525i vs 535i visual differences?

[nic28]

Hi, new here.
I was going to buy an e34 and came across 2 options, 525i or 535i - the 525i's seems to be more expensive - like twice as much.
I was going to buy one of these cars as a clean build, kinda like stance, but not as crazy.
What I'm asking is, are there any noticeable (or not) differences between the two in terms of visuals, I know they have a different engines and stuff, but how does the exterior differ?

Thanks.

[AHenry014]

I can only speak to the differences of the US market. Depends on the year of the 525i, but the '95 model year got the 'facelift', so the wide nose grill and side skirts. The 535i car never got these items. Here, if i had a '90 525i and 535i next to each other, and both were de-badged, i wouldnt be able to tell the difference externally. Maybe by the factory spec'ed wheels (mesh vs bottle caps), but otherwise theres no differences.

[CarterH]

There aren't really any visible differences besides the wheels and the grille, which is dependent on the year as Henry said.

If it's a later model 525 it's a pretty good choice but if they're both roughly the same year, I'd buy the 535 personally. The M30 is nice and simple to work on. The 535 will also potentially have more options fitted such as the full OBC instead of the lesser one found in the 520 and 525.