My 1989 BMW 535i

[Flyingphil]

Heres my 1989 BMW 535i.

It's in original condition with 360,000kms.

Fitted with optional; Trip computer, Air con, Electric Sunroof and Alloys.



A review:

Engine: 155KW/305NM 3.4 Straight six. Nice and torquey down low for easy driving and pulls hard over 4500rpm right up to the 6200 cut out (which makes it very easy to accidently hit it). Resonable fuel economy - gets about 10.5L\100km in easy mixed conditions.

Gearbox: Five speed manual, close ratios which really maximise the engines potential. It allows a 0-100kmh time of 7.7 secs. It's the opposite of the optional auto gearbox (which most Australians prefer - the idiots) which has ultra tall gearing and a 0-100kmh time of 9.1 secs. Fifth is also geared to maximise the top speed - 235km\h.

Handling: Would've been well above average in the 1980s but its only average now. It's better than a new Toyota Aurion (but thats not saying much) but no where near as good as a Ford Mondeo. It is very well balanced (and BMW claims 50\50 weight distribution) but there's too much body roll on the limits. There's a bit of inside wheel spin out of tight corners (limited slip diff was a option).

Brakes: Very good. Has large ventilated discs with ABS. Stops from 100km\h in under 40m according to some magazine testing.

Steering: A bit heavier than average but still too light in my opinion (I prefer no power steering at all). Has 'variotronic' or something steering thats supposed to change with engine speed. It does seem heavier at higher speed but it doesn't really do much. The level of feel is only average, slightly above average at best. It's not very direct - about 3.5 turns lock to lock. Good turning circle.

Ride: Pretty good. Doesn't handle big speed humps anywhere near as well as a comparable Merc though.

Interior: Has a lot of buttons but they're all fairly easy to use and well positioned. Good quality plastics. Rear headrests were optional (what the hell?). Adjusting the height of the drivers seat is very difficult. Height adjustment for the other front seat seems to have been optional (again -why?). Average levels of space. Seats are comfortable and not too soft. Steering column has a big handle on it presumably for height adjustment but it's not connected to anything (that must have been yet another option).

[Schwupz]

Sounds nice. Would like to see some pictures though

Chris

[Flyingphil]

Ah I've managed to get a pair up now.

[KaJuN]

Nice looking car! Ever since the automotive replacements game thread came up I've been very tempted to get an E30. How is it like living with an older BMW?

[AarheadC]

love it! Used to have an old E30 myself. Always wondered how an E34 would compare.

[Flyingphil]

I did look at buying a E30 but the few 325i manuals (the only one that offers resonable performance)that were for sale were too expensive. Plus the 535i is a full second faster to 100km\h and will do a extra 15km\h at top speed. I also think its a lot better looking. Of course its bigger and weighs 200kgs more so the handling and economy is going to be worse.

To live with: It's pretty much the same to drive as a average new car and has all the same mod cons (except airbags were optional and I don't have them) but of course the downside is, like any old car - things can break down at any moment and be very difficult/expensive to repair.