In Need of Your Opinion on My 535i

[ApproachingZero]

Ok guys, I bought this 1990 535i about 2 months ago.

So far I have had replaced:

Heatercore
Headgasket
Plugs, wires, cap, rotor
power steering hose
cruise control cable
alignment

It only needs a washer motor now.

I really enjoy the car, but what do the guru's on this site think? Should i sell, or can i depend 3 more years on this car?

[markus]

i dont see why not

[Jimbo]

Well, I don't think you can ever use the word "depend" when talking about a 17 year old car. There are just too many variables over that long of a life that could lead to a major failure. Also, does your car have 100,000 miles or 300,000 miles on it, you do not mention mileage.

That being said, i have had my 90' 535i for 3.5 years and driven it from 128000 to 187000 miles and it has been great :)

[ApproachingZero]

Well, I don't think you can ever use the word "depend" when talking about a 17 year old car. There are just too many variables over that long of a life that could lead to a major failure. Also, does your car have 100,000 miles or 300,000 miles on it, you do not mention mileage.

That being said, i have had my 90' 535i for 3.5 years and driven it from 128000 to 187000 miles and it has been great :)


Sorry, she has 170,000 on the clock. I am just thinking that she has more 2007 in her than 1990. Maybe it will be worth it for a while.

[Martin in Bellevue]

You've got the headgasket, ignition, heater core, & alignment done; enjoy the car. A majority of 535 guys on this board have done each of those jobs already.
I'd recommend you shy away from the usual upgrades as not needed on these cars. If you need more motor, get the TCD turbo & wideband o2 sensor (lc1).

[Ross]

This is all typical stuff. Some suspension parts will likely need to be done if not replaced already.
Given even moderate care it ought to go on many more miles.

[ApproachingZero]

The suspension is still rocking. I had all those essentials checked out with the alignment. Plus the thing handles quite well for a bigger lady.

I guess i just needed some motivation to keep dropping money into her. I had a G60 Corrado, and i stopped giving my life saving for that one..... This 535i seems to be diffrent...seems to be worth the trouble.

[BillionPa]

oh, it is!

[John B.]

I've had my 535i 4.5 years & it hasn't let me down yet. Bought it with 127k & did the suspension, radiator and a few other things. No headgasket or heatercore problems yet but I only average 5.5k a year. If I don't get tired of it I expect it could last for many more years.