Looking into getting an e34. Should I get a 535i or a 530i?

[frenchy]

Hi, i'm in the process of selling my 91 vw gti and getting an e34. The 540i is a little bit out of my price range, so i'm looking at either a 535i or a 530i. Right now i'm kind of leaning towards the 535i. I've heard that the 525i is too heavy a car for the engine size. I don't know if this is true because I have never driven one. Does anyone have any opinion on that? I'm looking for a car that I will be able to enjoy driving and do some mild tuning, like a chip. My gti is an 8v and it's slow as crap but it's still a lot of fun to drive. So if anyone has any opinion's on what car would be better for driving enjoyment and tuner-friendliness, either the 535i or the 530i or if I should consider the 525i, I would greatly appreciate your feedback. Thanks.
:D

-Antoine

[Scott E]

I would get a 535. The 530's have the nikasil issue. Where as the 535i M30 engine is very reliable. I think the HP is about the same but am not sure.

Just my $.25 worth.

[Paul in NZ]

the 535 is quite unstressed so responds well to a chip.The 530 is a much more modern design (as is the later 525 with vanos(early type of variable valve timing0.The 535 uses more petrol than both the 525 and 530.The 530 may also have the nikasil issue,The 535 is probably the easiest to work on,and ALWAYS feels silky smooth and unstressed.Check out e34 .net by clicking on the big six
http://www.bimmer.info/bmw/kiwi535/left%20engine.jpg (http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/trouble/what_will_break.htm)
this is the "what will break" page.Do not be dismayed dont forget this is the combined breakages of what is now up to a 14 year old car.......They do require maintenance but will go for a long time.they have relatively complex electrical systems and idiosyncratic front suspensions.....read the forums, driva a few ,find a place locally that knows the e34 and check out any prospective purchase carefully..Good luck.If you can get a manual :)

[Bimmer Nut Ed]

Very well put Paul. I can tell you I like the 535 so much I bought a second one for my daughter. Nice and simple to work on. Silky smooth. Plenty of power.
I've also worked on my M62 8cyl BMW engine in my 740i and although it's a wonderful power plant, it certainly is more complex. In my opinion, BMW sixes are great and long lived, and if you need more power, that's when you go to the 8 cyl. So why get a small 8 when a six will do the same job. imho

[Scott E]

From Bruno's site. As you can see there is no real difference in power between the 530i and the 535i. Also the EAT chip http://www.dsylva-tech.ca/ available for the M30 engine will add more seat of the pants power.

530i '93-'95 M60 32v V8 - 2997cc 235 km/h 7.7sec 215hp / 218bhp 214ft.lbs@4500 Rpm 10.5:1
535i '88-'92 M30 12v I6 - 3430cc 235 km/h 7.7 sec 208hp / 211bhp 225ft.lbs@4000 Rpm 9.0:1

The 530i (M60) engine is more advance therefore can be more expensive to maintain. What is of more concern is the "Nikasil" issue. If the block hasnt been replaced with the "Alusil" block you could be in for a very expensive repair. BMWNA wont release data on how many V8's have been replaced. Also keep in mind that some Nikasil owners have yet to have the problem. You mentioned a 540 was out of your price range so I feel a 535i would best suit your needs.

One could make the argument "I could have had a V8" but in the case of the e34 you really wont be gaining anything.

[winfred]

if it comes down to raw speed, my 535 eats 530's for lunch, even before i installed the chip, i dragged the boss several times on the way to work when he was in our old shop car (95 alusil 530ia with about 60k on the short block) i could start off behind him comming off the side street feeding the 4 lane passing our shop and just march right by him, we'd get out of it around 90 at which point he was becomming a memory in the mirrors, haven't gotten the chance to step on a stick yet, but a few autos have gone down

[632 Regal]

bah humbug

[winfred]

bring it on big boy!

[632 Regal]

Your jealous cause I have Nikasil and you dont.

[winfred]

what's that? a new brand of beer?

[ryan roopnarine]

plates that say nikasil or galnikal....that would be the shiznit.

[winfred]

i think they can cure that now with a shot in the ass

[Naj '93 3.8L M5]

If I were u I would buy a 535i and try finding a manual so that u will have more pleasure out of the 208bhp. If you are willing to spend more then I would really recommend a M5! I bought one 2 weeks ago and I am loving every moment with it!

Take care!

[frenchy]

Thanks for all the quick responses. Man, this board moves fast! It looks like the preferred choice is the 535i and this is what I was previously leaning towards so i'm happy to see that they are well respected. I will continue doing research on the web and speaking to people about e34's. But I will keep you posted on what I do end up getting and I look forward to soon being an e34 owner.

-Antoine

[Mike]

I drove both a 530 and a 535 (both manual trannys) and my 530 seems to have better acceleration to about 90 mph. Never dragged my friend pas that speed, as that might not help my law enforcement carrer too much :). It seems that the 535 would be slightly faster in 1st gear, but would get spanked in 2nd, no matter who drove the cars out of me and my 3 buddies. You do have to wring the engine a bit more in the 530 in city driving though; the 535's a bit smoother in this department.

I like the 535 power curve better, however, as it seems to have the "oomph" sooner in the rpm range than the 530. The maintenence simplicity of the 535 powertrain is another plus for the car. I got the 530 as it was a deal too good to pass by, but I sure love it for its performance and gas milage. My friends 535 has almost as good performance, eats a little more gas, but is simpler to maintain. Fit and finish seems better on my car's interior, but this could be related to my friends car being 5 years senior to mine. $.02 from a happy 530 owner, and If I was to buy again, I would buy the car that's a better deal or is in better shape, as once again, both car are great! Whichever you choose, make just make sure its an e34, and you will be happy. :)

p.s. These days chances of experiencing a nikasil-type issue are slim, as todays gas has significantly lower sulphur content. My e34 is proof of this, as it has 151k on the odometer with a nikasil motor, and runs strong/smooth with no problems whatsoever.