considering adding a 535i to the stable

[brick8]

Really enjoy driving my 1992 525it. Only bummer is that it has a slushbox. There are two early 90s 535i cars with manual trannies for sale locally in my price range (cheap), each with close to 200k miles. Would I be nuts to buy one? I have given up on finding a 525i with a manual, so this could be the next best thing. However, I am pretty concerned about the gas consumption. Is the 535i much thirstier than the 525i? I had a e28 535i with a 5 speed and I got mid-20s mpg.

[gale]

Mid-20's is the best it will do, maybe 26 or 27 on a long road trip & mid to upper teens in town if you keep your foot out of it. The big six is nice tho, lots of grunt & rev's nicely too, especially with a stick. My son's 89 535i now has close to 210k miles & the motor is tight as can be. Aside from routine maintenance, I think the most that's been done in its past life was a headgasket job.

[Paul in NZ]

the biggest problem with the 535 is that it is relatively thirsty,its an old design.If you have any stop start driving at all you will be in the low low twenties most likley in the teens...however the big six can be silky smooth and very sophisticated,but bury your foot and wait till it hits 3500.......Its no rocketship of the line but the blend of smoothness and tourque and the way it can rev so nicely is kinda nice.The manual trans lets you drive the car exactly as you like,trickle along ,or be a bit more aggressive.

[brick8]

Thanks for the advice. Ended up buying a 1997 Saab 900s with a manual tranny. Price was about the same as for a 1989 535i and the mpgs are much better. Not as quick off the line but still fun to drive. If gas prices ever come back to earth I will seriously consider the 535i. In the meantime, I plan to keep driving the 525i.