Re: HELP: JUST BOUGHT USED 1989 535i... (archive)

BMW's (Bimmers) especially a 535i were not cheap when new. Unfortunately, the people (including myself) that can afford them now, might not be able to afford them!

Buy a Bentley E34 Manual PRONTO! JOIN the BMW CCA PRONTO!

Look for a BMW independant shop (the BMW CCA can help with this). I was taught that a good BMW mechanic will OWN a BMW-good rule!

Maintenance is extreamly important! The fact you bought such a car without records...DON'T ever do that again!

There are a few areas that a good tech will no to look for.

Front end problems
Cooling system problems
(Head gasket)
Shocks
Dash computer boards
The list goes on....

These are NOT maintenence free cars, BUT they very rewarding to own and drive.

Good luck, and welcome!

Joe

1993 SC400
1992 535i
1987 535is
Hi,
Just bought a '89 535i, 3.5 liter 6, 5-speed manual with 169k miles.

What should I expect as far as reliability? I don't know the history on it. I traded in my 1993 Ford Bronco (v-8, 109k miles) basicaly straight accross for the Bimmer at a local used car dealer in Sacramento, CA.

I paid $6,000 for it - very nice condition. I liked the fact it looked virtually the same to a '94 sitting right next to it (for much more $$ of course). This is my first European car.. Please help. Thanks.

http://www.bmwcca.org

Follow Ups:

Why so insistant on records for 6K car? Norwood S. Wilner 19:42 6/10/2001 (1)
- Headed for Vegas, then Atlantic City...Wanna Go? Lars PNW 82_528e 00:30 6/11/2001 (0)

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