a bad transmission, it's got a bad reputation on here unfairly.

    Quote Originally Posted by E39Chris525i View Post
    I have owned both, a 92 535i (8 years) and a 92 525i (non-vanos). If you just want power, go for the 535i. However, the M30 doesn't like to run past the 1/2 way temp mark. I've shut it down twice at the 3/4 mark and I got two blown head
    Why do you keep overheating your cars like that?

    Go ahead and bite. Plenty for everyone.

  25. #25
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    Go for a 540i if you can. Around here they're the same price as 525i's and you get an additional 93BHP with similar gas mileage.

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