I've got both now (archive)

I would disagree with the statement about pre '92 models. I would however stay away from the first year models as they do tend to have more quality issues. The statement about the E34 and more to go wrong is very accurate. In my first year of ownership for my '90 535i I spent nearly $3.5K in electrical and A/C work alone to get it right (much of this was parts alone as I do a lot of my own work). Parts for the E28 are a whole lot cheaper as well and most of them are available from non-dealer sources while much of the E34 stuff is dealer only still.

As far as engines go, nothing in my book can beat the 535i (M30 engine in either the E28 or E34). The 525i motor in either of its guises (the M20 for pre-VANOS cars and M50 with VANOS) is fairly gutless in such a heavy chassis, particularly when saddled with an auto tranny. The M30 motor, while it does require valve adjustments every 30K miles, is just about bulletproof (the M20 or M50 don't have the same long term reliability as the M30). My '85 535i is still going strong with well over 330K miles and leaves E36 M3's in its dust (on the track of course).

The E34 is a true luxury car with sporting pretentions. The E28 is a sporting sedan with luxury pretentions. 8 hours on the interstate is a joy in the E34, its a bit tiring in the E28. Hustling down a county road or on the track in the E34 feels awkward and heavy, not particularly 'fun' like my E28.

Follow Ups:

I couldn't have said it better myself Raj 17:43 1/02/2002 (0)

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