e28 M535 or 635CSI

[PTP]

I'm thinking about getting either the e28 M535 or e24 635CSI for my next car (can't decide!) and i was wondering what peoples opinions are on these cars?

i have about 3-5K to spend, which do you think is best value and more importantly best to drive? I have to say that i like the look of the 635 better but the M535 has a better reputation as a drivers car.

Let me know what you think

[sharkfan]

If you want more involvement then I would recommend the M535 (much as it pains me to say it being a life-long coupe lover). Virtually all non-M coupes are autos and are probably more suited to cruising than being hustled. M535's come with a dog-leg 'box (there are autos out there though) and sports suspension so will be more involving. So as long as you can get past the bodykit you get on the M535 (a matter of taste, I know) I'd go for one over the coupe.

Richard

[Job38]

I love both of them, for the old skool looks, but to be honest, for that price I go for an E34 535i Sport manual.

Much more 'modern' car and they don't rust, unlike the other two.

[bob1179]

Well, I'm slightly biased, http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

I like the E24 but it is heavier than the E28 and body parts are more expensive too (wings are around 800 quid).
The M535i is a cracking car, a lot came with auto's too there is loads of info here:

http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=6

Mine has the 5 speed overdrive 'box which is much better than the dog-leg gearbox, the change is sweeter and you get better high speed cruising.

One things these cars do very well is rust, especially behind all the plastic bits. The jacking ponts, rear arches, sunroof, base of the a-pillar, sills etc. are all points where the car will go.
If looked after they will go on forever, the M30 engines are bullet proof as long as they have had regular oil and coolant changes.
There are a few good ones left but there are a lot of dogs about.

They handle well for an 80's barge too, though the suspension has to be in top condition. The trailing arm bushes on the rear and top mounts and tie bars on the front tend to wear causing wallowy handling and clonking. If you get one with it's original metric wheels as I have, the handling in anything other than dry conditions is best described as 'entertaining'. (I'm looking for some E28 M5 wheels at the mo!)

Good luck finding a car. If you get an E28 you'll love it!

[PTP]

Cheers for the info guys.

It seems as though it is a lot easier to find a 6 series than the M535, i've been looking on here and autotrader, is there any other places i should be looking?

This is the first cars older that 5yrs i will own, with the money i have to spend do you think i'll have to spend a lot on rectifying problems and on general upkeep on these cars?

[Mustard]

Autotrader is the wrong place to be looking really

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C19372

or how about a pimp daddy M5

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C19497

not an M but cheap !

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C19158

one here

http://www.bmwcarclubgb.co.uk/rm/adverts.asp?secti...

[wrighty78]

PTP said:

This is the first cars older that 5yrs i will own, with the money i have to spend do you think i'll have to spend a lot on rectifying problems and on general upkeep on these cars?

It's impossible to tell. I owned mine (1987 635csi) for about 18 months and bought it for around the top-end of your price bracket. I chose carefully, checking recent service history and as many of the known weak spots as I could manage. All the same, I reckon I spent over £2k on it over those 18 months, on head gasket replacement, wheel bearings, manifold gasket replacement, air flow meter, servicing, brake calipers / discs / pads, spots here and there on the bodywork, etc etc etc.

The thing with old cars is that stuff goes wrong. Unless you buy one that has undergone a full rebuild (something like Mustard's e28, perhaps) there will inevitably be things that catch you out from time to time.

And remember that these cars were quite advanced for their time, so there's quite a lot to go wrong.

But the upside is that they are beautiful, quick (even by today's standards), brilliant tourers, good fun in the wet, head-turning designs and far more individualistic than just about anything rolling off the current production lines. I miss mine and will one day own another. Or maybe an e28 M5...

Buy one, but budget realistically for repairs. And find a good specialist!!

[Marquis_Rex]

Really tough choice.

I love em both. I'd probably plump in favour of the E24 though mainly for the suave looks.

As for the E34- I'm sorry- great all round car, but as dull as dishwater to drive compared to the other two....

[sleep envy]

an e24 in that budget will be a money pit

if the front wings are rusty, it will be a £2k job minimum

plus I love the old square riggers

[pSyCoSiS]

Job38 said:

I love both of them, for the old skool looks, but to be honest, for that price I go for an E34 535i Sport manual.

Much more 'modern' car and they don't rust, unlike the other two.

Yep, and my '89 535i Sport in Alpine White II is currently up for sale, at a snippet of your budget!!

FSH, Blue Sports Leather, Manual, LSD, OBC, PAS, E/W, E/M, E/S/R, Tool Kit, 12 Months MOT.... etc, etc. Very clean condition for age.

Ad will be in the classifieds section soon. I'm after £1500, ono.

You can buy this for more of a "driver's" car, and also get a 635CSi Highline for cruising.

Why not buy two cars for your budget??!!