535i v. late-model 525i [Archive] - BimmerNut.com Forums

integrale

10-06-2005, 03:23 PM

I've been searching for an E34 for a month or so now, and it's essentially come down to a 1991-1992 535i (found one already) or a 1994-1995 525i (would pass on the 535 and keep looking). I wanted to hear from people who own 535i's about their experiences. Are you ever jealous of things like the wide kidney grilles or (gasp) the cupholders (when did they become available?) Are your cars more or less reliable than the 525's you know about? Is the extra ~20hp noticeable? What do they have/don't they have that 525's do?

Did BMW fix any of the electrical problems between 92 and the end of E34?

GWAAA, I can't wait to get one of these!

Jimbo

10-06-2005, 04:44 PM

I love my 535i. I've never driven an E34 525 so I couldnt tell you what the difference in power really feels like, but not only does the M30 have more HP its got about 40 ft.lbs more torque, which should make a significant difference. The tradeoffs are that you get worse fuel economy with the M30 and you periodically have to adjust the valves. Wide vs narrow grill is a personal decision, and I believe the 525 only had the wide grill in '95. There are plenty of decent aftermarket cupholders out there, so that is really not an issue. In the end I was faced with the same decision as you, and found the 535 simply fit what I was looking for a little bit better.

kyleN20

10-06-2005, 04:47 PM

hey bud, i have a 535i with a 5 speed, so its alot of fun, the 3.5 "big six" is notealbe for being reliable, and i havent noticed anything to say otherwise, i would love a wide grill, that would be really cool, but this wont be my last bmw, so im sure ill find one soon, im going for a 540 6speed when i can get the money, but between a 525i wide grill, and a 535i, well is equal, look of the 525i, torque of the 535i, i would get a 95 525i, hopefully with a 5 speed, just to get somthing new

best to ya

kyle

angrypancake

10-06-2005, 05:36 PM

I'm currently driving an '89 535iA. last year I had a '93 525i, 5 speed. I'd have to say even though I hated giving up the stick shift (wasn't my choice. stupid trees.) I thoroughly enjoy the 535, and would take it over the '25. The whole wide vs narrow grill argument I never partook in, it doesn't really matter to me, cause waking up in the mornings and I'm like, hell, that's my freakin car in the driveway. The girlfriend is definitely jealous. Like Kyle, if I really had my take I'd go for a 6 speed 540, well, if I could really choose, an Alpina b-10 bi-turbo. But either way, it comes down to your personal feelings, so test drive them all if you can, 535ia and manual, and both 525's. See which one you like better, which one is in better shape, and enjoy!

integrale

10-06-2005, 06:20 PM

Stupid trees? I lost my last car to a tree and a wind storm. God bless comprehensive. Whenever I tell people that my car got crushed by a tree, they think I'm euphamistically telling them I wrapped it around an oak or something.

I'm optimistic about the 535. I can't wait to get a V1 for it :)

stx133

10-06-2005, 08:16 PM

if the 535 is a stick, i would have my decision made. you could always get a cheap runner for 12 months and ssave the insurance money, add a bit more and go the 540. i love mine... wish it was a stick, but the electronic auto 5 speed is pretty good and easy work.

integrale

10-06-2005, 08:46 PM

I drove a 540i-6 and I liked it, but to be honest, I don't think I need that much power yet, and getting almost an extra 10mpg isn't a bad idea these days. I also worry about the Nikasil.

The 535 is a 5-speed, which means I'll probably never have trouble selling it. I'm not sure what you mean about saving insurance money (unless you mean by having a 535 vs 540) but where I'm from, you have to insure the car before you can even register it. It'll probably cost me $1,600/yr to insure a $6000 car.

SRR2

10-06-2005, 09:30 PM

Strange, but true: I replaced an '89 535/5sp with an '01 540/6sp. Insurance company sent me a small refund. Go figure.

genphreak

10-06-2005, 09:49 PM

Strange, but true: I replaced an '89 535/5sp with an '01 540/6sp. Insurance company sent me a small refund. Go figure.With all us nutters trading up to 540s these days they'll start to see more claims. Then the premiums will rise as they like to practice race discrimination on cars (since they can't do it on us)...

integrale

10-07-2005, 06:59 AM

Goddamnit...the jerk sold the 535...again. 2nd time I've been <24hrs from buying it and he's jerked me around. What a tool. Or am I the tool? What a pain.

SRR2

10-07-2005, 08:25 AM

I resemble that remark! I do not race my car!

Phatty5BMW

10-07-2005, 10:37 AM

I would go for the 535i anyday. I bought mine and love it, my buddy like my car so he ended up buying a 91 525i, big difference in power if u ask me. We raced and i quit at about 110 and i was a good 2-3 car lenghts ahead.
I think 535>525i thats my thoughts.

integrale

10-07-2005, 11:11 AM

Well, like I said...the 535i is gone because the mutha who owned it jerked me around again. I was, for the second time, poised, checkbook-in-hand ready to buy this car.

Heartbreaker.

mjradin

10-07-2005, 12:09 PM

I have the 1990 535im. Highly modified. :-)

Wifey has 1995 525ia. Stock except bilstein touring shocks.

Two completely different cars.

The 535 is more raw (could it be the jim c chip, b&b exhaust, tweaked suspension?) and better performing. The 525 is more refined, slower off the line but once it gets going cruises very nicely. Great mileage.

