My 525I surprise!

[vping]

I got the 525I home last night. Cool. I get up this morning to wash the years of moss that has grown on it and to my surprise it's a 535I.

Now I'm not a beemer expert but what are the differences between the 525I & the 535I.

I'll be posting before and after pics once I get it washed.

[whiskychaser]

I got the 525I home last night. Cool. I get up this morning to wash the years of moss that has grown on it and to my surprise it's a 535I.

Now I'm not a beemer expert but what are the differences between the 525I & the 535I.

I'll be posting before and after pics once I get it washed.
Depends when they were built, but in general the difference is a litre and about 30 bhp:)

[ScottyWM]

Sweet, with the help you can find here, you'll be a BMW expert in no time. I like your other cars too! Are you over on the MG Experience forum too?

[BMWCCA1]

You got lucky! The 535i has a much better automatic transmission and no engine timing belt to mess with. You'll become an expert at valve adjustment, but it's fun and easy. One bullet-proof motor but one that will smooth out considerably with a GOOD computer chip addition (JimC or E.A.T.).

[Paul in NZ]

what you should already have noticed is you have quite a smooth torquey lump that doesnt mind revving out at all!,The biggest difference is the torque even between the M30 and the M50TU(please dont start this arguement again)

[nirvana19]

Actually for MY 1990 about a 40 hp increase. Also no timing belt to explode (timing chain instead) and one of the most solid engines BMW ever made. Welcome to the M30 club! The engine in your car is an M30B35, the last generation of the M30 engine which was originally designed in the 1960s. Though not as powerful or efficient as the M60 V8 engines, the M30s are classic BMW I6 engines and rest assured that NO bmw enthusiast would ever give you flack for owning one. Some might argue that the M30 is the most respected classic BMW engine ever built.

Congratulations!

[vping]

Scott I am over on the MGE but mostly on the BCF. It's really a great place over there.

Thanks for the words of encouragement on the car. I am glad about the Timing chain as I've heard bad things about the belt. This is going to be a pretty decent car.

[Dave M]

So, if I go out and clean my 525, will I find an M5?

Good find,

Dave

[M20Turbo]

So, if I go out and clean my 525, will I find an M5?

Let us know what you find Dave, I think the longer you wait to clean the 525 the more hp it will gain...:D

[BMWDriver]

So what's the giveaway clue:*the engine or the badge ?

[e34.535i.sport]

I got the 525I home last night. Cool. I get up this morning to wash the years of moss that has grown on it and to my surprise it's a 535I.

Now I'm not a beemer expert but what are the differences between the 525I & the 535I.

I'll be posting before and after pics once I get it washed.

I thought you should have noticed driving it home! There should be a big 3.5 on the engine if it is really a 535i...

[vping]

The PO told me it was a 525I and offered it to me for a song. Knowing nothing about BMW's but being a car guy, I said whyh not. I went to look at it but was not concerned what it was but was more concerend about it's condition. If it was a rusty smashed wreck, I probably would have passed or parted it out. It's in such good shape it's an amazing find. Even while loading it up on the trailer, I did not notice the 535 on the deck lid. This mornning after I hosed it off, the badge caught my eye.

[BMWCCA1]

cams are chain driven. There's a serpentine belt up front for the accesories, is that what you are speaking of?Your '95 has the M50TU engine. The M50 was introduced in the US E34 525i in model-year 1991. Before that it was an M20 with a rubber-belt-driven single-overhead camshaft.

[whiskychaser]

The PO told me it was a 525I and offered it to me for a song. Knowing nothing about BMW's but being a car guy, I said whyh not. I went to look at it but was not concerned what it was but was more concerend about it's condition. If it was a rusty smashed wreck, I probably would have passed or parted it out. It's in such good shape it's an amazing find. Even while loading it up on the trailer, I did not notice the 535 on the deck lid. This mornning after I hosed it off, the badge caught my eye.
Maybe somebody stuck a 535 sticker on the back of a 525? You should open the bonnet and have a look. I'd be sick if I thought I bought a 525i and it turned out to be a 535i:D

[vping]

Made sure I looked under the hood too. Big 3.5 on the side.

[John in CT]

cams are chain driven. There's a serpentine belt up front for the accesories, is that what you are speaking of?

John

[whiskychaser]

Made sure I looked under the hood too. Big 3.5 on the side.
Suppose you will just have to live with it then;)

[vping]

Living with is it cool by me. I like a little extra umph. She's cleaning up well.

[Ross]

Made sure I looked under the hood too. Big 3.5 on the side.
M30 engine then. Nice surprise.