The handling is very different. I have never driven a sedan as nimble as the 535. Never. You 540 guys have to work to hard to point the nose where you want it to go! THe 525 is slower to respond and basically more work to throw around.

Watch out for autos - tranny failures are to be expected wihtout proper maintenance from birth.

Phatty5BMW

10-07-2005, 01:58 PM

Well, like I said...the 535i is gone because the mutha who owned it jerked me around again. I was, for the second time, poised, checkbook-in-hand ready to buy this car.

Heartbreaker.

If I was you I would defenitly wait for a 535i then settling for a 525i in my opinion :)

Rick L

10-08-2005, 05:57 PM

My friend had a 1990 535i several years back and it was definitely faster than my 1995 525i. Reason I purchased my 1995 525i was because I enjoyed driving his car. I had to say, my 525i is slower but it is absolutely more refined than the 1990 535i. Also, the body kit on 1995 models looked sportier...

rreimund

10-26-2005, 02:40 PM

Good stuff.. Thanks guys for the answers here (and thanks the original poster for asking the same questions I've had)..

My biggest problem isn't the decision, it's the relative rarity of the 535 5-speed, and the price difference if you can find a really clean one. I'm still out there looking, but it's tough to find a 535 local to me with a 5 speed (by local I mean the entire Northeast). Given that, I'm faced with going with a later model 525 5 speed instead. I've got three within driving distance from me.

Considering the slow season we're heading into for used cars, and I'm faced with the prospect of not finding anything for several months, and I'm looking at heading into the new year without a car. Any thought there? I'm sure many of you have felt my pain at one point or another.

Russell

10-26-2005, 02:46 PM

Late model-even if you "MUST" get a V8. IMO, all the running changes that fixed a lot of earlier issues. Less chance of abuse by bad/lazy PO. Still one owner cars out there. Lower mileage should mean a bit better condition. I think the painted lower skirts/bumpers on the 95 look much-much better. Preminum package and traction control on many of the 95s.

On my car, no electrical problems unles you count one door lock actuator. Think the car has only one battery replacement.

Just my experience. Mine is a great car.

romus

10-26-2005, 06:05 PM

I dont think you need to hear anymore persuasion but in case you do, here it is. I was looking for my 535 manual for nearly 4 months, coz they are so rare here. I have to admit i havent driven 525 so i can't compare. However 535 automatic did seem very lazy compared to manual, but thats obvious. I drive a 318i as well and the solid bmw feeling is present there too. So, even though i'd never go for anything under 535 (wider grille does not necesarily look better to me) whatever decision you make i'm sure you're gonna have the true bmw feeling while driving it, and that's what really matters.

Good luck with whatever you pick.

Romus

RobPatt

10-26-2005, 07:18 PM

Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF) Buy the 5 speed stick that's in the best condition and don't worry whether it's a 535 or 525.

----now the dialog----

No kidding the 535 is faster than the 525, something about 3.5 liters verses 2.5 liters.

You'd be happy with a 5 speed in either car.

With equal suspensions (put on a scahs kit w/17" wheels and good times) both cars would handle nearly the same. You can't compare a modded 535 w/a stock 525.

So really, if a liter makes a difference one way or the other go the way you're inclined. background:

535 is an older (less advanced) but no less reliable engine, needs a bit more maintenance, is more powerful, gets a bit less fuel economy.

525 is a newer engine (dohc, 4 valve/cylinder, hydralic lifters, variable cam timing.... ) is smaller thus somewhat less powerful, requires less hands on maintenance, and more fuel economical.

No turbo kits for the 525s, and no supercharge kits for the 535s, if that's in the future....

There's the pros can cons, other than the drivetrain, they're nearly identical.

Regardless you'll be happy, just take your time for a well maintained vehicle.
cheers, Rob.

Phatty5BMW

10-26-2005, 08:05 PM

Ya true that. I was trying to find a manual but couldnt pass this one up. Good luck on whatever you choose!

mjradin

10-27-2005, 07:25 AM

Life is good. Mine is a 1990 535im - wife is 1995 525ia. Had to replace her tranny - very big $$$.

The 535 is a blast and extremely nimber- always. The 525 is more refined and quiet (the 535 has a tri-flo). My buddy has a 1994 540im and can't belive how much more nimber the 535 is.

If I had to chose, I would keep the 3.5. Both because of the engine and the stick.

Jay 535i

10-27-2005, 10:30 AM

I've never driven a 525, but I love my '90 535. While not super-fast, it never feels slow, and it's very reliable. With 225,000km on the clock, the engine still purrs like a kitten. Don't think you could go wrong with one.

@ Rick L: Nice Maser. Is it yours?

@ angrypancake: What the heck is that sig!?

LMUNick

10-27-2005, 04:24 PM

Personally, I am all about the 525. Although the m50 motor is a bit sluggish around town (esp. with the auto), its a dream on the highways (31 mpg!!!). And I am a fan of the engine mgmt on the m50. It all comes down, though, on your intent and what the primary use will be. For tearing ass around town, I have a 75 2002 with turbo pistons and fat jets in the carb, electronic ignition, posi, etc.. Its super nimble and so much fun for when I have that need to go a little nuts. But the rest of the time, I have a smooth car that is solid and handles well, its safe, and looks sharp (95- i love the wide grills).